2008 Minnesota Statutes

148D.065 EXEMPTIONS.

Subdivision 1.Other professionals.

Nothing in this chapter may be construed to prevent members of other professions or occupations from performing functions for which they are qualified or licensed. This exception includes but is not limited to: licensed physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, licensed psychologists, psychological practitioners, probation officers, members of the clergy and Christian Science practitioners, attorneys, marriage and family therapists, alcohol and drug counselors, professional counselors, school counselors, and registered occupational therapists or certified occupational therapist assistants. These persons must not, however, hold themselves out to the public by any title or description stating or implying that they are engaged in the practice of social work, or that they are licensed to engage in the practice of social work. Persons engaged in the practice of social work are not exempt from the board's jurisdiction solely by the use of one of the titles in this subdivision.

Subd. 2.Students.

An internship, externship, or any other social work experience that is required for the completion of an accredited program of social work does not constitute the practice of social work under this chapter.

Subd. 3.Geographic waiver.

A geographic waiver may be granted by the board on a case-by-case basis to agencies with special regional hiring problems. The waiver is for the purpose of permitting agencies to hire individuals who do not meet the qualifications of section 148D.055 or 148D.060 to practice social work.

Subd. 4.City, county, and state agency social workers.

The licensure of city, county, and state agency social workers is voluntary. City, county, and state agencies employing social workers are not required to employ licensed social workers.

Subd. 5.Tribes and private nonprofit agencies; voluntary licensure.

The licensure of social workers who are employed by federally recognized tribes, or by private nonprofit agencies whose primary service focus addresses ethnic minority populations, and who are themselves members of ethnic minority populations within those agencies, is voluntary.

History:

2005 c 147 art 1 s 18

NOTE: This section is repealed effective August 1, 2011, by Laws 2007, chapter 123, section 137.