Sec. 10.42.10.02. Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) “Board” means the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners.

(2) “Client” means the individual, couple, family, group, business, agency, school, organization, or association that the licensed social worker provides, or has provided, with professional services.

(3) “Synchronous” means simultaneously or quickly enough to allow two or more individuals to conduct a conversation.

(4) Teletherapy.

(a) “Teletherapy” means the use of interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications or electronic media by a licensed social worker to deliver psychotherapy:

(i) Within the scope of practice of an LCSW-C, an LCSW under the supervision of an LCSW-C, or an LMSW under the supervision of an LCSW-C; and

(ii) At a location other than the location of the client;

(b) “Teletherapy” does not include:

(i) An audio-only telephone conversation between an LCSW-C, an LCSW under the supervision of an LCSW-C, or an LMSW under the supervision of an LCSW-C, and a client;

(ii) An electronic mail message between an LCSW-C, an LCSW under the supervision of an LCSW-C, or an LMSW under the supervision of an LCSW-C, and a client;

(iii) A facsimile transmission between an LCSW-C, an LCSW under the supervision of an LCSW-C, or an LMSW under the supervision of an LCSW-C, and a client; or

(iv) A text message or other type of message sent between an LCSW-C, an LCSW under the supervision of an LCSW-C, or an LMSW under the supervision of an LCSW-C, and a client by a short message service or multimedia messaging service.