Source: https://health.maryland.gov/regs/Pages/10-42-01,-10-42-02,-10-42-08,-10-42-09-1012-7740.aspx
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 04:24:23+00:00

Document:
(4) Amend Regulations .01 and .04 and adopt new Regulation .07 under COMAR 10.42.09 Disciplinary Sanctions and Monetary Penalties.
This action was considered by the Board of Social Work Examiners at a public meeting held March 9, 2018, notice of which was given by posting the proposed regulations on the Board of Social Work Examiners’ website on March 7, 2018, pursuant to General Provisions Article, §3-302(c), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(2) Conform existing regulations to implement changes in Maryland social work law pursuant to House Bill 806 (Chapter 391, Acts of 2013).
(13) Increases the minimum and maximum fines for violations of the practice.
I. Summary of Economic Impact. Licensed Bachelor Social Workers (LBSW) and Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) are now permitted by statute to become Board-approved supervisors. LBSWs and LMSWs who apply to become Board approved supervisors must register with the Board and pay the required $20 fee as set forth in COMAR 10.42.05.02A(11).
Comments may be sent to Michele A. Phinney, Director, Office of Regulation and Policy Coordination, Maryland Department of Health, 201 W. Preston Street, Room 512, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-767-6499 (TTY 800-735-2258), or email to mdh.regs@maryland.gov, or fax to 410-767-6483. Comments will be accepted through November 13, 2018. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
(c) Approval of a program in candidacy for accreditation by the Council of Social Work Education.
(3) “Board-approved supervisor” means a licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW), licensed certified social worker (LCSW), licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C) or licensed masters social worker (LMSW) approved by the Board to supervise social workers as set forth in COMAR 10.42.08.
(4) “Central repository” means the criminal justice information system central repository of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
[(4)] (6) Clinical Social Work.
(a) “Clinical social work” means the professional application of social work [theory] knowledge, skills, values, theories, and methods for the treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or impairment, including emotional, [and]mental disorders, and substance use disorders [of] with individuals, groups and families.
(b) “Clinical social work” includes [rendering] formulating a diagnostic impression or a diagnosis based on [the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual in current use] standard diagnostic criteria.
(8) “Criminal history records check” means the performance of both State criminal history check by the central repository and national criminal history check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(b) Through the Rap Back service which allows the Board to receive notification of charges thus eliminating the need for repeated background checks on a licensee.
[(6)] (10) “Documentation of clinical course work” means providing transcripts indicating the completion of clinical course work from a college or university [that is based on:] whose bachelor’s or master’s program is accredited, in candidacy, or deemed equivalent by the Council on Social Work Education.
(17) “Rap Back service” means a service which allows the Board to receive notifications from the Federal Bureau of Investigation on applicants and licensees who may have future criminal charges thus eliminating the need for repeated background checks on the same applicant or licensee.
(18) “Reactivation” means the process of obtaining a license less than 5 years after the Board placed the license on inactive status.
(19) “Reinstatement” means the process of obtaining a license less than 5 years after the Board placed the license on a non-renewed status.
(20) “Reissuance” means the process of obtaining a license more than 5 years after the Board placed the license on inactive or non-renewed status.
[(15)] (21) “Social Work” means the professional activity of helping individuals, families, groups, organizations or communities to enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning.
A. To obtain an initial license or a license for renewal, reactivation, reinstatement, or reissuance, an applicant shall complete a criminal history records check through the central repository. In accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, §§10-201—10-228, Annotated Code of Maryland, the central repository shall provide criminal history records information to the Board.
B. The Board shall review the criminal history records information provided for any positive results from the criminal history records check.
C. An applicant is not required to complete a criminal history records check provided the applicant completes a criminal history records check under the Rap Back service, which will automatically alert the Board of any future criminal charges.
[B.] E. [Graduate] Master Social Worker.
(1) The Board shall issue a [graduate] master social worker license to an applicant who has met the applicable qualifications in Health Occupations Article, §19-302(a) and (c), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(2) If a [graduate] master social worker applies for licensure in a different category, the application shall be treated as an initial application subject to the fees set forth in COMAR 10.42.05.
[C.] F. Certified Social Worker.
(3) A candidate shall have obtained a [graduate] master social worker license before beginning to obtain the 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience.
(4) A candidate shall have obtained a [graduate] master social worker license before applying for a certified social worker license.
[D.] G. Certified Social Worker—Clinical.
(4) A candidate shall have obtained a [graduate] master social worker license before applying for a certified social worker—clinical license.
(5) A candidate shall have obtained a [graduate] master social worker license before beginning to obtain the 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience.
[(b) Obtaining] while obtaining the requisite 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience.
[.06] .05 Required Hours of Supervised Social Work Experience.
A. A candidate with experience obtained in Maryland shall have obtained a licensed [graduate] master social worker license before beginning to obtain the requisite 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience.
B. A candidate with 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience from another state or jurisdiction of the United States or another country shall provide documentation that the candidate met the licensing, certification, or registration requirements in that state or jurisdiction or country while acquiring the requisite supervised social work experience.
(2) Accompanied by the required non-refundable application fee.
(4) Criminal history records check reports.
(3) The information and documentation required in §B of this regulation.
G. An applicant shall submit any additional required documentation needed to complete the application within 1 year of the Board’s receipt of the application.
[.12] .11 Licensure by Endorsement.
C. [Graduate] Master Social Worker.
(2) If a [graduate] master social worker applies for licensure at a different level, the application shall be treated as an initial application subject to the fees set forth in COMAR 10.42.05.
(a) Obtained after receiving a master’s degree in social work and as a [license graduate] licensed master social worker, if a licensed [graduate] master social worker license is required in the state where the supervised experience was obtained.
(4) A candidate shall have obtained a [graduate] master social worker license in the state where the experience was obtained if required in that jurisdiction, before applying for a certified social worker license and before beginning to obtain the 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience.
(5) A candidate shall have obtained a [graduate] master social worker license before applying for a certified social worker—clinical license.
(6) A candidate shall have obtained a [graduate] master social worker license in the jurisdiction where the experience was obtained if required in that jurisdiction, before beginning to obtain the 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience.
[.14] .13 To Practice Social Work While a License Application is Pending.
[.16] .15 Renewal of License.
F. The Board may not renew a bachelor or [graduate] master social worker license to a licensee who holds a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a provisionally accredited program that was denied full accreditation.
[.19] .18 Replacement of Wall Certificates.
A. The Board shall issue a replacement wall certificate upon written request by a licensee [and payment of a replacement fee set forth in COMAR 10.42.05].
A. In this chapter, the following [term has] terms have the meaning indicated.
B. [Term defined] Terms Defined.
(1) “Administration” means the process of attaining the objectives of an organization through a system of coordinated and cooperative efforts to make social service programs effective instruments of the amelioration of social conditions and for the solution of social problems.
(2) “Advocacy” means the service in which the social worker acts on behalf of clients to bring about or influence change to improve the quality of life and functioning and assure the basic rights of the client.
(3) “Assessment” means obtaining and analyzing information about a client and the client’s circumstance while using appropriate social work knowledge, skills, values, and theory to develop a service, intervention, or treatment plan.
(4) “Board” means the State Board of Social Work Examiners.
(5) “Case management” means a method of providing services by which a social worker assesses the needs of a client [or the client's family, or both, when appropriate,] and arranges, coordinates, monitors, evaluates, and advocates for [a package of multiple] services to meet the [complex] needs of the [specific] client.
(6) “Client” means individuals, groups, families, communities, and organizations.
(a) “Clinical social work” means the professional application of social work knowledge, skills, values, theories, and methods for the treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or impairment, including emotional, mental disorders, and substance use disorders with individuals and families.
(b) “Clinical social work” includes formulating a diagnostic impression and diagnosis based on standard diagnostic criteria.
(8) “Counseling” means a method used by social workers to assist clients in learning how to solve problems and make decisions about personal, health, social, educational, vocational, financial, and other interpersonal concerns.
(9) “Independent practice” means the practice of licensed social work without the requirement of social work supervision.
(10) “Informed consent” means a client’s decision to agree to a proposed course of transactions between the client and the licensee after the client has received reasonably full and accurate information pertaining to the risks, benefits, and possible consequences of the transaction.
(11) “Licensed” means that the individual possesses a license to practice social work issued by the Board.
(12) “Licensee” means an individual licensed by the Board.
(a) “Practice social work” has the meaning stated in Health Occupations Article, §19-101(m), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(b) “Practice social work” includes supervising a candidate for advanced licensure, for independent practice, or a licensee in the practice of social work.
(a) “Private practice” means the provision of psychotherapy by a licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C) who assumes responsibility and accountability for the nature and quality of services provided to a client in exchange for direct payment or third-party reimbursement or on a pro-bono basis as stated in Health Occupations Article, §19-101(q), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(b) “Private practice” includes the terms solo practice, solo private practice, or group practice.
(15) “Pro-bono” means the provision of psychotherapy or social work services for no or low payment based on need.
(16) “Psychotherapy” means formulating a diagnostic impression and an assessment for the treatment of mental and behavioral disturbances while utilizing a specialized formal interaction between the client and the social worker in which a therapeutic relationship is established and maintained.
(17) “Scope of practice” means procedures, actions, and processes that a licensed social worker is permitted to undertake in accordance with the terms of the license held.
(18) “Social work” means the professional activity of helping individuals, families, groups, couples, organizations, or communities to enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning.
(c) Offers, attempts, or renders services involving the application of principles, methods, and procedures of the social work profession to clients.
(20) “Supervision” means a formalized professional relationship between a supervisor and supervisee in which the supervisor directs, monitors, and evaluates the supervisee’s social work practice while promoting the development of the supervisee’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide social work services in an ethical and competent manner.
(a) “Technology used” means the use of interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications or electronic media by a social worker to deliver social work services.
(b) “Technology used” includes, but is not limited to services that are provided to a client who is not physically present with the social worker.
(iv) A text message or other type of message sent between an LCSW-C and a client by a short message service or multimedia service.
A. Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW).
(1) An LBSW shall practice social work under a social work supervisor and may include practice social work as stated in Health Occupations Article, §19-101(m) and §19-307(c)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(m) The development, implementation and administration of policies, programs, and activities.
(c) Engaging in private practice.
(4) An LBSW may not engage in the practice of social work independent of social work supervision unless approved by the Board for independent practice.
B. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
(1) An LMSW shall practice social work under a social work supervisor and may practice social work as stated in Health Occupations Article, §19-101(m) and §19-307(c)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(m) The development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities.
(3) An LMSW’s practice may not include the treatment of emotional disorders, psychotherapy, or diagnosis of a mental disorder without the supervision of an LCSW-C.
(4) An LMSW may not engage in the practice of social work independent of social work supervision unless approved by the Board for independent practice.
(5) On or before December 31, 2019, an LMSW may not engage in private practice without the supervision of an LCSW-C.
(6) On or after January 1, 2020 an LMSW may not engage in private practice.
C. Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW).
(c) Practice social work independent of supervision when the practice does not include diagnosis, treating mental disorders or providing psychotherapy.
(2) An LCSW’s practice may not include the treatment of emotional disorders, psychotherapy, formulating a diagnostic impression, or diagnosis for a mental disorder without the supervision of an LCSW-C.
(7) Practice clinical social work as stated in Health Occupations Article §19-401(b), Annotated Code of Maryland.
[.03 Standards.] .04 Case Management.
A. An LCSW-C may engage in the independent practice of social work.
B. An LCSW may engage in the independent practice of social work, except when formulating a diagnostic impression, a diagnosis, or providing psychotherapy.
C. An LBSW or LMSW may not engage in the independent practice of social work until the licensee is approved by the Board for independent status in accordance with this regulation.
D. An LBSW or LMSW shall practice in accordance with the restrictions set forth in Health Occupations Article, §19-307, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(4) Provide documentation in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, §19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(2) The applicant practiced social work in accordance with the statute and regulations in effect at the time the bachelor or master social worker practiced in Maryland.
I. The Board may not approve the licensee to engage in independent practice if the licensee fails to demonstrate sufficient supervised experience.
(2) The applicant may reapply for independent practice following the completion of the required social work experience.
A. An LBSW may not engage in private practice.
B. An LCSW may not engage in private practice.
C. An LCSW-C may engage in private practice.
D. On or after January 1, 2020, an LMSW may not engage in private practice.
A. This chapter establishes qualifications and standards [of] for independent practice, supervision and the responsibilities of supervisors and supervisees in the practice of social work.
D. Nothing in this chapter may be construed to prohibit an employer from requiring supervision of a licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW), licensed certified social worker (LCSW), licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C), or licensed master social worker (LMSW) who is approved to engage in independent practice.
(2) “Board-approved supervisor” means an LBSW, LCSW, LCSW-C, or LMSW approved by the Board to supervise social workers as set forth in this chapter.
(a) “Face-to-face” means in the physical presence of or electronic presence of the individuals involved in the supervisory relationship during either individual or group supervision.
(ii) Real-time communication with both parties in each other’s physical presence.
(iii) Technological communication that is not visual.
(4) “Independent practice” means to practice bachelor social work or master social work without the requirement of supervision by a social worker.
[(6)] (7) “Supervision training” means a course or program designed to provide information regarding the supervision process utilized by social workers in a variety of settings as [stipulated] set forth in regulation [.04A(2)(c)] .04B(1) of this chapter.
(8) “Written contract” for advanced licensure or independent practice means an agreement, on a form provided by the Board and initiated before beginning supervision, between the supervisee, [and the registered] the Board-approved supervisor and administrator that details the scope of supervision.
.03 Requirements for a Board-Approved Social Work Supervisor.
A. A social worker who intends to provide supervision to a licensed social worker for independent practice or for advanced licensure shall apply to the Board for approval as a Board-approved supervisor.
B. A current social work supervisor of a licensed social worker may continue to provide supervision without Board approval until June 30, 2019.
C. Licensed Bachelor Social Worker.
(1) The Board shall approve an application filed by an LBSW to be a Board-approved supervisor that met the requirements set forth in this regulation and in accordance with Regulations .04 and .05 of this chapter.
(f) Be approved as a supervisor by the Board.
(3) A bachelor social work supervisor may only supervise an LBSW in the practice of social work.
(4) A bachelor social work supervisor may not supervise a licensed social worker for advanced licensure.
D. Licensed Master Social Worker.
(1) The Board shall approve an application filed by an LMSW to be a Board-approved supervisor that met the requirements set forth in this regulation and in accordance with Regulations .04 and .05 of this chapter.
(b) Obtain the additional hours of experience as an LMSW in accordance with COMAR 10.42.02.
(3) An LMSW may supervise an LBSW and an LMSW in the practice of social work.
(4) An LMSW supervisor may not supervise a licensed social worker for advanced licensure.
E. Licensed Certified Social Worker.
(1) The Board shall approve an application filed by an LCSW to be a Board-approved supervisor that met the requirements set forth in this regulation and in accordance with Regulations .04 and .05 of this chapter.
(e) Be approved as a supervisor by the Board.
(3) An LCSW supervisor may supervise an LBSW and an LMSW in the practice of social work.
(4) An LCSW supervisor may not supervise an LCSW for advanced clinical licensure.
F. Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical.
(1) The Board shall approve an application filed by an LCSW-C to be a Board-approved supervisor that met the requirements set forth in this regulation and in accordance with Regulations .04 and .05 of this chapter.
.04 Qualifications[, Education, and Responsibilities of] for a Board-Approved Supervisor.
(d) Masters social worker (LMSW).
(d) Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW).
[(ii)] (b) Complete the education requirement within 12 months of obtaining [an] a Maryland LBSW, LCSW, [or] LCSW-C, or LMSW.
[(d) 96] (4) 24 months of social work experience as [a] an independent licensed [social work associate] bachelor social worker or its equivalent before obtaining the LCSW or LCSW-C license or 60 months of social work experience as an LBSW or its equivalent before obtaining an LCSW or LCSW-C license.
(4) Have established and maintained a written contract for advanced licensure to provide supervision with the supervisee.
(4) Have established and maintained a written contract, on a form provided by the Board prior to initiating supervision for advanced licensure and independent practice in order to provide supervision with the supervisee.
[.03] .06 Standards for Supervision.
(10) Documentation and record keeping requirements as set forth in Health-General Article, Title 4, Annotated Code of Maryland, and in accordance with COMAR 10.42.03.
(c) Documentation and record keeping requirements as set forth in Health-General Article, Title 4, Annotated Code of Maryland, and in accordance with COMAR 10.42.03.
E. A licensed [graduate] master social worker in independent practice may [not] provide supervision for [a] bachelor or master social [worker] workers under the terms and conditions set forth in Regulations .04 and .05 of this chapter and in accordance with COMAR 10.42.02.
F. A licensed bachelor social [work associate] worker may [not] provide supervision for [a] bachelor social [worker] workers under the terms and conditions set forth in Regulations .04 and .05 of this chapter and in accordance with COMAR 10.42.02.
[.05] .07 Responsibilities of a Supervisor.
A. A social work supervisor shall be Board-approved before providing supervision to licensed social workers for advanced practice or independent practice.
B. A Board-approved supervisor shall remain knowledgeable of the statutes and regulations as set forth in Health Occupations Article, Title 19, Annotated Code of Maryland and COMAR 10.42.01—10.42.09.
[.07] .08 Responsibilities of a Supervisee.
[(3) May] B. A supervisee may contract for supervision outside of the employment setting as approved by the agency administrator.
[.06] .09 Group Supervision for Advanced Licensure.
A. [Only 72 hours of group supervision may count towards the 144 hours of supervision required for advanced licensure by Health Occupations Article, §19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland.] Group supervision is an optional form of supervision and may not be used as the sole form of supervision.
B. Only half of the required hours of supervision may be obtained from group supervision.
.10 Status of Independent Practice.
The Board shall maintain an indication that the licensee is approved for independent practice on its roster of licensees on the web site.
.11 Status of Board-Approved Supervisor.
The Board shall maintain an indication that the licensee is a Board-approved supervisor on its roster of licensees on the web site.
This chapter establishes standards for sanctions and monetary penalties not exceeding [$5,000] $10,000 against any social worker in the State if, after a hearing, the Board finds that there are grounds under Health Occupations Article, §19-311.1, Annotated Code of Maryland, to impose a sanction or monetary penalty.
.04 Guidelines for Disciplinary Sanctions and Imposition of Penalties.
(2) Misrepresents or implies to the public use of protected titles in violation of Health Occupations Article, §19-402, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(5) The length of time in which the individual engaged in the unauthorized practice or misrepresentation of title.

References: §3
 §19
 §19
 §19
 §19
 §19
 §19
 §19
 §19
 §19
 §19
 §19
 §19
 §19