Health occupations: social workers; social work licensure; modify. Amends secs. 18506 & 18509 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.18506 & 333.18509) & adds sec. 18509a.
Summary
SB 845 would amend Michigan’s Public Health Code provisions governing social work licensure. The bill keeps the existing framework for licensed bachelor’s social workers and licensed master’s social workers, including education, supervised postdegree experience, and examination requirements, but it also adds a new pathway for some applicants to obtain a waiver of the exam requirement. Under the bill, an applicant who has taken but not passed the required licensing exam could qualify for a waiver after completing the normal postdegree experience plus at least 2,000 additional hours of supervised social work experience while holding a limited license.
The bill also clarifies supervision rules for limited-license social workers and updates cross-references and terminology in the licensing sections. It requires the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to create rules for implementing the waiver process and to make the application and waiver requirements publicly available on its website within 180 days of enactment. The measure appears aimed at helping qualified social work graduates move into full licensure even if they have difficulty passing the exam, while still preserving supervised practice and public oversight.
Impact
The bill would amend sections 18506 and 18509 of the Public Health Code and add new section 18509a, directly affecting the licensing standards for bachelor’s and master’s social workers in Michigan. It would create a statutory exam-waiver option for certain applicants, extend the role of limited licenses tied to supervised experience, and require the department to adopt implementing rules and publish waiver information. Social work applicants, licensed supervisors, and the state licensing department would be the primary parties affected.
Sentiment
With no committee transcript or recorded votes provided, the available context suggests a generally practical, administrative purpose rather than a controversial policy shift. The bill’s structure indicates support for easing licensure barriers for social workers who have completed substantial training and supervised experience, while maintaining professional standards through supervision and additional hours. The absence of recorded opposition or debate in the provided materials limits any stronger conclusion about legislative sentiment.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the exam waiver itself: supporters would likely view it as a way to reduce an unnecessary barrier for otherwise qualified candidates, while critics could argue that passing the licensing exam should remain a core competency requirement. Another possible issue is whether the additional 2,000 hours and limited-license supervision are sufficient safeguards to protect the public. The bill also leaves implementation details to the department, which could raise questions about how documentation, eligibility, and credit for prior experience will be handled.