This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to temporarily allow licensed graduate social workers to engage in clinical practice without supervision when providing crisis response services. Specifically, it introduces new provisions that permit these social workers to operate independently in crisis situations until August 1, 2027. The bill modifies section 148E.050, subdivision 3, to include a new paragraph that allows licensed graduate social workers to provide clinical practice without supervision under certain conditions. Additionally, it amends section 245I.04, subdivision 7, to allow clinical trainees who are licensed graduate social workers to engage in clinical practice without treatment supervision while providing crisis response services or supervising crisis teams.

Furthermore, the bill updates section 256B.0624, subdivision 9, to exempt licensed graduate social workers from existing supervision requirements when they are acting as mental health professionals in crisis situations. This change aims to enhance the capacity of crisis teams by allowing licensed graduate social workers to provide necessary treatment supervision and crisis intervention services without the usual supervisory constraints, thereby improving the overall response to mental health crises. The provisions are set to expire on August 1, 2027, indicating a temporary measure to address immediate needs in behavioral health services.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 148E.050, 245I.04, 256B.0624