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: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Clinical paths and supervision for social workers

The law defines clinical social work and what skills and services it covers. A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) must have a master’s or doctoral degree and at least two years of post‑master’s supervised clinical experience. A certified social worker (CSW) may do clinical work only under a board‑approved written contract with an LCSW, and must stop when the contract ends unless licensed as an LCSW or granted an extension. A licensed social worker (LSW) needs a qualifying bachelor’s degree and may not do clinical social work. The board must set supervision standards for students training in clinical practice.

Stronger telehealth rules for social workers

Social workers must get informed consent, keep records private, and use non‑public, HIPAA‑compliant tech. At each telehealth session, they must verify the client’s identity and location, get a backup contact, and document any tech problems. Providers must follow Kentucky law and the laws where they and the client are located. People outside the U.S. can serve Kentucky clients only if they follow Kentucky, U.S., and their own country’s laws and keep data secure. To serve Kentucky clients by telehealth, you need a Kentucky license or temporary permit, or a Compact license. In an imminent‑risk crisis, workers may waive some telehealth steps for one encounter or a crisis of up to 24 hours, with documentation. Federal agency social workers (like VA) may treat that agency’s clients by telehealth regardless of location when federal law allows.

Faster licensing, continuing education, and checks

The board must tell you within 15 days if your application is complete and approve you to take the exam. It must issue a license within 45 days after it gets your complete application, passing exam report, and fee. Fingerprint‑based state and FBI background checks are required for initial licenses, reinstatements, compact authorization, and some grievances. You must submit fingerprints to the Kentucky State Police, which then sends them to the FBI. Any background‑check fee is capped at actual processing cost. The board may require continuing education for renewal and approves CE providers.

Easier affidavits for guardianship renewals

When renewing a guardianship or conservatorship before it expires, a licensed or certified social worker or a qualified state employee may provide the verified affidavit. This gives families more options and can speed renewals.

Nonprofit and foster‑care license exemptions

Employees of 501(c)(3) nonprofits may do social work without a state license if the employer proves tax‑exempt status. Employees and job applicants of state‑contracted foster‑care providers are also exempt from licensure. These exemptions do not cover clinical social work. Clinical services must be done by a CSW or LCSW.

State board and cross‑state discipline

Kentucky creates a seven‑member Board of Social Work appointed by the Governor, including licensed professionals and one citizen. The board can act on discipline reported by other Social Work Licensure Compact states and take matching action in Kentucky.

Protected titles and who may practice

Only people who are licensed, have a temporary permit, or hold a Compact license may practice social work in Kentucky, in person or by telehealth. Only authorized people may use the CSW, LSW, or LCSW titles. The law clarifies what counts as social work, including education, research, planning, training, supervision, and administration. It defines a social worker as someone who is licensed or practicing under a temporary permit.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Samara Heavrin
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Beverly Chester-Burton
Democrat • House
Jim Gooch Jr.
Republican • 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