HB321 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ron Johnson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Social workers, clarifying duties, define "psychosocial evaluation", Sec. 34-30-1 am'd.; Sec. 34-30-34 added

Summary

HB321 defines psychosocial evaluation and clarifies the duties and scope of practice for licensed certified social workers.

What This Bill Does

It adds a formal definition of psychosocial evaluation within 34-30-1 and adds a new section 34-30-34 that requires licensed certified social workers to provide clinical treatment or psychosocial evaluation using recognized classification systems like the DSM or ICD. It also explicitly prohibits social workers from prescribing medications, making medical diagnoses, providing medical treatment, or managing medical conditions, and states they cannot diagnose or treat outside the boundaries of social work practice.

Who It Affects

• Licensed certified social workers in Alabama, who must follow the new definitions and practice scope.
• Clients receiving social work services, whose psychosocial evaluations and services must adhere to the clarified scope and classification standards.
• The State Board of Social Work Examiners, which oversees licensing, duties, and scope of practice under these changes.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 34-30-1 to define psychosocial evaluation and related social work terms (full-time/part-time social work, social work method, social work practice, social work specialty).
• Adds Section 34-30-34 requiring licensed certified social workers to provide clinical treatment or psychosocial evaluation using DSM/ICD as it relates to social work practice.
• States that licensed certified social workers may not prescribe or administer drugs, diagnose medical conditions, provide medical treatment, or manage medical conditions, and cannot diagnose or treat outside the social work scope.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month following its passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Social Workers