New CEU Requirement: What Licensed Social Workers Need to Know

New CEU Requirement: What Licensed Social Workers Need to Know

The Massachusetts Board of Licensure of Social Workers has recently implemented a policy aimed at advancing social justice within the profession. Effective immediately, licensed social workers are required to complete continuing education (CE) in anti-racism and anti-discrimination as part of their general CE obligations. Here's what you need to know:

1. Understanding the Requirement: Licensees must now complete two CE hours in anti-racism with a focus on oppression, and one CE hour in anti-discrimination, addressing various forms of oppression such as ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, and more. These CE hours are to be included within the existing total required by the Board each licensing cycle.

2. Implementation Timeline: This policy is applicable for license renewals on or after September 28, 2023. Social workers should plan their CE activities accordingly to meet the new requirements within their licensing cycles.

3. Continuing Education Selection: While the Board does not pre-approve specific courses, social workers are responsible for ensuring that their chosen courses align with the anti-racism and anti-discrimination focus. The intention is for a diverse range of courses to fulfill these requirements.

4. Distinction Between Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination: Anti-racism focuses specifically on race-related oppression, while anti-discrimination addresses a broader spectrum of oppressive behaviors based on various factors such as ethnicity, gender, and more.

5. Proof of Compliance: Social workers must attest to meeting all CE requirements, including the new anti-racism and anti-discrimination components, during license renewal. While no specific documentation is required at the time of renewal, social workers should be prepared to demonstrate compliance if audited. This can be achieved by keeping detailed records of CE activities with a focus on these areas.

6. Exemptions: Social workers exclusively employed by state, county, or municipal governments and exempt from general CEU requirements are also exempt from these new requirements.

7. NERSC Support: NERSC will continue to offer courses aimed at meeting these new requirements and will indicate if a course aligns with the anti-racism and anti-discrimination focus. Please see our 2024 workshop guide for workshops that meet these requirements.

This new policy underscores the profession's commitment to combating systemic injustices and promoting equitable practices. By engaging in anti-racism and anti-discrimination education, social workers can enhance their cultural competence and contribute to building more inclusive communities. Stay informed, plan ahead, and embrace this opportunity for professional growth and societal impact.

This information is from an article posted by NASW-MA. The original article can be found here.