Summary of HR 4185: Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act

Purpose and Intent

The Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act (HR 4185) aims to enhance the integration of social workers into various health care settings. The bill seeks to improve patient care by ensuring that social workers are effectively utilized within health care teams, thereby addressing the social determinants of health and providing comprehensive support to patients.

Key Provisions

• Integration of Social Workers: The bill mandates the incorporation of licensed social workers into health care teams across various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health centers.

• Funding and Resources: HR 4185 proposes the allocation of federal funds to support the training and hiring of social workers in these health care environments. Specific funding amounts and mechanisms will be determined as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

• Collaboration with Health Care Providers: The legislation encourages collaboration between social workers and other health care professionals to create a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on both medical and psychosocial needs.

• Data Collection and Reporting: The bill includes provisions for the collection of data on the impact of social workers in health care settings, which will be used to assess the effectiveness of their integration and inform future policy decisions.

Affected Parties

• Health Care Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations will be directly impacted as they will need to adapt to the inclusion of social workers in their care teams.

• Patients: Individuals receiving care in these settings will benefit from enhanced support services, which may lead to improved health outcomes and overall well-being.

• Social Workers: The bill aims to create more job opportunities for licensed social workers, enhancing their role within the health care system.

Procedural Aspects

• Introduced Date: The bill was introduced in the House on June 26, 2025.

• Committee Review: Upon introduction, HR 4185 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration. The timeline for review and subsequent actions will be determined by the Speaker of the House.

Sponsors

• The bill is sponsored by Brittany Pettersen and Danny K. Davis, both of whom are committed to advancing health care accessibility and quality through the integration of social services.

This summary provides an overview of HR 4185, outlining its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on health care systems and patients. As the bill progresses, further details regarding funding and implementation will be clarified.