Maryland Health Occupations Section 19-101

      (a)      In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

      (b)      "Board" means the State Board of Social Work Examiners.

      (c)      "Certified" means having demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Board that the individual has completed 2 years of supervised social work practice as defined in § 19-302(d) or (e) of this title.

      (d)      "License" means, unless the context requires otherwise, one of four types of licenses issued by the Board authorizing an individual to practice:

            (1)      Associate social work;

            (2)      Graduate social work;

            (3)      Certified social work; or

            (4)      Certified social work-clinical.

      (e)      "Licensed associate social worker" means an individual licensed by the Board to practice associate social work.

      (f)      "Licensed certified social worker" means an individual licensed by the Board to practice certified social work.

      (g)      "Licensed certified social worker-clinical" means an individual licensed by the Board to practice clinical social work.

      (h)      "Licensed graduate social worker" means an individual licensed by the Board to practice graduate social work.

      (i)      "Practice associate social work" means to practice social work:

            (1)      Under the supervision of a licensed certified social worker, licensed certified social worker-clinical, or licensed graduate social worker who meets the conditions specified in regulations; and

            (2)      Utilizing the education and training required under § 19-302(b) of this title.

      (j)      "Practice certified social work" means to practice social work utilizing the education, training, and experience required under § 19-302(d) or (e) of this title.

      (k)      "Practice clinical social work" means to practice social work utilizing the specialized education, training, and experience required under § 19-302(e) of this title.

      (l)      "Practice graduate social work" means to practice social work:

            (1)      Under the supervision of a licensed certified social worker, licensed certified social worker-clinical, or licensed graduate social worker who meets the conditions specified in regulations; and

            (2)      Utilizing the education and training required under § 19-302(c) of this title.

      (m)      (1)      "Practice social work" means to apply the theories, knowledge, procedures, methods, or ethics derived from a formal educational program in social work to restore or enhance social functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, or communities through:

                  (i)      Assessment;

                  (ii)      Formulating diagnostic impressions;

                  (iii)      Planning;

                  (iv)      Intervention;

                  (v)      Evaluation of intervention plans;

                  (vi)      Case management;

                  (vii)      Information and referral;

                  (viii)      Counseling that does not include diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders;

                  (ix)      Advocacy;

                  (x)      Consultation;

                  (xi)      Education;

                  (xii)      Research;

                  (xiii)      Community organization; or

                  (xiv)      Development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities.

            (2)      For an individual licensed as a graduate social worker, "practice social work" also includes:

                  (i)      Supervision of other social workers if the graduate social worker meets the requirements set out in regulations; and

                  (ii)      Treatment of psychosocial conditions and mental disorders and the provision of psychotherapy under the direct supervision of a licensed certified social worker-clinical.

            (3)      For an individual licensed as a certified social worker, "practice social work" also includes:

                  (i)      Supervision of other social workers; and

                  (ii)      Treatment of psychosocial conditions and mental disorders and the provision of psychotherapy under the direct supervision of a licensed certified social worker-clinical.

            (4)      For an individual licensed as a certified social worker-clinical, "practice social work" also includes:

                  (i)      Supervision of other social workers;

                  (ii)      Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of psychosocial conditions and mental disorders as defined in § 10-101(f) of the Health - General Article; and

                  (iii)      The provision of psychotherapy.

      (n)      "Psychotherapy" means a method for the treatment of mental disorders and behavioral disturbances in which a licensed health care practitioner enters into a professional contract with the patient and, through a therapeutic communication or interaction, attempts to:

            (1)      Alleviate emotional disturbances;

            (2)      Reverse or alter maladaptive patterns of behavior; or

            (3)      Encourage personality growth and development.

      (o)      "Supervision" means a formalized professional relationship between a supervisor and a supervisee that:

            (1)      Provides evaluation and direction of the supervisee; and

            (2)      Promotes continued development of the supervisee's knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide social work services in an ethical and competent manner.