Assembly Bill 141 proposes amendments to the statutes governing social work credentials in Wisconsin, specifically introducing a provisional pathway for individuals seeking social worker certificates and licenses. The bill allows individuals who have taken but not passed the required national examination to obtain a provisional credential if they meet other qualifications. This provisional credential permits them to practice at the corresponding level of social work and use the associated title, provided they complete a specified amount of supervised practice and evaluations. The bill creates new sections in the law, specifically 457.08 (6) and 457.085, detailing the requirements and processes for obtaining these provisional credentials.

The bill also amends existing statutes to incorporate the new provisional pathway, including changes to the criteria for obtaining social worker certificates and licenses. Notably, it replaces the term "any" with "an individual" in several sections, clarifying the eligibility criteria for various social work certificates and licenses. The new provisions emphasize the importance of supervision during the provisional period, requiring at least three hours of supervision for every 160 hours of practice, and establishing a framework for evaluations and compliance. Overall, this legislation aims to provide greater access to social work practice while ensuring that individuals receive the necessary supervision and support during their provisional period.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 440.08(2)(a)(intro.), 440.08, 457.08(1)(intro.), 457.08, 457.08(2)(intro.), 457.08(3)(intro.), 457.08(4)(intro.)