BILL NUMBER: S9303
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to certain persons with a
masters in social work
 
PURPOSE:
To provide a 90-day provisional grace period for social work graduates
who have completed their practicum and applied for a Limited Permit
through the New York State Education Department's Office of the
Professions. This grace period would allow qualified applicants to
continue practicing under supervision while their permit application is
pending review and approval.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Adds to § 7706 of the Education law to establish a 90-day
provisional grace period for social work graduates who have completed
their practicum and applied for a Limited Permit.
Section 2: Is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Under current law, social work graduates who apply for a Limited Permit
must suspend their services until their application is processed and
approved, a period which can take up to six to eight weeks. During this
time, applicants are prohibited from providing care, resulting in a
disruption of services and client relationships.
This delay is particularly detrimental to vulnerable populations,
including individuals with special needs and others who rely on consist-
ent therapeutic support. New York State already grants grace periods in
professions such as physical therapy and nursing, where graduates are
permitted to continue practicing for up to 90 days under appropriate
supervision while their limited permits are pending. Extending a similar
provisional period to social work graduates reflects the same commitment
to uninterrupted care.
By allowing a 90-day provisional grace period, this legislation would
ensure continuity of care for clients while maintaining all existing
supervision and oversight requirements. It creates a necessary balance
between upholding professional standards and protecting the wellbeing of
those who depend on social work services across New York State.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the
date on which it shall have become a law.

Statutes affected:
S9303: 7706 education law, 7706(5) education law