21 NCAC 63 .0102             DEFINITIONS

Whenever used in this Chapter, the definitions set forth in G.S. 90B-3 are herein incorporated by reference. The following definitions apply in this Chapter:

(1)           CMSW - this designation represents the certified master social worker level of certification.

(2)           CSW - this designation represents the certified social worker level of certification.

(3)           CSWM - this designation represents the certified social work manager level of certification.

(4)           LCSW - this designation represents the licensed clinical social worker level of certification.

(5)           LCSWA - this designation represents the licensed clinical social worker associate level of certification.

(6)           NCSWCLB - this designation represents the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.

(7)           Censure. Censure is an act involving severe condemnation and a sanction by the Board for practice misconduct. Censuring is typically for severe offenses and may require specific follow-up actions by the social worker.

(8)           Client.  Client means the individual, couple, family, group, organization, or community that seeks or receives social work services.  Client status is not dependent on billing or payment of fees for such services.  A power of attorney, legal guardian or person who is responsible for making decisions relative to the provision of social work services for a minor or adult is also deemed a recipient of social work services as part of the client system.

(9)           Client system.  Client system means the client and those in the client's environment who are potentially influential in contributing to a resolution of the client's issues.

(10)         Clinical Case Management.  A comprehensive approach to care integrating a broad array of interventions to include planning, implementation and management of care for clients with one or more of the following: mental, emotional, addictive, behavioral, or developmental disorders and conditions.  Interventions by the clinical case manager shall involve face-to-face contact with the client on a regular basis, shall be grounded in clinical social work theory, and shall be guided by the client's treatment plan or personal care plan.

(11)         Clinical Social Work Experience.  As it relates to the work experience required for LCSW licensure, two years of clinical social work experience in direct practice means the professional application of master or doctoral social work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial function.  Clinical social work experience requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, including the use of psychotherapy, to treat one or more of the following disorders or conditions: mental, emotional, addictive, behavioral, or developmental disorders and conditions.  In addition, the clinical social work experience may also include clinical case management, information and referral, mediation, client education, clinical supervision and clinical consultation that is directly related to the treatment plan or personal care plan of a client or consumer.

(12)         Diagnosis.  In the context of licensed clinical social work practice diagnosis is the process of distinguishing, beyond the general social work assessment, among one or more of the following: mental, emotional, addictive, behavioral, or developmental disorders and conditions within a psychosocial framework on the basis of their similar and unique characteristics consistent with American Psychiatric Association or World Health Organization classification systems.

(13)         Probation.  Probation is a period of time in which a license or certification is subject to specific practice conditions determined by the Board.  The individual is permitted to continue practice subject to compliance with the conditions set forth in the order determining the probation status.  A violation of the conditions of probation can result in additional disciplinary action taken by the Board.

(14)         Reprimand.  Reprimand is a public rebuke and sanction by the Board for practice misconduct.  A reprimand typically is given for less severe offenses and may require specific follow-up actions by the social worker.

(15)         Revocation.  Revocation is the withdrawal of privilege to practice as a certified or licensed social worker in the State of North Carolina.

(16)         Surrender.  Surrender is the voluntary relinquishment of a certification or license by its holder.  The surrender of a certification or license shall be accepted only by Consent Order with the Board.

(17)         Suspension.  Suspension is the withdrawal of privilege to practice for a specific period of time.

(18)         Treatment.  Clinical social work intervention, including individual, couples, family, or group psychotherapy, that is empirically grounded and used to help resolve symptoms of one or more of the following: mental, emotional, addictive, behavioral, or developmental disorders and conditions.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90B-3; 90B-6;

Eff. August 1, 1987;

Temporary Amendment Eff. October 1, 1999;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2012; July 1, 2011; January 1, 2009; July 1, 2000;

Readopted Eff. February 1, 2017.