Board News & Information
Social Work: Overview
Board of Social Work Examiners
The Board of Social Work Examiners regulates the practice of social work through the licensure of three different levels of practice.
Social work is a professional service that uses social resources, social systems, and human capabilities to effect change in human behavior, emotional responses, and social conditions.
Clinical social workers assess, diagnose, and treat, using psychotherapy and counseling. Clinical social workers also provide client-centered advocacy, consultation, and evaluation.
The Board assures continued professional competence by requiring all licensed social workers to obtain fifteen hours of continuing education annually. The Board also investigates complaints from the public about unprofessional or unethical conduct, and takes disciplinary action when required.
NOTICE OF CHANGES PURSUANT TO 16.63.11
At the August 21, 2015 meeting of the Social Work Examiners Board, the Board reaffirmed the issuing of the Licensed Independent Social Work (LISW) license and the issuing of the specialty License in Clinical Practice (LCSW) to indivduals who as of July 1, 2015 were licensed at the LISW and also held a designated specialty in Clinical Practice.
Individuals who received an LCSW license and have had an LISW with a designated "clinical specialty" may request in writing to be issued a license that will identify both levels of licensure. All requests must be made in writing to the Board.
The Board will continue to issue licenses for advanced licensure. Applicants will have to determine whether they are applying for LISW or LCSW license. Individuals applying for the LISW will take the Advanced Generalist Exam. Applicants for the LCSW will need to take the Clinical Exam. Both examinations are administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The number of hours of supervision remain at 3600 hours. LISW applicants may seek to be supervised in macro-administrative practice.
On 7.24.14, the Board of Social Work Examiners adopted changes to the Board's Rules & Regulations, which are found at Title 16 Chapter 63 NMAC.
As a consequence of those rule changes, effective 9.1.14, the new title of the previously titled LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker) is LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). All licenses issued at that level after 9.1.14 will be issued under the LCSW title. Please note the change from LISW to LCSW is merely a name change and there have been no changes to the scope of practice or requirements for licensure. This LCSW license should be treated as the interchangeable equivalent of the LISW license for credentialing, and all other purposes.
Letter in PDF format
For more information contact:
Board of Social Work Examiners
Toney Anaya Building
2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Mailing address:
PO BOX 25101
Santa Fe, NM 87504
(505)476-4890
(505) 476-4620 Fax