Bill > HB769

This bill establishes a provisional license to practice social work in Maryland, allowing individuals who meet all educational and experience requirements but have not yet passed the required examination to practice under supervision. This provisional license, which is valid for 12 to 24 months and cannot be renewed, allows holders to gain supervised experience that can count towards full licensure. The bill also mandates that beginning in 2027, the State Board of Social Work Examiners must report annually to legislative committees on the number of provisional licenses issued, the number of provisional license holders who obtained full licensure, and any recommendations for improving the program's effectiveness and its impact on the healthcare workforce. This initiative aims to address potential workforce shortages by providing a pathway for qualified individuals to begin practicing social work while they prepare for and pass their licensing examination.