BSRB plans new survey for social workers to assess workforce changes

The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss significant developments in the social work profession, including plans for a new survey of licensees and the introduction of a voluntary jurisprudence quiz aimed at enhancing legal knowledge among practitioners.

During the meeting, David, a key member of the advisory committee, highlighted the success of previous surveys conducted for social workers and other professions regulated by the BSRB. He emphasized the importance of gathering updated data to understand the evolving demographics and practices within the social work field. The proposed survey aims to collect information on various topics, including the nature of practitioners' work settings, their engagement in telehealth, and their plans for future licensure advancements. This data will not only inform the BSRB's efforts to protect the public but also facilitate a comparative analysis across all seven professions under its jurisdiction.

The survey will include questions about practitioners' experiences over the past two years, including any challenges faced in telehealth and supervision. Additionally, it will seek to understand the reasons behind licensees maintaining active licenses without providing direct services. The committee plans to launch the survey within the next few weeks, following a careful review of the questions to ensure consistency with previous surveys.

In another key discussion, the committee explored the idea of a voluntary jurisprudence quiz designed to educate social workers about relevant laws and regulations in Kansas. This initiative aims to reduce complaints related to misunderstandings of legal requirements. The quiz will be offered for free through quarterly webinars, encouraging participation without the pressure of mandatory testing. David called for volunteers from the advisory committee to assist in developing the quiz content, aiming to create a resource that enhances knowledge and compliance among licensees.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to promote the upcoming survey and jurisprudence quiz, reinforcing the BSRB's dedication to improving the social work profession and ensuring public safety through informed practice. The board anticipates that these initiatives will foster a more knowledgeable workforce and address potential issues proactively.