The bill amends the Public Health Code by updating sections related to the licensure of social workers in Michigan. It modifies the requirements for individuals seeking a limited license to engage in post-degree experience in social work, specifying that they must practice under the supervision of a licensed master's social worker and confine their practice to approved entities. The bill also introduces new requirements for licensed bachelor's and master's social workers, including the completion of a specific number of hours of post-degree experience and passing an examination approved by the board. Notably, the previous requirement for supervision by a person with a master's or doctoral degree in social work has been removed.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new section, 18509a, which allows the Department to waive the examination requirement for applicants who have taken but not passed the licensure exam, provided they have completed additional post-degree experience under supervision. This section outlines the criteria for obtaining a waiver and mandates the Department to create rules for implementation and make the waiver application publicly accessible. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensure process for social workers while ensuring adequate supervision and experience requirements are met.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 333.18506, 333.18509