SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1079        FILED ON: 2/10/2021

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 1456

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_________________

PRESENTED BY:

Eric P. Lesser

_________________

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act to define clinical social work practice.

_______________

PETITION OF:

 

Name:

District/Address:

 

Eric P. Lesser

First Hampden and Hampshire

 

Joanne M. Comerford

Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester

3/5/2021

Erika Uyterhoeven

27th Middlesex

3/9/2021


SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1079        FILED ON: 2/10/2021

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 1456

By Mr. Lesser, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1456) of Eric P. Lesser, Joanne M. Comerford and Erika Uyterhoeven for legislation to define clinical social work practice.  Public Health.

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

 

_______________

In the One Hundred and Ninety-Second General Court
(2021-2022)

_______________

 

An Act to define clinical social work practice.

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Section 130 of Chapter 112 of the General Laws, as so appearing in the 2018 General Laws, is hereby amended by striking out the definition “The independent practice of clinical social work” and inserting in place thereof the following definition:-

“Clinical social work practice”, social work performed by Master's level social workers applying evidence informed theories and methods in the comprehensive assessment and treatment of cognitive, affective, and behavioral disorders and distress arising from physical, environmental, psychological, emotional or relational conditions. The scope of clinical social work practice includes, but is not limited to: assessment; evaluation; psychotherapy and counseling for individuals, families, and groups; client-centered advocacy; consultation and supervision; and case management services. Clinical social workers practice within an ecological and ethically-principled framework in the areas of competence their education and training reflects. Social work practice is multi-systemic, trauma-informed, and committed to public health and well-being. Social work’s commitment to racial, economic, and social justice is central to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.