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Bill

HB 1521

State Board of Social Work Examiners - Membership and Examination Requirements

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 2 co-sponsors

HB 1521 modifies Maryland's social work licensing board membership and exam requirements to alter workforce entry standards and board representation.

Referred Finance
0
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Bill Summary · HB 1521

Legislative bill overview

HB 1521 modifies the composition and operational requirements of Maryland's State Board of Social Work Examiners, likely adjusting board membership structure, qualifications, or examination standards for social work licensure. The bill has progressed through multiple readings and received a favorable report from the Health and Government Operations Committee as of mid-March 2025.

Why is this important

Changes to professional licensing board composition and examination requirements directly affect how many individuals can enter the social work profession, what competencies are tested, and whether the board adequately represents diverse perspectives in social work practice. This impacts workforce availability in a field critical to mental health, child welfare, and social services delivery across Maryland.

Potential points of contention

  • Board composition equity: Whether proposed membership changes increase or decrease representation of social workers from underrepresented communities or practice settings
  • Examination accessibility: If modified examination requirements raise or lower barriers to entry, potentially affecting workforce diversity and supply
  • Stakeholder input: Whether social work professionals, employers, and service users were meaningfully consulted on proposed changes to licensing standards

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

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