Connecticut House Bill HB05755

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/19
• Refer: 1/22/19

Caption

An Act Providing Title Protection To Individuals With A Degree In Social Work.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5755 would amend Chapter 383b of the general statutes, effectively instituting a regulatory framework for the social work profession in the state. The bill is expected to enhance the professional standards for social workers, thereby ensuring that individuals practicing in this field have the necessary educational qualifications. This could lead to improvements in the quality of services provided by social workers, as clients will be able to trust that their practitioners are adequately trained and educated.

Summary

House Bill 5755 aims to provide title protection to individuals who have obtained a degree in social work. The bill specifically states that no person may use the title 'social worker' or any related initials unless they hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree from an accredited social work program. This legislative change is intended to uphold the integrity of the profession and ensure that only qualified individuals can represent themselves as social workers.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 5755 is the potential impact on individuals who may not hold formal degrees but possess significant experience in social work. Advocates for these individuals argue that extensive work experience should also be considered valid when assessing qualifications, as many successful social workers may not have formal academic credentials. Opponents of the bill may view it as a barrier to entry into the profession, which could limit the number of available social workers and affect service delivery within the community.