2017 Legislative Agenda

1. Increase pay levels for salaries for social workers and expand loan repayment programs

2. Advocate for the correct classification of LCSW’s within the Texas Medical Healthcare Partnership and in all other Medicaid  provider lists and rules

3. Establish equal reimbursement for licensed clinical social workers who participate in Texas Medicaid and from all other payers when providing the same psychotherapy services; increase payments for tenure and specialized training

4. Add a definition of school social work services work to the Texas Education Code; thereby allowing school districts to hire and pay for social workers from state funds

5. Work with coalition partners to ensure that any telehealth, telemedicine or tele-counseling legislation improves and expands opportunities for social workers and their clients

6. Work with coalition partners on an equitable taxation and revenue system that funds health and human services programs

7. Promote covering the Medicaid gap to ensure that every Texan has access to affordable, quality healthcare

8. Work with supporters and partners to advance legislation that promotes and protects the civil rights of all Texans

9. Work with supporters and partners to improve the criminal justice system’s response to individuals with behaviorial health care needs

10. Advocate with our partners for an opt-out voter registration system and the creation of on-line voter registration

11. Require a 4 year degree for all CPS caseworkers with a preference on recruiting master’s and bachelor’s level social workers

12. Increase the salaries for CPS caseworkers with a bachelor’s level degree and above so that entry level salaries are at the same level as equivalent market comparables

13. Support greater operational funding and an increase in support staff at the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners in order to reduce investigation times and more fully protect the public

2016 Interim Session Agenda

1. Increase pay levels for salaries for social workers and expand loan repayment program 

2. Develop partnerships with state agencies to increase retention and reduce turnover of social workers

3. Advocate for the correct classification of LCSW’s within the TMHP and all other Medicaid provider lists

 

4. Establish equal reimbursement for licensed clinical social workers who participate in Texas Medicaid and all other payers when providing the same psychotherapy   services; increase payments for tenure and specialized training

 

5. Make changes in regulations at the state level regarding Social Work sub-specialties with emphasis on:

     A. Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners to recognize social work practice in hospitals and health care agencies toward licensure at the LCSW level

     

      B. Adding a definition of school social work services work definition to the Texas Education Code; thereby recognizing their role in a diverse array of service

6. Monitor the emerging quality, scope of practice, access and legal compliance of social work within the framework of developing technologies

7. Support initiatives to create evidence based practices that provide data for outcomes in publicly funded programs

8. Work with Coalition Partners an equitable taxation and revenue system which funds important social service programs

 

9. Promote covering the Medicaid gap to support all Texans

10. Advocate with our partners for an opt-out voter registration system and the creation of on-line voter registration

 

11. Take a lead role in the advancement of equality for all Texans

Legislative Agenda Planning

Click here to see how NASW/Texas Board of Directors create a legislative agenda.