Social Work Licensure Information

UPDATED AUGUST 2010

All graduates of accredited social work programs in Tennessee can now apply for appropriate levels of licensure by the State of Tennessee.  The final rules to implement the Social Work Multi-level Licensure legislation were published at the end of July and applications are now available to apply for licensure as a Licensed Baccalureate Social Worker or Licensed Advanced Practice Social Workers.  Click here or post the following address in your web brower to download the new applications.  http://health.state.tn.us/Boards/SW/  

Many of our members will remember that NASW-TN worked in 2007-2008 to pass Multi-level Social Worker Licensure. The legislation passed in 2008 strengthened the scope of practice for Licensed Clinical Social Workers and included two new licensure categories: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker and Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker.  It also changed the Certified Master Social Worker credential to Licensed Master’s Social Worker.  Appropriate tests will be  required for all levels of practice after December 31, 2010.  


The new rules implementing the Multi-level Licensure Law replace the prior social work licensure rules. We encourage all current licensees and persons considering applying for licensure to review these rules at http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/1365/1365.htm 

We hope all social workers across Tennessee will join with us in celebrating this important recognition for all social work professionals and share the word with other social workers that you know! 

Paula D. Foster, LCSW
NASW-TN Professional Issues Representative

 

Karen L. Franklin, LMSW

NASW-TN Executive Director