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State Rep. Marc Gergely D-Allegheny www.pahouse.com/gergely

Bill allowing out-of-state social workers to practice in Pa. to become law

HARRISBURG, July 4 – Legislation authored by state Rep. Marc Gergely, D-Allegheny, allowing out-of-state social workers who wish to live in Pennsylvania to practice with greater ease has been passed by the General Assembly and is headed to Gov. Ed Rendell for his expected signature.  

Under the bill (H.B. 1693), clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors holding an out-of-state license would be able to practice in Pennsylvania. Gergely said the social workers would be required to hold a bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree in social work or social welfare.

"Allowing educated professionals licensed outside of Pennsylvania to move here and practice is a very attractive prospect," Gergely said. "Providing them with a stress-free opportunity to set up shop here is the least we can do for people who devote their lives to improving the well-being of others."

Upon establishing residency in the Commonwealth, clinical social workers would have to meet the following requirements in order to practice here:

· Have a clinical license in another state; 

· Spent five of the last seven years practicing clinical social work;

· Completed a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience; and

· Never have been convicted of certain crimes.

"My bill is endorsed by the National Association of Social Workers because these professionals deserve to pursue their career wherever they choose," Gergely said.

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