April 12, 2004

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed a new law that will require Michigan’s 26,000 social workers to be licensed. Previously, the state only certified social workers.

"Social workers take on some of life’s toughest problems – poverty, discrimination, abuse, neglect, and addiction – and help find solutions for individuals, their families, and the community," Granholm said. "These new licensing requirements will finally accord social workers the respect they have earned over the years doing their selfless work."

The law creates two levels of social work licenses – a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker (LBSW). It will require that an LMSW or LBSW complete two years of post-graduate study with an LMSW to obtain a license. A limited license will be issued during the two-year post-graduate period. Certain social workers, such as ordained clerics and social workers providing certain services to nonprofit organizations, are exempt from licensing requirements.

Licenses will be renewed every three years. During the three-year renewal period, social workers will be required to obtain 60 hours of continuing education.

"Social workers are consummate professionals who work with some of the most vulnerable residents of our state," Granholm said. "This new law helps ensure that only the most highly qualified men and women are performing this critical work and that the citizens served by them are getting the most professional care."