Idaho Administrative Code
Title IDAPA 24 - Occupational and Professional Licenses, Division of
Rule 24.14.01 - RULES OF THE STATE BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK EXAMINERS
Section 24.14.01.201 - PRACTICE OF SOCIAL WORK
Current through August 31, 2023
01. Baccalaureate Social Work. The application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, and ethics to restore or enhance social or psychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Baccalaureate social work is a generalist practice that includes assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, information and referral, supportive counseling, supervision, and consultation with clients. Baccalaureate social work also includes advocacy, education, community organization, and the development, implementation and administration of policies, programs, and activities. Bachelor level social workers are prohibited from performing psychotherapy. Baccalaureate social work can include independent practice, but not private practice. (3-28-23)
02. Master's Social Work. The application of social work theory, knowledge, methods and ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Master's social work requires the application of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of assessment, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, information and referral, supportive counseling, supervision and consultation with clients, advocacy, teaching, research, community organization, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities. Master level social workers who do not hold clinical licensure may provide psychotherapy only under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist and in accordance with an approved supervision plan. Master's social work can include independent practice, but not private practice. (3-28-23)
03. Clinical Social Work. The practice of clinical social work is a specialty within the practice of master's social work and requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions and addictions. Clinical social work is based on knowledge and theory of psychosocial development, behavior, psychopathology, motivation, interpersonal relationships, environmental stress, social systems, and cultural diversity, with particular attention to person-in-environment. It shares with all social work practice the goal of enhancement and maintenance of psychosocial functioning of individuals, families, and small groups. Clinical social work includes, but is not limited to, individual, couples, family and group psychotherapy, and includes independent and private practice. (3-28-23)
04. Employment of a Social Worker. A social worker employed directly by a physician, psychologist or other social worker, or by a public or private agency, institution, hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation center, or any similar facility, is not to be considered within the definition of an independent practitioner. Furthermore, a social worker who contracts with an agency or institution that assumes full responsibility for and supervises the services provided to clients is not considered to be a private practitioner. (3-28-23)
