Social work; applicants for licensure, criminal background check, report.

This legislation updates the professional licensing process for social workers in Virginia by requiring all applicants to undergo a comprehensive criminal background check. Under this new policy, prospective social workers must submit fingerprints and authorization for a state and national criminal history record search as part of their initial application. The Board of Social Work is also mandated to submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing the impact of these background checks on the licensing process. By standardizing these screening procedures, the bill aims to enhance public safety and increase accountability within the mental health profession. For Arlington residents, these changes ensure that those providing essential social services meet consistent background standards, ultimately strengthening trust in the care provided by licensed practitioners across the Commonwealth.