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KY HB424
Bill
Status
Engrossed
2/19/2026
Primary Sponsor
Samara Heavrin
Click for details
AI Summary
- Amends Kentucky social work licensing laws to remove the "good moral character" requirement for licensure and eliminates the 3-month waiting period after failing a licensing examination
- Requires criminal background checks via fingerprinting through Kentucky State Police and FBI for all new license applicants and those seeking multistate licenses under the Social Work Licensure Compact
- Expands telehealth provisions to require accessibility compliance with federal disability laws, allow clients to consent to nonsecure communication methods, and permit crisis intervention flexibility for clients at imminent risk of serious harm
- Establishes that social workers providing telehealth services must be licensed in Kentucky, hold a temporary permit, or be licensed in a state that has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact
- Adds new definitions including "client," "practice of clinical social work," and "telehealth," and requires the board to consult with social work professionals before promulgating regulations on student clinical training
Legislative Description
AN ACT relating to social work.
Licensing
Last Action
to Licensing & Occupations (S)
3/13/2026
Committee Referrals
Licensing and Occupations3/13/2026
Committee on Committees2/19/2026
Rules2/12/2026
Licensing, Occupations & Administrative Regulations1/27/2026
Committee On Committees1/16/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available