HB 7198 - An Act Concerning Social Workers

• Prohibits use of "licensed master social worker" and "licensed clinical social worker" titles unless person holds appropriate license from the state.

• Requires individuals using "social worker" title to hold a baccalaureate or master's degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education accredited program, or a doctoral degree in social work (or equivalent if educated outside the United States).

• Exempts students in accredited doctoral or master's programs, school social workers with professional educator certificates, municipal and state employees hired before July 1, 2019, and professionals in other licensed fields from title restrictions.

• Permits licensed master social workers to practice clinical social work under professional supervision and offer mental health diagnoses in consultation with physicians, advanced practice nurses, psychologists, therapists, counselors, or clinical social workers.

• Effective October 1, 2019, requires the state to list completion of accredited social work degree as preferred qualification on job postings for classified service social work positions that do not require licensure.