(A) A person licensed under this chapter to practice as an independent social worker or a social worker may diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, except that a social worker may do so only under the supervision of a psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed professional clinical counselor, independent marriage and family therapist, independent social worker, or registered nurse who holds a master's degree in psychiatric nursing.

(B) A person licensed under this chapter to practice as an independent social worker may engage in the private practice of social work as an individual practitioner or as a member of a partnership or group practice.

(C) A person licensed under this chapter to practice as a social worker shall not engage in the private practice of social work as an individual practitioner or as a member of a partnership or group practice. A social worker shall not engage in the practice of social work as an employee of a private individual, partnership, or group practitioner of social work unless the social worker is supervised by a psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed professional clinical counselor, independent marriage and family therapist, independent social worker, or registered nurse who holds a master's degree in psychiatric nursing.

(D) A person who receives a certificate of registration to practice as a social work assistant is not authorized to engage in the practice of social work. A social work assistant, under the direct supervision of a psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed professional counselor, independent marriage and family therapist, independent social worker, social worker, or registered nurse who holds a master's degree in psychiatric nursing, may provide human, social, and community services that include intake assessment and referral, screening, crisis intervention and resolution, community support, case management and outreach, record keeping, social assessment, visual observation of an individual in the individual's environment, assistance in facilitation with groups and families, advocacy, and orientation, education, and prevention services.

Amended by 130th General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 232, §1, eff. 7/10/2014.

Effective Date: 03-18-1997; 2008 HB427 04-07-2009