As used in KRS 335.010 to 335.160 and 335.990, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. (1)

2. (2) "Board" means the Kentucky Board of Social Work; "Client" means:

   1. (a) An individual, family, or group who receives social work services from a social worker;
3. (3)
4. (4)
5. (5)
6. (6)
7. (b) A corporate entity, school, or other organization, if the social worker is contracted to provide a social work service of benefit directly to the corporate entity or organization; or
8. (c) A legal guardian, personal representative, or designated caregiver who is responsible for making decisions regarding the provision of social work services to a minor or legally incompetent adult; "Multistate authorization to practice" has the same meaning as in KRS 335.135; "Multistate license" has the same meaning as in KRS 335.135; "Practice of clinical social work" means the practice of social work that requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, evidence-based interventions, research, and treatment of mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders, conditions, or addictions, not to include activities reserved to the practice of psychology as defined in KRS 319.010, except as permitted under KRS 319.015(3); "Practice of social work" means:
9. (a) The application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, or communities; or
10. (b) Engaging in social work education, research, planning, training, supervision, or the appropriate administration of social work services;

11. (7) "Social worker" means an individual who is:

    1. (a) Licensed as a certified social worker pursuant to KRS 335.080, a licensed social worker pursuant to KRS 335.090, or a licensed clinical social worker pursuant to KRS 335.100; or
    2. (b) Practicing under a temporary permit issued by the board in accordance with KRS 335.070; and
12. (8) "Telehealth" has the same meaning as in KRS 211.332.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 77, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 369, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1996. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 279, sec. 2.