MS HB607

Reenacts and revises the licensure laws for social workers and marriage and family therapists under the Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists, effective July 1, 2011.

Increases penalties for unlicensed practice of social work from $500 (first violation) to $1,000 (second) and $5,000 (third and subsequent violations); requires criminal history records checks and background clearances for all applicants.

Creates new "marriage and family therapy associate" license category valid for up to 48 months total with supervision requirements; requires passage of national examination and criminal history clearance for all applicants.

Authorizes board to issue temporary licenses during declared disasters/emergencies, charge examination fees to applicants, and deposit monetary penalties into the board's special fund rather than the state general fund.

Expands disciplinary grounds to include continued practice with lapsed license, violation of professional ethics codes, and false/misleading advertising; extends repealer date from 2011 to July 1, 2014.