New Social Work Legislation Effective August 1, 2020
BOSW Response to COVID-19:
The Board recognizes the gravity and impact of COVID-19 and as a state agency is taking direction and following guidance from Governor Walz, the MN Department of Health (MDH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
There will be delays in response times as inquiries have increased and staff are teleworking with limited capacity to return phone calls due to the COVID-19 situation. We appreciate your patience and continued ethical responses to help ensure the safety of the clients and communities we serve during this extremely challenging time! For improved customer service, social distancing, and greater efficiency, please use the BOSW online services and email instead of phone or in-person contact at the Board’s office.
Log in to the Board's online services to apply for licensure and check application status, renew a license, submit Supervision Plan and Verification, attest as licensing supervisor, and update contact information.
Verify a social work license and view public adverse actions using the Board's online license search.
News & Updates
COVID-19 information / BOSW response to COVID-19
SPECIAL NOTICE: TEMPORARY DEFERRAL OF FINGERPRINTING REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS FOR LICENSURE BY HEALTH RELATED LICENSING BOARDS
April 6, 2020 Governor's Emergency Executive Order 20-28 Allowing Out-of-State Mental Health Providers to Render Telehealth Aid During the COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency
- Out-of-state licensed mental healthcare providers allowed to register with Boards of Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Behavioral Health and Therapy, to provide telehealth to meet needs of emergency
- Executive Order 20-28 authorizes out-of-state mental health providers to treat Minnesota patients via telehealth services to help ensure that the mental health needs of Minnesotans are met during the stress and uncertainty the COVID-19 pandemic
- Before rendering any such aid in this state, such healthcare providers shall (a) complete the registration form required by the appropriate Minnesota health-related licensing or regulatory board, and (b) receive from the appropriate Minnesota health-related licensing board an acknowledgment of receipt of the registration form
Accessibility and Site Browser Requirements
If you are experiencing difficulty with accessing information on this website, call 612-617-2100 or email social.work@state.mn.us for assistance.
In order to view and navigate our site, including utilizing online services, the most current version of the following internet browsers must be installed on your device:
Google Chrome; Mozilla Firefox; Microsoft Internet Explorer; Mobile Android; Mobile Chrome; Mobile Firefox
Utilizing the latest version of the browser helps to ensure your utmost security as you navigate and input your information on our site. If you experience issues using online services, please attempt a browser update prior to contacting the Board.
Governor Walz Signs BOSW 2020 Legislative Proposal into Law on Tuesday, May 12, 2020!
• All changes are effective August 1, 2020
• Review detailed information
Next Steps and Implementation
• BOSW is working to update our website, informational materials and forms, and will be sending more detailed communications in the next months to inform applicants and licensees about changes
Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the following appointments to the Board of Social Work on June 11, 2020:
Kate Goodman, LGSW
Effective: June 16, 2020
Term Expires: January 1, 2024
New Appointment, replacing Jill Grover, LISW
Lori Thompson, LSW
Effective: June 16, 2020
Term Expires: January 1, 2024
Reappointment
Pa Der Vang, LICSW
Effective: June 16, 2020
Term Expires: January 1, 2024
Reappointment
Association of Social Work Boards
New Video for ASWB Exam Candidates - Steps for Taking the ASWB Exam
ASWB Releases New Blueprints for 2018 Examination Changes
ASWB Social Work Practice Mobility Initiatives
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 areas.