Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to clarify and modify the exemptions related to the practice of social work in Minnesota. It ensures that individuals from other professions can perform their duties without misrepresenting themselves as social workers.

Main Provisions

• Exempt Professions: The bill specifies that individuals from other licensed or qualified professions are not restricted by the regulations governing social work. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Licensed physicians
  • Registered and practical nurses
  • Licensed psychologists and psychological practitioners
  • Probation officers
  • Clergy and Christian Science practitioners
  • Attorneys
  • Marriage and family therapists
  • Alcohol and drug counselors
  • Professional and school counselors
  • Occupational therapists and their assistants

• Prohibition on Misrepresentation: Individuals from these professions may not present themselves as social workers or suggest that they are licensed to engage in social work unless they hold the appropriate credentials.

• Scope of Practice Clarification: Having an undergraduate degree in social work alone does not qualify someone to engage in the practice of social work as defined by Minnesota statutes unless they meet the licensing requirements.

• Regulatory Jurisdiction: Individuals who use the professional titles exempted in this bill are still subject to the board's jurisdiction if they practice social work, even if they use a different professional title.

Significant Changes

• The bill amends the existing law to further delineate the activities and titles that other professionals can use without infringing on the licensed practice of social work.
• It expands the list of exempted professions that can continue performing their respective roles legally without being considered as practicing social work.

Relevant Terms

• Social work
• Licensed professionals
• Misrepresentation
• Jurisdiction
• Exemptions