MN CSWE Program Educators News & Updates from Minnesota Board of Social Work

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Minnesota Board of Social Work

Protecting the Public

MN CSWE Program Educators News & Updates: June 2019

Governor Walz Signs BOSW Fee Change Into Law May 30, 2019

While the Board understands that no one likes to see costs increase, we would not have proposed a fee change if the need were not critical. The budget approved by the Governor and Legislature includes investments to provide the necessary resources to maintain current core public safety servicesensure fiscal stability, and create strategic investments to improve our effectiveness and ensure efficient and accountable services to all those we serve.

What fees will change and when?

Changes include increases to initial license fees, renewal fees, and application fees. Based on needed technology changes, the target date to change fees is July 1, 2019. Visit the Fee Change page at the Board's website for complete information and updates.

How will this impact graduating students?

To avoid the fee increase, students with applications in process are encouraged to complete all application steps as soon as possible. Students that are approved for licensure and pay their initial license fee by June 30, 2019 will pay the current initial license fee amounts. 

In response to stakeholder feedback, the Board approved a "new grad discount" to ease the impact of the fee change on new licensees. Under the "new grad discount", the new initial license fees for newly issued LSW and LGSW licenses will increase by only 20% instead of 35% as originally proposed. 

  • LSW and LGSW new initial license fees are $93.50 and $167.75 (increase of only $0.52 and $0.98 per month)
  • LSW and LGSW new 24-month renewal fees are $110.00 and $195.00 and are not effective until the first renewal

How can I support my students?

Submitting an official transcript to the BOSW is an important step in the application process. An official transcript must include the student's degree, major, and date degree conferred, so graduating students should be sure this information is included before requesting their official transcript. Thanks for assisting students in their application process through timely submission of grades to ensure their complete transcript is available as soon as possible after graduation.

Where can I learn more?


BOSW Duty to Warn Legislation Amended—Now Applies to CSWE BSW & MSW Interns & Students

Why did a change occur and what has changed?

The MN Coalition of Licensed Social Workers was successful in championing changes to the Duty to Warn (DTW) reporting requirement for licensed social workers during the 2019 Legislative Session. SF955/HF2206, including BOSW DTW changes, was signed by the Governor on May 17, 2019, and is effective immediately. While the BOSW was neutral on the proposed legislation, the BOSW collaborated with stakeholders on the proposal.

To date, the social work requirement to comply with the DTW (Minnesota Statutes section 148.975) only applied to “licensees.” Under the new law, “licensees, social work students and interns” are required to comply with the DTW and are provided immunity if a DTW report is made. 

How does this impact educators and students?

The change to the DTW law made in the 2019 legislative session added BSW and MSW students and interns, as defined in 148E.010, subds. 9 and 16.  So effective immediately, BSW and MSW students and interns are now included as well.  If a possible DTW situation arises, social work students and interns will now have the obligation to comply with DTW, and are also provided the immunity protections of that statute. 

It is important for CSWE programs and educators to be aware of the change and discuss with and provide training to students and field placement supervisors. The BOSW recognizes the shared responsibility of DTW, and encourages educators to continue to be available to provide consultation and guidance to students and interns so they do not have to make a DTW report in isolation. 

While the BOSW cannot offer legal advice, recognizing the gravity of the DTW, the BOSW encourages a review of the DTW statute, agency or academic program policies and procedures, consultation with supervisors, colleagues, and legal counsel. The BOSW appreciates that CSWE programs strive to support students and ensure they are competent and ethical. Thank you to programs and educators for your commitment to these goals!

BOSW Legislation & Rules Committee News

The Board's 2015-2018 Strategic Plan identified an in-depth review of the Social Work Practice Act as a key priority initiative. The BOSW Legislation and Rules (L&R) Committee convened in January of 2018 to begin this work. The L&R Committee is comprised of Board members, Board staff, and three representatives from the Board's Advisory Committee, creating an opportunity for stakeholder input throughout the process.

Committee Action to Date:

• Reviewing Minnesota Statutes Chapters 148E and 148D with a focus on relevant regulation, plain language, licensure mobility, and technology standards

• Ten draft sections of statute had preliminary approval at the March 15, 2019, public board meeting

• Reviewing mobility and licensure requirements in Minnesota Statutes section 148E.055

To offer comments, you may submit written comments to social.work@state.mn.us.


Social Work Licensing Resources for Students & Educators

Social work licensing resources for students and educators are available on the Students & Educators page at the Board's website. 


Stay Connected!
Sign Up to Receive BOSW News

Click here to sign up to receive news and updates from the Board on important topics concerning social work regulation and practice in Minnesota.

Program educators, please share this newsletter with interested colleagues!


Loan Forgiveness Program for Mental Health Professionals

The Office of Rural Health and Primary Care (ORPHC), Minnesota Department of Health, administers the program funded by the State of Minnesota authorizing the health professional loan forgiveness in both rural program and urban program