South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 63 - Social Workers
Section 40-63-30. License as prerequisite to practice or offer to practice; providing social work services through telephone or electronic means.

(A) No individual shall offer social work services or use the designation "Social Worker", "Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker", "Licensed Masters Social Worker", "Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice", "Licensed Independent Social Worker-Advanced Practice", or the initials "LBSW", "LMSW", or "LISW" or any other designation indicating licensure status or hold themselves out as practicing social work or as a Baccalaureate Social Worker, Masters Social Worker, or Independent Social Worker unless licensed in accordance with this chapter.
(B) A person providing social work services to a client in this State, through telephonic, electronic, or other means, regardless of the location of the social worker, who is not licensed or registered by this State, is practicing without a license. A social worker licensed by this State may provide services through these means to a client in this State within their appropriate scope of practice.
HISTORY: 2002 Act No. 189, Section 1; 2022 Act No. 155 (S.1179), Section 1, eff June 12, 2022.

Editor's Note
Prior Laws:1962 Code Section 56-1600; 1968 (55) 2800; 1982 Act No. 453, Section 3; 1988 Act No. 568, Section 1; 1976 Code Section 40-63-50.
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 155, Section 1, in (B), in the first sentence, substituted "licensed or registered by this State" for "licensed in this State", and added the second sentence.

Structure South Carolina Code of Laws

South Carolina Code of Laws

Title 40 - Professions and Occupations

Chapter 63 - Social Workers

Section 40-63-5. Application of chapter; conflict of laws.

Section 40-63-10. State Board of Social Work Examiners; membership; oath; expense reimbursements.

Section 40-63-20. Definitions.

Section 40-63-30. License as prerequisite to practice or offer to practice; providing social work services through telephone or electronic means.

Section 40-63-35. Out-of-state social workers authorized.

Section 40-63-40. General public board members; nominations; appointments.

Section 40-63-50. Powers and duties of board.

Section 40-63-60. Adoption of rules governing board proceedings.

Section 40-63-70. Board promulgation of regulations.

Section 40-63-80. Power to subpoena witnesses, take evidence, and require production of documents.

Section 40-63-90. Investigation and hearing for violation or unfitness to practice; notice; rights to license; privileged communications.

Section 40-63-100. Equitable relief; cease and desist order; temporary restraining order.

Section 40-63-110. Grounds for disciplinary action; misconduct; mental incompetence.

Section 40-63-120. Revocation or suspension of license; fines.

Section 40-63-130. Licensure denial; grounds.

Section 40-63-140. Prior criminal record.

Section 40-63-150. Voluntary surrender of license.

Section 40-63-160. Appeal.

Section 40-63-170. Costs of investigation and prosecution.

Section 40-63-180. Costs and fines; collection and enforcement.

Section 40-63-190. Disclosure of client information.

Section 40-63-200. Unauthorized practice; penalty.

Section 40-63-210. Civil penalties; injunctive relief.

Section 40-63-220. Licensure requirements; Baccalaureate Social Worker.

Section 40-63-230. Licensure requirements; Masters Social Worker.

Section 40-63-240. Licensure requirements; Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice.

Section 40-63-250. Issuance of license; display; indication of title on documents; renewal; lapse.

Section 40-63-260. Applicants licensed in another jurisdiction; licensure; equivalent designations recognized.

Section 40-63-270. Patient notification; professional disclosure and statement of rights; prescribing or dispensing medications.

Section 40-63-280. Promulgation of regulations; standards of conduct; practice of impaired licensees.

Section 40-63-290. Persons exempt from licensure requirement.

Section 40-63-300. Severability.