65-6319. Diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders by certain licensed social workers authorized. - Kansas Statutes

65-6319

Chapter 65.--PUBLIC HEALTH Article 63.--SOCIAL WORKERS

      65-6319.   Diagnosis and treatment of mental disordersby certain licensed social workersauthorized.The following licensed social workers may diagnoseand treat mental disordersspecified in the edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mentaldisorders of the American psychiatric association designated by the board byrules and regulations:(a) A licensed specialist clinical social worker,and (b) alicensedmaster social worker who engages in thepractice of social work only under the direction of a licensed specialistclinical social worker, a licensed psychologist, a person licensed to practicemedicine and surgery or a person licensed to provide mental health services asan independent practitioner and whose licensure allows for the diagnosis andtreatment of mental disorders.When a client has symptoms of a mental disorder, a licensed master socialworker shall consult with the client's primary care physician or psychiatristto determine if there may be a medical condition or medication that may becausing or contributing to the client's symptoms of a mental disorder. A clientmay request in writing that such consultation be waived and such request shallbe made a part of the client's record. A licensed master social worker maycontinue to evaluate and treat the client until such time that the medicalconsultation is obtained or waived.

      History:   L. 1994, ch. 164, § 1;L. 1997, ch. 142, § 7;L. 1999, ch. 117, § 16; July 1, 2000.