A House committee has advanced a bill sponsored by GOP state Rep. Samara Heavrin, of Leitchfield, intended to modernize the practice of social work in Kentucky.
Members of the House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations voted to pass House Bill (HB) 424.
The bill is co-sponsored by state Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton, a Democrat from Shively.
“Social workers play an important role in strengthening Kentucky communities by connecting individuals and families navigating challenging situations with services and support,” Heavrin said. “House Bill 424 simply seeks to update and modernize statutes governing the practice of social work to ensure standards are up-to-date with current practices.”
HB 424 would exempt students or trainees from social work licensure requirements and direct the Kentucky Board of Social Work to declare administrative regulations to define standards for student involvement in clinical social work.
The measure would also establish licensure standards, including use of a multistate license, criminal background checks, and telehealth and require that at least one licensee member of the board is a teacher actively engaged in social work education.
“House Bill 424 would help ensure Kentucky maintains high professional social work standards and that Kentuckians continue to be served by qualified, well-trained social work professionals,” Heavrin added.
HB 424 will now move to the full House for consideration. For more information on HB 424 and to keep track of its progress, please click here or visit legislature.ky.gov.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
