Written by Andrew Horn of Amherst, NH.
Yesterday, I published some incorrect reporting about which constituents supported or opposed HB 271-FN, AN ACT relative to initial license requirements for licensed social work associates.
I have updated the Online Testimony section to this online version of the bill briefing here and below. Several people were incorrectly marked as supporting a bill they oppose, and Melinda Asbury, MD, PhD of Keene was marked as opposing a bill she supports.
House Executive Departments and Administration
HB 271-FN
AN ACT relative to initial license requirements for licensed social work associates.
Primary Sponsor: Rep. Peter Schmidt (D)
Selected quote from the bill:
1 Repeal. The following are repealed:
I. RSA 330-A:18-c, I(a)(5), relative to examination requirement for initial licensure for licensed social work associates.
Selected quote from related law:
330-A:18-c Licensed Social Work Associate: Initial License. –
I. An applicant for an initial license as a licensed social work associate shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)(1) Graduate with a bachelor's degree in clinical mental health, social work, psychology, behavioral health counseling, human services discipline, or equivalent program from an accredited college or university.…
(5) Pass a national proctored examination approved by the board.
Analysis: This bill eliminates the national proctored examination requirement for initial licensure for licensed social work associates.
Relevant perspectives and resources:
As health worker shortages continue, state facilities rely more on temporary staff (NHPR)
Four ways occupational licensing damages social mobility (Brookings)
Reforming occupational licensing policies (The Hamilton Project)
Possible arguments for and against:
For: By removing the national proctored exam requirement, the licensure process becomes quicker and less burdensome, enabling more Licensed Social Work Associates (LSWA) to enter the workforce promptly to meet the high demand for mental health services.
Against: The national proctored examination serves as a standardized measure to ensure that all Licensed Social Work Associates (LSWA) possess a baseline level of knowledge and competency essential for providing quality mental health services.
Read in-depth AI arguments for and against HB 271-FN here.
Support
Melinda Asbury, MD, PhD of Keene who also submitted text testimony
Jillian Dubois of Concord
B Widger of Manch
Corayma Correa of Concord
Oppose
Michelle Townsend of Brookline
Karen Trudel of Penacook
Mary Ann Desrosiers of Merrimack
Hannah Bowler of Durham
Eric Sherman of Litchfield
Mary Jo Synder of Middleton
Support
As both the Chief Executive and Chief Medical Officer of a NH-based Community Mental Healthcare Center, I can attest first-hand to the workforce shortage within the mental health sector. In addition to workforce limitations, we are also facing financial challenges due to the state's reimbursement rates and its non-reimbursement of non-licensed practitioners. Removing the proctored examination requirement would improve the ability of CMHCs to increase the revenue stream. This subsequent increase in revenue would allow these centers to hire more therapists, i.e. increase their capacity to secure a larger workforce, and thus serve more individuals with mental health needs.
—Melinda Asbury, MD, PhD of Keene
Hearing: Thursday, Jan 16 at 1:00 pm in Room 306-308 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.