A Long Time Coming
Licensing Passes the Senate and the Assembly

Both houses of the New York State legislature came to an agreement on a social work licensing bill in the last days of the session in late June. The Chapter held the newsletter as long as possible to report that the Senate and Assembly passed the bill a few days later.

The bill is supported by the two chapters of NASW in the state, along with 1199/SEIU and the New York State Society of Clinical Social Workers.

Major Leadership from Senator Libous and Assemblyman Pretlow

The prime sponsors of the bill, Tom Libious in the Senate, and Gary Pretlow in the Assembly, worked over several sessions to develop a bill that will serve the interests of the consumers of social work services and raise standards for social work practice. The bill proposes the creation of a Licensed Master Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, while preserving the autonomy of social workers to practice.

NASW/1199 Social Work Alliance Critical in Developing the Bill

The Chapter's work with the Senate and Assembly was intense all session. The Chapter worked hand in hand with the New York State Chapter of NASW, which represents the state outside of New York City. The two chapters worked very closely with 1199/SEIU, the Health and Human Services Employees Union, with whom NASW has formed the New York State Social Work Alliance.

A great deal of the work the Alliance did in the legislature in the last year paved the way for passage. Overall, the influence of 1199/SEIU was believed to have made the fundamental difference in developing support for licensing. It has been pointed out that the legislature addresses thousands of pieces of legislation a year, and only a small percentage make it to the floor of either house for a vote. Members of the legislature who are juggling a large volume of issues at any time were responsive to 1199/SEIU's interest in seeing licensing passed. Representatives from 1199/SEIU joined forces with representatives from NASW's two chapter's to create an effective team working on behalf of a social work cause.

A Large Window Through 2005 for Compliance with the Anticipated Law

Once the bill becomes law, it will not become effective until 2004. At that time there will be a one year window, to 2005, for members of the social work profession to apply to be "grand parented" as LMSW's or LCSW' without meeting new requirements.

CSW's, and MSW's who do not have the CSW but have five years experience, will be able to apply to become Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW's), without having to meet other requirements. Social workers with a "P" or an "R" will be able to apply to be Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW's), also without having to meet other requirements.

The "effective" date of 2004 will give time to the State Education Department (SED) to clarify how social workers will actually apply for the new credentials, as well as to interpret the law so that it can be implemented. SED will turn to its Office of the Professions for this task, which in turn will rely upon the State Board for Social Work for advice.

For More Information

Updates on licensing will be posted on the Chapter's website, www.naswnyc.org, and in the next issue of Currents, which will be out within the second week in September.