CHAPTER 211

H.P. 849 - L.D. 1146

An Act To Allow Licensure of Graduates of Social Work

Programs That Are in Candidacy for Accreditation

Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, allowing licensure of graduates of social work or social welfare programs at institutions that are in candidacy for national accreditation would increase the number of qualified applicants for social work positions in the State without threatening the safety of the public; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §7053, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1985, c. 736, §11, is further amended to read:

2. Licensed master social worker. As a licensed master social worker, an applicant shall must have received either a masters or doctoral degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited educational institution or an institution in candidacy for accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education or a successor organization, shall must have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the board adherence to the ethics of the social work profession and shall must have