(a) No person may represent himself or herself as a social worker by using the title "social worker," "licensed bachelor social worker," "licensed master social worker," or "licensed independent clinical social worker," or any other title that includes such words, or by adding the letters "SW," "LBSW," " LMSW," or "LICSW," unless licensed under this chapter or excluded according to its provisions.
(b) No public or private agency, organization, or health facility may use the term "social worker," "licensed bachelor social worker," "licensed master social worker," or "licensed independent clinical social worker" to apply to a person unless that person is so licensed under this chapter or excluded according to its provisions.
(c) After November 24, 1978, nothing contained in this chapter shall prohibit a Merit System or Civil Service employee who is employed in a social work position whose qualifications are established or determined by a regulatory board, pursuant to state or federal law, from representing himself or herself as a social worker by using the title "social worker."
(d)(1) A person who knowingly, willfully, or intentionally violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). The board and its members shall assist prosecuting officers in the enforcement of this chapter, and it shall be the duty of this board and its members to furnish the proper prosecuting officers with such evidence as it or they may ascertain to assist them in the prosecution of any violation of this article, and the board is authorized for such purposes to make such reasonable expenditures from the funds of the board which it may deem necessary to ascertain and furnish such evidence.
(2) When it appears to the board that any person is in violation of any provisions of this section, the board may in its own name bring an action in the circuit court for any injunction, and the court may enjoin any person from violating this section regardless of whether criminal proceedings have been or may be instituted. Upon a proper showing, a permanent or temporary injunction, or restraining order, shall be granted.
Last modified: May 3, 2021