DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

 

DIRECTOR'S OFFICE

 

SOCIAL WORK - GENERAL RULES

 

Filed with the secretary of state on

 

These rules take effect immediately upon filing with the secretary of state unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a.  Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the secretary of state.

 

(By authority conferred on the director of the department of licensing and regulatory affairs by sections 16145, 16148, 16287, 18516, and 18518 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.16145, 333.16148, 333.16287, 333.18516, and 333.18518, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1991-9, 1996-2, 2003-1, and 2011-4, MCL 338.3501, 445.2001, 445.2011, and 445.2030)

 

R 338.2921, R 338.2923, R 338.2929, R 338.2931, R 338.2933, R 338.2935, R 338.2937, R 338.2939, R 338.2941, R 338.2943, R 338.2945, R 338.2947, R 338.2949, R 338.2951, R 338.2953, R 338.2955, R 338.2957, R 338.2961, and R 338.2963 of the Michigan Administrative Code are amended, as follows:

 

PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

R 338.2921  Definitions.

  Rule 21. (1)  As used in these rules:

  (a) "Board" means the Michigan board of social work.

  (b) “Code” means the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211.

  (c) "Continuing education contact hour" means a 60-minute clock hour of instruction for the first hour, with no less than 50 minutes of uninterrupted instruction for every hour following the first hour.

  (d) “Department” means the department of licensing and regulatory affairs.

  (d) “State” means that term as defined in section 1108(2) of the code, MCL 333.1108.

  (e)  “Supervisory review” means that the limited social service technician registrant, limited bachelor’s social work licensee, or limited master’s social work licensee is meeting with his or her Michigan-licensed bachelor’s or Michigan-licensed master’s social worker supervisor, as applicable, individually or in a group modality, during which active work functions and the work records of the supervisee are reviewed. 

  (f) “Telehealth” means that term as defined in section 16283 of the code, MCL 333.16283.

(2)  Terms defined in the code have the same meanings when used in these rules.

 

R 338.2923  Educational standards; adoption by reference.

  Rule 23. (1) The board adopts by reference the standards of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for the accreditation of social work education programs in the publication entitled, “Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards,” (2015), which is available at no cost from the CSWE’s website at www.cswe.org.  A copy of the standards and procedures also is available for inspection and distribution at a cost of 10 cents per page from the Board of Social Work, Bureau of Professional Licensing, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Ottawa Building, 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, Michigan 48909.

  (2)  A social work education program accredited by CSWE or recognized by the CSWE through a memorandum of understanding as equivalent to a social work education program accredited by CSWE is approved by the board.  A social work education program that is not accredited by CSWE may be approved by the board if the board determines that it is substantially equivalent to a program accredited by the CSWE.

  (3) The board adopts by reference the policies and procedures for recognizing accrediting organizations of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), effective September 24, 2018, and the procedures and criteria for recognizing accrediting agencies of the United States Department of Education, effective July 1, 2010, as contained in CFR part 602 (2010). Copies of the  policies and procedures of the CHEA and the procedures and criteria of the United States Department of Education are available for inspection and distribution at a cost of 10 cents per page from the Board of Social Work, Bureau of Professional Licensing, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Ottawa Building, 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, Michigan 48909. The CHEA recognition standards also may be obtained from the CHEA’s website at www.chea.org at no cost. The federal recognition criteria may be obtained from the United States Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, LBJ Building, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202 or from its website at  https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg11.html#Part602-Secretary'sRecognition at no cost.

 

R 338.2929  Training standards for identifying victims of human trafficking;

  requirements.

  Rule 29. (1)  Pursuant to section 16148 of the code, MCL 333.16148, an individual seeking licensure or registration or who is licensed or registered shall have completed complete training in identifying victims of human trafficking that meets the following standards:

    (a)  Training content must cover all of the following:

      (i)  Understanding the types and venues of human trafficking in the United States.

      (ii)  Identifying victims of human trafficking in health care settings.

      (iii)  Identifying the warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings for adults and minors.

      (iv)  Resources for reporting the suspected victims of human trafficking.

    (b)  Acceptable providers or methods of training include any of the following:

      (i)  Training offered by a nationally-recognized or state-recognized health-related organization.

      (ii) Training offered by, or in conjunction with, a state or federal agency.

      (iii)  Training obtained in an educational program that has been approved by the board for initial licensure or registration, or by a college or university.

      (iv)  Reading an article related to the identification of victims of human trafficking that meets the requirements of subdivision (a) of this subrule and is published in a peer review journal, health care journal, or professional or scientific journal.

    (c)  Acceptable modalities of training may include any of the following:

      (i)    Teleconference or webinar.

      (ii)  Online presentation.

      (iii)  Live presentation.

      (iv)  Printed or electronic media.

  (2)  The department may select and audit a sample of individuals and request documentation of proof of completion of training.   If audited by the department, an individual shall provide an acceptable proof of completion of training, including either of the following:

    (a)  Proof of completion certificate issued by the training provider that includes the date, provider name, name of training, and individual’s name.   

    (b)  A self-certification statement by an individual.  The certification statement must include the individual’s name and either of the following:

      (i)  For training completed pursuant to subrule (1)(b)(i) to (iii) of this rule, the date, training provider name, and name of training.

      (ii)  For training completed pursuant to subrule (1)(b)(iv) of this rule, the title of article, author, publication name of peer review journal, health care journal, or professional or scientific journal, and date, volume, and issue of publication, as applicable.

  (3)  Pursuant to section 16148 of the code, MCL 333.16148, the requirements specified in subrule (1) of this rule apply to an applicant for license or registration renewal. The requirements specified in subrule (1) of this rule apply to an applicant for initial licensure or registration beginning December 22, 2021.

 

PART 2. SOCIAL SERVICE TECHNICIAN REQUIREMENTS

 

R 338.2931  Limited social service technician registration requirements; limitation on

  renewal.

  Rule 31. (1) An applicant for a limited social service technician registration shall submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee. In addition to meeting the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, an applicant for the limited social service technician registration shall meet both of the following requirements:

    (a) Successful completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours from an accredited college meeting the standards of R 338.2923. 

    (b) Employment in human services or social services or the submission of documentation that the applicant has been made an offer of employment in the practice of social service work at an agency recognized by the board pursuant to subrule (2) of this rule. 

  (2) Agencies recognized by the board include those that employ social workers engaged in the practice of social work as defined in section 18501(1)(f) or (g) of the code, MCL 333.18501.

  (3) The limited social service technician registration is granted for 1 year and may be renewed only once, as specified in section 18507(2) of the code, MCL 333.18507. 

 

R 338.2933  Social service technician registration requirements.

   Rule 33. (1) An applicant for social service technician registration shall submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee. Additionally In addition to meeting the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, the applicant shall meet 1 of the following requirements:

    (a) Successful completion of 2,000 hours of social work experience in compliance with the requirements of subrules (2), (3), and (4) of this rule and accumulated while holding a Michigan limited social service technician registration.

    (b)  Successful completion of a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours from an accredited college meeting the standards of R 338.2923, including a minimum of 20 semester or 30 quarter credit hours of relevant human services coursework and current employment in the practice of social work.  As used in this subrule, “relevant human services coursework” includes, but is not limited to, coursework in social work, ethical and legal issues, sociology, psychology, counseling, human development, human behavior, health care, philosophy, criminal justice, early childhood development, cultural diversity, and social policy and administration.

    (c) Successful completion of an associate degree in social work from an accredited college meeting the standards of R 338.2923 that included supervised instructional field experience.

  (2) Social work experience for an applicant for registration as a social service technician under section 18507(1)(a) of the code, MCL 333.18507, means the delivery of social work services through any of the following:

    (a) Interviewing clients to obtain information about a client's situation, providing information about available services, and providing specific assistance to help people utilize community resources.

    (b) Conducting case-finding activities in the community and encouraging and providing linkages to available services.

    (c) Monitoring a client's compliance with a program's expectations.

    (d) Providing life skills training.

  (3) The social work experience must be completed under the supervision of a Michigan-licensed bachelor's or Michigan-licensed master's social worker whose license is in good standing throughout the period of supervision.

  (4)  The social work experience must comply with all of the following:

    (a) An applicant shall meet with his or her supervisor using any of the following methods:

      (i) Individually and in person.

      (ii) Individually using a telecommunications method that provides for live and simultaneous contact.

      (iii) In a group modality, during which active work functions and records of the applicant are reviewed.   

    (b) Supervisory review must be conducted for at least 4 hours per month with at least 2 hours being conducted between the applicant and the supervisor on an individual basis either in person or using a telecommunication method that provides for live and simultaneous contact.

    (c) An applicant may not accumulate more than 2,000 hours of supervised work experience during any 12-month period.

    (d) The supervisor shall verify the supervised work experience in writing. If the supervisor is not available, agency staff who are knowledgeable about the individual's work or another person who is knowledgeable about the individual's work, may provide the verification in writing.

 

R 338.2935  Registration by endorsement.

  Rule 35. (1)  An applicant for registration by endorsement shall meet the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, and submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee.

  (2)  If an applicant holds a valid registration in good standing from another state and has been actively engaged in the practice of a social work technician for a minimum of 10 years before the date of application for Michigan registration, it is presumed that the applicant meets the requirements of section 16186 of the code, MCL 333.16186.

  (3)  If an applicant holds a valid registration in good standing from another state and has been actively engaged in the practice of a social work technician for less than 10 years before the date of application for Michigan registration, then the applicant shall comply with the requirements for registration pursuant to R 338.2933.

  (4)  An applicant for registration by endorsement shall comply with both of the following: applicant’s registration in good standing must be verified by the registering agency of each state in which the applicant holds a current registration or ever held a registration as a social service technician. If applicable, verification  must include the record of any disciplinary action taken or pending against the applicant.   

  (a)  Disclose each license, registration, or certification in a health profession or specialty issued by any other state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country on the application form. 

  (b)  Satisfy the requirements of section 16174(2) of the code, MCL 333.16174, which includes verification from the issuing entity showing that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application.

 

R 338.2937  Reregistration of social service technician.

  Rule 37. (1)  An applicant whose registration has lapsed for less than 3 years may be reregistered, as provided under section 16201(3) of the code, MCL 333.16201(3), by meeting the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code and upon submitting a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee.  

  (2) An applicant whose registration has lapsed for more than 3 years may be reregistered, as provided under section 16201(4) of the code, MCL 333.16201(4), by meeting the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, upon submitting a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee, and upon submission of submitting documentation that the applicant has been made an offer of employment in the practice of social service work at an agency recognized by the board. 

  (3)  An applicant who is or has ever been licensed, registered, or certified in a health profession or specialty by any other state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country, shall do both of the following:

  (a)  Disclose each license, registration, or certification on the application form. 

  (b)  Satisfy the requirements of section 16174(2) of the code, MCL 333.16174, which includes verification from the issuing entity showing that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application. 

  (4)  If reregistration is granted and it is determined that a sanction has been imposed by another state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country, the disciplinary subcommittee may impose appropriate sanctions under section 16174(5) of the code, MCL 333.16174.

 

PART 3. BACHELOR’S SOCIAL WORKER REQUIREMENTS

 

R 338.2939  Limited bachelor's social worker license requirements; limitations on

  licensee’s accumulation of supervised work experience; limitations on renewal of

  limited license.

  Rule 39. (1) An applicant for a limited bachelor's social worker license to accumulate the supervised work experience hours required pursuant to R 338.2941, in addition to meeting the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, shall comply with both of the following:

    (a)  Submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee.

    (b)  Have completed a baccalaureate degree program from an accredited a school program of social work that complies with the standards in R 338.2923.  

  (2)  A limited bachelor’s social worker licensee shall accumulate supervised work experience in compliance with the requirements in R 338.2941.

  (3)  A limited bachelor’s social worker licensee shall accumulate supervised work experience in an agency, health facility, institution, or other entity approved by the board pursuant to section 18506 of the code, MCL 333.18506.  The board approves an agency, health facility, institution, or other entity where a master’s social worker engages in the practice of social work at the master’s level as defined in section 18501(1)(g) of the code, MCL 333.18501. 

  (4) A limited bachelor’s social worker license issued for the purpose of accumulating supervised work experience hours for licensure pursuant to R 338.2941 is valid for 1 year.  This license may be renewed no more than 6 times.  Relicensure of this limited license is counted the same as renewal for purposes of this subrule. 

  (5) A limited bachelor’s social worker license issued for the purpose of accumulating supervised work experience for relicensure pursuant to R 338.2945 is valid for 1 year.  This license may be renewed no more than 6 times.  Relicensure of this limited license is counted the same as renewal for purposes of this subrule. 

 

R 338.2941  Bachelor's social worker license by examination; educational requirements;

  supervised work experience requirements.

  Rule 41. (1) An applicant for a bachelor's social worker license by examination shall submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee. In addition to meeting the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, an applicant for a bachelor's social worker license by examination shall meet all of the following requirements:

    (a) Have completed a baccalaureate degree program from an accredited a school program of social work that complies with the standards in R 338.2923.

    (b) Have completed at least 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised work experience accrued over not less than 2 years, as required in section 18509(1)(a) of the code, MCL 333.18509, and described in subrules (2), (3), and (4) of this rule.

    (c) Have passed the bachelor's examination approved pursuant to R 338.2925.

  (2) Supervised work experience includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:

    (a) Assessment, planning, and intervention with individuals, couples, families, or groups to enhance or restore the capacity for social functioning.

    (b) Case management of health and human services.

    (c) Providing information about and referring individuals to resources.

    (d) Planning and collaborating with communities, organizations, or groups to improve their social or health services.

    (e) Working with clients in accessing, coordinating, or developing resources to develop solutions for interpersonal or community problems.

  (3)  Supervised work experience may be earned only while holding a Michigan limited bachelor’s of social work license issued pursuant to R 338.2939. The supervised work experience for a bachelor's social worker license must meet all of the following requirements:

    (a) The experience  must be earned after completion of all the requirements for graduation as verified by the program.

    (b) The experience  must be completed under the supervision of a Michigan-licensed master's social worker whose license is in good standing throughout the period of supervision.

   (4)  The supervised work experience must comply with all of the following:

    (a) The applicant shall meet with his or her supervisor using any of the following methods:

      (i) Individually and in person.

      (ii) Individually using a telecommunications method that provides for live and simultaneous contact.

      (iii) In a group modality that provides for 50% of the supervision to include individual contact during which active work functions and records of the applicant are reviewed. 

    (b) Supervisory review must be conducted for at least 4 hours per month with at least 2 hours being conducted between the applicant and the supervisor using either of the following methods:

      (i) Individually and in person.

      (ii) Individually using a telecommunications method that provides for live and simultaneous contact.

    (c) An applicant may not accumulate more than 2,080 hours of supervised work experience during any 12-month period.

    (d) An applicant shall accumulate an average of at least 16 hours, but not more than 40 hours, of supervised work experience per week.  An applicant who has completed at least 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised work experience but does not satisfy the requirements of this subrule may seek a waiver of the requirements of this subrule from the board.

    (e) The applicant shall function as a licensed bachelor's social worker using generally accepted applications of social work knowledge and techniques acquired during the applicant's education and training.

    (f) The experience may be earned either in an employment or volunteer capacity.

 

R 338.2943  Bachelor’s social worker Licensure licensure by endorsement.

  Rule 43. (1) An applicant for licensure by endorsement shall meet the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, and submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee.   

  (2)  If an applicant holds an active license or registration in good standing from another state or active license in good standing from a province of Canada and has been actively engaged in the practice of a bachelor’s social worker for a minimum of 10 years before the date of application for Michigan licensure, it is presumed that the applicant meets the requirements of section 16186 of the code, MCL 333.16186. 

  (3)  If an applicant holds an active license or registration in good standing from another state or active license in good standing from a province of Canada, but does not satisfy the requirements for licensure by endorsement in subrule (2) of this rule, the applicant shall comply with all both of the following:

    (a)  Hold a valid bachelor’s social work license in good standing from another state.

    (b)  (a)  Pass the bachelor’s examination approved pursuant to R 338.2925.

    (c)  (b)  Submit documentation verifying that the applicant has completed a minimum of 4,000 hours of supervised work experience, work experience, or both, at the bachelor’s level. 

  (4) An applicant’s applicant for licensure by endorsement shall comply with both of the following:  license in good standing must be verified by the licensing agency of each state in which the applicant holds a current license or ever held a license as a social worker.  If applicable, verification must include the record of any disciplinary action taken or pending against the applicant. 

  (a)  Disclose each license, registration, or certification in a health profession or specialty issued by any other state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country on the application form.  

  (b)  Satisfy the requirements of section 16174(2) of the code, MCL 333.16174, which includes verification from the issuing entity showing that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application.
 

R 338.2945  Relicensure of bachelor's social worker.

  Rule 45. (1) An applicant whose license has lapsed may be relicensed under section 16201(3) or (4), as applicable, MCL 333.16201, if the applicant meets the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code and satisfies the following requirements as indicated by a (√) upon submission of the appropriate documentation as noted in the table below:

(a)  For a bachelor’s social worker who has let his or her Michigan license lapse

and is not currently licensed or registered in

another state or province of Canada.

Lapsed

0-3 years

Lapsed more than 3 years, but less than 7 years

Lapsed 

7 years

or more

 (i)

Application and fee: submit Submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee.

 

 

 

(ii)

Good moral character: establish Establish that he or she the applicant is of good moral character as defined under sections 1 to 7 of 1974 PA 381, MCL 338.41 to 338.47.

 

 

 

(iii)

 

Fingerprints: submit Submit fingerprints as required under section 16174(3) of the code, MCL 333.16174.

 

 

 

(iv)

 

Continuing education:  submit Submit proof of having completed  45 hours of continuing education in courses and programs approved by the board, including at least 5 hours in social work ethics, 2 hours in pain and symptom management, and 2 hours in human trafficking as provided under R 338.2961, which was earned within the 3-year period immediately preceding the application for relicensure.

 

 

 

(v)

Complete 480 hours of  supervised work experience under the supervision of a Michigan-licensed master’s social worker described in subrules (2) and (3) of this rule.

 

 

(v)

(vi)

Supervised work experience:  completion of Complete 1,000 hours of  supervised work experience under the supervision of a Michigan-licensed master’s social worker described in subrules (2) and (3) of this rule, if applicable, and R 338.2941(2) to (4).

 

 

 

(vi)

(vii)

Examination:  passage of Pass the examination approved pursuant to R 338.2925 within 1 year prior to  of submitting the application for relicensure.

 

 

 

(vii)

(viii)

License verification:  an applicant’s license in good standing must be verified by the licensing agency of each state or province of Canada in which the applicant holds or ever held a license as a social worker.  If applicable, verification must include the record of any disciplinary action taken or pending against the applicant. 

An applicant who is or has ever been licensed, registered, or certified in a health profession or specialty by any other state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country, shall do both of the following:

  (A) Disclose each license, registration, or certification on the application form. 

  (B)  Satisfy the requirements of section 16174(2) of the code, MCL 333.16174, which includes verification from the issuing entity showing that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application.

 

 

 

(b)  For a bachelor’s social worker who has let his or her Michigan license lapse

and is currently licensed or registered in

another state or province of Canada.

Lapsed

0-3 years

Lapsed more than 3 years, but less than 7 years

Lapsed

7 years or more

(i)

Application and fee: submit Submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee.

 

 

 

(ii)

Good moral character: establish Establish that he or she the applicant is of good moral character as defined under sections 1 to 7 of 1974 PA 381, MCL 338.41 to 338.47.

 

 

 

(iii)

 

Fingerprints: submit Submit fingerprints as required under section 16174(3) of the code, MCL 333.16174.

 

 

 

 

(iv)

 

Continuing education:  submit Submit proof of having completed 45 hours of continuing education in courses and programs approved by the board, including at least 5 hours in social work ethics, 2 hours in pain and symptom management, and 2 hours in human trafficking as provided under R 338.2961, which was earned within the 3-year period immediately preceding the application for relicensure.

 

 

 

(v)

 

License verification:  an applicant’s license in good standing must be verified by the licensing agency of each state or province of Canada in which the applicant holds or ever held a license as a social worker.  If applicable, verification must include the record of any disciplinary action taken or pending against the applicant. 

An applicant who is or has ever been licensed, registered, or certified in a health profession or specialty by any other state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country, shall do both of the following:

  (A)  Disclose each license, registration, or certification on the application form. 

  (B)  Satisfy the requirements of section 16174(2) of the code, MCL 333.16174, which includes verification from the issuing entity showing that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application.

 

 

 

 (2) Supervised work experience must be earned under a Michigan limited license pursuant to R 338.2939. 

 (3) A licensee with a limited license for supervised work experience for relicensure shall comply with the supervisory requirements in R 338.2941(2) to (4).

  (4)  If relicensure is granted and it is determined that a sanction has been imposed by another state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country, the disciplinary subcommittee may impose appropriate sanctions under section 16174(5) of the code, MCL 333.16174.

 

PART 4. MASTER’S SOCIAL WORKER REQUIREMENTS

 

R 338.2947  Limited master's social worker license requirements; limitations on

  accumulation of supervised work experience; limitation on renewal of limited license.

  Rule 47. (1) An applicant for a limited master's social worker license to accumulate the supervised work experience required for full licensure, in addition to meeting the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, shall comply with both of the following:

    (a)  Submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee.

    (b) Have completed a master's or doctoral degree program from an accredited a school program of social work that complies with the standards in R 338.2923.

  (2)  A limited master’s social worker licensee shall accumulate supervised work experience in compliance with the requirements in R 338.2949.

  (3)  A limited master’s social worker licensee shall accumulate supervised work experience in an agency, health facility, institution, or other entity approved by the board pursuant to section 18506 of the code, MCL 333.18506. The board approves an agency, health facility, institution, or other entity where a master’s social worker engages in the practice of social work at the master’s level as defined in section 18501(1)(g) of the code, MCL 333.18501.

  (4) A limited master’s social worker license issued for the purpose of accumulating supervised work experience hours for licensure pursuant to R 338.2949 is valid for 1 year.  This license may be renewed no more than 6 times.  Relicensure of this limited license is counted the same as renewal for purposes of this subrule.  

  (5)  A limited master’s social worker license issued for the purpose of accumulating supervised work experience for relicensure pursuant to R 338.2955 is valid for 1 year.  This license may be renewed no more than 6 times.  Relicensure of this limited license is counted the same as renewal for purposes of this subrule. 

 

R 338.2949  Master’s social worker license; educational requirements; supervised

  work experience requirements; generally; second specialty designation.

  Rule 49. (1) In addition to meeting the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, an applicant for a master’s social worker license shall submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee., and meet all of the following requirement:    

   (a) Have completed a master’s or doctoral degree program from a program of social work that complies with the standards in R 338.2923.

    (b) Have completed at least 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised work experience accrued over not less than 2 years, as required in section 18509(1)(a) of the code, MCL 333.18509, and described in subrules (2), (3), and (4) of this rule and R 338.2951 or R 338.2953, as applicable.

    (c) Have passed the advanced generalist or clinical examination, as required in R 338.2951 or R 338.2953, or both, as applicable. 

  (2) An applicant for a master’s social worker license shall complete supervised work experience as required by R 338.2951, R 338.2953, or both, as applicable, under the direction of a Michigan-licensed master's social worker who holds a macro designation, clinical practice designation, or both, as applicable, and whose license is in good standing throughout the period of supervision.

  (3)  Supervised work experience must comply with all of the following:

    (a)  Supervised work experience may only be earned while holding a Michigan limited master’s of social work license issued pursuant to R 338.2947.

    (b)  The applicant shall meet with his or her supervisor using any of the following methods:

      (i) Individually and in person.

      (ii) Individually using a telecommunications method that provides for live and simultaneous contact.

      (iii) In a group modality that provides for 50% of the supervision to include individual contact during which active work functions and records of the applicant are reviewed. 

    (c) Supervisory review  must be conducted for at least 4 hours per month with at least 2 hours being conducted between the applicant and the supervisor using either of the following methods:

      (i) Individually and in person.

      (ii) Individually using a telecommunications method that provides for live and simultaneous contact.

    (d) The applicant may not accumulate more than 2,080 hours of supervised work experience during any 12-month period.

    (e) The applicant shall accumulate an average of at least 16 hours, but not more than 40 hours, of supervised work experience per week.  An applicant who has completed at least 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised work experience but does not satisfy the requirements of this subrule may seek a waiver of the requirements of this subrule from the board.

    (f) The applicant shall function as a master's social worker using generally accepted applications of social work knowledge and techniques acquired during the applicant's education and training.

  (4) In addition to satisfying the requirements of this rule, an applicant for licensure with a macro or clinical practice designation shall satisfy all the requirements of R 338.2951 or R 338.2953, as applicable.  An applicant or a licensee may add a second master's level social work specialty designation by completing both of the following requirements:

    (a)  Complete an additional 2,000 hours of post-degree social work experience, accrued over not less than 1 year, in the second specialty designated area with at least 50 hours of supervisory review.

    (b) Pass the appropriate examination for the second designation approved pursuant to R 338.2925.

 

R 338.2951 Master’s social worker license; macro designation.  

  Rule 51. An applicant for the license with a macro designation, in addition to meeting the requirements of R 338.2949, shall meet all both of the following requirements:

  (a)  Have completed a master's or doctoral degree program from an accredited school of social work that complies with the standards in R 338.2923.

  (b)  Have passed the advanced generalist examination approved pursuant to R 338.2925.

  (c) (b) Have completed at least 4,000 hours of post-degree social work experience accrued over not less than 2 years, as required in section 18509(1)(b) of the code, MCL 333.18509, as follows:

    (i)  The experience must be earned after completion of all the requirements for graduation as verified by the program.

  (ii)  The experience must be completed in compliance with the requirements of R 338.2949 under the supervision of a Michigan-licensed master’s social worker holding a macro designation.

    (iii) The experience for the macro designation must be completed in either or both of the following areas:

      (A) Administration, management, and supervision of human service organizations, including the translating of laws and administrative rulings into organizational policy and procedures; collaboration, coordination, mediation, and consultation between and among organizations, disciplines and communities; community organizing and development; research and evaluation; the seeking of social justice through the legislative process or the social action and advocacy processes; the improvement of social conditions through social planning and policy formulations; and, social work education and training.

      (B) The advanced application of macro social work processes and systems to improve the social or health services of communities, groups, or organizations through planned interventions.

 

R 338.2953 Master’s social worker license; clinical designation. 

  Rule 53. An applicant for licensure with a clinical practice designation, in addition to meeting the requirements of R 338.2949, shall meet all both of the following requirements:

  (a)  Have completed a master's or doctoral degree program from an accredited school of social work that complies with the standards in R 338.2923.  

  (b)  Have passed the clinical examination approved pursuant to R 338.2925.

  (c) (b) Have completed at least 4,000 hours of post-degree social work experience accrued over not less than 2 years, in accordance with section 18509(1)(b) of the code, MCL 333.18509, as follows:

    (i)  The experience must be earned after completion of all the requirements for graduation as verified by the program.

    (ii)  The experience must be completed in compliance with the requirements of R 338.2949 under the supervision of a Michigan-licensed master’s social worker holding a clinical designation.

    (iii) The experience for the clinical practice designation  must include 1 or more of the following activities: assessment, treatment, and intervention methods that utilize a specialized and formal interaction between a social worker and an individual, a couple, a family, or a group in which a professional relationship is established; advocating for care; protecting the vulnerable; providing forensic practice functions; increasing social well-being; providing education, and resources; providing psychotherapy; providing case management for complex and high-risk cases; serving on community committees; and, providing clinical supervision or direction of clinical programs.

 

R 338.2955  Relicensure of master’s social worker.

  Rule 55. (1) An applicant whose license has lapsed may be relicensed under section 16201(3) or (4) of the code, as applicable, MCL 333.16201, if the applicant meets the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code and satisfies the following requirements as indicated by a (√) upon submission of the appropriate documentation as noted in the table below:

(a)  For a licensed master’s social worker who has let his or her Michigan license lapse

and is not currently licensed or registered in

another state or province of Canada.

Lapsed

0-3 years

Lapsed more than 3 years, but less than 7 years

Lapsed 

7 years or more

(i)

Application and fee: submit Submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee.

 

 

 

(ii)

 

Good moral character: establish Establish that he or she the applicant is of good moral character as defined under sections 1 to 7 of 1974 PA 381, MCL 338.41 to 338.47.

 

 

 

(iii)

 

Fingerprints: submit Submit fingerprints as required under section 16174(3) of the code, MCL 333.16174.

 

 

 

 

(iv)

 

Continuing education:  submit Submit proof of having completed 45 hours of continuing education in courses and programs approved by the board, including at least 5 hours in social work ethics, 2 hours in pain and symptom management, and 2 hours in human trafficking as provided under R 338.2961, which was earned within the 3-year period immediately preceding the application for relicensure.

 

 

 

(v)

Complete 480 hours of  supervised work experience under the supervision of a Michigan-licensed master’s social worker described in subrules (2) and (3) of this rule and R 338.2951 or R 338.2953, as applicable.

 

 

 

(v)

(vi)

Supervised work experience:   completion of Complete 1,000 hours of supervised work experience under the supervision of a Michigan-licensed master’s social worker of the same designation as described in subrules (2) and (3) of this rule, if applicable, and R 338.2951, and or R 338.2953, as applicable.

 

 

 

(vi)

(vii)

Examination:  passage of Pass the applicable examination approved pursuant to R 338.2925 within 1 year before  of submitting the application for relicensure.

 

 

 

(vi)

(viii)

License verification:  an applicant’s license  in good standing must be verified by the licensing agency of each state or province of Canada in which the applicant holds or ever held a license as a social worker.  If applicable, verification  must include the record of any disciplinary action taken or pending against the applicant. 

An applicant who is or has ever been licensed, registered, or certified in a health profession or specialty by any other state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country, shall do both of the following:

  (A)  Disclose each license, registration, or certification on the application form. 

  (B)  Satisfy the requirements of section 16174(2) of the code, MCL 333.16174, which includes verification from the issuing entity showing that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application.

 

 

 

(b)  For a master’s social worker who has let his or her Michigan license lapse

and is currently licensed or registered in

 another state or province of Canada.

Lapsed

0-3 years

Lapsed more than 3 years, but less than 7 years

Lapsed 

7 years or more

(i)

Application and fee: submit Submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee.

 

 

 

(ii)

 

Good moral character: establish Establish that he or she the applicant is of good moral character as defined under sections 1 to 7 of 1974 PA 381, MCL 338.41 to 338.47.

 

 

 

(iii)

 

Fingerprints: submit Submit fingerprints as required under section 16174(3) of the code, MCL 333.16174.

 

 

 

 

(iv)

 

Continuing education:  submit Submit proof of having completed 45 hours of continuing education in courses and programs approved by the board, including at least 5 hours in social work ethics, 2 hours in pain and symptom management, and 2 hours in human trafficking as provided under R 338.2961, which was earned within the 3-year period immediately preceding the application for relicensure.

 

 

 

(v)

 

License verification:  an applicant’s license in good standing  must be verified by the licensing agency of each state or province of Canada in which the applicant holds or ever held a license as a social worker.  If applicable, verification  must include the record of any disciplinary action taken or pending against the applicant. 

An applicant who is or has ever been licensed, registered, or certified in a health profession or specialty by any other state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country, shall do both of the following:

  (A)  Disclose each license, registration, or certification on the application form. 

  (B)  Satisfy the requirements of section 16174(2) of the code, MCL 333.16174, which includes verification from the issuing entity showing that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application.

 

 

 

  (2) Supervised work experience must be earned under a Michigan limited license pursuant to R 338.2947. 

  (3) A licensee with a limited license for supervised work experience for relicensure shall comply with the supervisory requirements in R 338.2949(2) to (4).

  (4)  If relicensure is granted and it is determined that a sanction has been imposed by another state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country, the disciplinary subcommittee may impose appropriate sanctions under section 16174(5) of the code, MCL 333.16174.

 

R 338.2957  Master’s social work licensure Licensure by endorsement.

  Rule 57. (1) An applicant for licensure by endorsement shall meet the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, and submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee.

  (2)  If an applicant holds an active master’s of social work license or registration in good standing from another state or license in good standing from a province of Canada and has been engaged in the practice of social work at the master’s level for a minimum of 10 years before the date of application for Michigan licensure, it is presumed that the applicant meets the requirements for licensure under section 16186 of the code, MCL 333.16186.  The applicant shall apply for either the macro designation or the clinical designation and provide an attestation that he or she had engaged in the practice of social work at the master’s level as defined under section MCL 333.18501 18501(1)(g)(ii) or (iii), MCL 333.18501, as applicable.  An applicant may apply for a second designation by satisfying the requirements in R 338.2949(4) or by submitting proof that he or she currently holds both designations in the state or province of Canada where he or she is currently licensed.  

   (3)  If an applicant holds an active license or registration in good standing from another state or license in good standing from a province of Canada, but does not satisfy the requirements for licensure by endorsement in subrule (2) of this rule, then the applicant shall comply with all both of the following:

    (a)  Hold a valid master’s social work license in good standing from another state.

    (b)  Pass the advanced generalist or clinical examination, as applicable, of the examination approved pursuant to R 338.2925.

    (c) (b) Submit documentation verifying that the applicant has completed a minimum of 4,000 hours of supervised work experience, work experience, or both, at the master’s macro or clinical level, as applicable. 

  (4) An applicant’s license in good standing must be verified by the licensing agency of each state in which the applicant holds a current license or ever held a license as a social worker.  If applicable, verification  must include the record of any disciplinary action taken or pending against the applicant. applicant for licensure by endorsement shall comply with both of the following:

  (a)  Disclose each license, registration, or certification in a health profession or specialty issued by any other state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country on the application form. 

  (b)  Satisfy the requirements of section 16174(2) of the code, MCL 333.16174, which includes verification from the issuing entity showing that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application.

 

PART 5. CONTINUING EDUCATION

 

R 338.2961  Bachelor’s and master’s of social work license renewals; continuing

  education requirements.

  Rule 61. (1) An applicant for license renewal who has been licensed for the 3-year period immediately preceding the expiration date of the license shall satisfy the requirements of R 338.7001 to R 338.7005, and accumulate not less than 45 continuing education contact hours that are approved by the board under R 338.2963 during the 3 years immediately preceding application for renewal.

  (2)  At least 5 of the 45 continuing education contact hours in each renewal period must be in ethics.

  (3)  At least 2 of the 45 continuing education contact hours in each renewal period  must be in pain and symptom management. Continuing education contact hours in pain and  symptom management may include, but are not limited to, courses in behavior management, psychology of pain, behavior modification, and stress management.

  (4)  At least 2 of the 45 continuing education contact hours in each renewal period  must be in human trafficking. 

  (5) Submission of an application for renewal constitutes the applicant's certification of compliance with the requirements of these rules. A licensed master's or licensed bachelor's social worker shall retain documentation of meeting the requirements of this rule for a period of 5 years from the date of applying for license renewal. The board may require an applicant or licensee to submit evidence to demonstrate compliance with this rule.  Failure to comply with this rule is a violation of section 16221(h) of the code, MCL 333.16221.

  (6) The department shall receive a request for a waiver under section 16205 of the code, MCL 333.16205, before the expiration date of the license.   

 

R 338. 2963  Acceptable continuing education; limitations.

  Rule 63. (1)  One half of the required continuing education contact hours must be completed in person or using a format that permits live, synchronous contact. The remaining continuing education contact hours may be completed in any other approved format.

  (2) The continuing education credit hours earned during 1 renewal cycle may not be carried forward to the next renewal cycle.

  (3)  A licensee may not earn continuing education credit for completing the same course twice within the same renewal cycle.

  (4) The board approves all of the following as acceptable continuing education:

ACCEPTABLE CONTINUING EDUCATION

(a)

Attendance at a continuing education program related to the practice of social work approved or offered by any of the following:

 

  The ASWB.

  The National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

  A state chapter of the NASW.

 

If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of a letter or certificate of completion showing the licensee’s name, number of credits earned, sponsor name or the name of the organization that approved the program or activity for continuing education credit, and the date or dates on which the program was held or activity completed.

Contact hours may be earned without limitation under this subrule.

(b)

Attendance of an academic course or a continuing education program  related to the practice of social work offered by an educational program approved by the board under R 338.2923. 

 

If audited, the licensee shall submit an official transcript documenting successful completion of the course,   or the licensee shall submit a copy of a letter or certificate of completion showing the licensee’s name, number of credits earned, sponsor name or the name of the educational program offering the academic course or continuing education program organization that approved the program or activity for continuing education credit, and the date or dates on which the academic course was attended or the continuing education program was held or activity completed for a continuing education program.

Fifteen continuing education contact hours may be earned for each semester credit earned.  Ten continuing education contact hours may be earned for each quarter credit earned.

 

One hour of continuing education contact hours may be earned for each hour of attendance of a continuing education program.  Credit may be earned without limitation.

(c)

Attendance at a continuing education program that has been granted approval by another state board of social work.

 

If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of a letter or certificate of completion showing the licensee’s name, number of credits earned, sponsor name or the name of the organization that approved the program or activity for continuing education credit, and the date or dates on which the program was held or activity completed.

Continuing education contact hours may be earned without limitation.

(d)

Presentation of a board-approved continuing education program that is not part of the licensee’s regular job description.

 

If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from the program sponsor confirming the licensee as the presenter and the presentation date and time, or a copy of the presentation notice or advertisement showing the date of the presentation, the licensee’s name listed as a presenter, and the name of the organization that approved or offered the presentation for continuing education credit.

 

Three continuing education contact hours may be earned for each 60 minutes of presentation.

 

Credit may be earned for the same program only once in each renewal period.  A maximum of 15 continuing education contact hours may be earned per licensure cycle.

(e)

Publication in a peer reviewed journal or textbook of an article or chapter related to the practice of social work.

 

If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of the publication that identifies the licensee as an author of the chapter or a publication acceptance letter.

Ten continuing education contact hours may be earned for publication in a journal or textbook, with a maximum of 10 contact hours per licensure cycle.