Sponsor Statement for HB 349

By Representative Jeannette James

HB 349: Act prohibiting the use of the title ‘social worker’ without a license; relating to social workers and to the Board of Clinical Social Work Examiners; and providing for an effective date.

There are some key points on "Multi-level" licensure for Social Workers in Alaska. First, it requires the State of Alaska to recognize social work as a profession, and social workers as professionals. The licensure of professional social workers will protect the health, safety and welfare of Alaskans through the effective control and regulation of persons using the title of social worker.

This bill will prohibit the use of the title "social worker" for those who do not have a license, while maintaining what is in current law that a person must be licensed as a clinical social worker to practice clinical social work.

As stated in the backup, this bill amends the current statute by adding two additional levels of professional social work licensure. Currently available in Alaska is the following:

1. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), which requires a Master’s of Social Work Degree (MSW) or doctorate, and two years of supervised experience.

This proposed legislation would add the following: (1) a Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW), which requires a MSW, and (2) a Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker (LBSW), which requires a Bachelor’s of Social Work degree (BSW).

This legislation establishes the minimum qualifications for each level of social work licensure, and requires that those practicing as professionals in the state of Alaska hold a license. The bill also defines the duties of the Board of Social Work Examiners; identifies those individuals who are exempt from social work licensure in Alaska; establishes the grounds on which the Board of Social Work Examiners can impose disciplinary sanctions on a licensee.

HB 349 provides for an exemption from social work licensure, or optional licensing for individuals employed under the title of "social worker" but who lack the educational requirements. At the same time it is designed to protect all people in Alaska by ensuring the most positive, professional influence and direction possible for vulnerable children and adults. Social Work licensure will promote professional social work practices by setting educational and ethical standards for professional social workers, and by offering consumers a legal recourse against unethical or damaging social work services.

We must consider the responsibility of social workers to have a healthy, positive influence on their clients. I am sponsoring this legislation because of my growing concern about the quality of care provided for the people of Alaska. As well, the State of Alaska has the goal and the responsibility to provide the best care possible. This legislation, I believe, will help us to achieve that goal.