This bill amends the initial licensure requirements for licensed social work associates in New Hampshire by replacing the existing national proctored examination requirement with a new uniform competence assessment examination. Specifically, the bill deletes the phrase "national proctored examination approved by the board" and inserts "uniform competence assessment examination of social work knowledge, skills, and abilities approved by the New Hampshire board of mental health practice" in two sections of the law (RSA 330-A:18-c, I(a)(5) and I(b)(5)). This change aims to standardize the assessment process for social work associates seeking licensure.

The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage and is projected to have a fiscal impact of less than $10,000 for each fiscal year from 2025 through 2028. The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification is the agency contacted regarding this legislation.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 330-A:18-c