SF2029

This bill, Senate File No. 2029, proposes technical changes to the social work licensure process in Minnesota, specifically temporary and provisional licenses. The bill amends several statutes governing these licenses and supervision requirements.

Key Provisions:

1. Temporary Licenses for Social Work Applicants

   • Specifies requirements for granting a temporary social work license to students or individuals not currently licensed in another jurisdiction.
   • Requires applicants to submit a license application, fees, criminal background check, and pass the necessary exam.
   • Temporary licenses are nonrenewable and expire after six months or when the applicant receives a full license.
   • Temporary license holders must identify themselves appropriately and cannot use full social worker credentials (LSW, LGSW, LISW, or LICSW).
   • Requires temporary license holders to obtain supervision and continuing education.

2. Temporary Licenses for Graduates of Programs in Candidacy Status

   • Allows graduates from social work programs in candidacy status with an accredited body (e.g., Council on Social Work Education) to receive temporary licenses.
   • Temporary licenses for these graduates expire after 12 months but can be extended if the program remains a candidate for accreditation.
   • If the program fails to receive accreditation, the board must immediately revoke the temporary license.

3. Supervision Requirements for Social Workers

   • Clarifies training and competency requirements for licensed social workers who supervise others.
   • Requires a supervisor to complete 30 hours of supervision training and have at least 2,000 hours of experience in authorized social work practice.

4. Supervision Plan for Provisional License Holders

   • Provisional license holders must submit a supervision plan within 60 days (previously 30 days) of starting a social work position.
   • Requires submission of a revised supervision plan within 60 days of significant changes (e.g., new supervisor, position, or supervision requirements).
   • The board must approve both the supervisor and the supervision plan.

Overall Impact:

This bill refines temporary and provisional licensing procedures for social workers, establishing clearer guidelines for eligibility, supervision, and program accreditation to ensure higher licensing standards and oversight.