Government makes amendments to the Social Workers Act

The provincial government is making some changes to the Social Workers Act that the government says will strengthen public safety and further protect people seeking care.

The amendments advanced to second reading in the House of Assembly. One of the amendments 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. 

These changes will not affect the daily work of registered social workers in the public sector.  

Other amendments to the act 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, and incorporating gender-neutral language.