RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 227 (SB 24) 2018 Regular Session Mills
Prior law provided for the practice of a social worker and defines "social work practice" to
mean the professional application of social work values, theories, and interventions to one
or more of the following:
(1)enhancing the development, problem-solving, and coping capacities of people
(2)promoting the effective and humane operations of systems that provide resources and
services to people
(3)linking people with systems that provide them with resources, services, and
opportunities
(4)developing and improving social policy
(5)engaging in research related to the professional activities.
Provided that the practice of social work includes clinical social work, planning and
community organization, policy and administration, research, and social work education.
Provided that social work practice is guided by knowledge of human behavior,
biopsychosocial development, social systems and resources, economic and cultural
institutions, and their interactions.
New law retains these provisions and provides that a faculty member who has obtained a
master's degree or license in a field other than social work and who teaches a course in a
social work program other than a clinical course, a clinical practicum, or any other course
involving the scope of practice of social work at an accredited Louisiana institution of higher
education shall not be construed as practicing social work and shall not be subject to the
provisions of prior law on licensing and regulation the practice of a social worker.
Prior law prohibited the practice of social work by an individual unless the individual holds
a current, valid license, certificate, or registration issued by the board. Required that this
license, certificate, or registration be kept conspicuously posted in the office or place of
business at all times.
New law requires that an individual submit an application for licensure, certification, or
registration to the board within 90 days of commencement of social work practice.
Effective August 1, 2018.
(Amends R.S. 37:2703(15)(b) and 2709; adds R.S. 37:2703(15)(c))