• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Maryland Department of Health
    MD Board of Social Work Examiners

    Board of Social Work Examiners

    COVID – 19 Update

    The following are some recent decisions approved by the Board of Social Work Examiners that relate to the Governor’s Executive Order, the Department of Health and Human Services requirements for providers utilizing telehealth services, and the Maryland Office of Civil Rights. All of the changes are in response to the national public health emergency during COVID-19.

    • The regulatory requirements for noncompliance under HIPPA Rules have been lowered and the Office of Civil Rights will not impose penalties against covered health care providers in connection with the good faith provision of telehealth for noncompliance. ( See HAS.gov Notice of Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth)
    • Governor Lawrence J. Hogan’s Executive Order declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19. As a result there is a temporary expansion of Medicaid telehealth services with the home as an originating site. (See MDH, COVID-19#1 Temporary Expansion of Medicaid Regulations to permit Delivery of Telehealth Services to the Home to Mitigate Possible Spread of Novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19) Behavioral Health Service providers should contact the behavioral health ASO with questions regarding prior authorization requirements for services rendered via telehealth. Consult with the Medicaid telehealth program manual for more information.
    • Social workers licensed at the LCSW-C level can practice teletherapy within their scope of practice. LMSW level social workers can practice teletherapy only under the supervision of an LCSW-C social worker.
    • Clinical Social Workers licensed in other states can practice social work, including teletherapy no more than 6 months, with an endorsement application pending before the Board. This application will be expedited.
    • The supervision of social workers can be face to face in the physical presence of or electronic presence of the individuals involved in a supervisory relationship (must be visual technological communication).
    • ASWB has closed its testing centers until April 16, 2020. We are looking into extending the time a candidate is eligible to take the national examination as a result of this closing.
    • At this time, the BSWE Continuing Education Regulations remain in effect.  Conferences, workshops, and trainings have either been cancelled, postponed, or under further consideration by the Board Authorized Sponsors.  Sponsors are reviewing their options with some Sponsors already designating new training dates while others have postponed them awaiting further guidance from Governor Hogan.   Please contact the Sponsors directly to discuss their training plans. 
    • Some Board Authorized Sponsors may be changing their format from live conferences and trainings tolive, real-time, interactive webinars to earn Category I CEUs (the CE Certificate should reflect this language).  One option is to offer short trainings - for example, 2 to 4 hours in this format making it easier for licensees to attend.   However, the Continuing Education Regulations for Category I learning activities must be followed.