Chapter 241 Oregon Laws 2011

AN ACT

HB 2314

Relating to social workers; amending ORS 675.520 and 675.530; and declaring an emergency.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. ORS 675.520 is amended to read:

675.520. (1) A person may not use any title, words or abbreviations, including the title “social worker,” that indicate that the person has an authorization to practice regulated social work unless the person is a regulated social worker.

(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not prohibit:

(a) The use of the educational designations “Bachelor of Social Work” or “Master’s of Social Work” by a person who is not a regulated social worker[.]; or

(b) The use of the title “school social worker” by a person who:

(A) Is not a regulated social worker;

(B) Holds a master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university; and

(C) Is licensed as a school social worker by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.

SECTION 2. ORS 675.530, as amended by section 9, chapter 442, Oregon Laws 2009, is amended to read:

675.530. (1) If an applicant for initial licensure as a clinical social worker has complied with the requirements of this section and has paid the fee under ORS 675.571, the State Board of Licensed Social Workers shall issue a license to the applicant.

(2) An applicant for licensure as a clinical social worker shall submit evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant:

(a) Has complied with all applicable provisions of ORS 675.510 to 675.600 and the applicable rules of the board;

(b) Holds a master’s degree in social work from a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the board;

(c) Has completed the equivalent of two years of full-time experience in the field of clinical social work in accordance with rules of the board;

(d) [Holds a certificate of clinical social work associate issued under ORS 675.537 before January 1, 2011, or holds a valid master’s social worker license issued under ORS 675.533] Has satisfactorily completed the requirements for certification as a clinical social work associate under ORS 675.537; and

(e) If required under ORS 675.535, has passed the written examination for licensure as a clinical social worker.

(3) The board shall adopt rules relating to the clinical experience required under subsection (2)(c) of this section after consultation with persons active in the field of clinical social work. The rules may allow for including experience obtained in the course of the study of social work as part of the clinical experience required under subsection (2)(c) of this section.

SECTION 3. This 2011 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 2011 Act takes effect on its passage.

Approved by the Governor June 7, 2011

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 7, 2011

Effective date June 7, 2011

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