Md. Code Regs. 10.42.02.05

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 14, 2024

Section 10.42.02.05 - Independent Practice

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.

E. An LBSW or LMSW licensed on or before January 1, 2008 shall:

(1) Have actively practiced bachelor or master social work under social work supervision;

(2) Have completed at least 10 years of social work experience under social work supervision;

(3) Submit an application in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, § 19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland; and

(4) Provide documentation in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, § 19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland.

F. An LBSW or LMSW licensed on or after January 1, 2008 shall:

(1) Have actively practiced bachelor or master social work under social work supervision;

(2) Have completed at least 3 years as an active licensee with at least 4,500 hours and a minimum of 150 hours of periodic face-to-face supervision;

(3) Submit an application in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, § 19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland; and

(4) Provide documentation in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, § 19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland.

G. An LBSW or LMSW licensed on or after January 1, 2021 shall:

(1) Have actively practiced bachelor or master social work under the supervision of Board approved social work supervision;

(2) Have completed at least 3 years as an active licensee with at least 4,500 hours and a minimum of 150 hours of periodic face-to-face supervision;

(3) Submit an application in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, § 19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland; and

(4) Provide documentation in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, § 19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland.

H. The Board shall approve an application to engage in independent practice provided:

(1) The application is complete; and

(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 the required supervised experience.

(1) The Board may require the applicant to complete up to 1,500 additional hours of supervised social work experience; and

(2) The applicant may reapply for independent practice following the completion of the required social work experience.

Md. Code Regs. 10.42.02.05

Regulations .05 adopted effective 46:12 Md. R. 541, eff. 6/17/2019