THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE BILL

INTRODUCED BY TOMLINSON, WONDERLING, EARLL, M. WHITE, BROWNE, WOZNIAK AND HUGHES, FEBRUARY 19, 2009

REFERRED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, FEBRUARY 19, 2009  

AN ACT

Amending the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), entitled "An

act licensing and regulating the practice of social work;

providing penalties; and making an appropriation," further

providing for unlawful practice.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  Section 20(a.1) of the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.

220, No.39), known as the Social Workers, Marriage and Family

Therapists and Professional Counselors Act, is amended by adding

a paragraph to read:

Section 20.  Unlawful practice.

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(a.1)  Title.--It shall be unlawful for an individual to hold

oneself out as a social worker, use the title of "social worker"

or use the abbreviation of "S.W." without meeting the definition

of "social worker." This subsection includes advertising as a

social worker and adopting or using any title or description of

services incorporating the term "social worker" and their

related abbreviations, which implies directly or indirectly that

the individual is a social worker. This subsection shall not

apply to the following individuals:

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(3)  An individual employed in a long-term care facility

licensed by the Department of Health who provides social work

services under administrative supervision.

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Section 2.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.