relative to initial license requirements for licensed social work associates.

HB 271 changes the initial licensing requirement for social work associates in New Hampshire by replacing the current "national proctored examination" with a "uniform competence assessment examination" approved by the state Board of Mental Health Practice. This directly affects new social work associates seeking their first license in the state. The key provision modifies two sections of state law (RSA 330-A:18-c) to require this state-approved assessment instead of the national exam. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.