KentuckyHB 4242026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to social work.

Sponsored By: Samara Heavrin (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Administrative Regulations And ProceedingsBackground ChecksBoards And CommissionsCompacts, InterstateEducation, HigherHealth And Medical ServicesHealth Care ProfessionalsLicensingMental HealthOccupations And ProfessionsUniversities And Colleges

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

Clinical supervision and license rules updated

Certified social workers may do clinical work only under a written, board‑approved contract with a licensed clinical social worker, as an employee of an organization where they have no ownership. They must stop clinical work if the contract ends. Licensed social workers may not do clinical social work. To become a licensed clinical social worker, your MSW/DSW must be from a CSWE‑accredited school and you need at least two years of post‑master’s clinical experience the board accepts. The law removes the “good moral character” requirement for LSW and CSW applicants and updates who counts as a client, a social worker, and what social work and clinical practice mean (including telehealth).

New Kentucky Board and licensing timelines

The law creates a seven‑member Kentucky Board of Social Work. The Board must tell you within 15 days if your application is complete and issue a license within 45 days after it gets your complete application, passing exam report, and fee. The Board will set rules for temporary permits and may require continuing education to renew. It can discipline licensees after a hearing, including fines, probation, suspension, or revocation, and can seek court orders to stop unlicensed practice. The Board may start an impairment program and may take action based on discipline reported through the Social Work Licensure Compact.

New telehealth rules for social workers

To provide social work by telehealth to or from Kentucky, you must have a Kentucky license or temporary permit, or a license in a Compact member state. You must follow the laws and standards in Kentucky, where you are, and where the client is. Telehealth must be accessible for clients with disabilities and use HIPAA‑compliant, non‑public‑facing technology unless a client, after being informed of risks, requests a nonsecure method and you document consent. In a crisis with imminent risk of serious harm, you may waive some telehealth rules for up to 24 hours and must document why. Federal agency social workers, including VA staff, may treat their agency clients by telehealth regardless of location if federal law allows. Cross‑border care with clients or providers outside the U.S. is allowed if you comply with Kentucky, foreign, and U.S. laws and protect data under standards like HIPAA or the GDPR.

Easier power‑of‑attorney and guardianship proofs

A power of attorney that starts on incapacity is easier to activate. If no named person can decide, a licensed social worker or qualified Cabinet employee can make a written incapacity finding, as can doctors, certain nurses or PAs, licensed psychologists, attorneys, or judges. If the POA names you to decide incapacity, you can act as the person’s HIPAA representative only to get records to make that decision. For guardianship or conservatorship renewals, a verified affidavit can also come from these expanded professionals.

Nonclinical social work license exemptions

Some workers do not need a state social work license for non‑clinical duties. This includes: school employees certified by the Kentucky Board of Education; employees of 501(c)(3) nonprofits; and staff of child‑caring or child‑placing agencies contracted for foster care. Student interns in accredited programs can train under supervision without a license. Volunteer health practitioners can serve during emergencies under state emergency laws. Clinical social work still requires proper licensure.

License and title rules for practice

You must be licensed, hold a temporary permit, or have a recognized multistate authorization to practice social work in Kentucky, in person or by telehealth. You may not use protected titles like “Licensed Social Worker” unless you are authorized. You must display your license at your main work site and make it accessible to clients for online practice.

Fingerprint checks and privacy for licenses

The law requires fingerprint‑based state and FBI background checks for new licenses, license reinstatements, and when you seek compact practice outside Kentucky. The board may order a check if you are the subject of a grievance about prohibited conduct, but it cannot require a check just for renewal. You must submit a complete, legible fingerprint card to the Kentucky State Police. Any state or FBI fee cannot be more than the actual cost. The board keeps results confidential, gives them to you if you ask, and may use them under seal in a legal challenge.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Samara Heavrin
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Beverly Chester-Burton
Democrat • House
George Brown Jr.
Democrat • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 221 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2026

passed

Yes: 90 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 37 • No: 0

House vote • 2/18/2026