Licensure of Social Workers

Social work organizations have actively been seeking licensure. This paper explores the impact of a licensure model using survey data of registered social workers gathered in Michigan. The effect of restricted entry to social work through licensure is apparent on characteristics of providers, clients and settings. The sharpest impact of licensure under the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) model is on the types of services provided. Those eligible are generally providing peoplechanging services while those ineligible are generally providing people-processing services to clients. This outcome is contrasted with the broad multifaceted definition social work organizations intellectually support.