An Act to Update the Requirements for Social Worker Licensure
Sponsored By: Anne-Marie Mastraccio (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
More paths to clinical social work
Beginning March 23, 2026, applicants can get a conditional clinical license with an accredited social work or social welfare master's or doctorate. They must pass the board's exam and attest that they are obtaining the required consultation and work experience. Consultants can be clinical social workers, certified independent social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, or other board-approved professionals. Applicants for a full clinical license do not need to hold the conditional clinical license first. The board must consider consultation and experience from Maine or elsewhere that substantially match Maine's requirements.
Required consultation hours for social workers
Beginning March 23, 2026, licensed and conditional social workers outside Maine's Department of Health and Human Services must complete consultation. They need at least 96 consultation hours during their first 3,200 social work employment hours. This period must span at least 2 years and no more than 6 years from initial licensure. Consultants need at least 2 years of licensed social work experience and cannot hold a conditional license. Department employees need 96 consultation hours with a consultant licensed for at least 4 years or licensed as a master social worker.
Tighter license rules for social workers
Beginning March 23, 2026, people practicing or offering social work services under Maine's licensing law must hold a license. They must show the licensing board that they qualify. Applicants must be at least 18, trustworthy, competent, and follow professional ethics; exam rules depend on the license type. The board can no longer issue a conditional license just because someone is waiting to take or retake an exam.
Conditional social workers face six-year limit
Beginning March 23, 2026, conditional social worker applicants need a bachelor's degree or higher in a sufficiently related field. They must attest that they are obtaining the required consultation and work experience. The conditional license lasts no more than 6 years. Applicants must complete the required consultation and experience while conditionally licensed, plus the required contact hours and exam. They can qualify for a full license even if their conditional license is no longer active when they apply.
Conditional social workers gain limited duties
Beginning March 23, 2026, conditional social workers can perform the listed tasks allowed for licensed social workers. These include evaluations of social and emotional needs, advocacy, referrals, and coordinating social services. Conditional social workers cannot run a private social work practice, diagnose mental illness or emotional disorders, or provide psychotherapy.
Easier license renewal for social workers
Beginning March 23, 2026, licensed social workers no longer need to document consultation hours at renewal. For applications filed more than 2 years after expiration, the board may waive the exam and consider prior consultation and work experience. The board may require proof of continuing professional education. These decisions must take public protection into account.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Anne-Marie Mastraccio
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 584
3/23/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.
3/19/2026SenateThis being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/18/2026HouseCOMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-833), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
3/17/2026SenateReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (H-833) READ and ADOPTED. ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.
3/12/2026SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-833).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/10/2026HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on December 15, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
12/15/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-833), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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