SESSION OF 2023
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON HOUSE BILL NO. 2375
As Amended by Senate Committee on
Education

Brief*
HB 2375 would create a new type of temporary license
for certain applicants who have graduated from a social work
program, including an online social work program, that is in
candidacy from a national accrediting body recognized by the
Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB).

Temporary Candidacy Baccalaureate License
The bill would authorize the BSRB to issue a temporary
license for social work applicants who have:
● Received a baccalaureate degree from a social
work program, including an online program, that is
in candidacy status from an accrediting body;
● Passed an examination approved by the BSRB for
the purpose of such license;
● Submitted a completed, signed application in the
manner and form provided by the BSRB;
● Satisfied the BSRB that the applicant merits the
public trust; and
● Paid the fee set by the BSRB.

____________________
*Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research
Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental
note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at
http://www.kslegislature.org
 The bill would apply to, but not be limited to, the online
baccalaureate social work program at the University of Saint
Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas.
The bill would set the expiration date of the license at
the end of a 24-month period following the license’s effective
date. The license would not be renewable, except upon a
showing by the applicant that the social work program
remains in candidacy status.
The bill would require the licensee to represent
themselves as a temporary candidacy baccalaureate social
worker, using the credentials LBSW. The bill would require
the individual to practice under supervision but would not
require continuing education.
The bill would authorize the applicant to receive a
permanent license upon the accreditation of the candidacy
program and the payment of the appropriate fee. The bill
would require the BSRB to immediately revoke the temporary
license, and notify the licensee of such revocation, if the
accrediting body does not grant accreditation of the program
in candidacy status.

Temporary Candidacy Masters License
The bill would authorize a temporary license for social
work applicants who have:
● Received a master’s degree from a social work
program, including an online program, that is in
candidacy status from an accrediting body;
● Passed an examination approved by the BSRB for
the purpose of such license;
● Submitted a completed, signed application in the
manner and form provided by the BSRB;

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 ● Satisfied the BSRB that the applicant merits the
public trust; and
● Paid the fee set by the BSRB.
The bill would apply to, but not be limited to, the online
masters of social work program at the University of Saint
Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas.
The bill would set the expiration date of the license at
the end of a 24-month period following the license’s effective
date. The license would not be renewable, except upon a
showing by the applicant that the social work program
remains in candidacy status.
The bill would require the licensee to represent
themselves as a temporary candidacy baccalaureate social
worker, using the credentials LMSW. The bill would require
the individual to practice under supervision but would not
require continuing education.
The bill would authorize the applicant to receive a
permanent license upon the accreditation of the candidacy
program and the payment of the appropriate fee. The bill
would require the BSRB to immediately revoke the temporary
license, and notify the licensee of such revocation, if the
accrediting body does not grant accreditation of the program
in candidacy status.

Temporary Candidacy License Fees
The bill would authorize the BSRB to set a maximum fee
of $75 for the initial issuance, or extension of such license, for
a baccalaureate social worker, master social worker, or a
social work specialty.
The bill would be in effect upon publication in the
Kansas Register.

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Background
The bill was introduced by the House Committee on
Higher Education Budget at the request of Representative
Wasinger.

House Committee on Higher Education Budget
In the House Committee hearing on the bill, proponent
testimony was provided by Representative Wasinger, the
Executive Director of the BSRB, and the President of the
Kansas Independent College Association. The proponents
stated the bill would allow graduates of programs in
candidacy with an accrediting body, including online
programs, to apply for temporary licensure until the program
in candidacy is accredited. Written-only testimony was
provided by the Program Director of the Social Work
Department at University of Saint Mary.
No other testimony was provided.

Senate Committee on Education
In the Senate Committee hearing on the bill, proponent
testimony was provided by the Executive Director of the
BSRB, the President of the Kansas Independent College
Association, and the Program Director of the Social Work
Department at University of Saint Mary. Proponents testified
generally that the bill would alleviate workforce concerns by
allowing social work programs that are in temporary
candidacy to recruit and train potential future social workers.
No other testimony was provided.
The Senate Committee amended the bill to make it
effective upon publication in the Kansas Register.


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Fiscal Information
According to the fiscal note prepared by the Division of
the Budget on the bill, as introduced, the BSRB indicates the
new fee would increase revenues to the BSRB Fee Fund by
$500, of which $50 would be remitted to the State General
Fund. Any fiscal effect associated with the bill is not reflected
in The FY 2024 Governor’s Budget Report.
Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board; BSRB; social work; online program;
licensure; temporary licensure


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Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-6314, 65-6306
As Amended by Senate Committee: 65-6314, 65-6306