HF1688

The bill makes technical changes to social work licensure in Minnesota, specifically regarding provisional and temporary licenses. Key amendments include:

1. Temporary License for Social Work Students & Graduates:

   • Clarifies requirements for students and unlicensed individuals seeking a temporary license.
   • Updates the list of criteria applicants must meet, including application submission, completion of a social work degree, criminal background check, and attestation of compliance with practice standards.
   • Modifies references to the required licensure exam.
   • Specifies that temporary license holders must use the designation "Temporary License Baccalaureate Social Worker" or "Temporary License Graduate Social Worker" and cannot use LSW, LGSW, LISW, or LICSW credentials.
   • Temporary licenses remain nonrenewable and expire after six months or when a full license is issued.
   • Allows supervised practice and continuing education hours obtained with a temporary license to count towards full licensure requirements.

2. Temporary License for Graduates from Programs in Candidacy Status:

   • Sets similar requirements for graduates from social work programs that are in candidacy status with an accrediting body.
   • Expands the temporary license’s validity to 12 months and allows extension if the program remains in candidacy.
   • Requires immediate revocation of the license if the applicant’s social work program fails to achieve final accreditation.

3. Supervisors for Licensed Social Workers:

   • Permits provisionally licensed social workers to provide supervision, provided they meet required training and experience requirements.
   • Establishes experience requirements for supervisors providing clinical and nonclinical social work supervision.

4. Social Work Supervision Plan:

   • Extends the deadline for submitting an initial supervision plan from 30 days to 60 days after beginning a position.
   • Requires licensees to submit an updated supervision plan within 60 days of changes in supervision, job position, or scope of practice.
   • Formalizes board approval for the supervisor and supervision plan.

Summary

This bill refines licensure requirements for social workers in Minnesota, ensuring clarity in provisional and temporary licensing, adjusting supervision rules, and aligning requirements with accredited education and practice standards.