Bill > H157

This bill aims to improve consumer protection and transparency within the social work licensing system by removing the designation of "Licensed social work associate" and clarifying the requirements for becoming a licensed social worker. Specifically, it eliminates the definition of a licensed social work associate, modifies the application process for social worker licenses to require a baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral degree in social work from an accredited institution and passing a board-prepared examination, and removes provisions related to social work associates from other sections of the law. The bill also mandates that examinations for licensed social workers and licensed certified social workers, including those in independent clinical practice, be offered at least twice a year, and that their licenses will expire on a date determined by the board. Importantly, individuals holding a social worker or social work associate license before this bill becomes law will continue to hold and renew their licenses under the old rules, and for six months after the bill's effective date, applications for licensed social work associate will still be processed under the prior regulations.