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, enabling them to practice at the corresponding level of social work while under supervision. The provisional credential requires the individual to complete a specified amount of supervised practice, including at least three hours of supervision for every 160 hours of practice. Upon successful completion of the supervision requirements, individuals can then obtain a nonprovisional credential without needing to retake the examination.

The bill includes several amendments to existing statutes, such as the addition of new sections 457.08 (6) and 457.085, which outline the criteria for obtaining provisional certificates and licenses. It specifies that individuals must submit an application, pay a fee, and meet other requirements to qualify for a provisional credential. Additionally, the bill clarifies the supervision requirements and evaluation processes for provisional certificate holders, ensuring that they receive adequate oversight during their practice. Overall, this legislation aims to provide a more accessible pathway for aspiring social workers to enter the profession while maintaining standards for practice and supervision.

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.)