A bi-partisan measure sponsored by GOP state Rep. Samara Heavrin that aligns the state’s social work laws with the needs of the workforce is headed to Gov. Andy Beshear’s desk.
House Bill 424 aims to modernize Kentucky social work laws by exempting students or trainees from social work licensure requirements. The measure further directs the Kentucky Board of Social Work to draft regulations to define supervision standards for student involvement in clinical social work.
“Social workers touch the lives of countless families across the commonwealth each year by providing support and guidance,” Heavrin said. “As the profession continues to evolve, we must modernize Kentucky’s existing laws to reflect current best practices while continuing to prioritize the safety of those receiving services in the process.”
The legislation would additionally 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 be a teacher actively engaged in social work education, according to Heavrin’s office.
“Working on House Bill 424 has been a true labor of love,” Heavrin stated. “This bill is the result of years of work and collaboration, and I am really proud of the product we have created. Passage of this measure in both the House and the Senate represents a strong commitment from the General Assembly to strengthen the state’s social work profession.”
The measure now heads to the governor for his consideration.
The bill is co-sponsored by Democratic Rep. George Brown Jr., of Lexington, and Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton, a Democrat from Shively.
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
