State Board of Social Worker Licensure - Frequently Asked Questions

What license type do I need/want - LMSW or LMSW-CC?

First, you should determine the type of social work practice that you want to perform, i.e. clinical versus non-clinical and independent setting versus agency/hospital/school setting.

What is the scope of practice of a LMSW / LMSW-CC?

LMSW is a non-clinical social work license, but is permitted to engage in private/independent practice. LMSW-CC is permitted to perform clinical social work but only under the direct consultation of a LCSW/CSW-IP. Also, a LMSW-CC cannot engage in private/independent practice.

I just graduated, but I haven't received an official transcript from my school - can I still apply for licensure?

Yes. The board does require an official transcript of an earned master's degree. However, in extraordinary circumstances, an official letter from the school's Registrar's Office indicating successful graduation will be accepted, but only as temporary proof - an official transcript must be filed within 3 months.

Does a criminal conviction prevent me from applying for a license?

The board requires all applicants who have been convicted of any crime (Class A, B, C, D, and E) to provide full disclosure of the crime on their application for licensure. Failure to disclose may result in a denial of licensure. Criminal convictions are reviewed by the board based on date of crime, nature of crime, and will determine sufficient rehabilitation to warrant the public's trust.

Do I need board permission to sit the ASWB examination?

No. Candidates can contact ASWB directly at either www.aswb.org or 1-888-579-3926. However, the board cautions MSW students to make sure that they are signing up for the Intermediate/Master level examination.

Who is eligible to provide me social work supervision?

LMSW-CC licensees are required to obtain clinical social work consultation from either a LCSW or a CSW-IP (Certified Social Worker - Independent Practice) only. This should not be confused employment supervision - employment supervision is not usually the same requirements as licensing consultation.

Do post-master's employment hours in Maine count towards clinical consultation social work?

No. In Maine, you must first obtain a LMSW-CC license to begin clinical social work hours. Providing clinical social work to the public without first obtaining a license from the board may result in disciplinary action.

What is the rate and number of clinical supervision hours required for the LCSW?

Clinical social work consultation as a LMSW-CC shall be concurrent and proportionate with social work employment (the rate is typically 4 hours a month). The total number of consultation hours depends on whether or not you hold a clinical MSW. Clinical MSW consultation hours are 96/3200 and non-clinical MSW consultation hours are 192/6400 hours. Group supervision is permitted but cannot exceed 72 out of the 96 hours or 144 out of the 192 hours. Volunteer hours are permitted with a LCSW consultant, but cannot account for more than 10% of the total hours required.

What constitutes a clinical concentration?

The board determined that a clinical MSW degree consists of the following: 2 personality theory courses (adult psychopathology/human growth & development) plus either 4 clinical methods courses or 3 clinical methods courses and 1 additional personality theory course.

Does my employment position qualify me for the LMSW-CC license?

Your job responsibilities should include the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental health disorders. The hallmark of the LMSW-CC license is to practice clinical social work while under clinical supervision of a LCSW.

How do I keep track of my consultation hours - what if my supervisor leaves the agency or I leave the agency?

The board rules require that An Agreement to Provide Consultation be filed upon commencement of a consultation relationship. Similarly, a Verification of Consultation form should be filed with the board upon the termination of the relationship. It is the responsibility of the LCSW to accurately reflect the number of consultation hours on the form. Good record keeping by both the consultant and consultee will ensure that hours are accurate.

Do I need to continue with clinical consultation once my consultation hours are completed?

Yes. The scope of the LMSW-CC license requires LCSW clinical consultation whenever the LMSW-CC is engaged in clinical social work.

What are my ethical guidelines as I practice social work and where can I find them?

The Maine Board of Social Worker Licensure has adopted the NASW Code of Ethics and has identified additional standards of practice as outlined in Chapter 16 of its rules. The NASW Code can be found at www.nasw.org

For more detailed information, please be sure to visit the board's statute and rules at the following links:
SW statute:

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/32/title32ch83sec0.htmll
SW rules: http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/02/chaps02.htm

Last Updated: May 7, 2009

Professional Licensing

OTHER PFR AGENCIES

State Board of Social Worker Licensure - Frequently Asked Questions

About This Board

Events

CONTACT US