§ 63-23-113 — Criteria for use of title of social worker

(a) A social worker is an individual who: (1) Has received a baccalaureate or master's degree in social work from an accredited social work program approved by the council on social work education; (2) Has received a doctorate or Ph.D. in social work; or (3) Is a current licensed social worker, as set forth in §§ 63-23-102 - 63-23-105. (b) No person shall hold out to be a social worker unless the person: (1) Has received a baccalaureate or master's degree in social work from an accredited social work school or program; (2) Has received a doctorate or Ph.D. in social work; or (3) Is a current licensed social worker, as set forth in §§ 63-23-102 - 63-23-105. (c) No government entities, public or private agencies, business or organizations in the state shall use the title social worker, or any form of the title, for volunteer or employment positions or within contracts for services, documents, manuals, or reference material, effective July 1, 2005, unless the volunteers or employees in those positions meet the criteria set forth in this section. (d) Any individual meeting the qualifications provided for in 42 CFR 483 may practice as a qualified social worker, as defined in those regulations, in any nursing home licensed in the state and shall not be required to meet the requirements of subsections (a)-(c). Any such individual may not use the title social worker, except in connection with the activities of the nursing home.

Legislative History

Acts 2005, ch. 469, § 1; T.C.A. §63-23-111, Acts 2008 , ch. 1016, § 1.