The Medical Social Workers Bill, 2024, has been introduced in the National Assembly for its first reading.
The bill is Sponsored by Endebes MP and Chairperson of the National Assembly Health Committee, Hon. Dr. Robert Pukose and aims to establish a legislative framework for the training, registration, and licensing of medical social workers.
Dr. Pukose emphasized that the Bill seeks to better regulate the practice of medical social work through the creation of a Medical Social Workers Council, which will serve as the regulatory body for the profession.
The Council will be responsible for overseeing the training and licensing of medical social workers across the country.
Key provisions of the Bill include the appointment of a Registrar of Medical Social Workers, who will act as both the Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council.
Read also:William Ruto Asks Universities To Issue New Admission Letters Capturing Subsidised Tuition Fees
The legislation also calls for the centralization of registration records for all medical social workers, ensuring uniform standards are upheld.
The Bill further proposes the formation of a Disciplinary Committee within the Medical Social Workers Council, tasked with investigating cases of professional misconduct, negligence, and impropriety.
If enacted, the Bill aims to safeguard the integrity and professionalism of the medical social work field in Kenya.
