1. A. To obtain a license under this act, an applicant shall:

   1. 1. Submit a written application in a form prescribed by the Board;
   2. 2. Have attained the age of majority;
   3. 3. Be of good moral character;
   4. 4. Have graduated and received a degree in social work from an approved social work program;
   5. 5. Have completed any necessary post graduate experience and supervision in the practice of social work; and
   6. 6. Have passed the necessary examination and paid all fees required by the Board.

2. B. Upon certification by the Board, the Board shall authorize the issuance of licenses to persons who qualify as follows:

   1. 1. As a licensed social work associate who has a baccalaureate degree in social work from an institution with a program accredited by an approved social work program and has two (2) years of post graduate experience in the practice of social work under professional supervision of a person licensed under these provisions, and passed the examination provided for under these provisions or who has a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education and has passed the examination provided for under these provisions;
   2. 2. As a licensed master’s social worker who has a master’s degree in social work from an institution with a program accredited by an approved social work program and has passed the examination provided for under this act;
   3. 3. As a licensed social worker who has a master's degree in social work from an institution with a program accredited by an approved social work program and has two (2) years of post graduate experience in the practice of social work under professional supervision of a person licensed under those provisions, and who has passed the examination provided for under the provisions of the Social Worker's Licensing Act; and
   4. 4. As a licensed social worker who has a master’s degree in social work from an institution with a program accredited by an approved social work program and has two (2) years of post graduate experience in the practice of clinical social work under professional supervision of a person licensed by this act, and who has passed the examination provided for under this act.

3. C. No person may engage in the private, independent practice of social work unless he or she:

   1. 1. Is licensed under this act as a licensed social worker;
   2. 2. Has had two (2) years of graduate supervised experience certified by the Board in the method to be offered in private practice and met the requirements set by the Board; and

   3. 3. Continues to meet continuing education requirements set by the Board.

      Certification by the Board that such person be licensed to engage in private independent practice shall be noted by an appropriate special designation to be placed on the licensed social worker's license. The Board shall designate such specialties as it deems proper for special certification.

Laws 1980, HB 1910, c. 124, § 8, eff. October 1, 1980. Amended by Laws 1982, HB 1387, c. 122, § 4, emerg. eff. July 1, 1982; Laws 1987, SB 299, c. 108, § 3, emerg. eff. July 1, 1987; Amended by Laws 2003, SB 484, c. 85, § 5, eff. November 1, 2003 (superseded document available).