<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 10.42.02.05" title_num="10" subtitle_num="42" chapter_num="02" heading="Independent Practice.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>An LCSW-C may engage in the independent practice of social work.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>An LCSW may engage in the independent practice of social work, except when formulating a diagnostic impression, a diagnosis, or providing psychotherapy.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>An LBSW or LMSW may not engage in the independent practice of social work until the licensee is approved by the Board for independent status in accordance with this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>An LBSW or LMSW shall practice in accordance with the restrictions set forth in Health Occupations Article, §19-307, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>An LBSW or LMSW licensed on or before January 1, 2008 shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Have actively practiced bachelor or master social work under social work supervision;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Have completed at least 10 years of social work experience under social work supervision;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Submit an application in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, §19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Provide documentation in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, §19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>An LBSW or LMSW licensed on or after January 1, 2008 shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Have actively practiced bachelor or master social work under social work supervision;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Have completed at least 3 years as an active licensee with at least 4,500 hours and a minimum of 150 hours of periodic face-to-face supervision;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Submit an application in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, §19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Provide documentation in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, §19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>An LBSW or LMSW licensed on or after January 1, 2021 shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Have actively practiced bachelor or master social work under the supervision of Board approved social work supervision;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Have completed at least 3 years as an active licensee with at least 4,500 hours and a minimum of 150 hours of periodic face-to-face supervision;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Submit an application in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, §19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Provide documentation in the form prescribed by the Board as set forth in Health Occupations Article, §19-302, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>The Board shall approve an application to engage in independent practice provided:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The application is complete; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The applicant practiced social work in accordance with the statute and regulations in effect at the time the bachelor or master social worker practiced in Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>The Board may not approve the licensee to engage in independent practice if the licensee fails to demonstrate the required supervised experience.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Board may require the applicant to complete up to 1,500 additional hours of supervised social work experience; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The applicant may reapply for independent practice following the completion of the required social work experience.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>