Amendments that will improve access to mental health services in Saskatchewan have been introduced in the Legislature.
The Social Workers Amendment Act, 2012, is designed to grant qualified social workers the ability to diagnose addictions and certain mental health disorders.
"These amendments will help our most vulnerable citizens get the help they need when they need it the most," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "By allowing qualified social workers to include diagnosis within their practice, we can reduce wait times for people needing mental health services, especially in rural and remote areas of our province."
"We are very pleased and challenged by the trust placed in Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers by Minister Draude by proposing the extension of diagnostic privilege to the profession of social work," Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers President Joanne Schenn said. "Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers is prepared to work in the public interest and by collaboration to refine requirements to be met by clinical social workers who will make application for inclusion of diagnosis within their practice."
According to the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW), there are up to 50 social workers who may currently qualify to perform diagnoses. Permitting these individuals to diagnose could increase system capacity. In Mental Health, Child and Youth Services alone, 70 per cent of clients have behavioural disorders which could be diagnosed by qualified social workers if this privilege is granted.
The advantages of these amendments include earlier access to treatment and greater flexibility in how providers can be used to diagnose treatment of mental health disorders. The amendments also make SASW fully accountable for the authorization and regulation of social work professionals who are authorized to diagnose.
Authorizing clinical social workers to make diagnoses of conditions such as depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, eating disorders and anxiety disorders will help people access the mental health services they need much faster. Proclamation of the Act will occur only after all the required regulatory and accreditation processes are developed.
