Bill > SB18

This bill establishes a provisional license to practice social work in Maryland, allowing individuals who meet education and experience requirements but have not yet passed the required examination to practice under supervision. Beginning November 1, 2026, the State Board of Social Work Examiners (the Board) will issue these provisional licenses, which are valid for 12 to 24 months and cannot be renewed. Holders must practice under a Board-approved supervisor, and supervised hours can count towards the experience needed for a full license, but not for a certified social work-clinical license. The bill also requires the Board to report annually, starting in 2027, on the provisional licensing program's statistics and any recommendations for improvement to specific legislative committees. This new provisional license replaces a previous "conditional license" that was issued under more limited circumstances, primarily when examinations were unavailable.