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| PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 959 | PRINTER'S NO. 2240 |
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| THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA |
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| SENATE BILL |
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| INTRODUCED BY McILHINNEY, ERICKSON, FONTANA, SCARNATI, D. WHITE, TARTAGLIONE, LEACH, WAUGH, MENSCH, SOLOBAY, FERLO, GREENLEAF, FOLMER, FARNESE, BLAKE, ALLOWAY AND PIPPY, APRIL 1, 2011 |
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| SENATOR TOMLINSON, CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, AS AMENDED, JUNE 5, 2012 |
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| AN ACT |
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1 | Amending the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), entitled "An | <-- |
2 | act licensing and regulating the practice of social work; |
3 | providing penalties; and making an appropriation," further |
4 | providing for definitions, for license required, for State |
5 | Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and |
6 | Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, |
7 | for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, |
8 | for reciprocity, for reinstatement of license, for |
9 | restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Social Worker," |
10 | for restriction on the use of title "Licensed Clinical Social |
11 | Worker," for restriction on the use of title "Licensed |
12 | Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restriction on the use |
13 | of title "Licensed Professional Counselor"; providing for |
14 | restrictions on use of title "Licensed Bachelor Social |
15 | Worker" and for unlicensed practice prohibited; and further |
16 | providing for penalties and for unlawful practice. |
17 | Amending the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), entitled "An | <-- |
18 | act licensing and regulating the practice of social work; |
19 | providing penalties; and making an appropriation," further |
20 | providing for definitions, for State Board of Social Workers, |
21 | Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, |
22 | for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for |
23 | license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity and |
24 | for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on |
25 | use of title "Licensed Bachelor Social Worker"; further |
26 | providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and |
27 | fees and for unlawful practice. |
28 | The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
29 | hereby enacts as follows: |
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1 | Section 1. Section 3 of the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, | <-- |
2 | No.39), known as the Social Workers, Marriage and Family |
3 | Therapists and Professional Counselors Act, amended December 21, |
4 | 1998 (P.L.1017, No.136), February 13, 2002 (P.L.83, No.4) and |
5 | July 9, 2008 (P.L.929, No.68), is amended to read: |
6 | Section 3. Definitions. |
7 | The following words and phrases when used in this act shall |
8 | have the meanings given to them in this section unless the |
9 | context clearly indicates otherwise: |
10 | "Application of social work methods and theory." Includes |
11 | psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, case management, |
12 | client-centered advocacy, psychotherapy and family therapy with |
13 | individuals, couples, families and groups in an effort to |
14 | prevent or ameliorate family and personal dysfunction at home, |
15 | at work and in the community. |
16 | "Board." The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and |
17 | Family Therapists and Professional Counselors under the Bureau |
18 | of Professional and Occupational Affairs within the Department |
19 | of State. |
20 | "Commissioner." The Commissioner of Professional and |
21 | Occupational Affairs. |
22 | "Licensed bachelor social worker." An individual who engages |
23 | in or offers to engage in the practice of bachelor social work |
24 | and who holds a current license under this act. |
25 | "Licensed clinical social worker." [A social worker who |
26 | holds a current clinical license under this act.] An individual |
27 | who engages in or advertises to engage in the practice of |
28 | clinical social work and who holds a current license under this |
29 | act. |
30 | "Licensed marriage and family therapist." [An individual who |
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1 | engages in or offers to engage in the practice of marriage and |
2 | family therapy and who holds a current license under this act.] |
3 | An individual who engages in or advertises to engage in the |
4 | practice of marriage and family therapy and who holds a current |
5 | license under this act. |
6 | "Licensed professional counselor." [An individual who |
7 | engages in the practice of professional counseling and who holds |
8 | a current license under this act.] An individual who engages in |
9 | or advertises to engage in the practice of professional |
10 | counseling and who holds a current license under this act. |
11 | "Licensed social worker." [A social worker who holds a |
12 | current license under this act.] An individual who engages in or |
13 | advertises to engage in the practice of licensed social work and |
14 | who holds a current license under this act. |
15 | "Practice of bachelor social work." Holding oneself out to |
16 | the public by any title or description of services incorporating |
17 | the term "licensed bachelor social worker," or using any words |
18 | or symbols indicating or tending to indicate that the individual |
19 | is a licensed bachelor social worker; the application of social |
20 | work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics and the professional use |
21 | of self to restore or enhance social or psychosocial functioning |
22 | of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations or |
23 | communities; and basic generalist practice that includes |
24 | planning, intervention, case management, information and |
25 | referral, crisis counseling, advocacy, community organization |
26 | and the development and implementation of policies, programs and |
27 | activities. |
28 | "Practice of clinical social work." [Holding oneself out to |
29 | the public by any title or description of services incorporating |
30 | the term "licensed clinical social worker" or using any words or |
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1 | symbols indicating or tending to indicate that one is a licensed |
2 | clinical social worker and under such description offering to |
3 | render or rendering a service in which a special knowledge of |
4 | social resources, human personality and capabilities and |
5 | therapeutic techniques is directed at helping people to achieve |
6 | adequate and productive personal, interpersonal and social |
7 | adjustments in their individual lives, in their families and in |
8 | their community. The term includes person and environment |
9 | perspectives, systems theory and cognitive/behavioral theory, to |
10 | the assessment and treatment of psychosocial disability and |
11 | impairment, including mental and emotional disorders, |
12 | developmental disabilities and substance abuse. The term |
13 | includes the application of social work methods and theory. The |
14 | term includes the practice of social work plus additional |
15 | concentrated training and study as defined by the board by |
16 | regulation.] The independent application of specialized |
17 | psychotherapeutic theories, methods and knowledge and advanced |
18 | clinical skills and ethics in the differential evaluation and |
19 | treatment of psychosocial function, disability or impairment, |
20 | including addictions and emotional, mental and behavioral |
21 | disorders. The treatment of individuals, couples, families, |
22 | groups and communities is based on knowledge of the person-in- |
23 | situation perspective of psychosocial development, normal and |
24 | abnormal behavior, psychopathology, unconscious motivation, |
25 | intrapersonal processes, interpersonal relationships, |
26 | environmental stress and trauma, differential assessment and |
27 | planning and data gathering. The purpose of these services is |
28 | the prevention and treatment of mental or emotional dysfunction |
29 | and enhancement of mental health and secure relationships for |
30 | individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. The term |
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1 | includes, but is not limited to, psychotherapy. The term also |
2 | includes counseling, behavior modification, consultation, |
3 | supervision, client-centered advocacy, crisis intervention and |
4 | the provision of needed information and education to clients |
5 | when using methods of a psychotherapeutic nature to evaluate, |
6 | assess, treat and prevent emotional and mental disorders and |
7 | dysfunctions, whether cognitive, affective, behavioral or |
8 | relationship, behavioral disorders, alcoholism or substance |
9 | abuse. The term may also include teaching and clinical research |
10 | into more effective psychotherapeutic modalities for the |
11 | treatment and prevention of such conditions. |
12 | "Practice of licensed social work." Professional application |
13 | by those holding a social work license under this act whose |
14 | professional applications include theories, principles and |
15 | methods to prevent, examine, formulate and implement a plan of |
16 | action based on client needs and strengths and intervene to |
17 | address mental, social, emotional, behavioral, developmental and |
18 | addictive disorders, conditions and disabilities, as well as |
19 | address the psychosocial aspects of illness and injury |
20 | experienced by individuals, couples, families, groups, |
21 | communities, organizations and society. The term may also |
22 | include engaging in the administration and assessment of |
23 | psychosocial functioning, social work advocacy, case management, |
24 | counseling, consultation, research, administration and |
25 | management and teaching. |
26 | "Practice of marriage and family therapy." The professional |
27 | application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and |
28 | techniques to the evaluation, assessment and treatment of mental |
29 | and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective or |
30 | behavioral. The term includes the evaluation and assessment of |
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1 | mental and emotional disorders in the context of significant |
2 | interpersonal relationships and the delivery of |
3 | psychotherapeutic services to individuals, couples, families and |
4 | groups for the purpose of treating such disorders. |
5 | "Practice of professional counseling." Includes, to the |
6 | extent compatible with a practitioner's education and |
7 | professional competence, all of the following: |
8 | (1) The application of principles and practices of |
9 | counseling, mental health and human development to evaluate |
10 | and facilitate human growth and adjustment throughout the |
11 | life span and to prevent and treat mental, emotional or |
12 | behavioral disorders and associated stresses which interfere |
13 | with mental health and normal human growth and development. |
14 | (2) The evaluation and assessment of normal and abnormal |
15 | mental, emotional, social, educational, vocational, family |
16 | and behavioral functioning throughout the life span; |
17 | individual, group, family counseling and psychotherapy; |
18 | crisis intervention, career counseling and educational and |
19 | vocational counseling; functional assessment of persons with |
20 | disabilities; and professional consulting. |
21 | (3) Professional counselors' utilization of verbal and |
22 | nonverbal approaches and specialization in the use of arts- |
23 | based therapeutic approaches, such as art, dance, music or |
24 | drama, to accomplish treatment objectives. |
25 | "Practice of social work." Offering to render or rendering a |
26 | service in which a special knowledge of social resources, human |
27 | personality and capabilities [and therapeutic techniques] is |
28 | directed at helping [people] individuals, groups, communities or |
29 | systems to achieve adequate and productive personal, |
30 | interpersonal and social adjustments in their individual lives, |
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1 | in their families [and], in their community [or] and within |
2 | social service systems and holding oneself out to the public by |
3 | any title or description of services incorporating the term |
4 | "social worker" or practicing social work or using any words or |
5 | symbols indicating or tending to indicate that one is a social |
6 | worker, except as otherwise provided by this act. |
7 | "Provisional licensed social worker." A social worker who |
8 | holds a current provisional license under this act. |
9 | "Social work services." Professional services delivered by |
10 | an individual holding a bachelor's or master's degree in social |
11 | work or social welfare from a program accredited by the Council |
12 | on Social Work Education. |
13 | "Social worker." A person who holds a current social work |
14 | license under this act or has received a bachelor's, master's or |
15 | doctoral degree from an accredited school or program of social |
16 | work or social welfare. |
17 | Section 2. Section 4 of the act, amended December 21, 1998 |
18 | (P.L.1017, No.136), is amended to read: |
19 | Section 4. License required. |
20 | It shall be unlawful for any person to hold himself or |
21 | herself forth as a licensed social worker, licensed clinical |
22 | social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist [or], |
23 | licensed professional counselor or licensed bachelor social |
24 | worker unless he or she shall first have obtained a license |
25 | pursuant to this act. |
26 | Section 3. Section 5(a) and (l) of the act, amended December |
27 | 21, 1998 (P.L.1017, No.136), are amended and the section is |
28 | amended by adding a subsection to read: |
29 | Section 5. State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family |
30 | Therapists and Professional Counselors. |
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1 | (a) Creation.--There is hereby created the State Board of |
2 | Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional |
3 | Counselors, a departmental administrative board in the |
4 | Department of State. The board shall consist of [13] 15 members |
5 | who are citizens of the United States and who have been |
6 | residents of this Commonwealth for a two-year period, two of |
7 | whom shall be public members; [five] six of whom shall be |
8 | licensed social workers, at least one of whom shall be a |
9 | licensed clinical social worker [and], at least one of whom |
10 | shall be a licensed social worker and at least one of whom shall |
11 | be a licensed bachelor social worker; two of whom shall be |
12 | licensed marriage and family therapists; two of whom shall be |
13 | licensed professional counselors; one of whom shall be either a |
14 | licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed |
15 | professional counselor as hereafter provided; one of whom shall |
16 | be a representative of the Office of Attorney General; and one |
17 | of whom shall be the Commissioner of Professional and |
18 | Occupational Affairs. |
19 | * * * |
20 | (c.1) Appointment of licensed bachelor social worker.-- |
21 | Within 90 days of the effective date of this subsection, the |
22 | Governor shall nominate one professional member to serve as a |
23 | licensed bachelor social worker on the board to serve a three- |
24 | year term. The licensed bachelor social worker initially |
25 | appointed to the board pursuant to this section need not have |
26 | successfully completed the licensure examination adopted by the |
27 | board but, at the time of appointment, must have satisfied the |
28 | educational and experience requirements of this act for licensed |
29 | bachelor social worker. |
30 | * * * |
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1 | (l) Operating procedures.--The board shall meet within 30 |
2 | days after the appointment of its new members and set up |
3 | operating procedures and develop application forms for licensing |
4 | bachelor social workers, clinical social workers, marriage and |
5 | family therapists and professional counselors. It shall be the |
6 | responsibility of the board to circulate these forms and educate |
7 | the public to the requirements of licensing in order to hold |
8 | oneself out as a licensed bachelor social worker, licensed |
9 | social worker, licensed clinical social worker, licensed |
10 | marriage and family therapist or licensed professional counselor |
11 | within the Commonwealth. |
12 | Section 4. Section 6(2) and (3) of the act, amended December |
13 | 21, 1998 (P.L.1017, No.136), are amended to read: |
14 | Section 6. Powers and functions of board. |
15 | The board shall have the following powers: |
16 | * * * |
17 | (2) To adopt and, from time to time, revise such rules |
18 | and regulations as may be necessary to carry into effect the |
19 | provisions of this act. Such regulations may include, but |
20 | shall not be limited to, standards of professional practice |
21 | and conduct for licensed bachelor social workers, licensed |
22 | social workers, licensed clinical social workers, licensed |
23 | marriage and family therapists and licensed professional |
24 | counselors in Pennsylvania. |
25 | (3) To examine for, deny, approve, issue, revoke, |
26 | suspend or renew licenses of bachelor social workers, social |
27 | workers, clinical social workers, marriage and family |
28 | therapists and professional counselors pursuant to this act |
29 | and to conduct hearings in connection therewith. |
30 | * * * |
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1 | Section 5. Section 7(d), (e) and (f) of the act, amended |
2 | December 21, 1998 (P.L.1017, No.136) and July 9, 2008 (P.L.929, |
3 | No.68), are amended and the section is amended by adding a |
4 | subsection to read: |
5 | Section 7. Qualifications for license. |
6 | * * * |
7 | (d) Clinical social work license.--An applicant shall be |
8 | qualified for a license to hold oneself out as a licensed |
9 | clinical social worker if the applicant submits proof |
10 | satisfactory to the board that all of the following apply: |
11 | (1) The applicant is of good moral character. |
12 | (2) The applicant has successfully met both of the |
13 | following requirements: |
14 | (i) Holds a master's degree in social work or social |
15 | welfare or a doctoral degree in social work from an |
16 | accredited school of social work as recognized by the |
17 | board. |
18 | (ii) Is licensed under this act as a social worker. |
19 | (3) The applicant has completed at least [three years |
20 | or] 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience or holds an |
21 | Academy of Certified Social Workers certificate issued prior |
22 | to January 1, 2001, by the National Association of Social |
23 | Workers or otherwise meets the supervision expectation in a |
24 | fashion acceptable to the board as determined by regulation |
25 | after completion of the master's degree in social work. |
26 | (4) The applicant has passed a clinical social work |
27 | examination adopted by the board. |
28 | (5) The applicant has submitted an application |
29 | accompanied by the application fee. |
30 | (6) The applicant has not been convicted of a felony |
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1 | under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act |
2 | or of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction |
3 | which, if committed in this Commonwealth, would be a felony |
4 | under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act |
5 | unless: |
6 | (i) at least ten years have elapsed from the date of |
7 | conviction; |
8 | (ii) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrated to |
9 | the board that the applicant has made significant |
10 | progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction |
11 | such that licensure of the applicant should not be |
12 | expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the |
13 | health and safety of clients or the public or a |
14 | substantial risk of further criminal violations; and |
15 | (iii) the applicant otherwise satisfies the |
16 | qualifications contained in or authorized by this act. |
17 | As used in this paragraph, the term "convicted" includes a |
18 | judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere. |
19 | (e) Marriage and family therapist license.--An applicant |
20 | shall be qualified to hold oneself out as a licensed marriage |
21 | and family therapist if the applicant submits proof satisfactory |
22 | to the board that all of the following apply: |
23 | (1) The applicant is of good moral character. |
24 | (2) The applicant has successfully met one of the |
25 | following educational requirements: |
26 | (i) Within five years after the board has |
27 | promulgated final regulations, has successfully completed |
28 | a planned program of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter |
29 | hours of graduate coursework which is closely related to |
30 | marriage and family therapy, including a master's degree |
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1 | in marriage and family therapy from an accredited |
2 | educational institution or a master's degree in a field |
3 | determined by the board by regulation to be closely |
4 | related to the practice of marriage and family therapy |
5 | from an accredited educational institution, with graduate |
6 | level coursework in marriage and family therapy |
7 | acceptable to the board from an accredited educational |
8 | institution or from a program recognized by a national |
9 | accrediting agency. |
10 | (ii) Has successfully completed a planned program of |
11 | 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of graduate |
12 | coursework which is closely related to marriage and |
13 | family therapy, including a 48-semester-hour or 72- |
14 | quarter-hour master's degree in marriage and family |
15 | therapy from an accredited educational institution or a |
16 | 48-semester-hour or 72-quarter-hour master's degree in a |
17 | field determined by the board by regulation to be closely |
18 | related to the practice of marriage and family therapy |
19 | from an accredited educational institution, with graduate |
20 | level coursework in marriage and family therapy |
21 | acceptable to the board from an accredited educational |
22 | institution or from a program recognized by a national |
23 | accrediting agency. |
24 | (iii) holds a doctoral degree in marriage and family |
25 | therapy from an accredited educational institution or |
26 | holds a doctoral degree in a field determined by the |
27 | board by regulation to be closely related to the practice |
28 | of marriage and family therapy from an accredited |
29 | educational institution with graduate level coursework in |
30 | marriage and family therapy acceptable to the board from |
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1 | an accredited educational institution or from a program |
2 | recognized by a national accrediting agency. |
3 | (3) The applicant has complied with the experience |
4 | requirement as follows: |
5 | (i) An individual meeting the educational |
6 | requirements of paragraph (2)(i) or (ii) must have |
7 | completed at least [three years or 3,600] 3,000 hours of |
8 | supervised clinical experience, acceptable to the board |
9 | as determined by regulation, obtained after the |
10 | completion of 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours of |
11 | graduate coursework. |
12 | (ii) An individual meeting the educational |
13 | requirements of paragraph (2)(iii) must have completed at |
14 | least [two years or] 2,400 hours of supervised clinical |
15 | experience, acceptable to the board as determined by |
16 | regulation, [one year or] 1,200 hours of which was |
17 | obtained subsequent to the granting of the doctoral |
18 | degree. |
19 | (4) The applicant has passed an examination adopted by |
20 | the board. |
21 | (5) The application has been accompanied by the |
22 | application fee. |
23 | (6) The applicant has not been convicted of a felony |
24 | under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act |
25 | or of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction which |
26 | if committed in this Commonwealth would be a felony under the |
27 | Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act unless: |
28 | (i) at least ten years have elapsed from the date of |
29 | conviction; |
30 | (ii) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to |
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1 | the board that the applicant has made significant |
2 | progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction |
3 | such that licensure of the applicant should not be |
4 | expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the |
5 | health and safety of clients or the public or a |
6 | substantial risk of further criminal violation; and |
7 | (iii) the applicant otherwise satisfies the |
8 | qualifications contained in or authorized by this act. |
9 | As used in this paragraph, the term "convicted" includes a |
10 | judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere. |
11 | (f) Professional counselors license.--An applicant is |
12 | qualified for a license to hold oneself out as a licensed |
13 | professional counselor if the applicant submits proof |
14 | satisfactory to the board that all of the following apply: |
15 | (1) The applicant is of good moral character. |
16 | (2) The applicant has successfully met one of the |
17 | following educational requirements: |
18 | (i) [Within five years after the board has |
19 | promulgated final regulations] On or before June 30, |
20 | 2008, has successfully completed a planned program of 60 |
21 | semester hours or 90 quarter hours of graduate coursework |
22 | in counseling or a field determined by the board by |
23 | regulation to be closely related to the practice of |
24 | professional counseling, including a master's degree in |
25 | counseling or a field determined by the board by |
26 | regulation to be closely related to the practice of |
27 | professional counseling, from an accredited educational |
28 | institution. |
29 | (ii) Has successfully completed a planned program of |
30 | 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of graduate |
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1 | coursework in counseling or a field determined by the |
2 | board by regulation to be closely related to the practice |
3 | of professional counseling, including a 48-semester-hour |
4 | or 72-quarter-hour master's degree in counseling or a |
5 | field determined by the board by regulation to be closely |
6 | related to the practice of professional counseling, from |
7 | an accredited educational institution. |
8 | (iii) Holds a doctoral degree in counseling from an |
9 | accredited educational institution or holds a doctoral |
10 | degree in a field determined by the board by regulation |
11 | to be closely related to the practice of professional |
12 | counseling from an accredited educational institution. |
13 | (3) The applicant has complied with the experience |
14 | requirements as follows: |
15 | (i) An individual meeting the educational |
16 | requirements of paragraph (2)(i) or (ii) must have |
17 | completed at least [three years or 3,600] 3,000 hours of |
18 | supervised clinical experience, acceptable to the board |
19 | as determined by regulation, obtained after the |
20 | completion of 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours of |
21 | graduate coursework. |
22 | (ii) An individual meeting the educational |
23 | requirements of paragraph (2)(iii) must have completed at |
24 | least [two years or] 2,400 hours of supervised clinical |
25 | experience, acceptable to the board as determined by |
26 | regulation, [one year or] 1,200 hours of which was |
27 | obtained subsequent to the granting of the doctoral |
28 | degree. |
29 | (4) The applicant has passed an examination adopted by |
30 | the board. |
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1 | (5) The application has been accompanied by the |
2 | application fee. |
3 | (6) The applicant has not been convicted of a felony |
4 | under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act |
5 | or of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction which |
6 | if committed in this Commonwealth would be a felony under the |
7 | Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act unless: |
8 | (i) at least ten years have elapsed from the date of |
9 | conviction; |
10 | (ii) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to |
11 | the board that the applicant has made significant |
12 | progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction |
13 | such that licensure of the applicant should not be |
14 | expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the |
15 | health and safety of clients or the public or a |
16 | substantial risk of further criminal violations; and |
17 | (iii) the applicant otherwise satisfies the |
18 | qualifications contained in or authorized by this act. |
19 | As used in this paragraph, the term "convicted" includes a |
20 | judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere. |
21 | (g) Bachelor social work license.--An applicant shall be |
22 | qualified for a license to hold oneself out as a licensed |
23 | bachelor social worker if the applicant submits proof |
24 | satisfactory to the board that: |
25 | (1) The applicant: |
26 | (i) Is of good moral character. |
27 | (ii) Has received a bachelor's degree from an |
28 | accredited school of social work or social welfare. |
29 | (iii) Has passed an examination duly adopted by the |
30 | board. |
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1 | (iv) Agrees to adhere to the National Association of |
2 | Social Workers' Professional Code of Ethics pertaining to |
3 | the delivery of direct practice social services. |
4 | (2) The applicant has submitted an application |
5 | accompanied by the application fee. |
6 | (3) The applicant has not been convicted of a felony |
7 | under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic |
8 | Act, or of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction, |
9 | which, if committed in this Commonwealth, would be a felony |
10 | under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic |
11 | Act, unless: |
12 | (i) at least ten years have elapsed from the date of |
13 | conviction; |
14 | (ii) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to |
15 | the board that the applicant has made significant |
16 | progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction, |
17 | such that licensure of the applicant should not be |
18 | expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the |
19 | health and safety of the applicant's clients or the |
20 | public or a substantial risk of further criminal |
21 | violations; and |
22 | (iii) the applicant otherwise satisfies the |
23 | qualifications contained in or authorized by this act. |
24 | As used in this paragraph, the term "convicted" shall include |
25 | a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo |
26 | contendere. |
27 | Section 6. Sections 8(b), 10, 12, 16, 16.1, 16.2 and 16.3 of |
28 | the act, amended or added December 21, 1998 (P.L.1017, No.136), |
29 | are amended to read: |
30 | Section 8. Procedures for licensing. |
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1 | * * * |
2 | (b) Issuance of license.--The board shall issue to each |
3 | person who meets the licensure requirements of this act a |
4 | certificate setting forth that such person is licensed to hold |
5 | himself or herself out as a licensed bachelor social worker, |
6 | licensed social worker, a provisional social worker, a licensed |
7 | clinical social worker, a licensed marriage and family therapist |
8 | or a licensed professional counselor. |
9 | Section 10. Reciprocity. |
10 | (a) General rule.--The board shall have the power to grant a |
11 | reciprocal license to an applicant who is licensed or certified |
12 | as a bachelor social worker, social worker, clinical social |
13 | worker, marriage and family therapist or professional counselor |
14 | in another state and has demonstrated qualifications which equal |
15 | or exceed those required pursuant to this act in the |
16 | determination of the board, provided that no license shall be |
17 | granted under this section to an applicant unless the state in |
18 | which the applicant is licensed affords reciprocal treatment to |
19 | persons who are residents of this Commonwealth and who are |
20 | licensed pursuant to this act. |
21 | (b) Emergencies.--The board shall have the power to allow an |
22 | individual who is licensed or certified as a bachelor social |
23 | worker, social worker, clinical social worker, marriage and |
24 | family therapist or professional counselor in another state to |
25 | practice in this Commonwealth without licensure for not more |
26 | than 60 days as part of a relief effort related to a state of |
27 | emergency as declared by the Governor or Federal Government. |
28 | Section 12. Reinstatement of license. |
29 | Unless ordered to do so by Commonwealth Court or an appeal |
30 | therefrom, the board shall not reinstate the license of a person |
|
1 | to practice as a bachelor social worker, social worker, clinical |
2 | social worker, marriage and family therapist or professional |
3 | counselor pursuant to this act, which has been revoked. Any |
4 | person whose license has been revoked may apply for |
5 | reinstatement, after a period of at least five years, but must |
6 | meet all of the licensing qualifications of this act, including |
7 | the examination requirement, if he or she desires to practice as |
8 | a licensed bachelor social worker, social worker, clinical |
9 | social worker, marriage and family therapist or professional |
10 | counselor pursuant to this act at any time after such |
11 | revocation. |
12 | Section 16. Restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Social |
13 | Worker." |
14 | Only individuals who have received licenses as licensed |
15 | social workers under this act may style themselves as licensed |
16 | social workers and use the letters "L.S.W." in connection with |
17 | their names, and it shall be unlawful for an individual to style |
18 | himself or herself as a licensed social worker, advertise or |
19 | engage in the practice of licensed social work or use any words |
20 | or symbols indicating or tending to indicate that he or she is a |
21 | licensed social worker without holding a license in good |
22 | standing under this act. |
23 | Section 16.1. Restriction on the use of title "Licensed |
24 | Clinical Social Worker." |
25 | Only individuals who have received licenses as licensed |
26 | clinical social workers under this act may style themselves as |
27 | licensed clinical social workers and use the letters "L.C.S.W." |
28 | in connection with their names. It shall be unlawful for an |
29 | individual to style oneself as a licensed clinical social |
30 | worker, advertise or engage in the practice of clinical social |
|
1 | work or use any words or symbols indicating or tending to |
2 | indicate that the individual is a licensed clinical social |
3 | worker without holding a license in good standing under this |
4 | act. |
5 | Section 16.2. Restriction on the use of title "Licensed |
6 | Marriage and Family Therapist." |
7 | Only individuals who have received licenses as licensed |
8 | marriage and family therapists under this act may style |
9 | themselves as licensed marriage and family therapists and use |
10 | the letters "L.M.F.T." in connection with their names. It shall |
11 | be unlawful for an individual to style oneself as a licensed |
12 | marriage and family therapist, advertise or engage in the |
13 | practice of marriage or family therapy or use any words or |
14 | symbols indicating or tending to indicate that the individual is |
15 | a licensed marriage and family therapist without holding a |
16 | license in good standing under this act. |
17 | Section 16.3. Restriction on the use of title "Licensed |
18 | Professional Counselor." |
19 | Only individuals who have received licenses as licensed |
20 | professional counselors under this act may style themselves as |
21 | licensed professional counselors and use the letters "L.P.C." in |
22 | connection with their names. It shall be unlawful for an |
23 | individual to style oneself as a licensed professional |
24 | counselor, advertise or engage in the practice of professional |
25 | counseling or use any words or symbols indicating or tending to |
26 | indicate that the individual is a licensed professional |
27 | counselor without holding a license in good standing under this |
28 | act. |
29 | Section 7. the act is amended by adding sections to read: |
30 | Section 16.4. Restrictions on use of title "Licensed Bachelor |
|
1 | Social Worker." |
2 | Only individuals who have received licenses as licensed |
3 | bachelor social workers under this act may style themselves as |
4 | licensed bachelor social workers and use the letters "L.B.S.W" |
5 | in connection with their names, and it shall be unlawful for an |
6 | individual to style himself or herself as a licensed bachelor |
7 | social worker or use any words or symbols indicating or tending |
8 | to indicate that the individual is a licensed bachelor social |
9 | worker without holding a license in good standing under this |
10 | act. |
11 | Section 16.5. Unlicensed practice prohibited. |
12 | No person shall practice as a licensed bachelor social |
13 | worker, licensed social worker, licensed clinical social worker, |
14 | licensed marriage and family therapist or licensed professional |
15 | counselor in this Commonwealth unless the person holds a valid |
16 | license to do so as provided in this act. Nothing in this |
17 | section shall be construed to prohibit individuals operating |
18 | within the scope of their training, experience or employment or |
19 | to require a license as a condition of employment by the |
20 | Commonwealth, any of its subdivisions or by nonprofit agencies. |
21 | The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following |
22 | persons: |
23 | (1) A person who holds a valid license or is certified |
24 | or regulated pursuant to another professional licensure law |
25 | or State certification of the Commonwealth and who provides |
26 | services within the person's scope of practice or employment |
27 | functions, which shall include a student, intern or trainee |
28 | pursuing a course of study in an occupation or profession or |
29 | a supervisee governed by another professional licensure law |
30 | or State certification of the Commonwealth. |
|
1 | (2) A supervisee providing psychological services under |
2 | the act of March 23, 1972 (P.L.136, No.52), known as the |
3 | Professional Psychologists Practice Act. |
4 | (3) A person authorized to perform these services |
5 | pursuant to the Federal laws as an employee of the Federal |
6 | Government. |
7 | (4) A member of other recognized professions, including |
8 | clergy, drug and alcohol abuse counselors, mental health |
9 | counselors, crisis intervention counselors, pastoral |
10 | counselors, rehabilitation counselors, case managers and |
11 | psychoanalysts, doing work consistent with the training and |
12 | code of ethics of their respective professions. |
13 | (5) A person employed by the Commonwealth or any of its |
14 | political subdivisions as permitted by the person's employee |
15 | classification. |
16 | (6) A student, intern or trainee who is pursuing a |
17 | course of study in a program in social work, counseling, |
18 | marriage and family therapy or psychology at an accredited |
19 | institution of higher education or training institution if |
20 | the person's activities are performed under qualified |
21 | supervision and are part of the person's supervised course of |
22 | study. |
23 | (7) An individual who has earned an educational degree |
24 | required for licensure under this act working under the |
25 | supervision of an individual licensed as a psychologist, |
26 | psychiatrist, social worker, clinical social worker, marriage |
27 | and family therapist or professional counselor while that |
28 | individual meets the requirements necessary for licensure. |
29 | (8) A person whose job is regulated by statutes or |
30 | regulations, or official bulletins, official opinions or |
|
1 | other similar documents issued by the Federal Government or |
2 | State government or a branch thereof. |
3 | (9) Employees of business and industrial organizations |
4 | who apply the principles of psychology to the employment |
5 | placement, evaluation, selection, promotion or job adjustment |
6 | of their own officers or employees or those of any associated |
7 | organization. No business or industrial firm or corporation |
8 | may sell or offer to the public or to individuals or to other |
9 | firms or corporations for remuneration any psychological acts |
10 | or services that are performed by individuals duly and |
11 | appropriately licensed. |
12 | (10) A school psychologist certified by the Department |
13 | of Education, including a school psychologist performing in |
14 | private practice those acts which the psychologist is |
15 | permitted to perform in the public and private schools of |
16 | this Commonwealth. |
17 | (11) A volunteer providing services in a federally |
18 | declared or State-declared emergency. |
19 | (12) Persons providing social work services. |
20 | Section 8. Section 17(b) of the act is amended to read: |
21 | Section 17. Penalties. |
22 | * * * |
23 | (b) Civil penalty.--In addition to any other civil remedy or |
24 | criminal penalty provided for in this act, the board, by a vote |
25 | of the majority of the maximum number of the authorized |
26 | membership of the board as provided by law, or by a vote of the |
27 | majority of the duly qualified and confirmed membership or a |
28 | minimum of three members, whichever is greater, may levy a civil |
29 | penalty of up to $1,000 on any current licensee who violates any |
30 | provision of this act or on any person who engages in the |
|
1 | practice of or who holds himself or herself out as a licensed |
2 | social worker, licensed bachelor social worker, licensed |
3 | clinical social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist |
4 | or licensed professional counselor without being so licensed |
5 | pursuant to this act. The board shall levy this penalty only |
6 | after affording the accused party the opportunity for a hearing, |
7 | as provided in Title 2 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes |
8 | (relating to administrative law and procedure). |
9 | * * * |
10 | Section 9. Section 20(a) of the act, amended December 21, |
11 | 1998 (P.L.1017, No.136), is amended to read: |
12 | Section 20. Unlawful practice. |
13 | (a) Unlawful practice prohibited.--It shall be unlawful for |
14 | any person to engage in the practice of or hold himself or |
15 | herself out as a licensed social worker, licensed clinical |
16 | social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist [and] or |
17 | licensed professional counselor without possessing a valid, |
18 | unexpired, unrevoked and unsuspended license issued under this |
19 | act. |
20 | * * * |
21 | Section 10. The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and |
22 | Family Therapists and Professional Counselors shall promulgate |
23 | regulations to carry out this act. Publication of the final-form |
24 | regulations under this section shall take place within 18 months |
25 | of the effective date of this section. |
26 | Section 11. This act shall take effect in 120 days. |
27 | Section 1. The definition of "provisional licensed social | <-- |
28 | worker" in section 3 of the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, |
29 | No.39), known as the Social Workers, Marriage and Family |
30 | Therapists and Professional Counselors Act, amended December 21, |
|
1 | 1998 (P.L.1017, No.136), is amended and the section is amended |
2 | by adding definitions to read: |
3 | Section 3. Definitions. |
4 | The following words and phrases when used in this act shall |
5 | have the meanings given to them in this section unless the |
6 | context clearly indicates otherwise: |
7 | * * * |
8 | "Licensed bachelor social worker." A social worker who holds |
9 | a current bachelor's level license under this act. |
10 | * * * |
11 | "Practice of bachelor social work." An individual who holds |
12 | a license as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker issued by the |
13 | board shall provide generalist, nonclinical social work services |
14 | as an employee functioning under the supervision of an |
15 | individual who is regulated by the Commonwealth or holds a |
16 | professional license issued by the Commonwealth. |
17 | * * * |
18 | ["Provisional licensed social worker." A social worker who |
19 | holds a current provisional license under this act.] |
20 | "Social work services." Services provided by a professional |
21 | holding a bachelor or master's degree issued by an accredited |
22 | school or program of social work or social welfare that |
23 | demonstrates social work professional competencies. |
24 | * * * |
25 | Section 2. Sections 5(l) and 6(2) and (3) of the act, |
26 | amended December 21, 1998 (P.L.1017, No.136), are amended to |
27 | read: |
28 | Section 5. State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and |
29 | Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. |
30 | * * * |
|
1 | (l) Operating procedures.--The board shall meet within 30 |
2 | days after the appointment of its new members and set up |
3 | operating procedures and develop application forms for licensing |
4 | bachelor social workers, clinical social workers, marriage and |
5 | family therapists and professional counselors. It shall be the |
6 | responsibility of the board to circulate these forms and educate |
7 | the public to the requirements of licensing in order to hold |
8 | oneself out as a licensed bachelor social worker, licensed |
9 | social worker, licensed clinical social worker, licensed |
10 | marriage and family therapist or licensed professional counselor |
11 | within the Commonwealth. |
12 | Section 6. Powers and functions of board. |
13 | The board shall have the following powers: |
14 | * * * |
15 | (2) To adopt and, from time to time, revise such rules |
16 | and regulations as may be necessary to carry into effect the |
17 | provisions of this act. Such regulations may include, but |
18 | shall not be limited to, standards of professional practice |
19 | and conduct for licensed bachelor social workers, licensed |
20 | social workers, licensed clinical social workers, licensed |
21 | marriage and family therapists and licensed professional |
22 | counselors in Pennsylvania. |
23 | (3) To examine for, deny, approve, issue, revoke, |
24 | suspend or renew licenses of bachelor social workers, social |
25 | workers, clinical social workers, marriage and family |
26 | therapists and professional counselors pursuant to this act |
27 | and to conduct hearings in connection therewith. |
28 | * * * |
29 | Section 3. Section 7(b) of the act, amended December 21, |
30 | 1998 (P.L.1017, No.136), is amended and the section is amended |
|
1 | by adding a subsection to read: |
2 | Section 7. Qualifications for license. |
3 | * * * |
4 | [(b) Provisional social work license.--An applicant shall be |
5 | qualified for a provisional license to hold oneself out as a |
6 | social worker with a provisional license, provided he or she |
7 | submits proof satisfactory to the board that: |
8 | (1) He or she is of good moral character. |
9 | (2) He or she has received a bachelor's degree in social |
10 | work from an accredited school of social work or social |
11 | welfare and has three years' experience under the supervision |
12 | of a social worker who has graduated with a master's degree |
13 | from an accredited school of social work or social welfare. |
14 | (3) He or she offers proof of current enrollment in a |
15 | master's degree program at an accredited school of social |
16 | work or social welfare. |
17 | (4) He or she passed an examination duly adopted by the |
18 | board. |
19 | (5) His or her application has been accompanied by the |
20 | application fee. |
21 | (6) He or she has not been convicted of a felony under |
22 | The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, or |
23 | of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction, which, |
24 | if committed in this Commonwealth, would be a felony under |
25 | The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, |
26 | unless: |
27 | (i) at least ten years have elapsed from the date of |
28 | conviction; |
29 | (ii) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to |
30 | the board that he or she has made significant progress in |
|
1 | personal rehabilitation since the conviction, such that |
2 | licensure of the applicant should not be expected to |
3 | create a substantial risk of harm to the health and |
4 | safety of his or her clients or the public or a |
5 | substantial risk of further criminal violations; and |
6 | (iii) the applicant otherwise satisfies the |
7 | qualifications contained in or authorized by this act. |
8 | As used in this paragraph, the term "convicted" shall include |
9 | a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo |
10 | contendere.] |
11 | * * * |
12 | (g) Bachelor social work license.--An applicant shall be |
13 | qualified for a license to hold oneself out as a licensed |
14 | bachelor social worker if the applicant submits proof |
15 | satisfactory to the board that: |
16 | (1) He or she is of good moral character. |
17 | (2) He or she has received a bachelor's degree from an |
18 | accredited school of social work or social welfare. |
19 | (3) He or she has passed an examination duly adopted by |
20 | the board. |
21 | (4) His or her application has been accompanied by the |
22 | application fee. |
23 | (5) He or she has not been convicted of a felony under |
24 | The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act or of |
25 | an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction, which, if |
26 | committed in this Commonwealth, would be a felony under The |
27 | Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, unless: |
28 | (i) at least ten years have elapsed from the date of |
29 | conviction; |
30 | (ii) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to |
|
1 | the board that the applicant has made significant |
2 | progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction, |
3 | such that licensure of the applicant should not be |
4 | expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the |
5 | health and safety of the applicant's clients or the |
6 | public or a substantial risk of further criminal |
7 | violations; and |
8 | (iii) the applicant otherwise satisfies the |
9 | qualifications contained in or authorized by this act. |
10 | As used in this paragraph, the term "convicted" shall include |
11 | a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo |
12 | contendere. |
13 | Section 4. Sections 8(b), 10 and 12 of the act, amended |
14 | December 21, 1998 (P.L.1017, No.136), are amended to read: |
15 | Section 8. Procedures for licensing. |
16 | * * * |
17 | (b) Issuance of license.--The board shall issue to each |
18 | person who meets the licensure requirements of this act a |
19 | certificate setting forth that such person is licensed to hold |
20 | himself or herself out as a licensed bachelor social worker, |
21 | licensed social worker, [a provisional social worker,] a |
22 | licensed clinical social worker, a licensed marriage and family |
23 | therapist or a licensed professional counselor. |
24 | Section 10. Reciprocity. |
25 | The board shall have the power to grant a reciprocal license |
26 | to an applicant who is licensed or certified as a bachelor |
27 | social worker, social worker, clinical social worker, marriage |
28 | and family therapist or professional counselor in another state |
29 | and has demonstrated qualifications which equal or exceed those |
30 | required pursuant to this act in the determination of the board, |
|
1 | provided that no license shall be granted under this section to |
2 | an applicant unless the state in which the applicant is licensed |
3 | affords reciprocal treatment to persons who are residents of |
4 | this Commonwealth and who are licensed pursuant to this act. |
5 | Section 12. Reinstatement of license. |
6 | Unless ordered to do so by Commonwealth Court or an appeal |
7 | therefrom, the board shall not reinstate the license of a person |
8 | to practice as a bachelor social worker, social worker, clinical |
9 | social worker, marriage and family therapist or professional |
10 | counselor pursuant to this act, which has been revoked. Any |
11 | person whose license has been revoked may apply for |
12 | reinstatement, after a period of at least five years, but must |
13 | meet all of the licensing qualifications of this act, including |
14 | the examination requirement, if he or she desires to practice as |
15 | a licensed bachelor social worker, social worker, clinical |
16 | social worker, marriage and family therapist or professional |
17 | counselor pursuant to this act at any time after such |
18 | revocation. |
19 | Section 5. The act is amended by adding a section to read: |
20 | Section 16.4. Restrictions on use of title "Licensed Bachelor |
21 | Social Worker." |
22 | Only individuals who have received licenses as licensed |
23 | bachelor social workers under this act may style themselves as |
24 | licensed bachelor social workers and use the letters "L.B.S.W." |
25 | in connection with their names, and it shall be unlawful for an |
26 | individual to style himself or herself as a licensed bachelor |
27 | social worker or use any words or symbols indicating or tending |
28 | to indicate that the individual is a licensed bachelor social |
29 | worker without holding a license in good standing under this |
30 | act. |
|
1 | Section 6. Section 17(b) of the act is amended to read: |
2 | Section 17. Penalties. |
3 | * * * |
4 | (b) Civil penalty.--In addition to any other civil remedy or |
5 | criminal penalty provided for in this act, the board, by a vote |
6 | of the majority of the maximum number of the authorized |
7 | membership of the board as provided by law, or by a vote of the |
8 | majority of the duly qualified and confirmed membership or a |
9 | minimum of three members, whichever is greater, may levy a civil |
10 | penalty of up to $1,000 on any current licensee who violates any |
11 | provision of this act or on any person who engages in the |
12 | practice of or who holds himself or herself out as a licensed |
13 | bachelor social worker, licensed social worker, licensed |
14 | clinical social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist |
15 | or licensed professional counselor without being so licensed |
16 | pursuant to this act. The board shall levy this penalty only |
17 | after affording the accused party the opportunity for a hearing, |
18 | as provided in Title 2 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes |
19 | (relating to administrative law and procedure). |
20 | * * * |
21 | Section 6.1. Sections 18(b) and (c) and 20(a) of the act, |
22 | amended December 21, 1998 (P.L.1017, No.136), are amended to |
23 | read: |
24 | Section 18. License renewal; records and fees. |
25 | * * * |
26 | (b) Records.--A record of all persons licensed to practice |
27 | as bachelor social workers, social workers, clinical social |
28 | workers, marriage and family therapists and professional |
29 | counselors in Pennsylvania shall be kept in the office of the |
30 | board and shall be open to public inspection and copying upon |
|
1 | payment of a nominal fee for copying the record. |
2 | (c) Fees.-- |
3 | (1) All fees required pursuant to this act shall be |
4 | fixed by the board by regulation and shall be subject to the |
5 | act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the |
6 | Regulatory Review Act. If the revenues raised by fees, fines |
7 | and civil penalties imposed pursuant to this act are not |
8 | sufficient to meet expenditures over a two-year period, the |
9 | board shall increase those fees by regulation so that the |
10 | projected revenues will meet or exceed projected |
11 | expenditures. |
12 | (2) If the Bureau of Professional and Occupational |
13 | Affairs determines that the fees established by the board |
14 | pursuant to paragraph (1) are inadequate to meet the minimum |
15 | enforcement efforts required by this act, then the bureau, |
16 | after consultation with the board and subject to the |
17 | Regulatory Review Act, shall increase the fees by regulation |
18 | in an amount so that adequate revenues are raised to meet the |
19 | required enforcement effort. |
20 | (3) The application fee to apply for a bachelor social |
21 | work license shall be $40 with a renewal fee of $75. Fees |
22 | specific to the bachelor social work license shall be fixed |
23 | by the board in regulation and shall be subject to the |
24 | Regulatory Review Act. |
25 | Section 20. Unlawful practice. |
26 | (a) Unlawful practice prohibited.--It shall be unlawful for |
27 | any person to engage in the practice of or hold himself or |
28 | herself out as a licensed bachelor social worker, licensed |
29 | social worker, licensed clinical social worker, marriage and |
30 | family therapist and professional counselor without possessing a |
|
1 | valid, unexpired, unrevoked and unsuspended license issued under |
2 | this act. |
3 | * * * |
4 | Section 7. The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and |
5 | Family Therapists and Professional Counselors shall promulgate |
6 | regulations to carry out this act within 180 days of the |
7 | effective date of this section. |
8 | Section 8. This act shall take effect in 120 days. |
|