§7001-A. Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.   [PL 1985, c. 736, §2 (NEW).]

1.  Accredited educational institution.  An "accredited educational institution" is an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or its successor or other organization approved by the board.

[PL 2007, c. 402, Pt. V, §1 (AMD).]

2.  Board.  "Board" is the State Board of Social Worker Licensure.

[PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. B, §10 (AMD).]

3.  Certified social worker - independent practice.  A "certified social worker - independent practice" is a person who was licensed as a certified social worker and permitted to engage in the independent practice of social work pursuant to section 7052, before January 1, 1985.

[PL 1985, c. 736, §2 (NEW).]

4.  Clinical setting.  A "clinical setting" is a setting where mental disorders are evaluated, prevented, diagnosed and treated using psychosocial evaluation.

[PL 1985, c. 736, §2 (NEW).]

5.  Consultation.  "Consultation" is regularly scheduled face-to-face case discussion and evaluation focusing on raw data, goals and objectives from the social worker's practice.

[PL 1985, c. 736, §2 (NEW).]

6.  Licensed clinical social worker.  A "licensed clinical social worker" is a person who has received a license as a clinical social worker from the board.

[PL 1985, c. 736, §2 (NEW).]

7.  Licensed master social worker.  A "licensed master social worker" is a person who has received a license as a master social worker from the board.

[PL 1985, c. 736, §2 (NEW).]

8.  Licensed social worker.  A "licensed social worker" is a person who has received a license as a licensed social worker from the board. In accordance with the provisions of section 7053, subsection 3-B, "licensed social worker" includes a person who has received a conditional license as a licensed social worker.

[PL 2003, c. 429, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 429, §7 (AFF).]

9.  Private practice.  "Private practice" is practicing social work on a self-employed basis.

[PL 1985, c. 736, §2 (NEW).]

10.  Psychosocial evaluation.  "Psychosocial evaluation" includes the determination and examination by social workers of the psychosocial situation of an individual or group related to interpersonal and intrapersonal stress, family background, family interaction, living arrangements and socioeconomic problems and treatment, evaluation, plans and goals, including the diagnosis of mental illness and emotional disorders for the purpose of treatment and therapeutic intervention, but excluding the diagnosis of organic mental illness or treatment of any illness by organic therapy, to the extent permitted by the licensure provision of this chapter. In the process of making a diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan for mental illness or emotional disorder, the social worker shall assure, consistent with rules to be promulgated by the board, that the person is examined by a physician and may take into account the physician's opinion in forming the psychosocial evaluation. When a person has been seen by a physician within 3 months prior to seeking mental health treatment, a telephone conversation between that physician and the social worker may be held in lieu of the examination required by this subsection. The medical visit or the telephone conversation shall be documented in the clinical records of the person. This requirement shall apply only in cases where there is a presence of psychopathology. The board shall define standards by rule, in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, for implementation of this subsection.

[PL 1985, c. 736, §2 (NEW).]

11.  Social work.  "Social work" means engaging in psychosocial evaluation and intervention, including therapy, to the extent permitted by the licensure provisions of this chapter, to effect a change in the feelings, attitudes and behavior of a client, whether an individual, group or community. "Social work" also means engaging in community organization, social planning, administration and research.

[PL 1985, c. 736, §2 (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1985, c. 736, §2 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 395, §B10 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 316, §1 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 429, §1 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 429, §7 (AFF). PL 2007, c. 402, Pt. V, §1 (AMD).