An Act repealing and reenacting with amendments title 27 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 20, relating to the regulation of the profession of social work and
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Enacted
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Only clinical licensees can work solo
You cannot practice social work on your own unless you hold an LCSW or you retain a certified independent social worker license under the law. Others must work under supervision. This limits who can open or run an independent practice in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Social workers must be licensed or fined
To practice social work in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you must hold one of these licenses: SWA, LSW, LMSW, or LCSW. You may not call yourself a social worker or use titles like SWA, LSW, LMSW, LCSW, SW, BSW, or MSW without the right license. Practicing without a license is a misdemeanor with a fine of $100 to $500 per offense. After a Board hearing, the Board can also fine $100 to $1,000 per offense for unlawful practice or helping it. These rules apply unless an exemption in the law covers you.
How to qualify and what each license allows
The law sets clear paths to each license. SWA: bachelor’s in a non‑social‑work field from a Board‑approved school plus the Board exam. LSW: BSW, or another bachelor’s plus two years of social‑work experience, and the exam. LMSW: master’s or doctorate in social work and the exam; no clinical work except while getting supervised hours. LCSW: master’s or doctorate in social work, two years of post‑degree supervised clinical practice under an LCSW, and the exam; LCSWs may diagnose and provide psychotherapy. Job duties grow with each license, and associates must work as supervised employees in approved settings.
Strong privacy rules for clients
Your information shared with a social worker is private. It can be shared only with your written consent, when a crime or harm is planned, when a minor is a victim or testimony is required, if you waive it by filing charges, or by court order. People working under supervision or with access to records must also keep it private. Breaking these rules is a misdemeanor with a fine of at least $100 per violation.
Easier licensing for out-of-state social workers
If you hold or held a social work license in another U.S. state or territory, the Board can license you without a new exam. Your other license must have substantially equivalent standards and not be suspended or revoked. You receive the matching license type.
Transition rules for current license holders
If you held a social work license before this law, it stays valid until it ends or the Board issues your new license. You may use your old title for two years, unless the Board sets a different time. If you were a certified independent social worker and do not do clinical work, you may keep that title and must follow all new rules.
Who does not need a license
You do not need a social work license if you are: a licensed professional doing work within your own license and not holding out as a social worker; a social work student doing supervised coursework activities and using a training title; or a clergy member acting only as clergy and not claiming to be a social worker.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Avery L. Lewis
legislature
Carla J. Joseph
legislature
Marvin A. Blyden
legislature
Milton E. Potter
legislature
Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
legislature
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Enacted
7/9/2025legislatureTo Governor
7/1/2025legislatureFloor
6/27/2025legislatureRules
6/25/2025legislatureIntroduced
3/28/2025legislatureCommittee
1/21/2025legislature
Bill Text
Enacted Act
7/9/2025
Bill Text
3/28/2025
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