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 Board of Social Work Examiners will issue these provisional licenses, which are valid for 12 to 24 months and cannot be renewed, requiring holders to practice within their licensed scope and under a Board-approved supervisor. The bill also clarifies that supervised hours under a provisional license can count towards requirements for a full Bachelor or Master social work license but not for a Certified Social Work-Clinical license. Furthermore, starting in 2027, the Board will report annually to legislative committees on the number of provisional licenses issued and the number of holders who obtain full licensure, along with recommendations for program improvement. This new provisional license replaces the previous "conditional license" which was issued under specific circumstances of examination unavailability.