216-RICR-40-05-7
216-RICR-40-05-7. Clinical Social Workers and Independent Clinical Social Workers (version Amendment, 03/23/2008 to 12/10/2012)
RULES AND REGULATIONS
FOR LICENSING
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS
AND
INDEPENDENT CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS
(R5-39.1 CSW/ICSW)
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
Department of Health
February 1996
As Amended:
May 1997
May 2000
October 2001
January 2002 (re-filing in accordance with the
provisions of section 42-35-4.1 of the Rhode
Island General Laws, as amended)
January 2007 (re-filing in accordance with the
provisions of section 42-35-4.1 of the Rhode
Island General Laws, as amended)
September 2007
March 2008
i
INTRODUCTION
These Rules and Regulations For Licensing Clinical Social Workers and Independent Clinical
Social Workers (R5-39.1 CSW/ICSW) are promulgated pursuant to the authority conferred under section
5-39.1-5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended, and are established for the purpose of
adopting prevailing standards pertaining to the licensure of clinical social workers and independent
clinical social workers in this state.
In accordance with the provisions of section 42-35-3(c) of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as
amended, consideration was given to: (1) alternative approaches to the regulations; and (2) duplication
or overlap with other state regulations. Based on available information, no known alternative approach,
duplication or overlap was identified.
These Rules and Regulations for Licensing Clinical Social Workers and Independent Clinical
Social Workers (R5-39.1 CSW/ICSW) shall supersede all previous rules and regulations pertaining to
the licensure of clinical social workers and independent clinical social workers promulgated by the
Department of Health and filed with the Secretary of State.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
Definitions
1
1.0
Definitions
1
PART II
License Requirements
3
2.0
License Requirements
3
3.0
Qualifications
4
4.0
Application/Fee
5
5.0
Examinations for Licensure
6
6.0
Issuance and Renewal of License - Continuing Education
7
7.0
Social Worker Privilege
9
PART III
Denial, Suspension, Revocation Or Violations
Procedure For Discipline And Severability
10
8.0
Grounds for Denial, Suspension or Revocation and Violations 10
9.0
Disciplinary Process
11
10.0
Disciplinary Sanctions
11
11.0
Rules Governing Practices and Procedures
12
12.0
Severability
12
References
13
1
PART I
Definitions
Section 1.0
Definitions
Wherever used in these rules and regulations the following terms shall be construed as follows:
1.1
"Act" refers to Chapter 5-39.1, entitled, "License Procedure for Social Workers" of the General
Laws of Rhode Island, as amended.
1.2
"Board" means the Board of Social Work Examiners within the Department, established
pursuant to the provisions of section 5-39.1-6 of the Act.
1.3
"Clinical social work practice" means the professional application of social work theories,
methods and values in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of cognitive, affective and
behavioral disorders arising from physical, environmental or emotional conditions. Clinical
social work services shall include, but shall not be limited to, diagnosis; assessment; evaluation;
psychotherapy and counseling for individuals, couples, families and groups; client-centered
advocacy; consultation and supervision.
The practice of case work, group work and community organization services under the
supervision of a licensed clinical social worker or the practice of basic data gathering and the
formulation and implementation of plans to achieve specific goals related to specific life issues
for groups or for individuals, or the assessment, evaluation and counseling of individuals or
groups other than for a specific mental illness or the conduct of a psychosocial evaluation,
excluding the diagnosis and treatment of a mental illness, such as may be performed by
bachelor's level social workers in a nursing care facility or similar setting shall not be
considered to be the practice of clinical social work for the purposes of these regulations.
Clinical social work services shall not include psychological testing and nothing in the Act or in
these rules and regulations shall be construed as permitting social workers to practice
psychology.
1.4
"Contact hours" means hours acquired through attendance or participation at programs that
provide for direct interaction between faculty and participants and may include lectures,
symposia, live teleconferences, or workshops.
1.5
"Continuing education hours" means actual hours earned in continuing education courses,
seminars, and workshops.
1.6
"Department" means the Rhode Island Department of Health.
1.7
"Director" means the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health.
1.8
"Experience" means three thousand (3,000) hours of post-master's practice of clinical social
work during a twenty-four (24) month to seventy-two (72) month period of time immediately
preceding the date of application for licensure. One thousand five hundred (1,500) hours must
consist of providing clinical social work services directly to clients.
2
If performed in Rhode Island, said experience shall be completed while the person is licensed in
Rhode Island as a clinical social worker or while performing clinical social work services in a
statutorily exempt setting (e.g., a state employee).
1.9
“Non-contact hours” means Internet courses, correspondence courses, tapes, or other
continuing education programs that do not provide for direct interaction between faculty and
the participant.
1.10
“Patient”, as used herein, shall have the same meaning as “client.”
1.11
"Supervision" means face-to-face contact with a licensed independent clinical social worker
for the purpose of apprising the supervisor of the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of each
client; receiving oversight and guidance from the supervisor in the delivery of clinical social
work services to each client; and being evaluated by the supervisor. This contact must consist
of:
(a)
A minimum of two (2) hours of supervision every two (2) weeks; and
(b)
A minimum of one (1) hour of supervision per twenty (20) hours of direct contact with
clients whether or not the number of hours of supervision required for a two (2) week
period have been met; and
(c)
One-to-one contact with the supervisor at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the time
with group supervision of no more than ten (10) supervisees during the balance of the
time; and
(d)
Supervision by an individual other than the applicant's parents; spouse; former spouse;
siblings; children; employees; or anyone sharing the same household or any romantic,
domestic, or familial relationship.
(e)
Supervisors shall be responsible for assuring that supervisees are appropriately licensed
in clinical social work or are otherwise exempt from licensure.
3
PART II
Social Worker Licensing Requirements
Section 2.0
License Requirements
2.1
Pursuant to section 5-39.1-3 of the Act, to safeguard the welfare and health of the people of the
state of Rhode Island, it is unlawful for any person to engage in the practice of clinical social
work or to represent him or herself as a licensed clinical social worker or a licensed independent
clinical social worker in this state or to use any title, abbreviation, sign or device to indicate that
such person is a clinical social worker or independent clinical social worker, unless such a
person has been duly licensed pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the rules and regulations
herein.
2.1.1
Any person who holds a license to practice as a clinical social worker or independent
social worker in this state shall have the right to use the titles and abbreviations
"L.C.S.W." and "L.I.C.S.W.". No other person shall assume such title or use the
abbreviation L.C.S.W. OR L.I.C.S.W. or other words, or letters, signs, figures or
devices to indicate that the person using the same is a licensed clinical social worker or
licensed independent clinical social worker or unless exempted under the Act.
2.1.2
All persons licensed under the provisions of the Act and these rules and regulations
shall adhere to the current standards of practice and to the National Association of
Social Workers’ NASW Code of Ethics of reference 1 herein or other such code(s) of
professional ethics as adopted by the Board.
2.1.3 No individual shall use "licensed social worker", "clinical social worker",
"psychiatric social worker", or any other designation implying qualification to
practice clinical social work unless she or he is licensed as a "licensed clinical social
worker" or "licensed independent clinical social worker" pursuant to the Act.
2.1.4 Any individual licensed as a "licensed clinical social worker" and under supervision,
as defined in the Act, is permitted to practice clinical social work, whether in a
private practice or in association with a public or private agency or institution.
2.1.5 Any individual licensed as a "licensed independent social worker" is permitted to
practice clinical social work autonomously, whether in a private practice or in
association with a public or private agency or institution.
2.1.6 No individual shall engage in the practice of clinical social work unless she or he
holds an active license as a "licensed clinical social worker" or "licensed
independent clinical social worker."
Exemptions from Licensure
2.2
The provisions of the Act do not apply to the following individuals:
2.2.1 Qualified members of other professions or occupations engaging in practices similar
in nature to clinical social work; provided, that they are authorized by the laws of
this state to engage in similar practices, do not represent themselves as a "licensed
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clinical social worker" or "licensed independent clinical social worker," and do not
characterize their practices as clinical social work;
2.2.2 Students engaged in master's level study in a school of social work accredited by the
Council on Social Work Education or students engaged in doctorate level study in
clinical social work in a duly accredited college or university; provided, that the
students are practicing as part of a supervised course of study and designated by such
titles as "social work intern," "social work trainee," "social work student" or others
clearly indicating training status; or
2.2.3 State employees. (If a state employee obtains a license, he/she shall maintain
compliance with all of the requirements stated herein).
Section 3.0 Qualifications For Licensure
3.1
Any applicant for licensure shall submit to the Board written evidence on forms furnished by
the Department, verified by oath that said applicant meets all of the following requirements:
3.1.1 Prerequisites – "Licensed clinical social worker" – A license as a "licensed clinical
social worker" is issued to an applicant who meets the following qualifications:
(1)
Has a doctorate in clinical social work from a duly accredited college or
university or master's degree from a school of social work accredited by the
Council on Social Work Education, and
(2)
Has satisfactorily completed an examination for this license.
3.1.2 Prerequisites – "Licensed independent clinical social worker" – A license for a
"licensed independent clinical social worker" is issued to an applicant who meets the
following qualifications:
(1)
Is licensed under the Act as a "licensed clinical social worker", and
(2)
Has twenty-four (24) months of experience acceptable to the Board, which
experience shall only be acceptable if the applicant was licensed as a licensed
clinical social worker (if required in the jurisdiction where the experience
was attained) and under appropriate supervision, and
(3)
Has fulfilled the continuing education requirements for this license; and
(4)
Has satisfactorily completed an examination for this license.
3.2
In addition to the qualification stated in section 3.1 above, an applicant for any of the these
titles must prove to the Board's satisfaction that he/she:
a)
is at least twenty-one (21) years of age;
b)
is of good moral character and merits the public trust;
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c)
has graduated with a master's degree from a school of social work accredited by the
Council on Social Work Education or has graduated with a doctoral degree in clinical
social work from a duly accredited college or university;
d)
has passed, to the satisfaction of the Board, a national examination at the appropriate
level as specified herein;
e)
is a United States citizen or legal resident of the United States;
f)
has no record of the conviction of a felony. This requirement is subject to waiver by the
Board upon presentation of satisfactory evidence that such conviction does not impair
the ability of the person to conduct with safety to the public the practice authorized by
this license; the applicant shall bear the burden of proving that his/her conviction does
not impair his/her ability to conduct with safety to the public the practice authorized by
this license;
g)
has no record of disciplinary sanction by the NASW or by a board of social work in this
or another jurisdiction for violation of statute, rules and regulations or code of ethics.
This requirement is subject to waiver by the Board upon presentation of satisfactory
evidence that such sanction does not impair the ability of the person to conduct with
safety to the public the practice authorized by this license; the applicant shall bear the
burden of proving that his/her conviction does not impair his/her ability to conduct with
safety to the public the practice authorized by this license;
h)
that the applicant has not been declared mentally incompetent by any court, and if any
such decree has been rendered, that there has been a subsequent court determination that
the applicant is competent;
i)
that the applicant is free from the use of any controlled substance or any alcoholic
beverage to the extent that said use impairs the ability of the person to conduct with
safety to the public the practice authorized by this license. The applicant bears the
burden of proving that he/she is free from use of any controlled substance or any
alcoholic beverages which impair his/her ability to conduct with safety to the public the
practice authorized by this license.
Section 4.0 Application for Licensure and Fee
4.1
Application for licensure to practice social work in this state, shall be made on forms provided
by the Department, which shall be completed and notarized. Such application shall be
accompanied by the following documents:
a)
for U. S. Citizens:
a certified copy of birth certificate, U.S. passport or other official U.S. government
identification;
for Non-U.S. Citizens:
documented evidence of lawful entry into the country;
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b)
supporting official transcripts of education credentials as required in section 3.0 herein
sent directly from the school;
c)
a statement from the board of social work in each state in which the applicant has held
or holds licensure to be submitted to the Board of this state, attesting to the licensure
status of the applicant during the time period the applicant held licensure in said state;
d)
the official results of the appropriate level written examination:
(1)
for licensure as a clinical social worker this shall be the intermediate level of the
examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
or such other examination as the Board shall consider to be acceptable;
(2)
for licensure as an independent clinical social worker this shall be the clinical
level of the examination administered by the ASWB or such other examination
as the Board shall consider to be acceptable;
e)
a passport-type photograph of the applicant;
f)
the non-refundable application fee of one hundred seventy dollars ($170.00) made
payable by check or money order to the General Treasurer, state of Rhode Island;
g)
for applicants for licensure at the independent social work level; statement(s)
documenting the required hours of post-master's supervised practice under a licensed
independent clinical social worker.
Section 5.0 Examinations for Licensure of Social Workers
5.1
By Examination
Applicants, except those exempt pursuant to sections 5.2 herein, shall be required to pass an
examination approved by the Board and that the Board deems most practical and expeditious to
test the applicant's fitness to engage in the practice of social work.
5.1.1
Applicants shall be responsible for the payment of the examination/re-examination fee
in accordance with the fee schedule and instructions developed by the examination
vendor.
5.1.2
Requests for testing accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or
inquiries concerning other issues involving the examination process shall be directed to
the Board.
5.2
Re-Examination
5.2.1
In the case of the failure of any applicant to satisfactorily pass an examination, such
applicant shall be entitled to a re-examination upon submission of an additional fee to
the examination service without making further application to the Board. In making
application for re-examination the applicant shall be subject to any standards imposed
7
by the ASWB or other examination vendor regarding the minimum time interval
between administrations of the examination.
5.2.2
In order to qualify for re-examination after three (3) failures, the applicant must request
a formal meeting with the Board, at which time requirements (consisting of additional
course work and/or training) for re-examination may be determined. If such
requirements are determined by the Board, they must be fulfilled prior to admittance to
a future examination.
5.3
By Endorsement
A license to practice social work may be issued by endorsement to an applicant who has a
comparable license, certification, or registration from the state, or another state or territory of
the United States that imposes qualifications substantially similar to those of the Act.
5.3.1
Until such time as a license has been issued, the candidate for licensure by endorsement
may not practice as a clinical social worker in Rhode Island.
Section 6.0 Issuance and Renewal Of License - Continuing Education
6.1
Upon the recommendation of the Board, the Director shall issue to applicants who have
satisfactorily met the licensure requirements herein, a license to practice clinical social work in
this state. Said license, unless sooner suspended or revoked, shall expire on the first day of May
of the next odd year following the date of issuance of the original license.
6.2
On or before the first day of March of each odd year, the Department shall mail an application
for renewal of license to every person to whom a license has been issued or renewed during the
current licensure period. Every person so licensed who desires to renew his/her license shall file
with the Department such renewal application, duly executed, together with a renewal fee of
one hundred seventy dollars ($170.00) payable to the General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island,
on or before the fifteenth (15th) day of April of each odd year.
6.3
The applicant shall attest to completion of continuing education requirements and pay said fee.
Upon receipt of such renewal application and fee, the accuracy of the application shall be
verified, and the Department shall grant a renewal license effective the second day of May, and
expiring of the first day of May of the next odd numbered year.
6.4
Any person who allows his or her license to lapse by failing to renew it on or before the first
day of May of the next odd year, as provided above may be reinstated by the Department on
payment of the current renewal fee of one hundred seventy dollars ($170.00) plus an additional
fee of forty dollars ($40.00). Any person who applies for reinstatement of his/her license shall
sign a statement attesting to the Department that the continuing education requirements as
stated herein for the most recent licensure cycle (i.e., the previous two years) have been met.
6.4.1
Any person using the title "clinical social worker" or "independent clinical social
worker" or practicing clinical social work during the time that his or her license has
lapsed shall be subject to the penalties provided for violations of these regulations and
the Act.
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Continuing Education
6.5
Every person desiring to renew his or her license shall present such evidence as may be required
by the Board attesting to the completion of thirty (30) contact hours of continuing social work
education during the preceding twenty-four (24) months in accordance with the following
requirements:
a)
a minimum of three (3) contact hours shall be in the area of cross-cultural practice to
include the alleviation of oppression;
b)
a minimum of three (3) contact hours shall be in the area of social work professional
ethics;
c)
credit may be claimed for serving as a supervisor for students duly enrolled in a
program of studies at an accredited social work program at a college or university in
accordance with the following: A maximum of six (6) hours credit may be claimed
during a renewal period for either the supervision of a master's level social work student
or for the supervision of a bachelor's level social work student for a full academic year.
d)
upon prior agreement with the Board, credit may be claimed for serving as a supervisor
to an impaired practitioner or to a practitioner under disciplinary sanction by the Board
at the rate of six (6) hours for a one (1) year period of supervision.
6.6
Continuing education hours will be accepted by the Board for course work, including online
courses, that have been presented, accepted, or approved by:
•
the NASW or its local chapter or other state licensing boards of social work;
•
the ASWB;
•
other recognized social work professional organizations that include but are not
limited to the Federation of Clinical Social Work Societies and the National
Association of Black Social Workers;
•
any department or school of social work accredited by the Council on Social
Work Education (CSWE) to offer the Master's in Social Work (MSW) degree.
6.7
Twenty-four (24) hours of the required thirty (30) hours of continuing education in a two-
year period shall be contact hours. The remaining six (6) hours of continuing education may
be non-contact hours.
6.8
At the time of license renewal, each licensee will be required to attest to the fact of having
complied with the above requirements. Course descriptions, proof of attendance or other
documentation of completion will be retained by the licensee for a minimum of four (4) years
and is subject to random audit by the Board. Failure to produce satisfactory documentation of
completion upon request by the Board constitutes grounds for disciplinary action under the
provisions of section 5-39.1-10 (4) of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended.
6.9
An extension of time to complete continuing education requirements may be granted to a
social worker solely at the discretion of the Board for reasons of hardship or other
9
extenuating circumstances.
6.10
Social workers initially licensed after the May1st renewal date shall be exempt from the
continuing education requirements stated herein until the date of the next renewal cycle (i.e.,
April 30th of the next odd numbered year).
Section 7.0
Social Worker Privilege
7.1
No licensee under the Act or an employee of a licensee may disclose any information
acquired from clients or persons consulting with the licensee to render professional services
except:
(1)
With the written consent of the person(s) or, in the case of death or disability, of the
individual's personal representative, or person authorized to sue, or the beneficiary of
an insurance policy on an individual's life, health, or physical conditions;
(2)
When there is a clear and present danger to the safety of the patient or client or to
other individuals;
(3)
When a person is a minor under the laws of this state and the information acquired
by the licensee involves abuse of the minor the licensee is required to report this
pursuant to § 40-11-3 and may be required to testify fully in an examination, trial, or
other proceeding in which the commission of this crime is the subject of inquiry;
(4)
When the person licensed or certified under the Act is a party defendant to a civil,
criminal, or disciplinary action arising from a complaint filed by the patient or client,
in which case the waiver is limited to that action;
(5)
When the licensee is called upon to testify in court or administrative hearings
concerning the potential for abuse or neglect in foster and adoptive placements; or
(6)
When the licensee is collaborating or consulting with an administrative superior on
behalf of the client.
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PART III
Grounds for Denial, Suspension, Revocation or Violations Procedures for Discipline
and Severability
Section 8.0
Grounds for Denial, Suspension or Revocation of License/Violations
8.1
Licensees subject to these regulations shall conduct their activities, services, and practice in
accordance with Chapter 5-39.1 of the Rhode Island General Laws. The Board may
recommend to the Director the refusal to grant a license, suspension, revocation, conditioning,
restriction or limitation of the license of any individual who the Board, after a hearing,
determines:
a)
is incompetent to practice under the provisions of the Act, or is found to engage in the
practice of social work in a manner harmful or dangerous to a client or to the public;
b)
has obtained or attempted to obtain a certificate or license, or renewal therefore, by
bribery or fraudulent representation;
c)
has knowingly made a false statement on a form required by the Board for licensing or
renewal therefore;
d)
has failed to obtain the continuing education credits required by the Board;
e)
has engaged in or solicited sexual relations with a client, or committed an act of sexual
abuse or sexual misconduct against a past or current client;
f)
has failed to remain free from use of any controlled substance or any alcoholic
beverages to the extent that the use impairs the ability of the person to conduct with
safety to the public the practice authorized by this license. The applicant shall bear the
burden of proving that he/she is free from use of any controlled substance or any
alcoholic beverages which impair his/her ability to conduct with safety to the public the
practice authorized by this license;
g)
has been convicted of a felony, which is subject to waiver by the Board upon
presentation of satisfactory evidence that such conviction does not impair the ability of
the person to conduct with safety to the public practice authorized by this license. The
applicant shall bear the burden of proving that his/her conviction does not impair his/her
ability to conduct with safety to the public the practice authorized by this license;
h)
has disciplinary action pending or has revocation, suspension, or probation taken against
the licensee in another state;
i)
assists or permits unlicensed persons under the licensee's supervision to perform
services for which a license is required under the Act and these rules and regulations;
j)
has failed to maintain confidentiality, except as required or permitted by law;
k)
has engaged in false or misleading advertising;
l)
has a mental disability which significantly impairs the ability of the person to conduct
11
with safety to the public the practice authorized by this license. (Mental disability shall
include, but not be limited to, an order by a court that a licensee is in need of mental
treatment for incompetence);
m)
has violated any provisions of Chapter 5-39.1 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as
amended, or the provisions of the NASW Code of Ethics of reference 1 herein and as
adopted by the Board.
n)
Any departure from or failure to conform to the minimal standards of acceptable and
prevailing social work practice.
Complaints
8.2
All complaints concerning a licensee's business or professional practice shall be received by
either the Board or the state agency. Each complaint received shall be logged, recording at a
minimum the following information:
•
Licensee's Name;
•
Name of the complaining party;
•
Date of complaint;
•
Brief statement of complaint; and
•
Disposition.
Section 9.0 Disciplinary Process
9.1
Disciplinary procedures under the Act shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 42-35 of
the General Laws of the state of Rhode Island.
9.2
The Board or its designee shall hear evidence produced in support of the formal charges and
contrary evidence produced by the licensee. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board or its
designee shall make recommendation to the Director who shall issue an order.
Section 10.0 Disciplinary Sanctions
10.1
The Board may recommend that the Director impose any of the following sanctions, singly or in
combination, when it finds that a licensee is guilty of any offenses described in section 5-39.1-
10 of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended:
a)
revocation of the license;
b)
suspension of the license for any period of time;
c)
censure of the licensee;
d)
issue a letter or reprimand;
e)
place a licensee on probationary status and require the licensee to submit to any of the
following:
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(i)
report regularly to the Board upon matters which are the basis of probation;
(ii)
continue to renew professional education until a satisfactory degree of skill has
been attached in those areas which are basis of probation;
f)
refuse to renew a license; or
g)
revoke probation which has been granted and impose any other discipline provided in
this section when the requirements of probation have not been fulfilled or have been
violated.
10.2
The Board may recommend that the Director reinstate any licensee to good standing under the
Act and these rules and regulations, if after hearing, the Board is satisfied that the applicant's
renewed practice is in the public interest.
10.3
Upon the suspension or revocation of a license issued under the Act and these rules and
regulations, a licensee shall be required to surrender the license or registration to the Director
and upon failure to do so, the Director shall have the right to seize the same.
10.4
Any person convicted of violating the provisions of the Act and these rules and regulations shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars
($1,000.00).
Section 11.0
Rules Governing Practices & Procedures
11.1
All hearings and reviews required under the provisions of Chapter 5-39.1 of the General Laws
of Rhode Island, as amended, shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the Act and of
the Rules and Regulations of the Rhode Island Department of Health Regarding Practices and
Procedures Before the Department of Health and Access to Public Records of the Department
of Health (R42-35-PP).
Section 12.0 Severability
12.1
If any provision of these rules and regulations or the application thereof to any person or
circumstance shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the provisions or application
of the rules and regulations which can be given effect, and to this end the provisions of the rules
and regulations are declared to be severable.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
socialworker-final-march08.doc
13
REFERENCES
1.
The NASW Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers, revised 1999 and
subsequent amendments thereto. Available online:
http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp?print=1