As Currents was going to press in late June, the social work licensing bill passed the Assembly Higher Education Committee and was sent to the Assembly Codes Committee where it currently remains. In the Senate, the Bill remains in the Rules Committee.
Before any floor vote could be taken, the Senate went into recess until mid-July. Given strong objections raised by both the Medical Society of the State of New York and the New York State Psychiatric Association, the Senate, and to some extent the Assembly, delayed passing the bill while they continue to analyze these objections. This included opposition to social workers performing diagnoses and a mandate that social workers be under the supervision of physicians when providing services to people with a variety of mental impairments.
Concerns also emerged from the National Association of Black Social Workers. NABSW does not recognize a social work degree as being essential for practice and has expressed opposition to licensing for several reasons. A major contention of NABSW is that public welfare and safety is not enhanced by licensure. They believe that there is no credible research that demonstrates that a social work education enhances effectiveness.
The New York State Licensing Coalition,
of which NASW is a leading participant, has worked to help members of the
legislature understand the role social workers play in providing services,
both currently and historically. This includes the longstanding recognition
in law that social workers can practice without the supervision of other
professions, including the medical profession. The point has also been
made that the social work profession recognizes that there are many circumstances
in which professionals are responsible for collaborating with psychiatrists.The
Legislature has been reminded that professional standards and the Code
of Ethics assure that this responsibility is adhered to. Efforts are also
being made to discuss NABSW concerns with members of the
legislature.
According to the prime sponsors of the bill, there will still be an opportunity to pass the social work licensing bill this summer. Normally, the legislature adjourns in late June and does not reconvene until the following January. However, because the legislature and the Governor have not agreed on the State budget, both the Senate and Assembly are expected to be continuing its work. As long as they are in session, they will have the opportunity of addressing other pieces of legislation.
NASW continues to work towards passage of the bill. Calls and faxes to your local legislators as well as to Speaker Silver and Senate Majority Leader Bruno will help.
Sheldon Silver Tel: (212) 312-1400,
Fax: (212) 312-1418; Joseph Bruno Tel: (518) 455-3191, Fax: (518) 455-3191.