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Session: State Capitol, Room 102 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3743 Fax: (907) 465-2381 Send E-Mail Interim: 3340 Badger Road (no mail) North Pole, AK 99705 Phone: (907) 455-9258 PO Box 56622 (mail only) North Pole, AK 99705 Phone: (907) 488-1546 Fax: (907) 488-4271 |
Bill Calls for One-Year Temporary Licensing to Ease Shortages
| For Immediate Release: March 23, 2000 | |
| Contact: | Representative Jeannette James at (907) 465-3743. |
Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Thursday passed House Bill 382, sponsored by Representative Jeannette James (R-North Pole).
HB 382 will amend the current laws relating to social worker licensing by allowing for the temporary licensing of newly hired social workers for up to one year until they can obtain their social worker licenses.
"A bill which I introduced two years ago prohibits the use of the title "social worker" without a license. The Division of Family and Youth Services (DFYS) found the restrictions in that bill were creating hiring problems and requested some changes," James said. "HB 382 allows the temporary licensing of social workers, which should have the desired effect of easing problems caused by the wide turnover and the limited pool of qualified applicants for these positions.
"The goal of the original legislation was to promote, preserve, and protect the health and welfare of Alaskans through the licensure of qualified social workers," James said. "HB 382 will give the DFYS a better, sharper tool to use to achieve those goals."
HB 382 passed the House 35-2.
Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Jeannette James, 123 K