SB82 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
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: SB82 changes social work licensure titles and requirements in Alabama, redefining the practice and creating new licensure categories with transitional rules.
What This Bill Does
It redesignates licensure titles from graduate social worker to master social worker and from certified social worker to independent clinical social worker, and defines social work and its practice. It establishes three licensure levels (licensed bachelor social worker, licensed graduate master social worker, and licensed certified independent clinical social worker) with specific education, exam, ethics, and supervised experience requirements. It provides a transition plan so existing licensees can be reissued with new titles, allows temporary use of old titles for up to two years, and strengthens enforcement against misrepresentation of titles.

Who It Affects
Current social workers in Alabama who hold old titles (graduate social worker or certified social worker) and those seeking licensure, due to title changes and updated education/experience requirements and transition rules.
Employers and organizations that hire social workers, because they must use the correct redesigned titles and verify credentials, and must comply with enforcement and residence/eligibility rules.
The State Board of Social Work Examiners, which gains expanded definitions, licensure categories to administer (including exams and renewals), and enforcement duties.

Key Provisions
Amends multiple sections to redefine terms and licensure classifications for social work under the State Board of Social Work Examiners.
Redesignates 'graduate social worker' as 'master social worker' and 'certified social worker' as 'independent clinical social worker' for licensure purposes.
Creates three licensure levels: licensed bachelor social worker, licensed graduate master social worker, and licensed certified independent clinical social worker, each with specific education, examination, ethics, and supervised experience requirements.
Provides transitional rules: existing graduate social workers and certified social workers may be reissued redesigned licenses; those licensed on the act’s date may continue using old titles for up to two years; the board will issue redesigned licenses as appropriate.
Strengthens title protection: after the effective date, individuals and organizations cannot use the old or misrepresentative titles unless properly licensed; penalties for violations and board-assisted enforcement are stated.
Allows licensed independent clinical social workers to form professional associations and to practice in groups, including sharing fees, with compliance via business formation requirements.
Outlines enforcement mechanisms, including hearings, appeals, and potential injunctions, and sets penalties (fines from $100 to $500) for title violations.

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