Bill > HB1145

This bill clarifies the requirements for social workers to practice independently and establishes an alternative to the standard licensure examination for those seeking to become a "certified social worker in private, independent practice," a designation that allows for independent practice. Specifically, it amends existing law to allow individuals to be licensed as a certified social worker in private, independent practice in addition to other social work licenses. To obtain this specialized license, applicants must already be licensed as a certified social worker, have two years of supervised experience in their specialization, and either pass a board-prepared examination or meet new alternative professional experience requirements. This alternative allows individuals who have failed the examination since January 1, 2021, to substitute at least three thousand hours of additional supervised professional experience, which must be obtained after their initial certified social worker license, within the last ten years, and supervised by either another certified social worker in private practice or a board-approved licensed healthcare practitioner. The bill also clarifies that those who obtain this private practice license without passing the examination are not eligible for the Social Work Licensure Compact, a reciprocal licensing agreement. Finally, it mandates that the board promulgate rules to set standards for professional practice, including eligibility, supervision, and examination for all levels of social work licensure, and specifies that these changes take effect on January 1, 2027.

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/26481