SB 489 - This act creates licensure provisions for baccalaureate social workers (BSWs) and modifies licensure for clinical social workers (CSW).

This act requires CSWs to pass an examination in addition to current requirements. The State Committee for Social Workers may require continuing education as a condition of license renewal. The Committee will consist of nine members, rather than seven, and will now include two licensed BSWs. Each member will receive a per diem payment of no more than seventy dollars and will be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses. (Sections 337.615 - 337.618).

Definitions relating to the licensure of BSWs are provided and a description of common BSW tasks is also provided. Licensed BSWs may not engage in the practice of clinical social work. No BSW provisions shall require any organization to hire a BSW. (Section 337.650 - 337.659).

Application procedures for licensure are provided. The Committee must send renewal notices to each licensee and failure to provide the Committee with the required information or fees will result in a license revocation. The license will be restored if, within two years, the information and fees are provided. (Section 337.662).

The act outlines the information required of BSW applicants. This includes a degree, passage of an exam, 3000 practice hours, written application, and fees. Reciprocity may be granted to any person holding a license from another state with substantially similar requirements. A provisional BSW license may be issued to those who have not yet completed the required practice hours. Each license will be issued for a term of 2 to 4 years. All licensees must complete 15 hours of continuing education each year in order to renew. Temporary permits to practice may be issued under extenuating circumstances. (Sections 337.665 - 337.671).

No part of this section, Chapter 354, or Chapter 375 will be construed to mandate insurance benefits or 3d-party reimbursement for BSW services. The Committee may establish rules. (Sections 337.674 - 337.677).

Reasons the Committee may refuse to issue or renew any license are provided. The applicant must be notified in writing of the refusal and of his or her right to request an administrative hearing. Anyone reporting an applicant's wrongdoing is exempt from liability. The Committee may place the applicant on probation for up to five years and may suspend or revoke a license for up to three years. (Section 337.680).

Violation of these sections is a Class B misdemeanor. The Department of Economic Development may sue and may request an injunction against a person violating these sections. No information about clients may be disclosed, except in specified circumstances. These sections do not prohibit persons licensed as a BSW from testifying in court regarding social work matters or from consulting professional colleagues or supervisors for their clients. (Sections 337.683 - 337.689).

This act is substantially similar to HB 314 (2001). Similar provisions are also contained in CCS/SS/SCS/HCS/HB 567.
ERIN MOTLEY