Bill > LD2074

This bill updates the licensure requirements for social workers in Maine by creating new conditional licensure categories, expanding the board's flexibility in recognizing professional experience, and simplifying the path to becoming a licensed social worker. Specifically, the bill introduces two new license types: "Licensed Master Social Worker - Conditional Clinical" for those with clinical social work master's or doctoral degrees who are working to meet consultation and experience requirements, and "Licensed Social Worker - Conditional" for those with bachelor's degrees in related fields who are also working toward full licensure. The bill removes previous barriers to licensure, such as eliminating the requirement to pass an examination for initial licensure, allows the State Board of Social Worker Licensure to consider consultation and social work experience gained in Maine or other jurisdictions, and extends the time frame for completing consultation requirements from 4 to 6 years. The bill also clarifies consultation requirements, specifying that consultants must be licensed social workers with at least two years of work experience, and removes the previous two-tiered system that differentiated between Department of Health and Human Services employees and other social workers. These changes are intended to make social work licensure more accessible and streamline the professional development process for social workers in Maine.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=2074&snum=132