HB 5185 Summary

• Creates new licensure category for "licensed clinical social worker" to engage in independent clinical practice with assessment, diagnosis, treatment of mental and behavioral disorders, and provision of individual, couple, family, or group counseling and psychotherapy

• Establishes that licensed master's social workers beginning January 1, 2025 must practice clinical skills under supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, whereas currently they practice independently

• Sets annual license fee at $25.00 for licensed clinical social workers, consistent with fees for licensed bachelor's and master's social workers

• Updates language throughout the Public Health Code from gendered pronouns ("he or she") to gender-neutral terms ("the applicant," "an individual") in sections governing health professional licensure and registration

• Requires bill to take effect only if HB 5184 is enacted into law (tie-bar provision)