(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it is unlawful for an individual to engage, or otherwise attempt to engage, in the practice of social work unless licensed as a social work associate, licensed social worker, licensed master social worker, or licensed clinical social worker under the applicable provisions of this chapter. No persons licensed under this chapter may engage in the practice of social work beyond the scope of their license.
(b) No person may purport to be a social worker or qualified to engage in the practice of social work, by using the titles “social work associate”, “licensed social worker”, “licensed master social worker” or “licensed clinical social worker”, or use the letters “SW”, “SWA”, “LSW”, “LMSW”, or “LCSW” or use any or symbols indicating or tending to indicate that the person is a social worker, social work associate, licensed social worker, licensed master social worker, or licensed clinical social worker, or engage in the practice of social work as defined in this chapter or hold themselves out to the public by title or description of service as being engaged in the practice of social work without meeting the applicable requirements and holding a license as set forth in this chapter.
(c) The Board shall reissue the appropriate redesignated license to a person licensed before the passage of this chapter as a “social worker”, “certified social worker” or “certified independent social worker”. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a license issued to “social worker”, “certified social worker” or “certified independent social worker” continues to be valid for the duration of the license or until the Board issues an appropriate redesignated license. A person licensed by the Board as a “social worker”, “certified social worker”, or “certified independent social worker” may continue to use the prior designated licensure titles for a period of two years or as otherwise provided by the Board. Except as specifically provided otherwise, licensure titles are redesignated as follows:(1) a “social worker” is redesignated as a “licensed social worker”;(2) a “certified social worker” is redesignated as a “licensed master social worker”; and(3) a “licensed independent social worker” is redesignated as a “licensed clinical social worker”.
(1) a “social worker” is redesignated as a “licensed social worker”;
(2) a “certified social worker” is redesignated as a “licensed master social worker”; and
(3) a “licensed independent social worker” is redesignated as a “licensed clinical social worker”.
(d) A person who, after a hearing, the Board finds to have unlawfully engaged, or attempted to engage, in the practice of social work, or a person who knowingly assisted a person to unlawfully engage in the practice of social work, is subject to a fine of not less than $100, but not more than $1,000 for each offense. Violations of this section are also subject to the penalties outlined in § 532(e), or other penalties permitted under this chapter, including § 539(b).