(a) a person who is employed or has retired with the job title “”social worker”” or any derivative thereof and possesses a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in the field of social work from an accredited or unaccredited social work degree program as of the date of passage of this law. Those granted exceptions must obtain a social work license within six (6) months of the promulgation of the rules and regulations;

(b) a person who self-identifies as a social worker and possesses a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in the field of social work from an accredited or unaccredited social work degree program upon enactment of this Act. Those granted exceptions must obtain a social work license within six (6) months of the promulgation of the rules and regulations; and

(c) a person who possesses a non-social work degree, but possesses a degree in a related social science, to include degrees such as psychology, sociology, counseling, human relations and human services, political science, criminal justice, and any other degrees as approved by the Board; and who self-identifies as a social worker may apply for an exception to obtain social work licensure meeting the following requirements:

(1) provide a written request for exception from licensure requirements to the Board;

(2) provide a written declaration that they are individuals in good standing based on satisfactory employment performance evaluations and with no ethical complaints in the course of their employment with the job title “”social worker;””

(3) sign a declaration statement that they will

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CH. 12 MEDICAL PRACTICES

abide by the National Association of Social Workers
Code of Ethics;

(4) submit three (3) letters of verification, to include one (1) from their current employer acknowledging that he/she is an individual in good standing, and is highly recommended for employment with the job title, “”social worker;”” and

(5) obtain fifty (50) continuing education units (CEU) or certified training contact hours approved by the Social Work Board in the field of social work to include the following: the application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or bio-psychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities; and training in the social work Generalist Practice Model that includes assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, information and referral, counseling, supervision, consultation, education, advocacy, community organization, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities. The fifty (50) CEUs or certified training contact hours shall have no time or date limitations.

(d) All persons qualified for exceptions do not need to take the appropriate licensure examination, but must conform to all other requirements consistent with the appropriate level of licensure as prescribed in the law. Exceptions may only be granted by the Board up until six (6) months of the promulgation of the rules and regulations.

SOURCE: Added by P.L. 31-250:1 (Dec. 26, 2012), amended by P.L. 32-
167:3 (June 24, 2014), and P.L. 33-119:3 (Feb. 3, 2016). Amended by P.L.
34-156:3 (Dec. 28, 2018).