1. (1) Each application for licensure from the board must include:

   1. (a) a completed application form;
   2. (b) the initial license fee;
   3. (c) verification of applicable educational, examination, and experience requirements; and
   4. (d) a Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
2. (2) An applicant licensed in any other jurisdiction at any time shall cause the other jurisdictions to submit a current verification of licensure directly to the board.
3. (3) An applicant may voluntarily withdraw their application by written request if the application has not appeared on a board agenda. Application fees are not refundable.
4. (4) LCSW, LMSW, LCPC, or LMFT applicants holding a current, active license in good standing in another state or jurisdiction with an education requirement that is not substantially equivalent to Montana's requirement must have a master's degree in the profession the applicant is applying to from an accredited institution with a minimum of 48 semester or 72 quarter credits and have completed five years of post-degree experience in the profession, in addition to the supervised work experience.
5. (5) Degree programs in the candidate stage of accreditation are accredited for purposes of a qualifying degree.

6. (6) LBSW and LMSW who qualify for licensure pursuant to 37-39-308, MCA must provide evidence of social work experience:

   1. (a) attested to by a licensed social worker or a direct supervisor from a former or current employer who is familiar with the applicant's work experience; and
   2. (b) within the period between January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2023.

Authorizing statute(s): 37-1-131, 37-39-103, MCA

Implementing statute(s): 37-1-131, 37-39-202, 37-39-307, 37-39-308, 37-39-309, 37-39-310, 37-39-311, 37-39-312, MCA

History: NEW, 2024 MAR p. 279, Eff. 2/10/24.