An Important Update on Social Work Licensure Legislation in Michigan

We were informed this week that House Bill 4280, sponsored by Rep. Edwards (D-Eastpointe), has been introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives. This bill, which extends the renewal period for limited licenses from six years to ten years, is a reintroduction of legislation from the last legislative term and represents one piece of a broader set of reforms we’ve been advocating for. NASW-Michigan supports HB 4280 and sees it as a meaningful step toward reducing barriers for Michigan’s social work workforce, and we would like to thank Representative Edwards for championing this effort on behalf of all social workers across Michigan. 

You can view the bill here: HB 4280 – Michigan Legislature.

In addition, NASW-Michigan is leading efforts to advance a comprehensive licensure modernization package that goes further. We are working closely with legislators in both chambers and from both parties, in partnership with Capitol Services, the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA), and the Michigan Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work.

Our legislative package will seek to:

• Eliminate the cap on limited license renewals entirely
  

• Reduce required supervision hours from 4,000 to 3,000
  

• Replace the ASWB national exam with a Michigan-specific licensing exam
  

We are committed to a licensure system that is equitable, evidence-informed, and aligned with the real-world needs of social workers and the communities we serve. We hope to share more information about the comprehensive bill package soon.

Thank you for your continued support and advocacy.