A bipartisan bill intended to modernize statutes governing the practice of social work in Kentucky, and sponsored by Rep. Samara Heavrin, passed a House vote.
House Bill 424, which passed by a 94-0 vote on Wednesday, would exempt students or trainees from social work licensure requirements and direct the Kentucky Board of Social Work to establish administrative regulations to define standards for student involvement in clinical social work.
“Our social workers answer the call to serve Kentucky communities each and every day, providing critical support to vulnerable Kentuckians in their time of need,” Heavrin said. “House Bill 424 would update social work professional standards to align with today’s workforce and practices while prioritizing public protection. This would ensure Kentuckians in need of social work services continue to receive high-quality care from licensed professionals.”
The legislation would also establish licensure standards, including use of a multistate license, criminal background checks, and telehealth as well as require that at least one licensee member of the board is a teacher actively engaged in social work education, according to Heavrin.
Additionally, HB 424 would define supervision standards for student involvement and exempt for-profit childcare and placing agencies under contract with the state from licensure requirements, except in clinical settings.
“We are seeing a growing need for social workers across our commonwealth,” Heavrin stated. “Meeting this growing demand requires a strong commitment to educating and training the next generation of social work professionals. House Bill 424 would ensure students gain supervised, hands-on experience, allowing them to build critical social work skills without compromising patient safety.”
HB 424, co-sponsored by Democrats, Rep. George Brown Jr., of Lexington, and Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton, of Shively, now moves to the Senate.
For more information on HB 424 and to keep track of its progress, please click here or visit legislature.ky.gov.
(Photo: Samara Heavrin speaking in support of House Bill 424 on the House floor)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
