Article 4 - Licensure

California Business and Professions Code — §§ 4996-4997.1

Sections (32)

Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 20, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2004.

(a)Only individuals who have received a license under this article may style themselves as “Licensed Clinical Social Workers.” Every individual who styles himself or herself or who holds himself or herself out to be a licensed clinical social worker, or who uses any words or symbols indicating or tending to indicate that he or she is a licensed clinical social worker, without holding his or her license in good standing under this article, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b)It is

unlawful for any person to engage in the practice of clinical social work unless at the time of so doing such person holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked license under this article.

(c)A clinical social worker licensed under this chapter is a licentiate for purposes of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 805, and thus is a health care practitioner subject to the provisions of Section 2290.5 pursuant to subdivision (b) of that section.

§ 4996.1

Amended (as amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 799, Sec. 53) by Stats. 2013, Ch. 473, Sec. 43. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2014. Section operative January 1, 2016, by its own provisions.

(a)Effective January 1, 2016, the board shall issue a clinical social worker license to each applicant who qualifies pursuant to this article and who successfully passes a California law and ethics examination and a clinical examination. An applicant who has successfully passed a previously administered written examination may be subsequently required to take and pass another written examination.

(b)This section shall become operative on January 1, 2016.

§ 4996.2

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 49. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.

Each applicant for a license shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant complies with all of the following requirements:

(a)Is at least 21 years of age.

(b)Has received a master’s degree from an accredited school of social work.

(c)Has had two years of supervised post-master’s degree experience, as specified in Section 4996.23.

(d)Not be subject to denial of licensure pursuant to Section 480. The board shall not issue a registration or license to any person who has been convicted of any crime in this or another state or in a territory of the United States that

involves sexual abuse of children or who is required to register pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code or the equivalent in another state or territory, in accordance with Section 480.

(e)Has completed adequate instruction and training in the subject of alcoholism and other chemical substance dependency. This requirement applies only to applicants who matriculate on or after January 1, 1986.

(f)Has completed instruction and training in spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention. This requirement applies to an applicant who began graduate training during the period commencing on January 1, 1995, and ending on December 31, 2003. An applicant who began graduate training on or after January 1, 2004, shall complete a minimum of 15 contact hours of coursework in spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention strategies, including knowledge of

community resources, cultural factors, and same gender abuse dynamics. Coursework required under this subdivision may be satisfactory if taken either in fulfillment of other educational requirements for licensure or in a separate course.

(g)Has completed a minimum of 10 contact hours of training or coursework in human sexuality as specified in Section 1807 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations. This training or coursework may be satisfactory if taken either in fulfillment of other educational requirements for licensure or in a separate course.

(h)Has completed a minimum of seven contact hours of training or coursework in child abuse assessment and reporting as specified in Section 1807.2 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations. This training or coursework may be satisfactory if taken either in fulfillment of other educational requirements for licensure or

in a separate course.

§ 4996.3

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 50. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)The board shall assess the following fees relating to the licensure of clinical social workers:

(1)The application fee for registration as an associate clinical social worker shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of three hundred dollars ($300).

(2)The fee for annual renewal of an associate clinical social worker registration shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of three hundred dollars ($300).

(3)The fee for application for licensure shall be two hundred

fifty dollars ($250). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of five hundred dollars ($500).

(4)(A) (i) The fee for the board-administered clinical examination, if the board chooses to adopt this examination in regulations, shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of five hundred dollars ($500).

(ii) The fee for the California law and ethics examination shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of three hundred dollars ($300).

(B)An applicant who fails to appear for an examination, after having been scheduled to take the examination, shall forfeit the examination

fees.

(C)The amount of the examination fees shall be based on the actual cost to the board of developing, purchasing, and grading each examination and the actual cost to the board of administering each examination. The written examination fees shall be adjusted periodically by regulation to reflect the actual costs incurred by the board.

(5)The fee for rescoring an examination shall be twenty dollars ($20).

(6)The fee for issuance of an initial license shall be two hundred dollars ($200). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of four hundred dollars ($400).

(7)The fee for the two-year license renewal shall be two hundred dollars ($200). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up

to a maximum of four hundred dollars ($400).

(8)The renewal delinquency fee shall be one-half of the fee for license renewal. A person who permits their license to expire shall be subject to the delinquency fee.

(9)The fee for issuance of a replacement registration, license, or certificate shall be twenty dollars ($20).

(10)The fee for issuance of a certificate or letter of good standing shall be twenty-five dollars ($25).

(11)The fee for issuance of a retired license shall be forty dollars ($40).

(b)This section shall become operative on January 1, 2021.

§ 4996.4

Amended (as amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 799, Sec. 57) by Stats. 2013, Ch. 473, Sec. 47. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2014. Section operative January 1, 2016, by its own provisions.

(a)Effective January 1, 2016, an applicant who fails the clinical examination may, within one year from the notification date of failure, retake that examination as regularly scheduled, without further application, upon payment of the required examination fees. Thereafter, the applicant shall not be eligible for further examination until he or she files a new application, meets all current requirements,

and pays all required fees.

(b)This section shall become operative on January 1, 2016.

§ 4996.5

Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 307, Sec. 62. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2010.

The board shall issue a license to each applicant meeting the requirements of this article, which license, so long as the renewal fees have been paid, licenses the holder to engage in the practice of clinical social work as defined in Section 4996.9, entitles the holder to use the title of licensed clinical social worker, and authorizes the holder to hold himself or herself out as qualified to perform any of the functions

delineated by this chapter. The form and content of the license shall be determined by the director in accordance with Section 164.

§ 4996.6

Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 573, Sec. 13. (SB 800) Effective January 1, 2018.

(a)Licenses issued under this chapter shall expire no more than 24 months after the issue date. The expiration date of the original license shall be set by the board.

(b)To renew an unexpired license, the licensee shall, on or before the expiration date of the license, complete the following actions:

(1)Apply for a renewal on a form prescribed by the board.

(2)Pay a two-year renewal fee prescribed by the board.

(3)Certify compliance with the continuing education requirements set forth in Section 4996.22.

(4)Notify the board whether he or she has been convicted, as defined in Section 490, of a misdemeanor or felony, or whether any disciplinary action has been taken by any regulatory or licensing board in this or any other state, subsequent to the licensee’s last renewal.

(c)To renew an expired license within three years of its expiration, the licensee shall, as a condition precedent to renewal, complete all of the actions described in subdivision (b) and pay a delinquency fee.

(d)A license that is not renewed within three years after its expiration may not be renewed, restored, reinstated, or reissued thereafter; however, the former licensee may apply for and obtain a new license if he or she satisfies all of the following requirements:

(1)No fact, circumstance, or condition exists that, if the license were issued, would justify its revocation or suspension.

(2)He or she submits an application for licensure.

(3)He or she takes and passes the current licensing examinations.

(4)He or she submits the licensure application fees and the fee for initial license issuance.

(5)He or she complies with the fingerprint requirements established by board

regulation.

§ 4996.61

Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 55. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.

A suspended license is subject to expiration and shall be renewed as provided in this article, but such renewal does not entitle the licensee, while the license remains suspended and until it is reinstated, to engage in the activity to which the license relates, or in any other activity or conduct in violation of the order or judgment by which it was suspended.

§ 4996.62

Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 56. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.

A revoked license is subject to expiration as provided in this article, but it may not be renewed. If it is reinstated after its expiration, the licensee shall, as a condition precedent to its reinstatement, pay a reinstatement fee in an amount equal to the renewal fee in effect on the last regular renewal date before the date on which it is reinstated, plus the delinquency fee, if any, accrued at the time of its revocation.

§ 4996.65

Repealed (in Sec. 5) and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 557, Sec. 6. (AB 1188) Effective October 7, 2017. Section operative July 1, 2018, by its own provisions.

(a)In addition to the fees charged pursuant to Section 4996.3 for the biennial renewal of a license pursuant to Section 4996.6, the board shall collect an additional fee of twenty dollars ($20) at the time of renewal. The board shall transfer this amount to the Controller who shall deposit the funds in the Mental Health Practitioner Education Fund.

(b)This section shall become operative on July 1, 2018.

§ 4996.7

Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 160, Sec. 11. (SB 1024) Effective January 1, 2025.

A licensee shall display their license in a conspicuous place in the licensee’s primary place of practice when rendering professional clinical services in person.

§ 4996.75

Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 160, Sec. 12. (SB 1024) Effective January 1, 2025.

(a)A licensee or registrant shall provide a client with a notice written in at least 12-point type prior to initiating psychotherapy services, or as soon as practicably possible thereafter, that reads as follows:

NOTICE TO CLIENTS

The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of clinical social workers. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 574-7830.

(b)On and after July 1, 2025, upon

initiation of psychotherapy services with a client, the notice described in subdivision (a) shall also include the licensee’s or registrant’s full name as filed with the board, the license or registration number, the type of license or registration, and the license or registration expiration date.

(c)Delivery of the notice required by this section to the client shall be documented.

§ 4996.9

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 473, Sec. 48. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2014.

The practice of clinical social work is defined as a service in which a special knowledge of social resources, human capabilities, and the part that unconscious motivation plays in determining behavior, is directed at helping people to achieve more adequate, satisfying, and productive social adjustments. The application of social work principles and methods includes, but is not restricted to, counseling and using applied

psychotherapy of a nonmedical nature with individuals, families, or groups; providing information and referral services; providing or arranging for the provision of social services; explaining or interpreting the psychosocial aspects in the situations of individuals, families, or groups; helping communities to organize, to provide, or to improve social or health services; doing research related to social work; and the use, application, and integration of the coursework and experience required by Sections 4996.2 and 4996.23.

Psychotherapy, within the meaning of this chapter, is the use of psychosocial methods within a professional relationship, to assist the person or persons to achieve a better psychosocial adaptation, to acquire greater human realization of psychosocial potential and adaptation, and to modify internal and external conditions which affect individuals, groups, or communities in respect to behavior, emotions, and thinking, in respect to their

intrapersonal and interpersonal processes.

§ 4996.10

Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 820, Sec. 1.

The provisions of this article shall be construed only as provisions relating to the examination and licensing of clinical social workers.

§ 4996.11

Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 820, Sec. 1.

The board may suspend or revoke the license of any person who is guilty on the grounds set forth in Section 4992.3. The proceedings for the suspension or revocation of licenses under this article shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the board shall have all the powers granted in that chapter.

§ 4996.12

Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 820, Sec. 1.

Any person who violates this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding a period of six months, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both.

§ 4996.13

Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 350, Sec. 36. (SB 943) Effective January 1, 2012.

Nothing in this article shall prevent qualified members of other professional groups from doing work of a psychosocial nature consistent with the standards and ethics of their respective professions. However, they shall not hold themselves out to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the words psychosocial, or clinical social worker, or that they shall not state or imply that they are licensed to

practice clinical social work. These qualified members of other professional groups include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a)A physician and surgeon certified pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000).

(b)A psychologist licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900).

(c)Members of the State Bar of California.

(d)Marriage and family therapists licensed pursuant to Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 4980).

(e)Licensed professional clinical counselors pursuant to Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 4999.10).

(f)A priest, rabbi, or minister of the gospel of any religious

denomination.

§ 4996.14

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 747, Sec. 10.5. (AB 690) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)This chapter shall not be construed to constrict, limit, or withdraw the Medical Practice Act, the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Act, the Nursing Practice Act, the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Act, or the Psychology Licensing Law.

(b)This chapter shall not apply to an unlicensed or unregistered employee or volunteer working in a governmental entity, a school, a college, a university, or an institution that is both nonprofit and charitable if both of the following apply:

(1)The work of the employee or volunteer is performed under the oversight and direction of the entity.

(2)(A) On and after July 1, 2020, the employee or volunteer provides a client, prior to initiating psychotherapy services or as soon as practicably possible thereafter, a notice written in at least 12-point type that is in substantially the following form:

NOTICE TO CLIENTS

The (Name of office or unit) of the (Name of agency) receives and responds to complaints regarding the practice of psychotherapy by any unlicensed or unregistered practitioner providing services at (Name of agency). To file a complaint, contact (Telephone number, email address, internet website, or mailing address of agency).

The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds

to complaints regarding services provided by individuals licensed and registered by the board. If you have a complaint and are unsure if your practitioner is licensed or registered, please contact the Board of Behavioral Sciences at 916-574-7830 for assistance or utilize the board’s online license verification feature by visiting www.bbs.ca.gov.

(B)The delivery of the notice described in subparagraph (A) to the client shall be documented.

(c)This chapter shall not apply to a person using hypnotic techniques if their client was referred by a physician and surgeon, dentist, or psychologist.

(d)This chapter shall not apply to a person using hypnotic techniques that offer

vocational self-improvement, and the person is not performing therapy for emotional or mental disorders.

(e)Notwithstanding subdivisions (b) and (c) or Section 4996.13, all persons registered as associates or licensed under this chapter shall not be exempt from this chapter or the jurisdiction of the board.

§ 4996.15

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 747, Sec. 13. (AB 690) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)Nothing in this article shall restrict or prevent psychosocial activities by employees of accredited academic institutions, public schools, government agencies, or nonprofit institutions who train graduate students pursuing a master’s degree in social work in an accredited college or university. Any psychosocial activities by the employee shall be part of a supervised course of study and the graduate students shall be designated by titles such as social work interns, social work trainees, or other titles clearly indicating the training status appropriate to their level of training. The term “social work intern,” however, shall be reserved for persons enrolled in a master’s or doctoral training program in social work in an accredited school

or department of social work.

(b)Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a graduate student shall not perform clinical social work in a private practice or a professional corporation.

§ 4996.16

Repealed and added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 26, Sec. 187. Effective March 30, 1994.

Nothing in this chapter shall apply to any clinical social worker from outside this state, when in actual consultation with a licensed practitioner of this state, or when an invited guest of a professional association, or of an educational institution for the sole purpose of engaging in professional education through lectures, clinics, or demonstrations, if he or she is at the time of the consultation, lecture, or demonstration licensed to practice clinical social work in the state or country in which he or she resides. These clinical social workers shall not

open an office or appoint a place to meet clients or receive calls from clients within the limits of this state.

§ 4996.18

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 53. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)Except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 4996.23, an applicant shall have an active registration with the board as an associate clinical social worker in order to gain hours of supervised experience. The application shall be made on a form prescribed by the board.

(b)An applicant for registration shall satisfy the following requirements:

(1)Possess a master’s degree from an accredited school or department of social work.

(2)Not be subject to denial of licensure pursuant to Section 480.

(3)Have completed training or coursework, which may be embedded within

more than one course, in California law and professional ethics for clinical social workers. The coursework shall be taken from an accredited school or department of social work, a school, college, or university accredited by a regional or national institutional accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education, a school, college, or university that is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, or from a continuing education provider that is acceptable to the board, as defined in Section 4996.22. Undergraduate coursework shall not satisfy this requirement. The coursework shall include instruction in all of the following areas of study:

(A)Contemporary professional ethics and statutes, regulations, and court decisions that delineate the scope of practice of clinical social work.

(B)The therapeutic, clinical, and practical

considerations involved in the legal and ethical practice of clinical social work, including, but not limited to, family law.

(C)The current legal patterns and trends in the mental health professions.

(D)The psychotherapist-patient privilege, confidentiality, dangerous patients, and the treatment of minors with and without parental consent.

(E)A recognition and exploration of the relationship between a practitioner’s sense of self and human values, and the practitioner’s professional behavior and ethics.

(F)The application of legal and ethical standards in different types of work settings.

(G)Licensing law and process.

(c)An applicant who possesses a master’s degree from a school or department of social work that is a candidate for accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education shall be eligible, and, except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 4996.23, shall be required to register as an associate clinical social worker in order to gain experience toward licensure if the applicant is not subject to denial of licensure pursuant to Section 480. That applicant shall not, however, be eligible to take the clinical examination until the school or department of social work has received accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education.

(d)An applicant who possesses a master’s degree from an accredited school or department of social work shall be able to apply experience the applicant obtained during the time the accredited school or department was in candidacy

status by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education toward the licensure requirements, if the experience meets the requirements of Section 4996.23. This subdivision shall apply retroactively to persons who possess a master’s degree from an accredited school or department of social work and who obtained experience during the time the accredited school or department was in candidacy status by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education.

(e)An applicant for registration or licensure trained in an educational institution outside the United States shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that the applicant possesses a master’s of social work degree that is equivalent to a master’s degree issued from a school or department of social work that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education. These applicants shall provide the board with a

comprehensive evaluation of the degree and shall provide any other documentation the board deems necessary. The board has the authority to make the final determination as to whether a degree meets all requirements, including, but not limited to, course requirements regardless of evaluation or accreditation.

(f)All applicants for licensure and registrants shall be at all times under the supervision of a supervisor who shall be responsible for ensuring that the extent, kind, and quality of counseling performed is consistent with the training and experience of the person being supervised and who shall be responsible to the board for compliance with all laws governing the practice of clinical social work.

(g)All applicants and registrants shall inform each client or patient before performing any professional services that the applicant or registrant is unlicensed and is under the

supervision of a licensed professional.

§ 4996.19

Added by renumbering Section 4996.18 by Stats. 1987, Ch. 826, Sec. 8.

Nothing in this article shall prohibit the acts or practices of a licensed clinical social workers’ corporation duly certificated pursuant to the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act, as contained in Part 4 (commencing with Section 13400) of Division 3 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code and Article 5 (commencing with Section 4998), when the corporation is in compliance with (a) the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act; (b) Article 5 (commencing with Section 4998); and (c) all other statutes and all rules and regulations now or hereafter enacted or adopted pertaining to the

corporation and the conduct of its affairs.

§ 4996.20

Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 511, Sec. 30. (SB 1495) Effective January 1, 2023.

(a)“Supervisor,” as used in this chapter, means an individual who meets all of the following requirements:

(1)Has held an active license for at least two years within the five-year period immediately preceding any supervision as either:

(A)A licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, psychologist licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900), licensed clinical social worker, licensed educational psychologist, or equivalent out-of-state license. A licensed educational psychologist may only supervise the provision of educationally related mental health services

that are consistent with the scope of practice of an educational psychologist, as specified in Section 4989.14.

(B)A physician and surgeon who is certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or an out-of-state licensed physician and surgeon who is certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

(2)For at least two years within the five-year period immediately preceding any supervision, has practiced psychotherapy, provided psychological counseling pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 4989.14, or provided direct clinical supervision of psychotherapy performed by associate clinical social workers, associate marriage and family therapists or trainees, or associate professional clinical counselors. Supervision of

psychotherapy performed by a social work intern or a professional clinical counselor trainee shall be accepted if the supervision provided is substantially equivalent to the supervision required for registrants.

(3)Has received training in supervision as specified in this chapter and by regulation.

(4)Has not provided therapeutic services to the supervisee.

(5)Has and maintains a current and active license that is not under suspension or probation as one of the following:

(A)A marriage and family therapist, professional clinical counselor, clinical social worker, or licensed educational psychologist issued by the board.

(B)A psychologist licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900).

(C)A physician and surgeon who is certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

(6)Is not a spouse, domestic partner, or relative of the supervisee.

(7)Does not currently have or previously had a personal, professional, or business relationship with the supervisee that undermines the authority or effectiveness of the supervision.

(b)As used in this chapter, the term “supervision” means responsibility for, and control of, the quality of mental health and related services provided by the supervisee. Consultation or peer discussion

shall not be considered supervision and shall not qualify as supervised experience.

“Supervision” includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(1)Ensuring the extent, kind, and quality of counseling performed is consistent with the education, training, and experience of the supervisee.

(2)Monitoring and evaluating the supervisee’s assessment, diagnosis, and treatment decisions and providing regular feedback.

(3)Monitoring and evaluating the supervisee’s ability to provide services at the site or sites where the supervisee is practicing and to the particular clientele being served.

(4)Monitoring and addressing

clinical dynamics, including, but not limited to, countertransference-, intrapsychic-, interpersonal-, or trauma-related issues that may affect the supervisory or the practitioner-patient relationship.

(5)Ensuring the supervisee’s compliance with laws and regulations governing the practice of clinical social work.

(6)Reviewing the supervisee’s progress notes, process notes, and other patient treatment records, as deemed appropriate by the supervisor.

(7)With the client’s written consent, providing direct observation or review of audio or video recordings of the supervisee’s counseling or therapy, as deemed appropriate by the supervisor.

§ 4996.21

Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 743, Sec. 30. (AB 93) Effective January 1, 2019.

The board may audit the records of any supervisor to verify the completion of the supervisor qualifications specified by this chapter and by regulation. A supervisor shall maintain records of completion of the required supervisor qualifications for seven years after termination of supervision and shall make these records available to the board for auditing purposes upon request.

§ 4996.22

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 67, Sec. 8. (AB 1170) Effective January 1, 2026.

(a)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (d), the board shall not renew any license pursuant to this chapter unless the applicant certifies to the board, on a form prescribed by the board, that the applicant has completed not less than 36 hours of approved continuing education in or relevant to the field of social work in the preceding two years, as determined by the board.

(2)The board shall not renew any license of an applicant who began graduate study before January 1, 2004, pursuant to this chapter unless the applicant certifies to the board that during the applicant’s first renewal period after the operative date of this section, the applicant completed a continuing education course in spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection,

and intervention strategies, including community resources, cultural factors, and same gender abuse dynamics. On and after January 1, 2005, the course shall consist of not less than seven hours of training. Equivalent courses in spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention strategies taken before the operative date of this section or proof of equivalent teaching or practice experience may be submitted to the board and, at its discretion, may be accepted in satisfaction of this requirement. Continuing education courses taken pursuant to this paragraph shall be applied to the 36 hours of approved continuing education required under paragraph (1).

(3)The board shall not renew any registration pursuant to this chapter unless the registrant certifies under penalty of perjury to the board, and on a form prescribed by the board, that they have completed not less than three hours of continuing education in the subject of California

law and ethics during the preceding year.

(b)(1) In determining its continuing education requirements, the board shall consider including a course in menopausal mental health.

(2)In determining its continuing education requirements, the board shall consider including a course in maternal mental health.

(c)The board shall have the right to audit the records of any applicant to verify the completion of the continuing education requirement. Applicants shall maintain records of completion of required continuing education coursework for a minimum of two years and shall make these records available to the board for auditing purposes upon request.

(d)The board may establish exceptions from the continuing education requirement of this

section for good cause as defined by the board.

(e)The continuing education shall be obtained from one of the following sources:

(1)An accredited school of social work, as defined in Section 4991.2, or a school or department of social work that is a candidate for accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as requiring coursework to be offered as part of a regular degree program.

(2)A school, college, or university accredited by a regional or national institutional accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education or a school, college, or university that is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

(3)Another

continuing education provider, as specified by the board by regulation.

(f)The board shall establish, by regulation, a procedure for identifying acceptable providers of continuing education courses, and all providers of continuing education, as described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (e), shall adhere to the procedures established by the board. The board may revoke or deny the right of a provider to offer continuing education coursework pursuant to this section for failure to comply with this section or any regulation adopted pursuant to this section.

(g)Training, education, and coursework by approved providers shall incorporate one or more of the following:

(1)Aspects of the discipline that are fundamental to the understanding, or the practice, of social work.

(2)Aspects of the social work discipline in which significant recent developments have occurred.

(3)Aspects of other related disciplines that enhance the understanding, or the practice, of social work.

(h)A system of continuing education for licensed clinical social workers shall include courses directly related to the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of the client population being served.

(i)The continuing education requirements of this section shall comply fully with the guidelines for mandatory continuing education established by the Department of Consumer Affairs pursuant to Section 166.

(j)The board may adopt regulations as necessary to implement this

section.

§ 4996.23

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 747, Sec. 14. (AB 690) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)To qualify for licensure, each applicant shall complete 3,000 hours of post-master’s degree supervised experience related to the practice of clinical social work. Except as provided in subdivision (b), experience shall not be gained until the applicant is registered as an associate clinical social worker.

(b)Postdegree hours of experience gained before the issuance of an associate registration shall be credited toward licensure if all of the following apply:

(1)The registration applicant applies for the associate registration and the board receives the application within 90 days of the granting of the qualifying

master’s or doctoral degree.

(2)For applicants completing graduate study on or after January 1, 2020, the experience is obtained at a workplace that, prior to the registration applicant gaining supervised experience hours, requires completed Live Scan fingerprinting. The applicant shall provide the board with a copy of that completed “State of California Request for Live Scan Service” form with the application for licensure.

(3)The board subsequently grants the associate registration.

(c)The applicant shall not be employed or volunteer in a private practice or a professional corporation until the applicant has been issued an associate registration by the board.

(d)The experience shall be as follows:

(1)(A) At least 1,700 hours shall be gained under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. The remaining required supervised experience may be gained under the supervision of a physician and surgeon who is certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, psychologist licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900), licensed educational psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker.

(B)A maximum of 1,200 hours gained under the supervision of a licensed educational psychologist providing educationally related mental health services that are consistent with the scope of

practice of an educational psychologist, as specified in Section 4989.14.

(2)A minimum of 2,000 hours in clinical psychosocial diagnosis, assessment, and treatment, including psychotherapy or counseling; however, at least 750 hours shall be face-to-face individual or group psychotherapy provided in the context of clinical social work services.

(3)A maximum of 1,000 hours in client-centered advocacy, consultation, evaluation, research, direct supervisor contact, and workshops, seminars, training sessions, or conferences directly related to clinical social work that have been approved by the applicant’s supervisor.

(4)A minimum of two years of supervised experience is required to be obtained over a period of not

less than 104 weeks and shall have been gained within the six years immediately preceding the date on which the application for licensure was received by the board.

(5)No more than 40 hours of experience may be credited in any seven consecutive days.

(6)For hours gained on or after January 1, 2010, no more than six hours of supervision, whether individual, triadic, or group supervision, shall be credited during any single week.

(e)An individual who submits an application for licensure between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020, may alternatively qualify under the experience requirements of this section that were in place on January 1, 2015.

§ 4996.25

Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 552, Sec. 7. (AB 2435) Effective January 1, 2011.

(a)Any applicant for licensure as a licensed clinical social worker who began graduate study on or after January 1, 2004, shall complete, as a condition of licensure, a minimum of 10 contact hours of coursework in aging and long-term care, which could include, but is not limited to, the biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging. On and after January 1, 2012, this coursework shall include

instruction on the assessment and reporting of, as well as treatment related to, elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect.

(b)Coursework taken in fulfillment of other educational requirements for licensure pursuant to this chapter, or in a separate course of study, may, at the discretion of the board, fulfill the requirements of this section.

(c)In order to satisfy the coursework requirement of this section, the applicant shall submit to the board a certification from the chief academic officer of the educational institution from which the applicant graduated stating that the coursework required by this section is included within the institution’s required curriculum for graduation, or within the coursework, that was completed by the applicant.

(d)The board shall not issue a license to the applicant until the

applicant has met the requirements of this section.

§ 4996.26

Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 552, Sec. 8. (AB 2435) Effective January 1, 2011.

(a)A licensee who began graduate study prior to January 1, 2004, shall complete a three-hour continuing education course in aging and long-term care during his or her first renewal period after the operative date of this section, and shall submit to the board evidence acceptable to the board of the person’s satisfactory completion of the course.

(b)The course shall include, but is not limited to, the biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging. On and after January 1, 2012, this coursework shall include instruction on the assessment and reporting of, as well as treatment related to, elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect.

(c)Any person seeking to meet the requirements of subdivision (a) of this section may submit to the board a certificate evidencing completion of equivalent courses in aging and long-term care taken prior to the operative date of this section, or proof of equivalent teaching or practice experience. The board, in its discretion, may accept that certification as meeting the requirements of this section.

(d)The board may not renew an applicant’s license until the applicant has met the requirements of this section.

(e)Continuing education courses taken pursuant to this section shall be applied to the 36 hours of approved continuing education required in Section 4996.22.

(f)This section shall become operative on January 1, 2005.

§ 4996.27

Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 511, Sec. 31. (SB 1495) Effective January 1, 2023.

(a)On or after January 1, 2021, an applicant for licensure as a clinical social worker shall show, as part of the application, that they have completed a minimum of six hours of coursework or applied experience under supervision in suicide risk assessment and intervention. This requirement shall be met in one of the following ways:

(1)Obtained as part of their qualifying graduate degree program. To satisfy this requirement, the applicant shall submit to the board a written certification from the registrar or training director of the educational institution or program from which the applicant graduated stating that the coursework required by this section is included within the

institution’s curriculum required for graduation at the time the applicant graduated, or within the coursework that was completed by the applicant.

(2)Obtained as part of their applied experience. Applied experience can be met in any of the following settings: practicum or associateship that meets the requirement of this chapter, formal postdoctoral placement that meets the requirements of Section 2911, or other qualifying supervised experience. To satisfy this requirement, the applicant shall submit to the board a written certification from the director of training for the program or primary supervisor where the qualifying experience has occurred stating that the training required by this section is included within the applied experience.

(3)By taking a continuing education

course that meets the requirements of Section 4996.22. To satisfy this requirement, the applicant shall submit to the board a certification of completion.

(b)As a one-time requirement, a licensee prior to the time of their first renewal after January 1, 2021, or an applicant for reactivation or reinstatement to an active license status on or after January 1, 2021, shall have completed a minimum of six hours of coursework or applied experience under supervision in suicide risk assessment and intervention, using one of the methods specified in subdivision (a). Proof of compliance with this section shall be certified under penalty of perjury that they are in compliance with this section and shall be retained for submission to the board upon request.

§ 4996.28

Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 520, Sec. 11. (AB 1759) Effective January 1, 2023.

(a)Registration as an associate clinical social worker shall expire one year from the last day of the month during which it was issued. To renew a registration, the registrant shall, on or before the expiration date of the registration, complete all of the following actions:

(1)Apply for renewal on a form prescribed by the board.

(2)Pay a renewal fee prescribed by the board.

(3)Notify the board whether they have been convicted, as

defined in Section 490, of a misdemeanor or felony, and whether any disciplinary action has been taken by a regulatory or licensing board in this or any other state, subsequent to the last renewal of the registration.

(4)Participate in the California law and ethics examination pursuant to Section 4992.09 each year until successful completion of this examination.

(5)Certify under penalty of perjury their compliance with the continuing education requirements set forth in Section 4996.22.

(b)An expired registration may be renewed by completing all of the actions described in paragraphs (1) to

(5), inclusive, of subdivision (a).

(c)A registration as an associate clinical social worker may be renewed a maximum of five times. No registration shall be renewed or reinstated beyond six years from the last day of the month during which the registration was issued, regardless of whether the registration has been revoked. When no further renewals are possible, an applicant may apply for and obtain a subsequent associate clinical social worker registration number if the applicant meets all requirements for registration in effect at the time of their application for a subsequent associate clinical social worker registration number and has passed the California law and ethics examination pursuant to

Section 4992.09. An applicant issued a subsequent associate registration number pursuant to this subdivision shall not be employed or volunteer in a private practice.

§ 4997

Repealed and added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 588, Sec. 88. Effective January 1, 2008.

(a)A licensee may apply to the board to request that his or her license be placed on inactive status.

(b)A licensee on inactive status shall be subject to this chapter and shall not engage in the practice of clinical social work in this state.

(c)A licensee who holds an inactive license shall pay a biennial fee in the amount of one-half of the standard renewal fee and shall be exempt from continuing education

requirements.

(d)A licensee on inactive status who has not committed an act or crime constituting grounds for denial of licensure may, upon request, restore his or her license to practice clinical social work to active status.

(1)A licensee requesting his or her license be restored to active status between renewal cycles shall pay the remaining one-half of his or her renewal fee.

(2)A licensee requesting to restore his or her license to active status whose license will expire less than one year from the date of the request shall complete 18 hours of continuing education as specified in Section 4996.22.

(3)A licensee requesting to restore his or her license to active status whose license will expire more than one year from the date of the request

shall complete 36 hours of continuing education as specified in Section 4996.22.

§ 4997.1

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 85. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026.

(a)(1) The board shall issue, upon submission of a completed application as prescribed by this section and payment of the fee fixed by this chapter, a retired license to a licensed clinical social worker who holds a license that is current and active or a license that is inactive, and whose license is not suspended, revoked, or otherwise punitively restricted by the board or subject to disciplinary action under this chapter.

(2)A clinical social worker license that has expired shall be issued a retired license by the board upon submission of a completed application as prescribed by this section and payment of the fee fixed by this chapter if all of the following

requirements are met:

(A)The license expired within three years from the date of the board’s receipt of a completed application.

(B)Immediately preceding the license expiration, and after the license expiration, the license was not suspended, revoked, or otherwise punitively restricted by the board or subject to disciplinary action under this chapter.

(3)For purposes of this section, “subject to disciplinary action” shall mean that the licensee had an unsatisfied cost recovery, fine or restitution order, an accusation or petition to revoke probation that has been served on the licensee alleging violations of their probation or the chapter, or an unresolved complaint or investigation pending with the

board.

(b)To apply for a retired license, the applicant shall submit a completed application to the board providing all of the following information:

(1)Full name as filed with the board.

(2)Board license type, license number, and expiration date.

(3)Date of birth.

(4)Social security number or individual taxpayer identification number.

(5)A statement signed under penalty of perjury that the information provided on the application is true and correct, that the applicant understands that the holder of a retired license may not engage

in any activity for which the active license was issued, and that the applicant hereby requests their license to be changed to retired status.

(c)The holder of a retired license issued pursuant to this section shall not engage in any activity for which an active clinical social worker license is required.

(d)The holder of a retired license shall utilize their professional title only with the unabbreviated word “retired” directly preceding or directly following the professional title.

(e)The holder of a retired license shall not be required to renew that license.

(f)The holder of a retired license may apply to restore to active status their license to

practice clinical social work if that retired license was issued less than three years prior to the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board. A retired license may be restored to active status one time only. To restore a retired license to active status, the applicant shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1)Submits a completed application to the board containing all of the following information:

(A)Full name as filed with the board.

(B)Original board license type and original license number and expiration date.

(C)Date of birth.

(D)Social

security number or individual taxpayer identification number.

(E)Whether they have been convicted, as defined in Section 490, of a misdemeanor or felony, or whether any disciplinary action has been taken by any regulatory or licensing board in this or any other state, subsequent to the issuance of the retired license.

(F)A statement signed under penalty of perjury that the information provided on the application is true and correct, that the applicant did not engage in any activity for which an active license is required while the license was in retired status, and that the applicant hereby requests their license to be changed to “active” status.

(2)Has not committed an act or crime constituting grounds for denial

of licensure.

(3)Pays the required renewal fee.

(4)Completes the required continuing education as specified in Section 4996.22.

(5)Complies with the fingerprint submission requirements established in Section 144.

(g)An applicant requesting to restore their license pursuant to subdivision (f) whose retired license was issued in accordance with this section less than one year from the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board shall complete 18 hours of continuing education taken within the two years prior to the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board. The coursework shall include a

minimum of six hours in the subject of California law and ethics.

(h)An applicant requesting to restore their license pursuant to subdivision (f) whose retired license was issued in accordance with this section one or more years from the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board shall complete 36 hours of continuing education taken within the two years prior to the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board. This coursework shall include a minimum of six hours in the subject of California law and ethics.

(i)A retired license that was issued three or more years prior shall not be restored. The holder of the retired license may apply for and obtain a new license if all of the following criteria are satisfied:

(1)Has not committed an act or crime constituting grounds for

denial of licensure.

(2)Applies for licensure and pays the required fees.

(3)Passes the examinations required for licensure.

(4)Complies with the fingerprint submission requirements established in Section 144.