Uphold high standards for Social Workers

Subject Line:

Please uphold high standards for social workers

I am writing with concerns about several bills before the Massachusetts legislature that seek to grant social work licensure to untested applicants. If passed as written, H.279/S.135 and H.1423/S.218 would undo critical protections that ensure the health, safety, and welfare of Massachusetts citizens who receive services from licensed social workers.

No one would want their physician, nurse, lawyer, etc. to practice without passing their profession’s entry exam. Why should all other professions require an entry exam, but not social work? Social workers serve the most vulnerable populations and should uphold high ethical and professional standards.

I ask that you please oppose any attempt to eliminate the exam as a requirement for social work licensure.

Thank you for your consideration.