WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 623

The Kelly Spangler Study Bill.

2023-2024 Session Introduced by John Autry and 11 co-sponsors

HB 623 directs DHHS to study whether government workers can use the title "social worker" without a degree and whether it impacts service quality, with a report due April 1, 2024.

Passed 1st Reading
#boards #dhhs #employment #governmentemployees #licensing&certification #localgovernment #localgovernmentemployees #namedlaws #occupations #personnel #public #reports #socialservices #socialworkers #socialworkersboard #stateemployees #studies
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 623

Summary — HB 623: "The Kelly Spangler Study Bill" (North Carolina)

Status: Enacted as a study directive (introduced April 2023); effective when law.
Primary sponsor: Rep. Crawford (House).

Purpose / Intent

HB 623 directs the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to coordinate a formal study of the statutory exemption that permits State and local government employees to use the title “social worker” without holding a social work degree. The study’s purpose is to examine whether that exemption (currently in G.S. 90B‑10(c)) affects service quality, workforce classification, training, public protection, and whether statutory changes are warranted.

Key provisions

  • Directs DHHS to coordinate a study to:
    • Examine and evaluate the efficacy and use of the exemption that allows any person employed by a State or local government agency to use the title “social worker” without an educational degree in social work (per G.S. 90B‑10(c)).
    • Identify any modifications to the current provision that the General Assembly should consider.
  • Requires consultation with specific stakeholders:
    • Department of Adult Correction
    • North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board
    • North Carolina Public Health Association
    • North Carolina Association of County Departments of Social Services
    • National Association of Social Workers — North Carolina
    • Other local stakeholders and interested parties
  • Reporting requirement: DHHS must submit a report with findings and any recommendations to:
    • Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services
    • Joint Legislative Administrative Procedure Oversight Committee
    • Fiscal Research Division
    • Deadline in the bill text: no later than April 1, 2024 (from the 2023 version).

Who is affected

  • State and local government employees who currently hold or are classified in titles that include “social worker” but who do not have an accredited social work degree.
  • Agencies that employ those staff (e.g., county departments of social services, public health, corrections).
  • The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board and professional social work organizations.
  • Potentially, clients of public social services (through effects on service quality and workforce competency).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Policy implications: The study could lead to legislative changes that narrow or eliminate the exemption, potentially requiring degree-based credentials for use of the “social worker” title in government employment.
  • Workforce effects: Possible impacts on hiring, classification, training needs, recruitment, retention, and compensation for incumbents who lack accredited social work degrees.
  • Administrative and fiscal impacts: If the Legislature later requires credentialing, agencies may incur costs for training, reclassification, recruitment, or credentialing support. The study itself will require staff time from DHHS and participating stakeholders.
  • Public protection and service quality: The study is intended to assess whether the exemption affects the quality, outcomes, and accountability of services delivered by government-employed staff labeled as social workers.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • The bill mandates DHHS coordination of the study and sets a reporting deadline (April 1, 2024, in the enacted 2023 text).
  • The report is to be delivered to two legislative oversight committees and the Fiscal Research Division to inform possible legislative follow‑up.

If you want, I can:
- Extract the exact statutory language (G.S. 90B‑10(c)) and summarize the current exemption text; or
- Draft a short policy brief on likely options the Legislature could consider based on study findings (e.g., credentialing pathways, transitional grandfathering, training/continuing education requirements).

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

Sign in to ask a question.