An Act to ensure parity in social work licensure

This bill revises Massachusetts social work licensure laws to remove gendered language (changing "he" to "they") and streamline requirements. It creates a provisional license pathway for applicants who repeatedly fail the social work associate exam, requiring professional development and specific documentation like case analyses instead of retaking the test. The bill also establishes a commission to study whether child welfare workers at the Department of Children and Families need social work licensure or a new certification that reduces barriers for underrepresented communities. The commission will examine certification alternatives that avoid biased testing and ensure equitable access.