COVID-19: NEED FOR PRECAUTIONS IN RAPIDLY CHANGING SITUATION
March 17, 2020
News Release: The BOSW is working to address challenges caused by COVID-19
The Board recognizes the gravity and potential impact of COVID-19. The COVID-19 outbreak is rapidly evolving and information and recommendations from Governor Walz, the MN Department of Health (MDH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are changing as new information becomes available. The Board of Social Work, as a state agency, is taking direction and following guidance from the Governor’s office, including the “peacetime state of emergency.”
RESOURCES
The Board encourages licensees to refer to the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control for information. The Board encourages everyone to be safe and take reasonable precautions to ensure personal safety, safety in your agencies and for your clients.
BOSW RESPONSE
At present the BOSW office remains open as Governor Walz has not closed State Agencies. There may be delays in response times as inquiries have increased and staffing resources may change due to the COVID-19 situation. The BOSW strives to be responsive and appreciates your patience during this challenging time.
Based on the need for “social distancing” and Governor Walz’s Executive Orders to create safety measures the Board recognizes there may be impact on practice, education, licensing supervision, and continuing education. Given this rapidly changing situation the Board of Social Work is doing its best to respond to issues.
The Board is committed to considering reasonable measures to accommodate situations that arise, particularly the issues identified noted below. As we continue to become aware of issues, staff are bringing issues to the Board for their attention and possible response for what is feasible and authorized under law. Updates on possible measures to reasonably accommodate these challenges will be communicated via email to subscribers to Licensing News & Updates.
Challenges Identified for Continuing Education (CE):
Licensees report CE conferences being cancelled based on social distancing and recommendations from MDH and the Governor. The Board recognizes this may impact the opportunity to earn CE hours required for license renewal. Please note:
Licensees must complete 40 total CE hours over the 24-month renewal period
Licensees may complete up to 15 CE hours via independent study
Any live interactive webinar will count as in-person CE, and is not considered independent study
If, for any reason, a licensee cannot complete the required CE hours by their regular license renewal date, the Board will grant a 90-day variance, an extension, to complete the hours
To obtain the 90-day variance, a Licensee simply reports on their renewal application that they have not completed required CE hours
Challenges Identified for Licensing Supervision:
Licensees report challenges with providing and receiving in-person licensing supervision, based on social distancing precautions and disruptions within agencies. Please note:
Required practice hours are based on total practice hours completed, rather than calendar years of practice
Supervision hours required for practice is based on a formula:
Non-clinical practice - Requires 4 hours of supervision for every 160 hours of practice
Clinical practice – Requires a rate of 4-8 hours of supervision over 4,000-8,000 of practice
Up to 75% of total required supervision hours can be provided by telephone, or via eye-eye electronic media with visual contact, excluding email
Track your supervision hours for reporting on the required BOSW Supervision Verification Forms
Challenges Related to Licensing Examinations:
Starting Tuesday, March 17, Pearson VUE-owned test centers in all U.S. and Canada locations will suspend test delivery until April 16.
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) will provide updated information at aswb.org and will continue to link to the Pearson VUE update page for the latest information.
All applications for licensure submitted to the BOSW are valid for 1 year from the date received. It is hoped a time limited closure will have limited impact on applicants.
STAY INFORMED WITH THE BOSW
Subscribe to Licensing News & Updates to stay informed, via email, about issues impacting practice and licensing requirements and the changing situations based on the COVID-19 situation.
The BOSW recognizes and appreciates the continued ethical responses by licensees to help ensure the safety of the clients and communities we serve during this extremely challenging time!
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