Summer 2006

Inside this Issue:

 Meet Lola Cooper Coleman, LCSW-BACS

Newest Member of the Louisiana State Board of
Social Work Examiners

Lola Coleman was born seventh in a sibling group of 10 with an identical twin to parents who were share croppers and both employed by the Franklin Parish School system. She was reared and educated in the rural community of Fort Necessity  and graduated in May 1970 from Franklin High School in Winnsboro, LA.  Coleman received a BSW from Northeast Louisiana University in 1974 and a MSW from Grambling State University in 1992.  She has held the LCSW credential since May 1997, and has been a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor since August 2000.  She is a lifetime member of Morning Star Baptist Church of Fort Necessity, LA; she is married with 2 adult children and 6 grandchildren.

Lola Coleman is a retired state employee with 27 years of service with Louisiana Department of Social Services in Child Welfare and related services; and 4 years as a School Social Worker with the Special School District.  She is now in private practice.  Additional experience includes clinical management services to various mental health agencies throughout Northeast Louisiana, assistant professorship at Grambling State University’s School of Social Work, and Program Manager of Lillian Louise Behavioral Health Hospital for children and adolescents.

At the board’s June 9, 2006, meeting, Coleman was elected to serve as the board’s Secretary-Treasurer.  She also recently attended “Board Member Training” sponsored by the Association of Social Work Boards. 

Election for Board Positions

On June 9, 2006, board members elected who would serve as Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary-Treasurer.

Board Vancancies

On July 26, 2006, there will be two vacancies on the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners.  One vacancy must be filled by a Graduate Social Worker and the other vacancy must be filled by a Registered Social Worker.  La. R.S. 37:2704, mandates the following qualifications for board members:

The public member position is currently vacant.  The public member can not be a currently elected official, and no public member can be or have been any of the following: (1) Actively engaged in the practice of social work or be the spouse of a social worker. (2) Engaged in the practice of psychology, psychiatry, or a member of a mental health profession, or the spouse of a member of a mental health profession.  (3) Employed or own an agency or business entity that provides social, health, or mental health care or substance abuse services.

If you are interested in serving on the Board, you should submit a letter stating your interest, along with a current resume to the Board office or one of the following organizations:

Louisiana Association of Clinical Social Workers
P. O. Box 14153
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
 
Louisiana Chapter of National Association of Social Workers
700 North 10th St., Suite 200
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
 
Louisiana Council on Social Work Education
LSU School of Social Work
311 Huey P. Long Fieldhouse
Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Board members are appointed by the Governor to serve for three (3) consecutive years.  You may contact Richard Burtt, Administrator, at the Board office (225-756-3470 or 800-521-1941) if you have questions concerning the Board=s activities and the time commitment required of board members. 

Board Meeting Dates for 2006

LABSWE falls under the Louisiana Open Meetings Act.  This law specifies that every meeting shall be open to the public, unless the subject of the meeting relates to the character and professional competence of a person, or to the investigation of a complaint or negotiation of litigation.  Compliance Hearings (to ensure people comply with the licensing law) and Disciplinary Hearings (to address public complaints about professional practice) fall under the open meeting law.  The schedule for each LABSWE meeting is posted 24 hours ahead of the scheduled meeting.  Any member of the public who wishes to address the board may submit a request in writing at least 24 hours before a public meeting to be included on the agenda.  All votes are public, as are all minutes of the meeting.  Contact the board office concerning meeting times and locations.
 
All meetings begin at 9:00 AM and are scheduled to be held in the LABSWE office in Baton Rouge.  Meetings carry over to Saturday, if necessary.

  August 18,   September 22,   October 27,   December 8 

Outstanding Regulatory Board Service Award

Emily Efferson, the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners’ administrative assistant, received the Board Administrator Award for outstanding commitment to regulatory board service from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).  The award was made at ASWB’s 2005 Fall Delegate Assembly in Dearborn, Michigan. In making the recognition, President Delfino Trujillo of New Mexico credited Efferson with working well “through big changes and some very serious events.” After the retirement of veteran Administrator Suzanne Pevey, Efferson helped the new administrator, Richard Burtt, through the transition. She kept the board office operating smoothly while Burtt, new on the job, was out for several months for major surgery.

Taylor Aultman, LCSW, former board member and chairperson of the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners, received the Outstanding Board Service award for his commitment to regulatory board service.  Aultman was nominated by board staff because of his abilities to balance board responsibility, outreach work and his own career while being easy to reach, quick to respond to questions and prepared for whatever work or meeting he faced.  Taylor Aultman, while no longer on the board, still serves on the Impaired Professional Program committee.

ASWB is the organization of the boards in 49 U.S. states, seven Canadian provinces, Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands that license and discipline social workers. Its purpose is to provide support and information toward the goal of protection of the public which uses social work services.

What’s Important about Your Name?

   Here, in a nutshell, is the problem.  Some candidates are applying for a social work credential under names that do not match the name that appears on their government-issued photo identification.  ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) requires that the testing candidate present a government-issued form of identification at the test site.  This form of identification must match the name used when the individual registers, so that the candidate’s authorization letter reflects the name on the identification.  This policy is in place as a security measure.  To avoid a delay in registering for the exam, you should submit all applications to the board in the name that appears on your government-issued identification.

Board Orientation Workshops
Fall 2006

   LCSWs that intend on applying for Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS) must attend a supervision workshop of at least 10 hours duration and a Board Orientation Workshop.  It is recommended (not required) that LCSWs attend the “Orientation for Board Approved Clinical Supervisors” prior to attending the 10-hour supervision workshop.

  LCSWs that lost the BACS designation and want to reapply for this designation are required to show proof of attending a Board Orientation Workshop.

  LCSW-BACS that obtained this designation prior to the implementation of the requirement to attend a Board Orientation Workshop are encouraged to attend this training.  The orientation covers the rules relative to supervision, instructions on developing a plan for supervision, and an overview of the supervision forms that are to be completed.  2.5 hours of continuing education will be issued for attending the entire workshop.

  The following is a list of presentations scheduled:

The board’s office is located at 18550 Highland Road, Suite B, Baton Rouge.

FORM

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

The board sanctioned Kelanda Q. Riley, GSW#5844, on December 2, 2005.  Ms. Riley’s certification was suspended until such time as she meets the requirements identified in her Consent Agreement and Order.  Beginning with the termination of her suspension Riley’s certification will be placed on probation for a period of three (3) years.  Kelanda Riley violated:
  La. R.S. 37:2717.A.(5), relative to violating any order, rule or regulation adopted by the board;
  Rule No. 105, relative to a violation of the Standards of Practice/Code of Conduct constitutes unprofessional or unethical conduct and constitutes grounds for disciplinary action or denial of credential;
  Rule No. 117.A., relative to practicing under a mental or physical condition that impairs the ability to safely practice;
  Rule No. 111.G., relative to making and maintaining records, written or electronic, of services provided to a client.

The board sanctioned Sandra “Candy” Christophe, LCSW#4466, on March 17, 2006.  Sandra Christophe’s license is on probation until such time as she completes all requirements identified in her Consent Agreement and Order.  Sandra Christophe violated:
  La. R.S. 37:2717.A.(5), relative to violating any order, rule or regulation adopted by the board;
  La. R.S. 37:2717.A.(7), relative to practicing in a manner detrimental or potentially detrimental to the client by act or omission, which act or omission is either the result of deliberate or intentional conduct or negligent conduct.
  La. R.S. 37:2717.A.(11), relative to unprofessional or unethical conduct as defined in the rules and regulations adopted by the board;
  Rule No. 105, relative to a violation of the Standards of Practice/Code of Conduct constitutes unprofessional or unethical conduct and constitutes grounds for disciplinary action or denial of credential;
  Rule No. 109.A(1), relative to social workers providing services and representing themselves as competent only within the boundaries of their education, training, credential, consultation received, supervised experience, or other relevant professional experience;
  Rule No. 109.A(2), relative to social workers providing services in substantive areas of use intervention techniques or approaches that are new to them only after engaging in appropriate study, training, consultation, and supervision from persons who are competent in those interventions or techniques.

On June 9, 2006, the board accepted a Consent Agreement and Order offered by Charles Perry, Assistant Attorney General, and agreed to by Samuel J. Maurello, LCSW#729.  Samuel Maurello violated:
  La. R.S. 2717.A.(5), relative to violating any order, rule or regulation adopted by the board;
  Rule No. 105, relative to a violation of the Standards of Practice/Code of Conduct constitutes unprofessional or unethical conduct and constitutes grounds for disciplinary action or denial of credential;
  Rule No. 117.A., relative to practicing under a mental or physical condition that impairs the ability to safely practice;
  Rule No. 117.D., relative to engaging in a practice of social work which is prohibited by R.S. 37:2720.

On February 10, 2006, the board revoked the Provisional GSW certifications of the following individuals for failure to retake the ASWB Masters examination in accordance with the retake requirements set forth in La. R.S. 2707.B.:

Frequently Asked Questions

A LCSW is seeing a couple for marital therapy.  The couple divorces and the man comes to see the LCSW individually.  Is this unethical?  Can the social worker see both individually?         

The therapist may see either or both clients.  The therapist must assure that each understands, just like with any other client, his and her confidentiality will be maintained exclusive of the other.  The therapist clinically has the obligation to remain as neutral as possible and anticipate that the couple may attempt to use the therapeutic intervention against each other.

While there is no ethical prohibition against seeing either or both clients, the LCSW may want to consider whether it is in the best interest of everyone to refer both parties for individual therapy to another social worker/practitioner.  The social worker’s role was initially as a marital therapist, and it may be best to remain in that context rather than move into individual therapy with either party.

A LCSW has a client that is a social worker.  The client reports that he is abusing alcohol while on the job.  Does the therapist report the violation to LABSWE? 

Generally, the confidentiality of the client will supersede the responsibility of the therapist to protect the public by reporting the client to LABSWE without the express consent of the client except (but not limited to) in the following situations as stated in the Rules, Standards and Procedures of the Louisiana Social Work Practice Act 115:D and E:

  1. Where circumstances giving rise to the list of exceptions to the healthcare provider-patient privilege listed in the La. Code of Evidence Article 510.

  2. Where communications to the social worker reveal abuse or neglect of children and elders which impose an obligation on social workers as mandatory reporters under the Louisiana Children’s Code Article 609, La. R.S. 14:403, and La. R.S. 14:403.2.

  3. Where communications to the social worker relate to abuse or neglect of residents of healthcare facilities which impose duty to report under La. R.S. 40:2009.20.

  4. Where the social worker has a duty to warn in relation to communications of threats of physical violence under La. R.S. 9:2800.2.

  5. Where the social worker has been appointed to conduct an evaluation for child custody or visitation by the court or where prior communications to the social   worker relate to the health conditions of a client(s) who are parties to proceedings or custody or visitation of a child and the condition has substantial bearing on the fitness of the person claiming custody or visitation.

  6. In addition to the general directive in Rule 115.D., a social worker must inform a minor client, at the beginning of a professional relationship, of any laws which impose a limit on the right to privacy of a minor.

Rule 117 states, A social worker shall not practice while impaired by medication, alcohol, drugs, or other chemicals. A social worker shall not practice under a mental or physical condition that impairs the ability to safely practice.
 
The social worker should self report the alcohol abuse to LABSWE and may voluntarily enter the Impaired Professionals Program.  The therapist should encourage the social worker to self report, if he hasn’t already done so, and process this with him.  However, as a mandatory reporter the therapist may find it necessary to report the substance abuse and should inform the client of this as they embark on the discussion of self reporting.

Recently the pastor of my church asked me to volunteer my services as a counselor for our youth congregation.  Is this ethical; and if so, what are the stipulations both ethically and legally?  

In any setting with dual relationships, or potential for dual relationships, the social worker should affirm that policies are in place to protect against exploitation, insure confidentiality and address special population issues (in this case minors) to assure that he or she is practicing under the guidelines of the Practice Act and within the appropriate scope of practice.  The social worker must determine whether the specific situation will allow for ethical practice.    

I am a Provisional GSW practicing as a Hospice Social Worker.  Am I required to be supervised by a LCSW? 

Yes, a Provisional GSW or GSW not pursuing the LCSW credential providing clinical social work must be supervised by a LCSW a minimum of two hours per month, counted in increments of no fewer than 30 minutes.  The supervision may be rendered through individual supervision, group supervision, telephone contact or by secure electronic media to meet the needs of the agency and to provide timely services to clients in emergencies.

The supervisee and supervisor must keep accurate records of both the dates of supervision, times and hours spent in supervisor for potential audit of records.  The board, at its discretion, may ask for a copy of the record.

I am a LCSW considering a contract with the state.  In this position my agency supervisor will be a GSW.  Can a GSW supervise in an agency setting?

Agencies, businesses, governmental entities and programs are responsible for internally developing job descriptions for social work positions within their operation, and may set the standard for what degree and/or credential they require of the person filling that position.  Hence, an agency may hire anyone whom they deem qualified for that position based on the job description and the scope of the work.  The Louisiana Social Work Practice Act, and the LABSWE has no jurisdiction in this matter, except to ensure that the person filling the position is practicing within the scope of the law.  The GSW in the supervisory position must be supervised by a LCSW-BACS for a total of 4 hours per month if pursuing the LCSW credential, or by a LCSW for a total of 2 hours per month if not pursuing the LCSW credential.  The GSW must also practice within the scope of practice as defined by the practice act. 

Notice to Provisional GSWs

The Provisional Graduate Social Worker who does not pass the credentialing examination within three (3) years may apply for the Registered Social Work (RSW) credential. After obtaining RSW registration, a MSW is allowed to practice only under the scope of practice of a RSW. The scope of practice for a RSW is outlined in the Louisiana Social Work Practice Act §2706.B.

Agreement to Volunteer Services During a Disaster
Or Emergency or Both

The Department of Health and Hospitals is the designated Incident Command System during a disaster. They are also responsible for providing medical services of the Special Needs Shelters. During Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, there was a severe shortage of social worker volunteers to assist with crisis/grief counseling, discharge planning, and post traumatic stress.  

Licensing boards have been asked to assist the Center for Community Preparedness with the recruitment of volunteers by publishing the “Emergency Systems for the Advanced Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals” registration form. This document has been posted to the board’s website www.labswe.org.  

Emergency Systems for the Advanced Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP) was designed to provide a systematic way of coordinating volunteer efforts during an emergency with a special emphasis on advanced credential verification and deployment based on skill set (levels). The level to which a volunteer has been credentialed highly dictates the capacity in which they will serve during an emergency. The purpose of ESAR-VHP is to build a volunteer workforce in advance of an emergency.  

Questions relative to volunteering can be directed to Mardrah M. Starks, MPA, ESAR-VHP Coordinator, at (225) 763-3965 or (225) 763-3566 or to Patricia Calvin Scott, LCSW, Director of Medical Social Services, at (504) 219-4448.

  ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORK BOARDS
NATIONAL AND LOUISIANA PASS/FAIL RATES FOR 2005