NASW and stakeholders press board on reapplication pathways for lapsed registered interns; staff clarifies options

Representatives from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) told the board many registered interns who let their registrations lapse during COVID‑era disruptions are seeking clarity on whether they can reapply and how their prior supervised hours will be treated.

Susan Mankita, speaking for NASW, said some interns lost access to supervision during the pandemic and now face barriers to completing required hours. Executive Director Irving and board staff told the meeting that statute and administrative practice have changed since 2022 and that reapplication for intern registration is now permitted in many circumstances, though some applicants may be called before the board for additional review if their file shows multiple prior registrations or unusual gaps.

Staff also explained a statutory hardship‑extension pathway remains available: an intern who has passed the national examination and anticipates needing more time can apply for an extension of their registration before expiration. For applicants whose registrations lapsed, board staff advised that a paper application is a viable workaround where the online portal prevents multiple transactions from the same email address; staff said existing supervision hours may apply toward a new registration if they meet the currently applicable rule definitions.

Why it matters: Thousands of early‑career clinicians who lost supervision time during COVID may be seeking to complete licensure requirements; clear pathways affect workforce capacity and individual livelihoods.

Sources: Public comments and staff responses during the meeting.