Section 19-101 - Definitions. - Maryland Statutes

§ 19-101. Definitions.
 

(a)  In general.- In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. 

(b)  Board.- "Board" means the State Board of Social Work Examiners. 

(c)  Certified.- "Certified" means having demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Board that the individual has completed 2 years of supervised social work practice as defined in § 19-302 (d) or (e) of this title. 

(d)  License.- "License" means, unless the context requires otherwise, one of four types of licenses issued by the Board authorizing an individual to practice: 

(1) Associate social work; 

(2) Graduate social work; 

(3) Certified social work; or 

(4) Certified social work-clinical. 

(e)  Licensed associate social worker.- "Licensed associate social worker" means an individual licensed by the Board to practice associate social work. 

(f)  Licensed certified social worker.- "Licensed certified social worker" means an individual licensed by the Board to practice certified social work. 

(g)  Licensed certified social worker-clinical.- "Licensed certified social worker-clinical" means an individual licensed by the Board to practice clinical social work. 

(h)  Licensed graduate social worker.- "Licensed graduate social worker" means an individual licensed by the Board to practice graduate social work. 

(i)  Practice associate social work.- "Practice associate social work" means to practice social work: 

(1) Under the supervision of a licensed certified social worker, licensed certified social worker-clinical, or licensed graduate social worker who meets the conditions specified in regulations; and 

(2) Utilizing the education and training required under § 19-302 (b) of this title. 

(j)  Practice certified social work.- "Practice certified social work" means to practice social work utilizing the education, training, and experience required under § 19-302 (d) or (e) of this title. 

(k)  Practice clinical social work.- "Practice clinical social work" means to practice social work utilizing the specialized education, training, and experience required under § 19-302 (e) of this title. 

(l)  Practice graduate social work.- "Practice graduate social work" means to practice social work: 

(1) Under the supervision of a licensed certified social worker, licensed certified social worker-clinical, or licensed graduate social worker who meets the conditions specified in regulations; and 

(2) Utilizing the education and training required under § 19-302 (c) of this title. 

(m)  Practice social work.-  

(1) "Practice social work" means to apply the theories, knowledge, procedures, methods, or ethics derived from a formal educational program in social work to restore or enhance social functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, or communities through: 

(i) Assessment; 

(ii) Formulating diagnostic impressions; 

(iii) Planning; 

(iv) Intervention; 

(v) Evaluation of intervention plans; 

(vi) Case management; 

(vii) Information and referral; 

(viii) Counseling that does not include diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders; 

(ix) Advocacy; 

(x) Consultation; 

(xi) Education; 

(xii) Research; 

(xiii) Community organization; or 

(xiv) Development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities. 

(2) For an individual licensed as a graduate social worker, "practice social work" also includes: 

(i) Supervision of other social workers if the graduate social worker meets the requirements set out in regulations; and 

(ii) Treatment of psychosocial conditions and mental disorders and the provision of psychotherapy under the direct supervision of a licensed certified social worker-clinical. 

(3) For an individual licensed as a certified social worker, "practice social work" also includes: 

(i) Supervision of other social workers; and 

(ii) Treatment of psychosocial conditions and mental disorders and the provision of psychotherapy under the direct supervision of a licensed certified social worker-clinical. 

(4) For an individual licensed as a certified social worker-clinical, "practice social work" also includes: 

(i) Supervision of other social workers; 

(ii) Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of psychosocial conditions, mental and emotional conditions and impairments, and mental disorders as defined in § 10-101(f) of the Health - General Article; and 

(iii) The provision of psychotherapy. 

(n)  Psychotherapy.- "Psychotherapy" means a method for the treatment of mental disorders and behavioral disturbances in which a licensed health care practitioner enters into a professional contract with the patient and, through a therapeutic communication or interaction, attempts to: 

(1) Alleviate emotional disturbances; 

(2) Reverse or alter maladaptive patterns of behavior; or 

(3) Encourage personality growth and development. 

(o)  Supervision.- "Supervision" means a formalized professional relationship between a supervisor and a supervisee that: 

(1) Provides evaluation and direction of the supervisee; and 

(2) Promotes continued development of the supervisee's knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide social work services in an ethical and competent manner. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 43, § 860; 1981, ch. 8, § 2; 1990, ch. 6, § 11; 1992, ch. 388; 2000, ch. 554; 2007, ch. 235.]