MO HB1803

Recognizes persons with social work degrees from accredited colleges or universities as certified school social workers beginning with the 2012-2013 school year if they hold a nationally recognized credential in school social work or pass a national school social worker exam approved by the state committee for social work.

Designates the state committee for social work to issue certificates to credentialed school social workers who meet the specified qualifications.

Authorizes the state committee for social work to promulgate rules and charge fees to implement the certification requirements, subject to chapter 536 oversight procedures.

Clarifies that certification as a school social worker does not automatically create eligibility for membership in retirement systems established under chapter 169, but does not disqualify otherwise eligible persons from joining such systems.