Full Strength – Though the legislature is still on winter break, your policy team continues to work with key staff on the social work licensure exemption. As previously reported, the Governor’s budget proposal included language to permanently exempt individuals in the employ of a program operated, regulated, funded, licensed, or approved by eight designated state agencies and/or local government units or social services districts from social work (or other mental health professions) licensure requirements.
We maintain our position that requiring all social workers to adhere to standardized criteria by a reasonable date from enactment of the statute is critical to maintaining the protection of service recipients. Standards of care and professional enforcement mechanisms are embedded in New York State Education Law and wholesale exemption from licensure of individuals in certain settings not only risks the quality of care for many of our most vulnerable citizens, but also exempts certain providers from compliance with the Rules of the Board of Regents which oversees the licensed professions and holds the ability to enforce professional standards in this state.
To date, many of you have reportedly made calls to your legislator and the legislative leaders. We ask that you continue to do so. Our Call to Action and talking points can be accessed here. Every voice matters…make sure yours is counted! Please visit www.protectsocialwork.com for talking points and legislator contact info.
NASW-NYS Political Post
February 22, 2013
Karin Moran, MSW
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