Senate Approves Social Work Licensure Reforms in the Virgin Islands
May 27, 2025 | 2025 Legislature, Virgin Islands
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The Virgin Islands Legislature's Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services convened on May 27, 2025, to discuss significant legislative measures aimed at updating the regulatory framework for social work and public health enforcement in the territory.
Senator Novell Francis introduced Bill No. 36-0050, which seeks to amend and reenact Title 27 of the Virgin Islands Code, specifically Chapter 20, to modernize the regulations governing social work. He emphasized that social work is one of the fastest-growing professions, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The current statute, established in 1983, fails to reflect the evolving demands of the profession, which now requires social workers to be culturally competent and adept in addressing mental health and social justice issues. The proposed bill aims to create a clearer pathway to licensure for social work students and practitioners, updating definitions and educational requirements while ensuring that experienced workers are not unfairly excluded from licensure.
Senator Boulkes presented Bill No. 36-0043, which proposes long-overdue updates to the public health enforcement framework by amending penalties for sanitation law violations. The existing fines, unchanged since 1949, are deemed insufficient to deter violations. The new legislation aims to introduce a structured penalty system that escalates for repeated offenses while ensuring that businesses have the opportunity to correct violations before facing penalties. This approach is designed to enhance public health protections without unduly punishing compliant businesses.
Commissioner of Human Services, Dr. Avril George, expressed support for the social work bill, highlighting the need for clarity in licensure levels and stronger regulatory oversight. However, she raised concerns about potential barriers for experienced practitioners and suggested technical corrections to improve the bill's implementation. Dr. George emphasized the importance of balancing regulatory updates with the realities of workforce needs in the Virgin Islands.
The committee also heard testimony from Dr. Yvonne Woods, a program director at the University of the Virgin Islands, who underscored the critical role of social workers in the community and expressed strong support for the proposed legislation.
The discussions highlighted the urgency of modernizing the social work licensure framework and public health enforcement measures to better serve the needs of the Virgin Islands community. The committee is expected to consider the proposed amendments and feedback from various stakeholders as they move forward with these important legislative initiatives.
Senator Novell Francis introduced Bill No. 36-0050, which seeks to amend and reenact Title 27 of the Virgin Islands Code, specifically Chapter 20, to modernize the regulations governing social work. He emphasized that social work is one of the fastest-growing professions, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The current statute, established in 1983, fails to reflect the evolving demands of the profession, which now requires social workers to be culturally competent and adept in addressing mental health and social justice issues. The proposed bill aims to create a clearer pathway to licensure for social work students and practitioners, updating definitions and educational requirements while ensuring that experienced workers are not unfairly excluded from licensure.
Senator Boulkes presented Bill No. 36-0043, which proposes long-overdue updates to the public health enforcement framework by amending penalties for sanitation law violations. The existing fines, unchanged since 1949, are deemed insufficient to deter violations. The new legislation aims to introduce a structured penalty system that escalates for repeated offenses while ensuring that businesses have the opportunity to correct violations before facing penalties. This approach is designed to enhance public health protections without unduly punishing compliant businesses.
Commissioner of Human Services, Dr. Avril George, expressed support for the social work bill, highlighting the need for clarity in licensure levels and stronger regulatory oversight. However, she raised concerns about potential barriers for experienced practitioners and suggested technical corrections to improve the bill's implementation. Dr. George emphasized the importance of balancing regulatory updates with the realities of workforce needs in the Virgin Islands.
The committee also heard testimony from Dr. Yvonne Woods, a program director at the University of the Virgin Islands, who underscored the critical role of social workers in the community and expressed strong support for the proposed legislation.
The discussions highlighted the urgency of modernizing the social work licensure framework and public health enforcement measures to better serve the needs of the Virgin Islands community. The committee is expected to consider the proposed amendments and feedback from various stakeholders as they move forward with these important legislative initiatives.
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