Senate Bill 140 proposes amendments to the statutes governing social work credentials in Wisconsin, specifically addressing the process for obtaining provisional social worker certificates and licenses. The bill introduces a new pathway for individuals who have taken but not passed the required national examination for social work credentials. Under this legislation, individuals who meet the other requirements for a social work credential can obtain a provisional credential, allowing them to practice at the corresponding level of social work while receiving supervision. The bill outlines the necessary supervision requirements, including a minimum of three hours of supervision for every 160 hours of practice, and establishes a process for transitioning from a provisional to a nonprovisional credential upon successful completion of supervised practice.

The bill also amends existing statutes to incorporate the new provisions related to provisional credentials. It creates sections 457.08 (6) and 457.085, detailing the criteria for granting provisional certificates and licenses, the supervision requirements, and the evaluation process for provisional certificate holders. Notably, the language specifies that provisional certificates and licenses are valid for 36 months and cannot be renewed, emphasizing the importance of completing the necessary supervised practice within that timeframe. The bill aims to enhance access to social work practice while ensuring that individuals receive the necessary oversight 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.)