HB59 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ron Johnson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Social Work Examiners, State Board of, definition of practice, licensure classification of "graduate social worker" and "certified social worker" changed to "master social worker" and "independent clinical social worker", Secs. 34-30-1, 34-30-3, 34-30-5, 34-30-20, 34-30-22, 34-30-24, 34-30-30, 34-30-31, 34-30-33 am'd.

Summary

HB59 updates Alabama's social-work licensure by replacing 'graduate social worker' with 'master social worker' and 'certified social worker' with 'independent clinical social worker', and aligns licensure rules and practice with those new titles.

What This Bill Does

The bill redefines social work terms and creates three license levels (bachelor, master, and independent clinical social worker) with specific education, exam, ethics, and experience requirements. It includes transition rules so current license holders are reissued redesigned licenses and may use old titles for up to two years. It also allows private practice in groups, enables professional associations for independent clinical social workers, and strengthens enforcement against misusing titles.

Who It Affects

• Prospective social workers seeking licensure in Alabama: must meet the new education, examination, ethics, and supervision requirements to obtain one of the redesigned licenses.
• Current license holders of graduate social worker or certified social worker: their licenses will be redesigned to master social worker or independent clinical social worker; they may continue using the old titles for up to two years.

Key Provisions

• Renames licensure classifications: 'graduate social worker' becomes 'master social worker' and 'certified social worker' becomes 'independent clinical social worker', with corresponding license labels defined in the act.
• Establishes three licensure levels: licensed bachelor social worker, licensed graduate master social worker, and licensed certified independent social worker; sets education, exam, ethics, and post-degree experience requirements for each level.
• Transition rules: existing licenses will be redesignated; current licensees may use old titles for up to two years; the board will issue redesigned licenses accordingly.
• Private practice and group arrangements: licensed certified independent clinical social workers may form partnerships or groups, share fees, and operate under professional associations as allowed by law.
• Out-of-state licensure: applicants with equivalent standards from other states may receive Alabama licenses if they meet the board's qualifications; exam and initial fee requirements may be waived for those with equivalent standards.
• Enforcement and penalties: misuse of professional titles is a misdemeanor with fines; the board can aid in prosecutions and seek injunctions when needed.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage.

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

Subjects

Licenses and Licensing