Bill > H5299

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 112 of the official edition by adding a new section, 132A, to create a provisional Licensed Social Work Associate license. This provisional license would be available to applicants who have failed the Licensed Social Work Associate exam at least twice, but by no more than 10 points, and would be valid for one year. During this year, the licensee must complete professional development, supervisory, and educational requirements. Upon successful completion of these requirements, the licensee would be exempt from retaking the Associates exam and would be granted a full license. The bill also outlines specific requirements for a professional portfolio that a provisional licensee must maintain, including affidavits, written papers on social work practice areas, a daily journal of activities and supervision, a case analysis, a self-evaluation, quarterly supervisor evaluations, a supervisor evaluation, and a notarized affidavit from the supervisor attesting to the licensee's readiness. Importantly, licensees who work with clients in a language other than English may submit certain portfolio items in that secondary language, and all documented information related to the provisional license will be considered personnel records, exempt from public disclosure to protect privacy.