Sec. 10.42.02.03. Scope of Practice

A. Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW).

(1) An LBSW shall practice social work under a social work supervisor and may include practice social work as stated in Health Occupations Article, §§19-101(m) and 19-307(c)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland.

(2) An LBSW’s practice includes the basic, generalist practice of social work which includes:

(a) Assessment;

(b) Planning;

(c) Intervention;

(d) Evaluation;

(e) Case management;

(f) Information and referral;

(g) Counseling;

(h) Supervision;

(i) Consultation;

(j) Education;

(k) Advocacy;

(l) Community organization; and

(m) The development, implementation and administration of policies, programs, and activities.

(3) An LBSW’s practice may not include:

(a) Making a clinical diagnosis of a mental or emotional disorder;

(b) Providing psychotherapy; or

(c) Engaging in private practice.

(4) An LBSW may not engage in the practice of social work independent of social work supervision unless approved by the Board for independent practice.

B. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).

(1) An LMSW shall practice social work under a social work supervisor and may practice social work as stated in Health Occupations Article, §§19-101(p) and 19-307(c)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.

(2) An LMSW’s practice is characterized by the application of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of:

(a) Assessment;

(b) Planning;

(c) Intervention;

(d) Evaluation;

(e) Case management;

(f) Information and referral;

(g) Counseling;

(h) Supervision;

(i) Consultation;

(j) Education;

(k) Advocacy;

(l) Community organization; and

(m) The development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities.

(3) An LMSW’s practice may not include the treatment of emotional disorders, psychotherapy, or diagnosis of a mental disorder without the supervision of an LCSW-C.

(4) An LMSW may not engage in the practice of social work independent of social work supervision unless approved by the Board for independent practice.

(5) On or before December 31, 2019, an LMSW may not engage in private practice without the supervision of an LCSW-C.

(6) On or after January 1, 2020, an LMSW may not engage in private practice as defined in Regulation .02B(13) of this chapter.

(7) On or after January 1, 2020, an LMSW may be employed in a private practice working under the supervision of an LCSW-C.

C. Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW).

(1) An LCSW may:

(a) Practice social work as stated in Health Occupations Article, §§19-101(m) and 19-307(c)(3), Annotated Code of Maryland;

(b) Provide supervision of other social workers in accordance with COMAR 10.42.08; and

(c) Practice social work independent of supervision when the practice does not include diagnosis, treating mental disorders or providing psychotherapy.

(2) An LCSW’s practice may not include the treatment of emotional disorders, psychotherapy, or diagnosis for a mental disorder without the supervision of an LCSW-C.

(3) On or after January 1, 2020, an LCSW may not engage in private practice as defined in Regulation .02B(13) of this chapter.

(4) On or after January 1, 2020, an LCSW may be employed in a private practice working under the supervision of an LCSW-C.

D. Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C). An LCSW-C may:

(1) Practice social work as stated in Health Occupations Article, §19-101(m), Annotated Code of Maryland;

(2) Provide supervision of other social workers as set forth in COMAR 10.42.05;

(3) Evaluate, diagnose and treat biopsychosocial conditions, mental and emotional conditions and impairments, and mental disorders as defined in Health-General Article, §10-101(f), Annotated Code of Maryland;

(4) Petition for emergency evaluation under Health-General Article, Title 10, Subtitle 6, Annotated Code of Maryland;

(5) Provide person-to person psychotherapy;

(6) Have a private practice; and

(7) Practice clinical social work as stated in Health Occupations Article §19-401(b), Annotated Code of Maryland.