(a)  Any individual licensed under this chapter may use the title “licensed clinical social worker” and the abbreviation “L.C.S.W.” or the title “licensed independent clinical social worker” and the abbreviation “L.I.C.S.W.”; provided, that the title and abbreviation correspond to the license held pursuant to this chapter.

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(b)  No individual shall represent herself or himself as a “licensed clinical social worker,” “L.C.S.W.,” “licensed independent clinical social worker,” or “L.I.C.S.W.” unless he or she is licensed as a “licensed clinical social worker” or “licensed independent clinical social worker” pursuant to this chapter and unless the title and abbreviation correspond to the license held pursuant to this chapter.

(c)  Those currently holding the title “certified social worker” and “certified independent social worker” shall assume the titles “licensed clinical social worker” and “licensed independent social worker,” respectively. These licensees are exempt from the examination but shall be required to fulfill all other criteria for licensure as defined in this chapter.

(d)  No individual shall use “licensed social worker,” “clinical social worker,” “psychiatric social worker,” or any other designation implying qualification to practice clinical social work unless he or she is licensed as a “licensed clinical social worker” or “licensed independent clinical social worker” pursuant to this chapter.

(e)  Any individual licensed as a “licensed clinical social worker” and under supervision, as defined in this chapter, shall be permitted to practice clinical social work, whether in a private practice or in association with a public or private agency or institution.

(f)  Any individual licensed as a “licensed independent social worker” shall be permitted to practice clinical social work autonomously, whether in a private practice or in association with a public or private agency or institution.

(g)  No individual shall engage in the practice of clinical social work unless he or she holds an active license as a “licensed clinical social worker” or “licensed independent clinical social worker.”

(h)  Notwithstanding any provisions in § 5-39.1-1 — § 5-39.1-14 or any other general or public law to the contrary, any nursing facility licensed under chapter 17 of Title 23 that employs a social worker or social-worker designee who meets all of the following criteria shall be granted a variance to the “qualified social worker” provisions of section 29 (or any comparable or successor section) of the rules and regulations for licensing of nursing facilities promulgated by the department of health. Such criteria shall be limited to: (1) Meets the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services requirements for long-term-care facilities under 42 C.F.R. part 483, subpart B (or any successor regulation); (2) Is currently employed by a nursing facility licensed under chapter 17 of Title 23; and (3) Has been continuously employed in a nursing facility licensed under chapter 17 of Title 23 commencing on or before July 1, 2003.