California Senate passes bill for social workers in comp

The California Senate on Monday unanimously passed a bill that would allow licensed clinical social workers to join medical provider networks.

Proponents say S.B. 1002 would allow licensed clinical social workers to join MPNs and assist with an expected increase in mental health claims. According to a bill analysis, the comp system is already dealing with a growing number of mental health claims, and the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to exacerbate the trend.

Licensed clinical social workers could help address the anticipated increase in claims by providing care such as intake, referrals and early screening, according to proponents.

S.B. 1002 goes to the Assembly for additional hearings.

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