Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify the existing exemptions regarding who can practice social work in Minnesota. The focus is to clarify and update the list of professionals who can perform certain functions related to social work without being licensed as social workers.

Main Provisions

• Modification of Exemptions: The bill updates the list of individuals who may perform functions similar to social work without being considered as practicing social work, provided they have the necessary qualifications or licenses in their respective fields.
• List of Inclusions: The bill specifically mentions various professionals such as licensed physicians, registered and licensed practical nurses, licensed psychologists and psychological practitioners, probation officers, clergy members, Christian Science practitioners, attorneys, marriage and family therapists, alcohol and drug counselors, professional counselors, school counselors, and licensed occupational therapists and their assistants.
• Conditions for Exemption: These professionals must not claim to be engaging in or licensed to practice social work merely because they hold a social work degree or perform similar functions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Clarification on Titles and Implied Practice: While the bill maintains that having a social work degree does not imply that a person is practicing social work, it now explicitly states that individuals in related professions cannot represent themselves publicly as practicing or licensed social workers unless they are licensed as such.
• Jurisdiction Emphasis: The bill reaffirms that individuals using related professional titles are not exempt from the jurisdiction of the board overseeing social work practices if they engage in activities akin to social work.

Relevant Terms

social work, exemptions, licensed professionals, qualifications, statutory amendment, occupational regulation, jurisdiction, professional titles, Minnesota Statutes section 148E.065.