The Nationwide Affiliation of Social Staff Ohio Chapter (NASW Ohio) is demanding the state legislature not go laws that might critically hurt 1000’s of Ohioans who’re experiencing psychological well being struggles.
The Ohio Senate on Nov. 30 amended Substitute HB 509 to permit individuals with levels apart from social work to be a licensed social employees, an motion that may erode the standard of psychological well being care within the state.
“That is an egregious mistake that may trigger harm that might final generations,” stated Danielle Smith, govt director of NASW Ohio. “If the invoice passes, Ohio faces a future the place somebody who has no coaching in psychological well being can diagnose a psychological sickness. This might hamper an individual residing with a psychological sickness from getting complete and compassionate care.”
Social employees account for the biggest group of psychological well being providers suppliers in america.
NASW Ohio Government Director Danielle Smith, MSW, MA, LSW, CAE
Social work is a particular career with regulated requirements for training, area practicums, and licensure. The proposed change would devalue the social work career by eroding skilled training, values, follow requirements, and popularity. A level from a associated area probably carries no necessities for an internship, which means {that a} licensed social employee would haven’t any sensible expertise earlier than turning into licensed. Moreover, it devalues and creates disincentives for incomes a social work diploma as a baccalaureate program requires 400 hours of area training and a grasp program requires 900 hours.
Passage of the invoice would imply Ohioans would not be capable to belief {that a} “licensed social employee” is somebody with a level in social work. Purchasers and communities should be capable to belief that the individuals they work with are educated and ready for the troublesome work that social employees are known as to do. This can be a significantly necessary challenge in Ohio the place licensed social employees have a major scope of follow with the power to diagnose and assess psychological well being issues underneath supervision.
“This laws is ridiculous,” Smith stated. “It might be like permitting somebody with a level in bodily remedy to be a medical physician or a dentist. All these professionals are within the area of medication however they supply vastly several types of care. The identical requirements apply to this case.”
