The Honourable Joedy Wall, Minister of Health and Community Services, has introduced amendments to the Social Workers Act which will strengthen public safety and further protect people seeking care.
The amendments advanced to second reading in the House of Assembly today. A key amendment, developed through collaboration with the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, will permit the college to establish a new Registered Clinical Social Worker category for social workers who engage in clinical practice in a private setting.
The specific requirements for registration as a clinical social worker will be outlined in the Social Workers Regulations. Clinical social workers will need a Master of Social Work, proven clinical experience, and to pass a recognized clinical exam.
The Provincial Government will continue to work with the college and other key stakeholders to develop amendments to the regulations that establish clear, consistent safety standards for clinical care.
The Provincial Government recognizes that there are social workers in private practice who do not currently meet the proposed requirements of the new designation. A transition plan is being developed, in collaboration with the college, to ensure that they can continue to provide service to their clients.
These changes will not affect the daily work of registered social workers in the public sector.
Other amendments to the act that were introduced today include:
- Adding language to clarify that social work students are not required to be registered with the college during a field placement.
- Removing a provision respecting honorary membership that is no longer required.
- Clarifying that the board of the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers is responsible for appointing an auditor.
- Incorporating gender-neutral language.
Quotes
“It is critically important to our government that people receive the right care in the right place from a properly qualified service provider. These changes will ensure only properly qualified social workers can provide clinical services in private practice. This is another example of how we are building better healthcare for all of us.”
Honourable Joedy Wall
Minister of Health and Community Services
“As the regulatory body for social workers in Newfoundland and Labrador, we are pleased to see these amendments going through the House of Assembly. These changes to the Social Workers Act will allow us to continue our work in advancing ethical and accountable social work practice in keeping with our mandate of public protection. We are looking forward to continuing to work with Department of Health and Community Services on regulatory changes that will allow us to advance the regulation of the profession of social work in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Wendy Skinner
Executive Director and Registrar
Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers
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