RDCSB24 2709 3108
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
SB 24 Reengrossed 2018 Regular Session Mills
Present law defines the practice of social work and provides for the regulation of such
practice by the La. State Board of Social Work Examiners, referred to hereafter as the
"board". Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law provides that a faculty member with a master's degree in social work who
teaches a course in social work at an accredited La. institution of higher education shall
obtain either of the following, as applicable:
(1)The registration provided for in present law within six months of commencement of
his teaching status if he resides in this state.
(2)The equivalent of the registration provided for in present law or licensure provided
for in present law, as issued by his state of residence, within six months of
commencement of his teaching status if he resides outside of this state. However,
if the faculty member's state of residence does not have an equivalent registration or
licensure, he shall be eligible for registration in accordance with proposed law.
Proposed law provides that the board shall have 30 days from the date of receipt of an
application submitted pursuant to proposed law to act upon the application, and that the
board's failure to act within 30 days shall be considered an approval of the application.
Proposed law provides that a faculty member who teaches a course in a social work program
at an accredited La. institution of higher education in which he has obtained a degree or
license in a field other than social work shall not be construed as practicing social work and
shall not be subject to the provisions of present law relative to regulation of the practice of
social work.
Proposed law stipulates that an administrator, staff member, or faculty member in a school
of social work at an accredited La. institution of higher education who does not teach a
course to students shall not be subject to the provisions of present law relative to regulation
of the practice of social work.
Proposed law authorizes the board to promulgate administrative rules necessary to
implement the provisions of proposed law. Provides, however, that the board shall not
impose any restrictions on faculty at an accredited La. institution of higher education more
restrictive than provided for in proposed law.
(Adds R.S. 37:2708.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to
the original bill
1. Remove service and research as faculty member activities that are exempt
from requiring licensure.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Make technical changes. Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to
the reengrossed bill:
1. Delete proposed law providing relative to the definition of social work practice.
2. Delete proposed law creating an exception to the requirements of present law
relative to licensure of certain professionals by the La. State Board of Social
Work Examiners, referred to hereafter as the "board".
3. Provide that a faculty member with a master's degree in social work who teaches
a course in social work at an accredited La. institution of higher education shall
obtain either of the following, as applicable:
a. The registration provided for in present law within six months of
commencement of his teaching status if he resides in this state.
b. The equivalent of the registration provided for in present law or licensure
provided for in present law, as issued by his state of residence, within six
months of commencement of his teaching status if he resides outside of
this state. However, if the faculty member's state of residence does not
have an equivalent registration or licensure, he shall be eligible for
registration in accordance with proposed law.
4. Provide that the board shall have 30 days from the date of receipt of an
application submitted pursuant to proposed law to act upon the application, and
that the board's failure to act within 30 days shall be considered an approval of
the application.
5. Provide that a faculty member who teaches a course in a social work program at
an accredited La. institution of higher education in which he has obtained a
degree or license in a field other than social work shall not be construed as
practicing social work and shall not be subject to the provisions of present law
relative to regulation of the practice of social work.
6. Stipulate that an administrator, staff member, or faculty member in a school of
social work at an accredited La. institution of higher education who does not
teach a course to students shall not be subject to the provisions of present law
relative to regulation of the practice of social work.
7. Authorize the board to promulgate administrative rules necessary to implement
the provisions of proposed law.