Higher Education Committee
March 8, 2022
Submitted By: Stephen Wanczyk-Karp, LMSW
On behalf of the National Association of Social Workers, CT Chapter representing nearly 2,400 members we offer this testimony in opposition to S.B. 246.
The State of Connecticut has specialized training of at least 8 hours before certain clinically licensed behavioral health providers can be authorized to issue an emergency certificate for transportation of an individual to a hospital for an evaluation and hold up to 72 hours. Having an LCSW does not by itself provide the specialized training required for issuance of the emergency certificate.
The NASW Code of Ethics, Section 1.04 (a) Competence states “Social workers should provide services and represent themselves as competent only within the boundaries of their education, training, license, certification, consultation received, supervised experience, or other relevant professional experience” (underlined added). Without specifically being certified the LCSWs and APRNs of the UCONN Student Health and Wellness must not be authorized to take the significant step of issuing an emergency certificate for transportation. The University can utilize the 211 service for crisis intervention assessment and assistance.
We fully appreciate the increased stresses on students and the importance of having appropriate mental health care available on campus. Perhaps the University needs to increase its behavioral health services so as to reduce or avoid situations that demand acute care.
It is unusual for NASW/CT to oppose a bill that expands the range of services that LCSWs may perform. In this case however we feel S.B. 246 does not meet standards of practice for LCSWs nor is in the best interests of clients that they serve.
Speak Your Mind