reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2591. Contracts, books, records and contract cancellation

RS 37:2591 - Contracts, books, records and contract cancellation
Each licensee shall furnish to the director, when requested, a copy of the contract entered into between the licensee and the individual. The licensee shall furnish the debtor with a copy of the written contract, which shall set forth the charges agreed upon for the services of the licensee.
An individual may cancel the contract upon thirty days written notice to the licensee in which event the licensee shall be entitled to such charges as are provided in R.S. 37:2592.
Each licensee hereunder shall maintain records and accounts which will enable any individual contracting with the licensee, at any reasonable time, to ascertain the amounts paid to creditors of the individual. A statement showing the total amount received and the total disbursements to each creditor shall be furnished by the licensee to any individual within seven days of a written request therefor by the said individual. Each licensee licensed hereunder shall issue a receipt for each cash payment made by the individual to the licensee. Each licensee shall prepare and retain in the file of each debtor a written analysis of debtor's income and expenses to substantiate that the plan of payment is feasible and practical.
Acts 1970, No. 423, §11.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2592. Fees and charges of licensees

RS 37:2592 - Fees and charges of licensees
By contract a licensee may charge a reasonable fee for debt adjusting services, which fee may not exceed twelve percent of the total debts reported to and listed with the licensee by the debtor and/or the debtor's listed creditors. The licensee may require an initial payment by the debtor of an amount not to exceed twenty-five dollars which initial payment shall be part of the total allowable fee contracted for, and may not otherwise take or receive for services performed for any one person more than twelve percent of the amount received by it at any one time from or on behalf of that person.
In the event of cancellation or default on performance of the contract by the debtor prior to its successful completion, the licensee may collect in addition to fees previously received, nine percent of the remaining indebtedness listed on said contract, but not to exceed twenty-five dollars. In the event the contract shall remain in force for ninety days or longer, the cancellation fee shall be fifty dollars.
A licensee shall not be entitled to retain any fee until notifying all creditors listed by the debtor that the debtor has engaged the licensee in a program of debt adjusting.
Acts 1970, No. 423, §12.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2593. Prohibitions

RS 37:2593 - Prohibitions
No licensee shall advertise, in any manner whatsoever, any statement or representation with regard to rates, terms or conditions of financial planning and management service which is false, misleading or deceptive.
No licensee shall receive or charge any fee in the form of a promissory note or other promise to pay or receive or accept any mortgage or other security for any fee, whether as to real or personal property.
Acts 1970, No. 423, §13.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2594. Licensee to remit to creditors

RS 37:2594 - Licensee to remit to creditors
Each licensee shall remit the funds received by it, less the amount withheld for fees and charges as hereinabove provided, to the creditors promptly after receipt of funds.
Acts 1970, No. 423, §14.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2596. Penalties

RS 37:2596 - Penalties
Any person willfully violating any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the parish jail for not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Any contract of financial planning and management as defined in this Chapter, made by an unlicensed person, shall be null and void and of no legal effect.
Acts 1970, No. 423, §16.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2597. Injunction

RS 37:2597 - Injunction
To engage in the financial planning and management business, render financial service, or accept individuals funds, as defined in this Chapter, without a valid existing license so to do, is hereby declared to be inimical to the public welfare and to constitute a public nuisance. The director may, in the name of the people of the State of Louisiana, through the attorney general of the State of Louisiana or the state's attorney of any parish in the State of Louisiana, apply for an injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction, to enjoin such person, firm or corporation from engaging in said business, and any such court may, as in cases relating to injunction in the State of Louisiana, issue temporary or permanent injunctions as the circumstances shall require; and in case of the violation of any injunction issued under this section, the court, or any judge thereof, may summarily try and punish the offender for contempt of court for each violation. Such injunction proceeding shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, penalties and remedies otherwise in this Chapter provided.
Acts 1970, No. 423, §17.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2599. Investigation

RS 37:2599 - Investigation
The director may at any reasonable time investigate and examine the books and records of every licensee hereunder and of any person, firm, association or corporation who or which shall be engaged in the business as defined in R.S. 37:2582 and who or which are not expressly exempted under this Chapter.
Acts 1970, No. 423, §20.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2650. Legislative purpose

RS 37:2650 - Legislative purpose
The legislature declares that it is a policy of this state that the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology is a privilege granted to qualified individuals and that, in order to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare, to protect the public from incompetent, unscrupulous, and unauthorized persons, and from unprofessional conduct by speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech-language pathology assistants, it is necessary to provide regulatory authority over persons offering speech-language pathology and audiology services to the public.
Acts 1995, No. 892, §2; Acts 2020, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 37, §1, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2652. License required; single or dual designation; display of license

RS 37:2652 - License required; single or dual designation; display of license
No individual shall practice speech-language pathology or audiology in the state unless the individual holds a current, unsuspended, unrevoked license issued by the board in accordance with this Chapter. This license shall be kept conspicuously posted in the office or place of business at all times. The license shall be granted in either speech-language pathology or in audiology, independently, but nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prevent a qualified individual from being licensed in both areas with a dual speech-language pathology/audiology designation.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 384, §1, eff. July 1, 1979; Acts 1995, No. 892, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2653. Exemptions

RS 37:2653 - Exemptions
A. The provisions of this Chapter do not apply to:
(1) The activities and services, and the use of an official title, by an individual in the employ of a federal agency to the extent that such services and activities of such individual are part of the duties of the individual's office or position with such agency.
(2) The supervised activities and services of a student or trainee in speech-language pathology or in audiology, or both, who is pursuing a course of study at an accredited university or college or working in a recognized center, if these activities and services constitute a part of the student or trainee's course of study, and if such individuals identify themselves as students or trainees and not as speech-language pathologists or audiologists.
(3) The activities of aides and others who are not licensed or provisionally licensed speech-language pathology assistants but who assist the speech-language pathologist or audiologist in the performance of the speech-language pathologist's or audiologist's duties. Nothing in this Paragraph shall be construed to relieve the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist from the legal, ethical, and moral responsibility for the services to the client.
(4) The activities of a physician or surgeon licensed under R.S. 37:1261 et seq., and his employees who are performing their duties relating to the measurement of hearing under the direct supervision and control of the physician or surgeon but they shall not be called "audiologists".
(5) The activities of a hearing aid dealer licensed under R.S. 37:2441 et seq. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect the "practice of selling and fitting hearing aids" as defined in R.S. 37:2442(4).
(6) The performing of routine hearing screening, limited to a pass/fail determination, by a registered nurse for the purpose of identifying and referring individuals suspected of having hearing disorders.
B. No person shall be exempt under Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of Subsection A of this Section who does any work as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist for which a fee is charged to the recipient of the service or to a third party.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 384, §1, eff. July 1, 1979; Acts 1995, No. 892, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2656. Powers and duties of the board of examiners

RS 37:2656 - Powers and duties of the board of examiners
The powers and duties of the board are as follows:
(1) Specific powers. (a) The board shall administer, coordinate, and enforce the provisions of this Chapter, establish licensure and other necessary administrative fees, evaluate the qualifications of applicants, supervise the examination of applicants, and it may issue subpoenas, examine witnesses and administer oaths and shall investigate persons engaging in practices which violate or are alleged to violate the provisions of this Chapter.
(b) The board shall conduct such hearings and keep such records and minutes as are necessary for an orderly dispatch of business.
(c) The board shall adopt necessary rules and regulations, including but not limited to rules and regulations which establish ethical standards of practice, which the board may adopt and promulgate as a code of ethics; and it may amend or repeal rules and regulations made by it. Rules and regulations so adopted shall apply to all individuals who hold a license to practice or assist in the practice of speech-language pathology and/or audiology in this state at the time the rule or regulation is adopted.
(d) The board shall employ and may discharge employees necessary to carry out the work of the board and, subject to the laws applicable to employees in the classified service, shall outline their duties and fix their compensation.
(e) The board shall establish continuing education requirements for individuals licensed under this Chapter as a condition of licensure renewal. Such continuing education may be through programs either provided by or approved by the board.
(f) The board may enter into such professional service contracts as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this Chapter in accordance with R.S. 36:803.
(g) The board shall adopt standards governing supervision of individuals who are required to be supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist and/or audiologist under R.S. 37:2651.
(2) General powers. The conferral or enumeration of specific powers, unless otherwise indicated, shall not be construed as a limitation upon the general powers of the board conferred by this Chapter.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 384, §1, eff. July 1, 1979; Acts 1995, No. 892, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2656.1. Removal of board members

RS 37:2656.1 - Removal of board members
A member of the board may be removed by the board upon an affirmative vote of a two-thirds majority of board members upon one or more of the following grounds:
(1) Refusal or inability for any reason of a member of the board to perform the duties required of a board member.
(2) Failure to attend two consecutive meetings of the board without prior approval of the board chair.
(3) Misuse of a board member position to obtain or attempt to obtain any financial or material gain, or any advantage personally or for another, through such position.
(4) A final adjudication that there has been a violation of the laws governing the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology by a board member.
(5) Conviction of a crime other than a minor traffic offense.
(6) Failure to maintain standards of practice.
Acts 2017, No. 302, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2657. Fees; compensation; expenses

RS 37:2657 - Fees; compensation; expenses
The board shall retain all fees and other monies received by it. Such funds may be expended by the board without appropriation for costs of administration and other expenses. Additionally, such funds may be used for the establishment and operation of continuing education programs relating to speech, language, or hearing disorders. Any funds remaining unexpended and unencumbered at the end of each fiscal year shall be retained by the board for expenditure in succeeding years and no part thereof shall revert to the general fund of the state.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 384, §1, eff. July 1, 1979; Acts 1995, No. 892, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2658. Seal

RS 37:2658 - Seal
The board shall adopt an official seal by which it shall authenticate its proceedings. Copies of the proceedings, records, and actions of the board, and certificates purporting to relate the facts concerning such proceedings, records, and actions, when signed by the secretary-treasurer and authenticated by the official seal, shall be prima facie evidence in all courts of this state.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973; Acts 1995, No. 892, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2660. Waiver of requirements

RS 37:2660 - Waiver of requirements
The board may issue licenses under the following special conditions:
(1)(a) The board may, in its discretion, license as a speech-language pathologist and/or audiologist without examination, or a speech-language pathology assistant on payment of the prescribed fee, an applicant for licensure who is a speech-language pathologist and/or audiologist or a speech-language pathology assistant licensed under the laws of another state, territory, commonwealth, or District of Columbia, if:
(i) The requirements for licensure of speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists or speech-language pathology assistants were at the date of licensure substantially equal to the requirements then or subsequently in force in this state.
(ii) The state, territory, commonwealth, or District of Columbia, from whence the applicant for a license comes, accords similar privilege of licensure without examination to holders of certificates as licensed speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists under this Chapter.
(iii) The state, territory, commonwealth, or District of Columbia, from whence the applicant for a speech-language pathologist and/or audiologist comes, requires successful completion of an examination as a condition of such licensure.
(b) The board may, in its discretion, allow an applicant who may meet the requirements of reciprocity to practice until a license is issued or the application for reciprocity is denied by the board, provided that the applicant has submitted documentation of a current, unsuspended, unrevoked license.
(2) The board may waive the examination and the requirement of documentation of clinical practicum for applicants who hold a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
(3) The board shall waive, upon request, the examination requirements for any applicant who is currently certified by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as a specialist of speech-language pathology and currently employed in a school setting.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 384, §1, eff. July 1, 1979; Acts 1995, No. 892, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2660.1. Telehealth

RS 37:2660.1 - Telehealth
The use of telehealth in the delivery of speech-language pathology or audiology services, regardless of where the services are rendered or delivered, constitutes the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology and shall require Louisiana licensure for in-state practitioners and telehealth registration for out-of-state practitioners.
Acts 2017, No. 302, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2661. Fees

RS 37:2661 - Fees
A. The board shall charge and collect a licensing fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars, an annual renewal fee not to exceed one hundred dollars, and other reasonable administrative fees, the amounts of which shall be fixed by the board. The board shall fix the amount of the fee so that the total fees collected will be sufficient to meet the expenses of administering this Chapter.
B. The fees fixed by the board shall be exclusive, and no parish or municipality shall have the right to require any person licensed under the provisions of this Chapter to furnish any bond, pass any examination, or pay any license fee or occupational tax as a condition precedent to engaging in the practice of speech pathology and audiology.
C, D. Repealed by Acts 1995, No. 892, §3.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 384, §1, eff. July 1, 1979; Acts 1995, No. 892, §§2, 3.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2661.1. License renewal

RS 37:2661.1 - License renewal
A. Every individual licensed under this Chapter and whose license is renewable, including holders of provisional, restricted, assistant, and provisional assistant licenses shall:
(1) Pay a renewal fee established by the board.
(2) Submit timely application for renewal on a form prescribed by the board.
(3) Show evidence of continuing education as required by the board.
B. An individual licensed under this Chapter who has allowed such license to lapse shall:
(1) Pay a lapsed renewal fee not to exceed two hundred dollars.
(2) Resubmit application for license on a form prescribed by the board.
(3) Show evidence of continuing education as required by the board.
Acts 1995, No. 892, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2661.2. Conditional issuance or renewal of a license

RS 37:2661.2 - Conditional issuance or renewal of a license
An individual may have a license issued on a conditional basis. Conditions may include but are not limited to any of the following:
(1) Additional requirements for continuing education.
(2) Additional supervision requirements.
(3) Limitations on practice.
(4) Limitations on supervisory responsibility.
(5) Monthly monitoring of conditions.
Acts 2017, No. 302, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2662. Disciplinary action

RS 37:2662 - Disciplinary action
A. Any individual licensed or registered pursuant to this Chapter may have his license suspended or revoked or be disciplined by the board upon proof that such individual:
(1) Has been convicted of any offense which constitutes a felony under the laws of this state, whether or not the conviction was in a court in this state.
(2) Has obtained his license or registration by means of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts.
(3) Has engaged in negligent or fraudulent billing in connection with services provided.
(4) Has engaged in conduct likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public, or demonstrated a willful or careless disregard for the welfare or safety of a consumer.
(5) Has engaged in unprofessional conduct, as defined by the rules established by the board, or has violated the code of ethics adopted and published by the board.
(6) Has violated any lawful order, rule or regulation rendered or adopted by the board.
(7) Has provided professional services while:
(a) Mentally incompetent.
(b) Under the influence of alcohol.
(c) Under the influence of any narcotic or controlled dangerous substance or other drug that is in excess of therapeutic amounts or without valid medical indication.
(8) Has violated any provision of this Chapter.
B. It shall be unlawful for any individual to engage in the practice of speech-language pathology or the practice of audiology unless currently licensed or registered to practice pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter. The individual engaging in unlicensed practice shall be subject to a cease and desist order or disciplinary action by the board, as appropriate, and as provided for in Subsection C of this Section.
C. When the board is authorized to discipline an individual, the board may impose, separately or in combination, any of the following disciplinary actions:
(1) Refuse to issue or renew a license or registration.
(2) Issue a public letter of reprimand or concern.
(3) Require restitution of costs and expenses, not to include attorney fees, in connection with the enforcement of this Chapter.
(4) Impose probationary conditions.
(5) Impose a fine for each violation not to exceed one thousand dollars.
(6) Suspend or revoke a license or registration.
(7) Restrict the license by limiting or reducing the scope of practice.
(8) Otherwise discipline a licensee or registrant upon proof of violations of any provisions of this Chapter.
(9) Issue a consent agreement and order.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973; Acts 1995, No. 892, §2; Acts 2017, No. 302, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2663. Disciplinary hearing; procedure, appeal

RS 37:2663 - Disciplinary hearing; procedure, appeal
A. Any person, against whom a complaint has been filed pursuant to this Chapter shall be given thirty days notice, in writing by certified mail with return receipt, enumerating the charges and specifying the date, place, and time for public hearing thereon. In connection with any hearing, the board may issue subpoenas, compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses, and administer oaths the same as a district court in the parish where the hearing takes place. A record of all proceedings before the board shall be made and kept on file with the board.
B. Any licensee or registrant aggrieved by a decision of the board may appeal the decision within thirty days thereof to the district court for the parish in which the board is domiciled. In such case the secretary-treasurer shall transmit to the district court a certified copy of the record. The procedure for the appeal shall be pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.
C. The board is authorized to recover its attorney fees, costs, and expenses in connection with the enforcement of R.S. 37:2662 through 2666.
D. The state of Louisiana shall be a party to the prosecution of all such actions and hearings before the board pertaining to the suspension and revocation of a license or registration, and the attorney general, or one of his assistants, shall appear on behalf of the state.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973; Acts 1995, No. 892, §2; Acts 2017, No. 302, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2664. Prohibitions

RS 37:2664 - Prohibitions
No person shall:
(1) Sell, barter, or offer to sell or barter a license or registration.
(2) Purchase or procure by barter a license or registration with intent to use it as evidence of the holder's qualifications in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology.
(3) Alter a license or registration materially.
(4) Use or attempt to use a license or registration which has been purchased, fraudulently obtained, counterfeited, or materially altered.
(5) Willfully make a false, material statement in an application for a license or registration or for renewal of a license or registration.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973; Acts 1995, No. 892, §2; Acts 2017, No. 302, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2665. Penalties

RS 37:2665 - Penalties
A. Whoever violates this Chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than six months or by fine or both, and each violation shall be considered a separate offense.
B. The board may enforce this Chapter by injunction or by any other appropriate proceeding. No such proceeding shall be barred by any proceeding had or pending pursuant to R.S. 37:2662, or by the imposition of any fine or term of imprisonment pursuant thereto.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973; Acts 1995, No. 892, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2666. Protected action and communication

RS 37:2666 - Protected action and communication
A. There shall be no liability on the part of and no action for damages against:
(1) Any member of the board, or its agents or employees, or any member of an examining committee of speech-language pathologists or audiologists appointed or designated by the board, for any action undertaken or performed by such person within the scope of the duties, powers, and functions of the board or such examining committee as provided for in this Chapter when such person is acting without malice and in the reasonable belief that the action taken by him is warranted.
(2) Any person, committee, association, organization, firm, or corporation providing information to the board, its agents or employees, or to an examining committee of speech-language pathologists or audiologists appointed or designated by the board, whether a witness or otherwise. Such a person, committee, association, organization, firm, or corporation providing such information without malice and in the reasonable belief that such information is accurate shall not be held, by reason of having provided such information, to be liable in damages under any law of the state or any political subdivision thereof.
B. In any suit brought against the board, its employees or agents, any member of an examining committee appointed by the board, or any person or entity providing information to the board, when any such defendant substantially prevails in such suit, the court shall, at the conclusion of the action, award to any such substantially prevailing party defendant against any such claimant the cost of the suit attributable to such claim, including a reasonable attorney's fee, if the claim was frivolous, unreasonable, without foundation, or in bad faith.
C. For the purposes of this Section, a defendant shall not be considered to have substantially prevailed when the claimant obtains an award for damages or permanent injunctive or declaratory relief.
Acts 1995, No. 892, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2701. Legislative purpose

RS 37:2701 - Legislative purpose
The legislature declares that, in order to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state against unauthorized, unqualified, and improper practice of social work, it is necessary that a proper regulatory authority be established and adequately provided for.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2702. Short title

RS 37:2702 - Short title
This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Louisiana Social Work Practice Act".
Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2706. Qualifications; registered social worker

RS 37:2706 - Qualifications; registered social worker
A. No individual shall be eligible for registration by the board as a registered social worker unless the individual:
(1) Is of good moral character and whose screening for criminal history pursuant to R.S. 37:2710 contains no disqualifying information.
(2) Holds either a bachelor's degree or master's degree from an accredited social work program.
B. An individual registered as a registered social worker may engage in generalist social work practice based on the application of social work theory, knowledge, ethics, and utilizing problem-solving methods to restore or enhance social functioning of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities through assessment, prevention, and intervention and evaluation, case management, information and referral, supportive counseling, advocacy, research, supervision, community organization, education, and the implementation and administration of policies, programs, and activities. A social worker at this level shall work as an employee in an agency and shall not engage in advanced practice or in clinical social work.
C, D. Repealed by Acts 2010, No. 880, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1. Acts 1983, No. 484, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 595, §1; Acts 2004, No. 375, §1; Acts 2010, No. 880, §§1, 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2021, No. 215, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2707. Qualifications; licensed master's social worker

RS 37:2707 - Qualifications; licensed master's social worker
A. No individual shall be eligible for licensure by the board as a licensed master's social worker unless the individual:
(1) Is of good moral character and whose screening for criminal history pursuant to R.S. 37:2710 contains no disqualifying information.
(2) Holds a master's degree from an accredited graduate school of social work.
(3) Has passed an examination approved by the board.
B. An individual licensed as a licensed master's social worker may engage in advanced social work practice based on the application of social work theory, knowledge, ethics, and methods to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The licensed master's social worker's practice requires the application of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills which include prevention or intervention, or both, service or treatment planning and evaluation, case management, information and referral, counseling, employee assistance services, addiction services, advocacy, teaching, research, supervision, consultation, community organization, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities. A social worker licensed at the licensed master's social worker level may practice clinical social work and psychotherapy within an agency under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. A licensed master's social worker may work as an employee only in an agency setting. Notwithstanding the definition of "agency" as defined in R.S. 37:2703(1) or the requirement for employment in an agency setting provided in this Subsection, a licensed master's social worker shall be permitted to provide social work services on behalf of a federal, state, or local governmental agency on a contractual basis.
C - E. Repealed by Acts 2010, No. 880, §2, Jan. 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 595, §1; Acts 2004, No. 375, §1; Acts 2007, No. 436, §1; Acts 2010, No. 880, §§1, 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2011.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2708. Qualification; licensed clinical social worker

RS 37:2708 - Qualification; licensed clinical social worker
A. No individual shall be eligible for licensure by the board as a licensed clinical social worker unless the individual:
(1) Is of good moral character and whose screening for criminal history pursuant to R.S. 37:2710 contains no disqualifying information.
(2) Holds a master's degree from an accredited graduate school of social work.
(3) Has completed at least three thousand hours of postgraduate social work practice over a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years while under the supervision of a board-approved clinical supervisor. The board shall consider circumstances warranting more than four years to complete this experience requirement.
(4) Has passed an examination approved by the board.
B. An individual holding the licensed clinical social worker license may independently engage in advanced social work practice based on the application of social work theory, knowledge, ethics, and methods to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The practice of clinical social work requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral and addiction disorders. Treatment methods include the provision of individual, marital, couple, family, and group psychotherapy. The practice of clinical social work may include private practice, employee assistance and addiction services, and the provision of clinical supervision. A licensed clinical social worker may work as an employee in a practice setting or independently in private practice.
C. Repealed by Acts 2010, No. 880, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 595, §1; Acts 2004, No. 375, §1; Acts 2007, No. 436, §1; Acts 2010, No. 880, §§1, 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2021, No. 215, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2709. License, certification, or registration required

RS 37:2709 - License, certification, or registration required
A. No individual shall practice social work in the state unless the individual holds a current, valid license, certificate, or registration issued by the board in accordance with this Chapter. This license, certificate, or registration shall be kept conspicuously posted in the office or place of business at all times.
B. An individual shall complete all components of the application process for licensure, certification, or registration to the board within ninety days of commencement of social work practice.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2010, No. 880, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2018, No. 227, §1; Acts 2021, No. 215, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2711. Examination

RS 37:2711 - Examination
A. The place of examination shall be designated in advance by the board. The examination shall be given annually at such time and place and under such supervision as the board may determine, and specifically at such other times, as in the opinion of the board, the number of applicants warrants.
B. Applicants for licensure as a licensed clinical social worker and applicants for licensure as a licensed master's social worker shall pass an examination approved by the board. The board shall assign the passing grade point to any examination administered after having promulgated rules and regulations. To ensure impartiality, written examinations shall be by numbers, and no paper examination shall bear the name of the applicant.
C. If an applicant fails the examination, he may retake the examination upon payment of a re-examination fee at the next opportunity given by the board, and in accordance with the rules of the board.
Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2010, No. 880, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2712. Licensure, certification, or registration by reciprocity or endorsement of credentials

RS 37:2712 - Licensure, certification, or registration by reciprocity or endorsement of credentials
A. Any social worker from another state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia seeking authority to practice in this state through reciprocity or endorsement of credentials shall comply with the following:
(1) Be credentialed and in good standing with their respective social work regulatory board or agency based on substantially equivalent educational, supervision, and examination requirements for a Louisiana licensed clinical social worker, licensed master's social worker, certified social worker, or registered social worker.
(2) Pass an open-book examination on the Louisiana Social Work Practice Act including all applicable laws and rules, regulations, standards, and procedures adopted by the board.
(3) Pay the fee prescribed by the board.
B. If the board determines that a state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia does not have credentialing requirements that are substantially equivalent to those required by this state for the issuance of a social work license, certificate, or registration, the board may require the social worker to obtain the requisite educational, supervision, and examination requirements pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Chapter.
Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1983, No. 484, §1; Acts 1990, No. 458, §1; Acts 1996, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 94, §1, eff. May 10, 1996; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2010, No. 880, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2021, No. 215, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2713. License; certificate; registration

RS 37:2713 - License; certificate; registration
The board shall issue a license, certificate, or registration signed by the chair and vice chair of the board whenever an applicant for certification, licensure, or registration successfully qualifies therefor as provided in this Chapter.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2010, No. 880, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2021, No. 215, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2715. Rights and privileges

RS 37:2715 - Rights and privileges
A. An individual who possesses a current, valid license issued by the board pursuant to this Chapter shall have the right to practice and use the title licensed clinical social worker and the abbreviation LCSW.
B. An individual who possesses a current, valid license issued by the board pursuant to this Chapter shall have the right to practice and use the title licensed master's social worker and the abbreviation LMSW.
C. An individual who possesses a current, valid certificate issued by the board pursuant to this Chapter shall have the right to practice and use the title certified social worker and the abbreviation CSW.
D. An individual who possesses a current, valid registration issued by the board pursuant to this Chapter shall have the right to practice and use the title registered social worker and the abbreviation RSW.
E. No other individual shall assume such title, use such abbreviation or use any word, letter, sign, figure, or device to indicate that he is a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed master's social worker, a certified social worker, or a registered social worker.
F. No individual shall assume the title "social worker" until that person has successfully completed an undergraduate academic social work program or a graduate level academic social work program.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2010, No. 880, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2021, No. 215, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2716. Fees

RS 37:2716 - Fees
A.(1) The board shall establish a reasonable fee schedule for examinations, applications, reexaminations, renewal, or reissuance of any license, certificate, or registration, or for any other administrative function provided for in this Chapter; and the receipts from the payment of such fees shall be used to carry out the purposes of this Chapter. Such fee schedule may be modified from time to time as deemed necessary by the board. The fees shall be established and payable by rule adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
(2) The board is authorized to increase the fees in the fee schedule to not more than the following amounts:
(a) One hundred dollars per application for licensure as a licensed clinical social worker; seventy-five dollars per application for licensure as a licensed master's social worker; seventy-five dollars per application for certification as a certified social worker; and fifty dollars per application for registration as a registered social worker.
(b) Fifty dollars per reexamination.
(c) One hundred dollars per renewal of any license, certificate, or registration.
(d) Fifty dollars per reissuance of any license, certificate, or registration.
B. The fees established under the provisions of this Section shall be paid to the board. The board shall retain all fees and other monies received by it. Funds may be expended by the board without appropriation for cost of administration and other expenses. Additionally, funds may be used for the establishment and operation of continuing education programs relating to the practice of social work and supervision of social work practice. Any funds remaining unexpended and unencumbered at the end of each fiscal year shall be retained by the board for expenditure in succeeding years and no part shall revert to the state general fund.
C. Criminal record checks are required prior to issuance of license, certificate, or registration. Costs associated with criminal record checks are the responsibility of the applicant. The results of the criminal history record information search must be obtained, reviewed, and considered acceptable by the board prior to issuance of license, certificate, or registration.
D. No fee shall be refunded.
Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1983, No. 484, §1; Acts 1990, No. 458, §1; Acts 1996, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 94, §1, eff. May 10, 1996; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2010, No. 880, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2021, No. 215, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2718. Privileged communications

RS 37:2718 - Privileged communications
A. Testimonial privileges, exceptions, and waiver with respect to communications between a social worker and his client are governed by the Louisiana Code of Evidence.
B. No social worker may disclose any information he may have acquired from persons consulting him in his professional capacity that was necessary to enable him to render services to those persons except:
(1) With the written consent of the client, or in the case of death or disability, with the written consent of his personal representative, other person authorized to sue, or the beneficiary of any insurance policy on his life, health, or physical condition.
(2) When the individual is a minor under the age of eighteen and the information acquired by the social worker indicated that the child was the victim or subject of a crime, then the social worker may be required to testify fully in relation thereto upon any examination, trial, or other proceeding in which the commission of such crime is a subject of inquiry.
(3) When a communication reveals the intended commission of a crime or harmful act and such disclosure is determined to be necessary by the social worker to protect any individual or person from a clear, imminent risk of serious mental or physical harm or injury, or to forestall a serious threat to the public safety.
(4) When the person waives the privilege by bringing any public charge against the social worker.
C. Nothing in this Section shall be construed, however, to prohibit a social worker from voluntarily testifying in a court hearing concerning matters of adoption, child abuse, child neglect, or other matters pertaining to children, elderly, and physically or mentally impaired adults, except as prohibited under the applicable state and federal laws.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1992, No. 376, §6, eff. Jan. 1, 1993; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2719. Discrimination

RS 37:2719 - Discrimination
No license, certificate, or registration shall be denied any applicant based upon the applicant's race, religion, creed, national origin, sex, or physical impairment so long as the physical impairment does not interfere with the performance of professional duties.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2010, No. 880, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2720. Violations; penalties

RS 37:2720 - Violations; penalties
A. It shall be a misdemeanor for any individual or person:
(1) To engage in the practice of social work without being duly licensed, certified, or registered under the provisions of this Chapter.
(2) To imply or state that he is a licensed clinical social worker, certified social worker, licensed master's social worker, or registered social worker, unless he is duly and respectively licensed, certified, or registered under the provisions of this Chapter.
(3) To use in connection with his name any designation tending to imply that he is licensed, certified, or registered under the provisions of this Chapter during the time his license, certificate, or registration shall be suspended, revoked, or shall have lapsed.
(4) To otherwise violate any of the provisions of this Chapter.
B. Such misdemeanor, upon conviction, shall be punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
C. Such misdemeanor shall be prosecuted by the district attorney of the judicial district in which the offense was committed in the name of the people of the state of Louisiana.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2010, No. 880, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Professions and Occupations › §37:2721. Injunctive proceedings

RS 37:2721 - Injunctive proceedings
A. The board may apply for an injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin any person from committing any act prohibited by the provisions of this Chapter.
B. If it is established that any person has been or is committing an act prohibited by this Chapter, the court shall enter a decree permanently enjoining said person from further commission of such act.
C. The violation of any injunction issued under the provisions of this Section shall constitute contempt of court.
D. Such injunctive proceedings shall be in addition to and not in lieu of all other remedies and penalties provided in this Chapter.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2021, No. 215, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.