In January, the Virginia General Assembly met to discuss a bill that would require most social workers to earn either a bachelor's or a master's degree in social work as well as complete the license requirements in the state, the National Association of Social Workers reports. Recently, the assembly approved the legislation and it is set to become a state law.
The Social Work Truth in Title Act states that anyone in the state who refers to themselves as a social worker but does not have college credentials may face a misdemeanor charge. Additionally, individuals who use the term "social worker" in writing or advertising must now use initials that state the college degree they earned. This law will go into effect on July 1, 2013.
Officials from the Virginia chapter of the National Association of Social Workers said they are extremely happy with the legislation.
The Roanoke Times recently reported that many colleges and universities in the state expect that the law will increase enrollment in their social work degree programs.