An act relating to the supervised practice of independent clinical social work

This bill allows licensed marriage and family therapists to supervise the training of individuals seeking licensure as independent clinical social workers in Vermont. Currently, supervision for this role is limited to social workers, mental health counselors, psychologists, physicians, or out-of-state equivalents, but this legislation would expand the list to include marriage and family therapists. The change is made by amending state law to recognize marriage and family therapists as qualified supervisors for the required 3,000 hours of supervised practice needed for independent clinical social worker licensure. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2023, and applies to people pursuing licensure as independent clinical social workers in the state.