MA S218

Eliminates the licensing examination requirement for Licensed Certified Social Workers (LCSWs), while maintaining the exam requirement for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers only

Creates a paid practicum placement grant program for Master of Social Work (MSW) students, prioritizing recruitment and retention of students from historically marginalized and low-income communities

Allows Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers providing one-on-one supervision to social work licensees or interns to earn up to 8 continuing education credits per licensing period

Directs the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to evaluate the impact of removing the LCSW exam requirement on workforce shortages, behavioral health access, and workforce diversity

Grant program eligibility requires enrollment in a Council on Social Work Education-accredited MSW program physically located in Massachusetts