What's happening
This bill allows certain social workers with a master's degree and five years of experience to be licensed without an exam if they apply within a year of the law's amendment.
Why it matters
Removes the exam barrier. for experienced social workers with a master’s degree, which could help address workforce shortages in social services by quickly increasing the number of licensed professionals.
Creates a limited-time opportunity. (one year after the law’s amendment) for eligible social workers to obtain licensure, which may incentivize current workers to seek formal recognition and career advancement.
Recognizes practical experience. by valuing five years of post-graduate employment as a substitute for passing a licensing exam, potentially benefiting those who have strong field skills but struggle with standardized tests.
Could improve access to social work services. for communities in need, since more qualified professionals could be licensed and available to provide support without delays caused by licensing exams.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Fast-Track Social Work Licenses
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to higher education
- Referred to higher education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Easier Licensing for Social Workers
In Senate Committee · Higher Education · Sponsor Kevin S. Parker
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2959
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 28, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. RICHARDSON -- read once and referred to the Committee on Higher Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to the practice of licensed social workers
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 2 of section 7707 of the education law, as amended by chapter 230 of the laws of 2004, is amended to read as follows:
2. Any person who possesses a master's of social work degree on the effective date of this section, who has five years of post-graduate social work employment and meets the requirements for a license pursuant to this article, except for examination, and who files with the department within one year [of] after the effective date of [this section] the chapter of the laws of two thousand nineteen which amended this subdivision, shall be licensed as a licensed master social worker.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04517-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.