MS HB988

Reenacts and makes permanent licensure laws for social workers and marriage and family therapists by repealing Section 73-54-41, which previously had a sunset provision scheduled to end these regulations.

Maintains the Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists with 10 members (6 social workers and 4 marriage and family therapists) appointed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor with Senate approval.

Establishes licensure requirements for three levels of social workers (licensed social worker, licensed master's social worker, and licensed certified social worker) with varying education and examination standards.

Requires marriage and family therapists to hold master's or doctoral degrees from COAMFTE-accredited programs, complete 2 years of supervised experience and 100 hours of supervision, and pass a national examination.

Effective July 1, 2018, the bill makes the regulatory framework permanent while requiring continuing education for license renewal and establishing disciplinary procedures for violations.