# Health Occupations (GHO)

## Title 19. Social Workers

### Subtitle 4. Prohibited Acts; Penalties

#### Section 19-401

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice social work in this State while representing oneself to be a social worker unless licensed by the Board.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice clinical social work in this State unless licensed by the Board as a certified social worker-clinical.

#### Section 19-402

Unless authorized to practice social work under this title, a person may not:

(1) Represent to the public that the person is a licensed social worker; or

(2) Use any title, abbreviation, sign, card, or other representation that the person is a licensed social worker, including the use of the words "social worker" or "social work" and the use of the abbreviations "LBSW", "LMSW", "LCSW", or "LCSW-C".

#### Section 19-403

A person may not intentionally:

(1) Use or attempt to use the license of another person who is a licensed social worker; or

(2) Impersonate another person who is a licensed social worker.

#### Section 19-404

In an attempt to obtain a license, a person may not intentionally give false information to the Board.

#### Section 19-407

(a) A person who violates any provision of this subtitle or Sec. 19-301 of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both.

(b) A person who violates any provision of this subtitle or Sec. 19-301 of this title is subject to a civil fine not exceeding $50,000 to be assessed by the Board in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board.

(c) Each violation of this subtitle is a separate offense.

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