Comprehensive Practice Protection

What will Comprehensive Practice Protection do?

• Clearly explains appropriate roles for licensed bachelor's social workers, licensed master's social workers, and licensed clinical social workers.
• Works toward the expectation of licensure already in place for most other professions, such as nurses, occupational therapists, doctors, speech therapists.

43 states have practice protection. 36 states have BSW licensure.

 

 

More information on Comprehensive Practice Protection:

• 2014 Legislative Advocacy Day Booklet
• Talking Points for Legislative Advocacy Day
• "Leave-Behind" for Legislative Visits
• Impact statement on practice protection
• Download the map above showing states with a practice act
• Download a flyer/talking points on BSW licensure (for BSW students)
• Download a map of states with bachelor's level licensure
• National Scopes of Practice for Licensed Social Workers

Benefits of proposed legislation by specialty:

• Social Work and Mental Health
• Social Work in Health Care Settings
• Social Work in Gerontology and Hospice
• Social Work in Child Welfare
• School Social Work
• Social Work Educators

 

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Agenda and What to Expect

The morning session of Legislative Advocacy Day begins at The Forum, located on 500 Walnut Street in Harrisburg. The forum is located directly adjacent to the Main Capitol. Following this brief session, groups will walk to the Main Capitol. Click here for a map of the Capitol Complex.

Agenda:

• 7:30 - 8:30am: Registration and continental breakfast
• 8:30 - 8:40am: Welcome from Ron Simon, LCSW, ACSW, Executive Director of NASW-PA
• 8:40 - 9:15am: Legislative process overview/talking points on social work bills with Justin Fleming Government Relations Director of NASW-PA
• 9:30am - 1pm: Attend committee meetings and legislative visits: a list of committee meetings will be provided when registering. NASW-PA will arrange legislative visits on behalf of schools. Working professionals not affiliated with a college or university may schedule their own appointment or NASW-PA can schedule this additional meeting.
• 11am - 1pm: Attend House and/or Senate session/lunch/legislative visits: The House goes into session at 11am and the Senate begins session at 1pm. Social workers may watch House and Senate sessions live from the chamber galleries located on the 4th floor.
• 1pm - 2pm: Rally in the Rotunda: Remarks will be given by our Executive Director as well as invited members of the General Assembly. The rally will focus on practice protection, bachelor's level licensure, and elevating the social work profession in Pennsylvania.

Do's and Don'ts for Legislative Advocacy Day:

• Do: Be familiar with the legislative agenda and know what you are advocating for. Even though there are many different issues, stay on task and discuss issues involving the social work profession.
• Don't: Get discouraged if there are parts that you are unsure of or don't understand. Contact Justin at (717) 232-4125 or justin@nasw-pa.org with any questions.

• Do: Visit committee meetings and session to observe the legislative process. The day will go quickly so take in as much as possible.
• Don't: Let the day go by without doing much. This is your chance to see how government affects the practice of social work.

• Do: Remain confident, courteous, and professional when visiting legislators or staff.
• Don't: Be afraid or think you shouldn't be there. Legislators are everyday working professionals, only they work on our behalf. Take charge of your scheduled appointment!

• Do: Enjoy everything the day has to offer--have fun!

Register today!

If you would prefer to mail your registration form and payment, click here to access a hard copy of the registration form.

Questions? Call Justin at (717) 232-4125 or email justin@nasw-pa.org