Maryland Senate Bill SB872

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/6/23

Caption

State Board of Social Work Examiners - Temporary License to Practice Social Work

Impact

With the enactment of SB872, there will be a significant impact on state laws regarding the licensing of social workers. The bill allows for temporary licenses to be issued, which are limited in validity and can only be renewed under specific circumstances, such as during declared states of emergency or for military personnel and their spouses. This introduces a flexibility into the licensing process, enabling quicker onboarding of social workers into the workforce when public demand is high.

Summary

Senate Bill 872 authorizes the State Board of Social Work Examiners to issue temporary licenses to practice social work for specific individuals meeting certain educational and experiential requirements, with the exception of passing a required examination. This bill aims to address the urgent need for social workers, especially in the context of public health emergencies, thereby facilitating quicker access to social work services by allowing qualified individuals to begin practicing while they complete licensing requirements.

Contention

While the bill seeks to streamline the process for social workers to enter the field, it may raise concerns among some stakeholders regarding the adequacy of the qualifications and the potential for decreased standards in practice. Critics might argue that issuing temporary licenses without the prerequisite examination could compromise the quality of care provided by social workers, thus impacting the overall welfare of the communities served.