LAC 46:XXV.309. Application Procedure

A. Applications are to be completed electronically as provided by the board. B. A new application must be submitted for any change in social work credentials. C. Applications for license, certification or registration are reviewed and approved by the board at regularly scheduled board meetings. D. Applications and other required documentation must be received in the board office at least seven days prior to the board’s meeting to be eligible for consideration. E. The board shall refuse to consider any application not complete in every detail, including submission of every document required by the application form. At the board’s discretion a more detailed or complete response to any request for information set forth on the application form may be required. Incomplete applications will not be considered submitted under R.S. 37:2709(B). F. The application fee for licensure, certification, or registration is non-refundable and must be submitted in the form of a money order, certified check, or by credit card. G. Applicants are responsible for submitting all documentation required by R.S. 37:2706, 37:2707, 37:2708, or 37:2724, and by §305 concurrently with submission of their application to the board. The board may provide forms for submission of this information. H. The application for licensure, certification, and registration shall include the applicant's Social Security number in accordance with R.S. 37:23. Submission is not optional. I. An applicant shall be deemed to have abandoned the application if the requirements for the credential are not completed within one year of the date on which the application was received. An application submitted subsequent to the abandoned application shall be treated as a new application. J. Initial social work credentials issued during the three months prior to the renewal deadline (i.e. June, July, and August) will not be required to renew for the next fiscal year. K. Procedure for Social Workers with Felony Convictions 1. It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit documentation to the board sufficient to establish that the applicant meets the criteria of R.S. 37:2950. 2. The applicant shall collect and deliver the following documents to the board office concurrently with submission of their application: a. copies of all court records containing information of the conviction and the imposition of sentence; b. any documentation or records which reflect the term of any probationary period, the conditions of probation and the fulfillment and completion of all terms and conditions of probation; c. the current name(s), addresses and telephone numbers of any probation officers or persons of similar title or job function to whom the applicant has reported or who has any information concerning the applicant's conduct during any probationary period; d. if any form of restitution to a victim or victims was part of a sentence imposed or a condition of probation the applicant must provide the names, current addresses and telephone numbers of any such victim or victims and an affidavit of the applicant that affirms that all required restitution has been completed; e. if the sentence included any form of imprisonment, residence at a half-way house, other forms of correctional and/or treatment facilities, the applicant must provide the complete address, names and current addresses of any persons having information relating to the satisfactory completion of any such prison term, residence or treatment, and any related documents. In the event that medical, psychiatric, psychological, substance or alcohol abuse evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation was in any way part of the sentence or a term or condition of probation, the applicant will execute any releases which may be required for the board to obtain information. Such information obtained will be maintained by the board on a confidential basis; f. all records or documents relating to any arrest or conviction of any felony or misdemeanor which has occurred at any time since the applicant's original felony conviction or which occurs at any time during which the application is pending or being investigated (this requirement is an ongoing responsibility of the applicant); g. any documents, records, or information which the applicant wishes to present in support of his or her application which shows or evidences rehabilitation, positive social contributions, awards, commendations, social or lifestyle adjustments, positive treatment outcomes, employment or academic evaluations, volunteer work or any other area in which the applicant participated which would reflect on the applicant's good moral character and fitness to practice social work. (The applicant should provide the names, current addresses and telephone numbers of any references or persons having information in support of the application. While information in support of an application which occurred prior to the conviction may be submitted, the board will place greater emphasis on supporting documentation and information concerning events which have occurred since the felony conviction.); h. true copies of any licenses, certificates to practice or similar documents issued by any board or licensing authority of any other state or the state of Louisiana obtained by the applicant since the date of the felony conviction and a complete listing of any college, graduate school, trade or business school and employers to whom he or she has made application since the date of the felony conviction. This includes any applications which were denied for any reason, including the felony conviction. Providing any false or misleading information, being evasive, concealing or making material omissions, or failing to cooperate shall form a basis for the denial of the application. L. Additional Requirements for International Applicants/Speakers of English as a Second Language 1. Any document required to be submitted to the board with an application for license, certification or registration shall be in the English language, or accompanied by a certified translation thereof into the English language. 2. As a condition of the board's consideration of the application of a graduate of a foreign college or university, the applicant shall provide the board with a statement from the Council on Social Work Education that the applicant's degree is equivalent to an accredited social work degree in the United States. M. Procedures for Applications of Military-trained Applicants or Spouses of Military Personnel, Issuance of Temporary Practice Permits and Priority Processing of Applications 1. In addition to the application procedures otherwise required by this Section, a military-trained social worker, as specified in §305.E.1, applying for registration, certification or licensure, shall submit with the application: a. a copy of the applicant’s military report of transfer or discharge which shows the applicant’s honorable discharge from military service; b. the official military document showing the award of a military occupational specialty in social work and a transcript of all military course work, training and examinations in the field of social work; c. documentation showing the applicant’s performance of social work services, including dates of service in active practice, at a level which is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the requirements of the social work credential which is the subject of the application; d. an affidavit from the applicant certifying that he or she has not been disciplined in any jurisdiction for an act which would have constituted grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license to practice social work in this state at the time the act was committed. 2. In addition to the application procedures otherwise required by this Rule, a spouse of a member of the active-duty military forces or a spouse of a former member of the military forces as specified in §305.E.3, applying for registration, certification or licensure, shall submit with the application: a. a copy of the current military orders of the military spouse of the applicant and the applicant’s military identification card or a copy of the military report of transfer or discharge of the military spouse of the applicant which shows an honorable discharge from military service; b. a copy of the applicant’s marriage license and an affidavit from the applicant certifying that he or she is still married to a military spouse or former military spouse; c. the completion of all forms and presentation of all documentation required for an application pursuant to R.S. 37:2712 and §319; d. an affidavit from the applicant certifying that he or she has not been disciplined in any jurisdiction for an act which would have constituted grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license to practice social work in this state at the time the act was committed and is in good standing and has not been disciplined by the agency that issued the license, certification, or permit. e. documentation demonstrating competency in social work practice at the level which is the subject of the application and/or completion of appropriate continuing education units; 3. Applicants who present completed applications and the supporting documentation required by this Rule are eligible for a temporary social work practice permit at the level of the applicable social work credential which is the subject of the application. The board, through its staff, will give priority processing to such applications and, subject to verification of applications and supporting documentation, issue the appropriate temporary practice permit not later than 21 calendar days after the completed application is submitted. The temporary social work practice permit authorizes the applicant to practice social work at the designated level of the social work credential, consistent with the verified application and supporting documentation for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance. 4. As soon as practicable, but not longer than the duration of the applicant’s temporary social work practice permit, the board will either grant the application for the applicable social work credential which is the subject of the application or notify the applicant of its denial.