The Board of Registration of Social Workers

Transcription

1 The Board of Registration of Social Workers

2 Erin M. LeBel, LICSW Executive Director Board of Registration of Social Workers

3 WHO WE ARE Governor Charles Baker Office of Consumer Affairs Division of Professional Licensure SEVERAL OTHER PROFESSIONAL BOARDS The Board of Reg SOCIAL WORKERS

4 Who is the Board?? Consumer Protection agent of the Commonwealth. Volunteer members appointed by the Governor {some public (3), some professional (6)} hold monthly meetings. Protect consumers by establishing and enforcing Regulations (i.e. licensure requirements, standards of practice, etc). Enforce via the complaint and discipline process.

5 DPL Relationship to the Board Board staff Executive and Associate Ex. Director, & Admin Assistant Board Counsel Board Investigator Prosecutor All staff work is shared with other Boards at the DPL Staff work in an advisory role, as well as to execute all decisions made by the Board All day to day business done by the Staff

6 Consumer Protection Mandate Board Sets Standards FOR: Obtaining License Maintaining License Education Exam Moral Character Establishing the rules Renewal Procedures Continuing Education Good Moral Character Setting Professional Practice Standards Enforcing the rules

7 Do I need a license? YES!!! In MA, in order to call yourself a social worker and/or perform social work you must be licensed!* *State, county or municipal social workers are exempt from this law.

8 How do I get a license? Education Supervision Moral Character Examination

9 What Education is needed? LICSW = Masters in Social Work LCSW = Masters in Social Work LSW = BSW, BA in another field w/exp or other education w/more exp LSWA = AA in human service, or BA DEGREE MUST BE EARNED

10 What Supervision is needed to become licensed? LICSW = 2 years post MSW by LICSW only! LCSW = Placement supervision LSW = Placement supervision (if BSW)

11 What s Moral Character? Perception by others (References) Personal History (Felonies) Professional History (Reciprocity Info)

12 What Exam is needed? LICSW = ASWB Clinical LCSW = ASWB Masters LSW = ASWB Bachelors 4 hours; 170 multiple-choice questions

13 Studying?! ASWB s $30 Study Guide or $75 on-line practice exam (ASWB , or Online at NASW live test prep course (members $100, non-members $155 *No endorsement intended* Check with your school regarding other resources that they may have!

14 Will I pass the test? YOU WILL PASS Most Pass the First Time Quality School = Quality Students $30 Study Guide ASWB , or Online YES! YES!

15 BUT.???? Re-takes available in 90 days $ for Exam only Exam Registration is good for 1 year

16 What is the process? ASWB Association of Social Work Boards (866)

17 What is the process? Call ASWB or visit website to request an application Submit your application and supporting documents Receive approval to test or issue notice (within approx. 1-2 wks) Register for the exam, via ASWB PASS!!!! Pay for license Receive license **NOT LICENSED UNTIL ACTUALLY PAY FOR YOUR LICENSE**

18 What s the application require? Fee Official sealed transcript 3 references {1 supervisory, 2 professional} Supervisory reference should be whomever was your placement supervisor. Professional references can be anyone who can attest to your social work abilities and good moral character. *At least 1 reference must hold LCSW or LICSW * Application must be notarized

19 HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? $173 Application fee --Cert. Check or money order to ASWB $230 for Examination $54 for initial license fee. GOOD NEWS: Only $54 (LSW) every 2 years afterwards. One of the lowest fees in the country!!

20 Seeking Licensure in Another State? REQUIREMENTS A RE OFTEN SIMILAR M OST STATES WILL RECOGNIZE EXAM SCORES IF TAKEN IN MA FOR MORE INFO A BOUT SPECIFIC STATE REQUIREMENTS, VISIT AND SELECT THE A PPROPRIATE STATE BOARD

21 Important Issues MAILING ADDRESS Current On-line change is the easiest By mail Acceptable to USPS PUBLIC RECORD!!!!

22 Important Issues KNOW THE RULES KNOW THE RULES!! Regulations are on our website Remember this is what the Board enforces via the complaint process!

23 Important Issues SCOPE OF PRACTICE LSWs may provide ONLY non-clinical social work services and case management; may provide such services ONLY as an employee of an agency, health care facility, or un-related individual under appropriate supervision.

24 What is non-clinical social work? Use of your social work knowledge & training to improve, restore or enhance through the provision of services other than counseling. Includes: Community organization, program planning & dev., assessment of needs for non-clinical services

25 SUPERVISION???* As an LSW, you must receive one hour of supervision per week (or pro rata) by an LCSW or LICSW. May be in a group of no more than 4 LSWs or LSWAs *As an LSW with a BSW degree, you may provide supervision to LSWAs and non- BSW LSW applicants*

26 Important Issues CONTINUING ED* LICSWs thirty (30) continuing education hours LCSWs twenty (20) continuing education hours LSWs fifteen (15) continuing education hours LSWAs ten (10) continuing education hours * Social Workers employed by the state, county or municipal government, shall be exempt from the continuing education requirement

27 Important Issues CONTINUING ED* Criteria for Continuing Education Programs IN GENERAL, ALL CONTINUING EDUCATION MUST BE REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY A RECOGNIZED SOCIAL WORK ENTITY. ALL PROGRAMS MUST BE RELEVANT TO SOCIAL WORK THEORY AND PRACTICE Only 25% can be approved be a sister profession, i.e. nursing, psychology, etc.

28 Other Important Issues RENEWALS* Approved Continuing Education Units are required per each renewal cycle Renewals require certification (your signature) Random audits are performed Timetable

29 RENEWAL TIMETABLE {- 90 days} Renewal Sent Should be locating all CEU documents now {- 3 days} Check in the mail -? OK {+2 days} $57 late fee {+One year} PAIN, CEUs! {+Two years} UGH, RE-TEST!

30 ENFORCEMENT Overview of the Complaint Process

31 Complaints by the Numbers There are approximately 23,000 licensed social workers in the Commonwealth On average, the Board opens 100 complaints per fiscal year (Including CE audits) Complaint Disciplinary action only an investigation

32 The Complaint Process Complaint Intake Investigation conducted Board Review Decision rendered/ Prosecution

33 Investigation Always begins with licensee notification, includes copy of complaint, and requests response. Investigation may then include: Site visit to clinic/ facility Interview with staff or other third party Medical Reports from Third party Follow-up information from complainant Any other info, at the discretion of the investigator

34 General Expectations of Response 1. A narrative response to the allegations. 2. A complete set of treatment records when applicable 3. Continuing education certificates for the most recently completed license cycle.

35 Board Review Reviewed at monthly Board meetings. Board may hold informal investigative conference with licensee and complainant to obtain further information and/or request investigator to gather more information Board determines if evidence of a Regulatory violation is shown.

36 Two Potential Outcomes No violation found A. Case Dismissed due to: No violation Insufficient Evidence B. Case Dismissed with an Advisory Board concerned, but no probable violation and general advisory issued Evidence of a violation If evidence of a violation, Board will forward to the Office of Prosecutions for formal disciplinary action

37 Sanctions?! What Sanctions A range of sanctions can be imposed based upon the severity of the violation(s): Administrative civil penalty/ Fine Formal Reprimand Probation Stayed Suspension Suspension Voluntary Surrender Revocation

38 PUBLIC RECORD In an effort to function in a transparent government, much of Board Business is a matter of public record Examples: All licensees addresses All closed cases (after redacted from Board Counsel) Complaint History All disciplinary action, including CE violations

39 Check Website to view all policies on CE requirements Ex What is accepted, Am I exempt, etc As a condition of renewal you sign attesting to completion of all CEUs Conducted post-renewal Randomly selected licensees requested to supply approved CE documentation.

40 Top Five Ways to Avoid Problems if Audited 1. Count CEUs BEFORE submitting renewal. 2. Ensure CEUs are approved by a recognized entity/ meet the Regulatory requirements. 3. Maintain CE documentation for at least 2 licensure cycles. 4. If extenuating circumstances exist that warrant extension to complete CE and/or waiver request it must be requested BEFORE renewing. 5. Keep up to date on any new policies regarding CE requirements

41 What if I don t follow the Top 5??? A complaint will be opened by the Board to determine if a violation of the continuing education regulation has occurred! While the Board does NOT look for ways to discipline licensees, they are obligated to uphold the standards set forth in the Regulations and to take disciplinary action when a violation is evidenced.

42 Consumer Complaints Some Common Themes The vast majority of consumer complaints involve issues related to these topics ocommunication otreatment Records oboundary Issues oconfidentiality ocompetency

43 EASY DO S TO AVOID A CONSUMER COMPLAINT! Offer referral, if needed Ensure Fully signed consent forms Complete treatment records Burden of Proof on licensee Communicate Know the rules ignorance is not an accepted justification. Exercise caution, clarity and compassion Use Supervision

44 Use the web: mass.gov/dpl/boards/sw