§ 17-103-103 — Definitions

As used in this chapter: (1) "Licensed certified social worker" means an individual who: (A) Applies social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values, and ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, and to address needs of organizations and communities; (B) Practices with specialized knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders and conditions; (C) Conducts management, information and referral, mediation, client education, supervision of employees, consultation, research, advocacy, and outcome evaluation; (D) May operate a private practice; (E) May practice macro social work independently; and (F) May engage in the activities included in the practice of a licensed master social worker; (2) "Licensed master social worker" means an individual who: (A) Applies specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, information and referral, mediation, client education, counseling, advocacy, supervision of nonclinical, baccalaureate-level social workers and nonlicensed master's level employees, nonclinical consultation, research, community organization and development, administration of social work policies, programs and activities, and outcome evaluation; (B) Practices social work under supervision within a recognized, organized setting such as a social, medical, or governmental agency; and (C) (i) May engage only in supervised practice as set forth in rules established by the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board. (ii) A licensed master social worker shall not practice privately or independently; (3) "Licensed social worker" means an individual who: (A) Conducts a basic generalist practice that includes assessment, case management, information and referral for counseling, advocacy, nonclinical counseling, supervision and counseling, client education, research, community organization, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities; (B) Is not qualified to diagnose and treat mental illness nor to provide psychotherapy services; (C) Practices only in organized settings such as a social, medical, or governmental agency; and (D) (i) Engages only in supervised practice as set forth in the rules established by the board. (ii) A licensed social worker shall not practice privately or independently; and (4) "Practice of social work" means a professional service which effects change in social conditions, human behavior, and emotional responses of individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations. "Social work practice" can only be performed with specialized knowledge and skills related to human development, the potential for human growth, the availability of social resources, and the knowledge of social systems. The disciplined application of social work knowledge and skills includes, but is not restricted to, the following: (A) Counseling with individuals, couples, families, and groups for purposes of assessment and enhancement of the problem-solving and coping capacities of people; and (B) The application of social work knowledge and skills in social planning, administration, and research.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1170,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 1999, No. 1122, § 1.