CT HB05286

Establishes licensure for master social workers in addition to existing clinical social worker licenses, effective October 1, 2010.

Master social workers must hold a master's degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program and pass the master's level examination; they may practice clinical social work under professional supervision but cannot engage in independent practice except temporarily until October 1, 2013.

Clinical social workers must hold a doctorate or master's degree and complete 3,000 post-master's hours including 100 hours under professional supervision, then pass the clinical level examination; they may engage in independent practice.

Sets application fees at $315 for clinical social worker licenses and $220 for master social worker licenses, with renewal fees of $190 for both; requires 15 hours of continuing education per registration period starting October 1, 2011.

Authorizes the Department of Public Health to issue temporary permits valid for up to 120 days to master social worker applicants who have earned their degree but not yet taken the licensure exam, for a $50 fee.