Wyo. Code R. 078-0001-9
Effective Date: 06/03/2015 to 07/26/2019
Rule Type: Superceded Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 078.0001.9.06032015
Section 1. The Practice of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The practice of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker is the application of social work theory and methods to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability or impairment, including emotional and mental disorders. It is based on knowledge of one (1) or more theories of human development within a psychosocial context. The perspective of person-in-situation is central to professional social work practice. Professional clinical social work includes, but is not limited to, performing mental health procedures, interventions directed to interpersonal interactions, intrapsychic dynamics, and life-support and management issues. Professional clinical social work services consist of assessment; diagnosis; treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling; client-centered advocacy; consultation and evaluation with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations.
(a) The practice of social work may be either face-to-face that involves the synchronous interaction between an individual or groups of individuals using what is seen and heard in person to communicate, or
(b) Via methods of electronic delivery that involves the use of electronic or other means (e.g. telephone, computers, etc.) to provide the service.
(i) When using electronic delivery means, all use must be in compliance with all professional ethical standards and all other requirements in these rules;
(ii) Special care should be taken to ensure the confidentiality and security of the provision of services; and
(iii) The Licensed Clinical Social Worker shall provide only those services that are legal within the state that the recipient of services lives.
Section 2. General Requirements for Licensure. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the Board receives all documentation necessary to prove to the Board's satisfaction that the applicant meets all the requirements for licensure herein. The applicant shall provide satisfactory evidence to the Board that they:
(a) are of majority age;
(b) have no felony convictions, and no misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, although exceptions to this requirement may be granted by the Board if consistent with the public interest;
(c) are legal inhabitants of the United States; and
(d) satisfy the requirements established in these rules.
Section 3. Education Requirement for Licensure. All educational requirements for licensure shall be met through the completion of a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited master’s degree program in social work.
(a) A minimum of three thousand (3,000) hours of supervised clinical training/work experience in clinical social work under the direct supervision of a designated qualified clinical supervisor is required for all applicants. This experience shall meet the requirements set forth in these rules.
(i) All three thousand (3,000) hours of supervised clinical training/work experience required shall be completed after the award of the graduate degree.
(ii) Of the three thousand (3,000) hours required, at least one thousand two hundred (1,200) hours shall be direct client contact hours.
(iii) The balance of the remaining indirect hours shall consist of work experience that supports the direct client contact hours, e.g. charting, preparation, meetings, trainings, and/or the other duties of clinical social work.
(b) An applicant shall have a minimum of one hundred (100) post graduate hours of clinical supervision with a DQCS as described in Chapter 18.
Section 5. Professional Recommendation Requirement for Licensure. Applicants shall demonstrate their integrity, professionalism and character in clinical social work through three (3) professional recommendations which attest to applicants’ abilities and professional performance.
(a) The Board shall accept a passing score as established by the examination provider on one of the following examinations:
(i) The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination at the Advanced Generalist or Clinical Level; or
(ii) Other examination as may be approved by the Board.
(b) Applicants are allowed only three (3) attempts to pass the exam requirement. The Board may allow an applicant to make one (1) more attempt to pass the exam requirement upon approval of a remediation plan submitted by the applicant.
Section 7. License by Reciprocity. An individual holding a license in good standing to engage in the practice of clinical social work under the laws of another state having licensure
requirements substantially similar to those required by the Act and these rules may, upon approval of the board, be issued a license as a Clinical Social Worker in this state.
(a) Applicants may be issued a provisional license to practice under supervision while completing deficiencies identified and required by the Board provided they possess a graduate degree comparable to those required by the Act and these rules.
(a) The terms “Licensed Clinical Social Worker” or “Clinical Social Worker” shall be used only after the applicant is granted licensure by the Board.
(b) The Licensed Clinical Social Worker shall comply with the National Association of Social Workers “Code of Ethics” incorporated into these rules in Chapter 15.