Committee reviews social‑work licensing bill; sponsor to amend language on "unlicensed" designation

Ruth E. Bang, executive director of the Social Work Licensing Board, described SB172 as a straightforward package requested by the board to address two issues: ensuring social work students and interns do not misrepresent themselves as licensed social workers and changing reciprocity language so the board may consider out‑of‑state practice when evaluating applicants.

Bang said the board currently notifies individuals it believes are representing themselves as social workers and that the normal process is a warning letter and, in rare circumstances, referral to the prosecuting attorney. "We have a basic letter we send them that says we have become aware that you are portraying yourself as a social worker," Bang said, describing the board's current enforcement steps.

Senators expressed concern that the bill's language should be as clear as possible and proposed inserting the word "unlicensed" before "social worker" so the notice reads "unlicensed social worker." Bang indicated the board would likely agree to clearer wording. The sponsor offered to pull the bill for amendment to accommodate those clarifications.

The committee did not finalize an amended vote on the floor; the sponsor said he would withdraw the bill briefly to place clearer language in the text.