30 Miss. Code. R. 1902-3.2
It is the legal and ethical responsibility of each licensed social worker to limit the scope of professional practice to the parameters of the licensee's competencies. Client systems for all levels of licensure may be individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities.
The entry level of social work practice usually includes a wide range of direct services under the supervision of a Licensed Master Social Worker or other qualified professional. The LSW generally provides basic problem solving interventions. Professional tasks may include data gathering, assessment, planning and contracting, various generalist interventive methodologies, conducting educational and supportive groups and evaluation of own practice. LSWs should not provide clinical social work services, psychotherapy, or engage in autonomous practice.
The LMSW may provide services to individuals, couples, families, organizations and communities. Such services shall be guided by knowledge of social work theory, social resources, social systems, human behavior, ethics, and methods to restore or enhance social, psychosocial or bio-psychosocial functioning. Scope of practice includes, but is not limited to, assessment, treatment implementation and evaluation, case management, information and referral, mediation, education, psychotherapy, advocacy, supervision of employees, consultation, research, community organization and development, administration of social policies, programs and activities.
A LMSW may provide clinical social work services within a recognized setting such as social, medical and governmental agencies and organizations only when under the supervision of a LCSW or other licensed or certified clinical professions such as a psychiatrist, or PhD, or PsyD level clinical psychologist. A LMSW may only work as an employee in an agency or organizational setting and cannot engage in autonomous practice.
Supervision of a LMSW for LCSW certification can only be provided by a LCSW as specified in Section IV. LMSWs must not provide unsupervised clinical services and cannot hold him/her self out as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
The LCSW is qualified to perform all services included in the LMSW scope of practice in Section B above and those specified for the LCSW herein. The LCSW shall be qualified to function independently and shall demonstrate special knowledge and skill in his/her practice areas.
Clinical Social Work Practice means the application of social work methods and values in diagnosis and treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction disability or impairment including emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. It is directed at enhancing, protecting, or restoring people's capacity for social functioning, whether impaired by physical, environmental, or emotional factors. Clinical social work has a primary focus on the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of individuals, couples, families, and groups. It centers on a holistic approach to psychotherapy and the client's relationship with his or her environment as essential to treatment planning. Clinical social workers are qualified to use the current versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), and other diagnostic classification systems in assessment, diagnosis, and other activities related to mental health issues.
The LCSW specializing in clinical practice may independently engage in the use of a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques. The clinician is legally and ethically bound to practice only in the parameters of his/her expertise, based on education, training, experience, and competency. The LCSW in macro practice shall demonstrate skill in supervision and management at the macro level. Macro Social Work Practice focuses on changing larger systems, such as communities and organizations. It encompasses a broad spectrum of practice, including planning, program development, community organizing, policy analysis, legislative advocacy, program evaluation, task-oriented group work, community education, and human services management. The Clinical social worker encompasses macro practice skills as long as the person is practicing within their scope of expertise, based on education, training, experience, and competency.
30 Miss. Code. R. 1902-3.2