HB 525 — AN ACT relating to social work.

Summary

Amend KRS 335.158 to establish requirements and standards for the provision of social work services via telehealth.

Bill Text

• Introduced View text Current pdf

Compared against the Kentucky Revised Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill updates telehealth requirements for social workers, including new training requirements and clarifying technology usage standards.

• KRS 335.158(1)

  treating clinical

  It removes the word 'treating clinical' from the definition of social workers providing telehealth services.

• KRS 335.158(1)

  patient → client

  It replaces the term 'patient' with 'client' for consistency in terminology.

• KRS 335.158(1)(b)

  as designated by the board and

  It removes the requirement for confidentiality practices to be designated by the board, simplifying the language.

• KRS 335.158(1)

  and

  It eliminates the unnecessary conjunction at the end of the list of responsibilities.

• KRS 335.158(1)

  Prevent abuse and fraud through the use of telehealth services;

  It removes references to preventing abuse and fraud from the section that mandates implementation regulations.

• KRS 335.158(1)(h)

  Beginning on July 1, 2025, complete a board-approved two (2) hour training course on the use of telehealth to provide social work services.

  It establishes a new training requirement for social workers regarding telehealth services.

• KRS 335.158(2)

  The board shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to implement this section and as necessary to

  It removes the provision for the board to promulgate regulations related to the implementation of the telehealth section.

• KRS 335.158(2)(a)

  Prevent abuse and fraud through the use of telehealth services;

  It removes the provision regarding preventing abuse and fraud for clarity and directness.

• KRS 335.158(2)(b)

  Prevent fee-splitting through the use of telehealth services; and

  It eliminates another unnecessary provision regarding fee-splitting.

• KRS 335.158(2)(d)

  Use only secure communication technology platforms, including encrypted text messages, email, non-public facing remote communication products, and secure internet sites when communicating with the client;

  It mandates the use of secure communication technologies for better protection of client information.

• KRS 335.158(3)

  the requirements of subsections (1) and (2) of this section may be waived as necessary for timely and appropriate intervention to protect the client's safety.

  It adds flexibility for social workers in crisis situations by clarifying that waivers of requirements are allowed.

• KRS 335.158(4)

  any other circumstances, including specific geographic requirements.

  It clarifies conditions under which telehealth services can be provided across state lines.

• KRS 335.158(5)

  and in the provision of continuing education

  It removes unnecessary language regarding the provision of continuing education.

Action History

1. February 13, 2024

   to Committee on Committees (H)

2. February 13, 2024

   introduced in House

Sponsors

• Randy Bridges · Primary

Subjects