MD HB769

Beginning November 1, 2026, the Board of Social Work Examiners must issue provisional licenses to applicants who meet education and experience requirements but have not yet passed the licensing examination for Bachelor or Master social work practice

Provisional licenses are valid for 12-24 months, may be renewed once for up to 24 additional months, and require holders to practice under Board-approved supervision

Provisional license holders can obtain full licensure by passing the required examination; supervised hours completed under a provisional license count toward requirements for independent practice approval and clinical certification

Provisional licenses are limited to initial applicants who have never been licensed and do not qualify holders for multistate licensure under the Social Work Licensure Compact

The Board must report annually to the legislature beginning December 31, 2027, on the number of provisional licenses issued, conversion rates to full licensure, and recommendations for improving workforce impact