(a) The practice of licensed master’s social work is the professional application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values and ethics and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities. The practice of master’s social work requires the application of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of assessment, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, mediation, counseling, supportive counseling, direct practice, information and referral, supervision of employees, consultation, education, research, advocacy, community organization and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs and activities. The practice of master’s social work may include the practice activities of a licensed baccalaureate social worker. The practice of master’s social work may include the practice of clinical social work under the clinical supervision of a licensed clinical social worker as an avenue for licensure as a clinical social worker. A social worker at this level shall not provide services to clients in exchange for direct payment or third-party reimbursement. Licensed master’s social workers shall engage only in supervised practice in or for an agency or organization and may not practice privately or independently. Licensed master’s social workers may not hold themselves out as a licensed advance practice social worker or a licensed clinical social worker. A social worker may not prescribe medication or interpret psychological tests.

Attorney's Note

Under the Tennessee Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
class A misdemeanorup to 11 monthsup to $2,500
For details, see Tenn. Code § 40-35-111
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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 63-23-103

  • Age of majority: means eighteen (18) years of age or older. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Person: includes a corporation, firm, company or association. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • written: includes printing, typewriting, engraving, lithography, and any other mode of representing words and letters. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
(b)

(1) To obtain a license to engage in the practice as a licensed master’s social worker an applicant must provide evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has:

(A) Submitted a written application in a form prescribed by the board or via online application;
(B) Paid all applicable fees specified by the board relative to the licensure process;
(C) Attained the age of majority;
(D) Graduated and received a master’s degree in social work from a council on social work education approved program or has received a doctorate or Ph.D. in social work; and
(E) Successfully passed the association of social work board’s master’s licensing exam.
(2) Any person possessing a CMSW certificate at the time of implementation of this law will automatically become a licensed master’s social worker without meeting any additional requirements.
(3) Any MSW who graduated before 1980 or who has graduated from a council on social work education accredited program since 1980 may apply for licensure without examination until December 31, 2010.
(c) No person shall, by verbal claim, advertisement, letterhead, card or in any other way represent that the person is a licensed master’s social worker unless the person possesses a valid license issued pursuant to subsection (b).
(d) A violation of subsection (c) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(e) The board shall establish regulations for the issuance of temporary licenses for master’s social workers who hold the degree of master’s in social work granted by any college, university, or school of social work that has applied for, but has not yet received, accreditation by the council on social work education. This practice activity shall be applicable toward meeting the provisions and requirements of § 63-23-104(b) or § 63-23-105(b).
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