Committee Passes Bill Allowing Addition of Social Workers to MPNs

Medical provider networks in California could include licensed clinical social workers providing some services that normally would fall under the scope of practice of psychologists and psychiatrists, under a bill moving through the Senate. The Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement on Monday voted 5-0 to pass SB 1002, by Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-La Canada Flintridge. The bill would allow licensed clinical social workers with a master’s degree and two years of clinical experience to join an MPN. They would not be authorized to determine disability within the w...