# Health Occupations (GHO)

## Title 19. Social Workers

### Subtitle 3. Licensing

#### Section 19-307

(a) Subject to the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a license authorizes the licensee to practice social work while the license is in effect.

(b) A licensed social worker may practice social work only within the scope of the specific category of license issued by the Board.

(c)

  (1) A licensed bachelor social worker may not:

    (i) Engage in independent practice unless the licensed bachelor social worker is approved by the Board to engage in independent practice in accordance with Sec. 19-302(f) of this subtitle;

    (ii) Make a clinical diagnosis of a behavioral health or emotional disorder;

    (iii) Provide psychotherapy; or

    (iv) Engage in private practice.

  (2) A licensed master social worker may not:

    (i) Engage in independent practice unless the licensed master social worker is approved by the Board to engage in independent practice in accordance with Sec. 19-302(f) of this subtitle;

    (ii) Treat behavioral health or emotional disorders or provide psychotherapy without the supervision of a licensed certified social worker-clinical;

    (iii) Diagnose a behavioral health disorder without the supervision of a licensed certified social worker-clinical; or

    (iv) Engage in private practice.

  (3) A licensed certified social worker may not:

    (i) Treat behavioral health or emotional disorders or provide psychotherapy without the supervision of a licensed certified social worker-clinical;

    (ii) Diagnose a mental disorder without the supervision of a licensed certified social worker-clinical; or

    (iii) Engage in private practice.

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Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)