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
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
New social work licenses and scopes
The law defines what counts as social work, like referrals, assessments, case management, program work, and, for LCSWs, diagnosis and therapy. You must hold one of four licenses (SWA, LSW, LMSW, or LCSW) to practice or use social work titles. Students under school supervision, clergy in clerical roles, and other licensed professionals working in their own fields are exempt if they do not hold out as social workers. Paths to licensure: SWA = non‑social‑work bachelor plus exam; LSW = BSW plus exam or other bachelor plus 2 years’ experience plus exam; LMSW = MSW/DSW plus exam; LCSW = MSW/DSW plus 2 years of supervised clinical work plus exam. The Board can license by endorsement for out‑of‑state licensees with equivalent standards and clean records. SWAs and LSWs must work as employees of approved settings under LMSW/LCSW supervision; LMSWs cannot do independent clinical practice except while getting supervised hours. Only LCSWs (or those keeping a certified independent license) may practice independently and provide diagnosis and psychotherapy. Applicants must use Board forms and show good moral character and required training.
Stronger penalties for unlicensed practice
Practicing social work without a license is a misdemeanor with a $100–$500 fine per conviction. After a hearing, the Board can also fine $100–$1,000 for each unlawful‑practice offense. Getting a license by bribery or lying on forms is a misdemeanor with a $500–$1,000 fine per offense. The Board may deny, suspend, revoke, or limit a license for unprofessional conduct in the past five years and can fine $100–$1,000 per violation. These actions can stop you from practicing.
License renewals, fees, and education
Licenses last two years and expire on the last day of February. To renew, you must pay the renewal fee and swear your license is not revoked or suspended. The Board sets and publishes fees and files an annual report of receipts and spending. If you do not renew, you cannot practice; you may reinstate within 24 months by paying penalties and fees plus the renewal fee, or else you must reapply. The Board sets continuing‑education rules; if you do not complete them, your license is not renewed. You may request inactive status in writing if you are not practicing or do not live in the Virgin Islands.
Fair hearing rights in discipline
The Board must record hearings and decide by majority vote. You get at least 20 days’ notice by personal service or registered mail. You may have a lawyer, call and cross‑examine witnesses, and issue subpoenas. You can seek court review under Virgin Islands law.
Smooth transition for current licensees
If you held a license before this law, the Board reissues your license under the new titles. Your current license stays valid until it expires or you get the new one. You may keep using the old title for two years unless another rule says otherwise. Prior titles map as: social worker → licensed social worker; certified social worker → licensed master social worker; licensed independent social worker → licensed clinical social worker.
Client privacy rules and exceptions
Client communications and records are confidential for social work associates and licensed social workers. You may share only with written client consent, to prevent a crime or harm, when a minor is a crime victim, if the person brings charges, or by court order or required criminal testimony. Anyone helping provide services must also protect privacy. Breaking confidentiality is a misdemeanor with at least a $100 fine per violation.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
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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