H 4650
An Act relative to social work uplifting practices and exam removal
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Bill overview
This bill removes the licensing examination requirement for licensed independent clinical social workers in Massachusetts and establishes a grant program to support Master of Social Work (MSW) students, particularly those from marginalized communities. It also creates a system for licensed social workers who provide supervision to earn continuing education credits. Finally, the bill mandates an evaluation of the impact of removing the exam requirement on the social work workforce and access to services.
Key provisions
- Eliminates the licensing examination for licensed independent clinical social workers.
- Creates a paid practicum placement grant program for MSW students.
- Provides continuing education credits to licensed social workers who supervise interns.
- Requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to conduct an evaluation of the impact of removing the exam requirement.
- Establishes data tracking for the grant program to assess its effectiveness and equity.
- Specifies that eligible schools of social work must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- Sets a delayed effective date for the changes, with the exam removal taking effect January 1, 2027, and the grant program starting December 31, 2030.
- Requires the evaluation to include analysis of workforce diversity and impact on patient care.
Who is affected
- Licensed social workers
- Master of Social Work (MSW) students
- Social work schools
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Cosponsors
Adrian C. Madaro
Christine P. Barber
Christopher J. Worrell
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Bill H.4650 194th (Current)
An Act relative to social work uplifting practices and exam removal
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Higher Education Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4650
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 10/27/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Higher Education |
| 10/27/2025 | House | New draft of H1423 |
| 10/27/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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