45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2001

RELATING TO LICENSING; AMENDING A PROVISION OF THE SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE ACT TO EXEMPT CERTAIN GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES FROM THE REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSING FOR A TEMPORARY PERIOD; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. Section 61-31-4 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 51, Section 4, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-31-4. LICENSE REQUIRED.--

A. Except as provided in Subsection B of this section, effective January 1, 1990, unless licensed to practice social work under the Social Work Practice Act, no person shall:

(1) practice as an independent social worker as defined in the Social Work Practice Act; or

(2) use the title or represent himself as a licensed social worker or use any other title, abbreviation, letters, figures, signs or devices that indicate the person is licensed as a social worker.

B. [Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this section, any] An individual who is [employed in an executive agency on or after the effective date of the Social Work Practice Act under the title of] hired by the children, youth and families department prior to July 1, 2003 as a social worker or [other title which is deemed] in a position the duties and authorities of which are determined to be social work practice by the board and who has a bachelor's degree or higher in a field other than social work shall not be required to be licensed until July 1, [1992] 2005 [provided any employee of an executive agency who qualifies for licensure under the provisions of the Social Work Practice Act shall apply for licensure as provided in that act]."

Section 2. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.