Tucker, GA – The California Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 1002 authored by State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank), as California ended its 2022 legislative session on Aug. 31.
AAPAN pledged support for the bill throughout the 2022 session.
Senate Bill 1002 authorizes licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) to provide assessment and treatment to an injured worker when referred by a physician during a workers’ compensation claim.
California now joins New York and Texas in allowing LCSW’s to join networks to provide treatment to injured workers.
“California’s mental and behavioral health provider shortage has only worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. AAPAN showed support for California SB 1002 knowing that injured workers will have immediate, additional mental and behavioral health resources available with the inclusion of LCSW’s,” said Julian Roberts, President and CEO of AAPAN.
“LCSWs have expertise in assessing and treating the most common mental health conditions experienced by injured workers, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. We are very happy to know that SB 1002 will be heading to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.”
Source: AAPAN