Committee backs bill to restrict county use of "social worker" title; moves HF3454 to General Register

The Health Finance and Policy Committee on March 9 recommended House File 3454 to the General Register, a bill that would require counties to reserve the title "social worker" for employees who hold a social work degree or license while preserving a negotiated county exemption for some positions.

Representative Hansen, the bill sponsor, said the measure aims to protect consumers by ensuring the public can rely on professional titles as an indicator of training and accountability. "The public expects honesty when interacting with licensed professionals," she said, describing the change as "about transparency and consumer protection." She emphasized the bill does not fire existing workers or force immediate licensure but requires counties to use more accurate job titles for staff without a social work license.

Three testifiers supported the bill. Dr. Karen Good Enough, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers — Minnesota chapter, told the committee that social work licensure (cited in the hearing as chapter 148E) establishes standards for education, supervised practice and ethics and should not be undercut in county employment. Elizabeth Partington, a former foster parent, described losing placement and confusion in her family’s case after county employees described as "social workers" lacked licensure; she said, "We were shocked this title carries important expectations but the county had lied to us." County Commissioner Nicole Heldit, appearing virtually, said licensed social workers are often the only accessible clinicians in rural areas and supported preserving title integrity to protect families.

Committee members probed how many county employees would be affected, transition dates and costs. Representative Gantt reported that four counties currently use non‑licensure staff under that title; Representative Hinson and others pressed whether the change would reduce the workforce or create barriers. Representative Hansen and supporters said the bill includes transition dates and is designed to preserve county services while restoring title accuracy; she noted the bill allows counties flexibility in renaming positions and offers time to adapt. Representative Hewitt called for a roll call citing public protection and title accountability.

Representative Hansen renewed her motion to recommend HF3454 to the General Register. The committee approved the motion by voice and roll call, 15–7.

What happens next: HF3454 moves to the General Register, allowing further consideration by the full House or subsequent committees; supporters said they intend to continue work on implementation dates and possible supports for workers seeking licensure.