WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 2590

Requires nonpublic schools provide and maintain on-site automatic external defibrillators on school grounds

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Jackson and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts temporarily waives the licensing exam for certain social workers to boost recruitment, diversity, and access to behavioral health, with a 2028 evaluation planned.

SIGNED CHAP.422
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2590

Summary — S.2590 (“The SUPER Act”) — Chapter 422 (signed 9/26/2025)

Purpose
- Temporarily removes the licensing-examination requirement for certain social worker licenses in Massachusetts and establishes programs to support recruitment, supervision, and evaluation with the goal of stabilizing and diversifying the licensed social work workforce and expanding access to behavioral health services.

Key provisions
1. Removal of examination requirement (temporary)
- Amendments to chapter 112, §§131 and 132 strike language requiring applicants to “have passed an examination prepared by the board” for licensed certified social workers and narrow the board’s examination scope to “licensed independent clinical social workers.”
- These changes take effect January 1, 2026 (Sections 1–2) and are scheduled to be repealed effective December 31, 2030 (Section 6).

  1. Paid practicum placement grant program for MSW students (new §135D)

    • The Commonwealth shall, subject to appropriation, administer paid practicum placement grants for Master of Social Work (MSW) students in good standing.
    • Program emphasis on recruiting/retaining MSW students from historically marginalized and low-income communities.
    • Eligible applicants: students at Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)–accredited MSW programs physically located in Massachusetts.
    • Executive Office of Education will collaborate with institutions to track applicant data and evaluate program efficacy and equity.
    • Funding may come from state, federal, or other dedicated resources, including existing trust funds.

  2. Continuing education credit for supervisors

    • Licensed independent clinical social workers who provide one-on-one supervision to licensed certified social workers, licensed social workers, MSW interns, or BSW interns may receive up to 8 continuing education (CE) credits during a licensing period for that supervision.

  3. Independent evaluation of exam removal

    • The Executive Office of Health and Human Services must contract with an independent evaluation consultant to study the impact of removing the licensing exam requirement for licensed certified social workers.
    • Evaluation topics: effects on workforce shortages, quality of care, access to behavioral health services, workforce diversity (language, race, ethnicity, culture), and impacts on vulnerable patients.
    • Consultant must consult stakeholders (social workers, educators, testing organizations, patients, advocacy groups).
    • An independent evaluation and recommendations must be submitted to the Legislature and relevant committees by July 31, 2028.

Who is affected
- MSW students and interns (especially from marginalized/low-income backgrounds)
- Licensed certified social workers, licensed social workers, and licensed independent clinical social workers
- Social work employers, educational institutions (CSWE-accredited programs in MA), licensing boards, and patients receiving behavioral health services
- State agencies responsible for implementation and evaluation (Executive Offices of Education and HHS)

Timeline & legislative status
- Introduced: 7/31/2025. Reported by committee 9/8/2025.
- Delivered to Governor: 9/22/2025.
- Signed into law: Chapter 422, 9/26/2025.
- Effective dates: exam removal effective 1/1/2026; repeal of exam removal effective 12/31/2030; evaluation report due 7/31/2028.

Potential impacts and considerations
- Could increase entry and retention of social workers and improve workforce diversity and access to behavioral health services, particularly for underserved populations.
- Raises questions about alternative competency assurances (education, supervised practice) in the absence of an exam — addressed in part by supervised CE credit incentives and a mandated independent evaluation.
- Outcomes depend on appropriations for the grant program, design and targeting of practicum grants, and findings from the 2028 evaluation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.