New
Mexico Register / Volume XXXVI, Issue 19 / October 7, 2025
This is an
amendment to 16.63.11 NMAC, with a Part Name Change, Sections 2, 3, and 7
through 10, effective 10/07/2025.
16.63.11.2 SCOPE:
All [baccalaureate social workers, master social workers,] Clinical
and independent social workers.
[16.63.11.2 NMAC -
Rp, 16.63.11.2 NMAC, 3/13/2022; A, 10/07/2025]
16.63.11.3 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: These
parts are promulgated pursuant to the Social Work Practice Act, Subsection A of
[Section 61-31- 8A, 14-2-1, 61-31-19] Section 61-31-1 to 25, NMSA
1978.
[16.63.11.3 NMAC -
Rp, 16.63.11.3 NMAC, 3/13/2022; A, 10/07/2025]
16.63.11.7 DEFINITIONS:
[Licensed Clinical Social Worker “LCSW”: A licensed independent social
worker who has demonstrated to the board’s satisfaction, sufficient experience
and expertise in the practice of clinical social work by meeting the
qualifications as outlined in 16.63.11.8 NMAC.] [RESERVED]
[16.63.11.7 NMAC – Rp, 16.63.11.7 NMAC, 3/13/2022; Repealed,
10/07/2025]
16.63.11.8 QUALIFICATION
FOR LICENSURE: Applicants for
licensure as [independent/clinical] clinical and independent social
workers must:
A. be at least 18 years of age;
B. possess an LMSW license;
C. complete not less than two years of post-graduate direct/ clinical social work experience, under appropriate supervision; as defined in 16.63.1.7 NMAC Applicants and supervisors will engage the process of supervision in accordance with the guidelines established by the board of social work examiners;
D. documents
completion of the required course in New Mexico cultures;[and]
E. successfully
pass the [association of social work board] ASWB examination clinical
or advanced, as determined by the board and the jurisprudence examination.
F. Individuals licensed as masters social workers (LMSW) and aspiring to achieve licensure at the independent clinical level must complete and document 3,600 hours of licensed masters level social work experience which has been accumulated over no more than a 60 month period.
G. Applicants
for licensure must document [90] 100 hours of supervision during
this 3,600 hour period.
(1) One hour of supervision must be documented for every 40 hours worked,
(2) At
least 70 of the [90] 100 required hours must be obtained through
direct supervision,
(3) No
more than [20] 50 hours of the [90] 100 required
hours may be obtained through group supervision [and there shall be no more
than six individuals per group at a time,]; and
(4) No more than 30 hours of the required [90]
100 hours may be obtained through interdisciplinary supervision.
H. provide proof of any disqualifying criminal convictions as defined in 16.63.13.9 NMAC.
[16.63.11.8 NMAC – Rp, 16.63.11.8 NMAC, 3/13/2022; A, 10/07/2025]
16.63.11.9 [PARAMETERS] SCOPE OF PRACTICE: [This is the highest level of licensure. The licensed clinical independent social
worker (LCSW) / (LISW) is to function independently and demonstrate specialized
knowledge and skills. The LISW must
exercise independent judgment. The LCSW
/ LISW should be able to demonstrate skill and interventions directly related
to individuals, couples, families, groups, communities or organizations. In at least one of these client groups, the
LCSW / LISW shall demonstrate in-depth knowledge and skills. The LCSW / LISW should be able to employ
practice theory and research findings in all aspects of their practice. The LCSW / LISW may supervise LBSWs, LMSWs and
other LCSWs / LISWs] Clinical
social work practice is the professional application of social work theory and
methods in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction,
disability or impairment, including but not limited to emotional mental health
disorders. It is based on knowledge of one or more theories of human
development within a psychosocial context. Clinical social work includes interventions
directed to interpersonal interactions, intrapsychic dynamics or life support
and management issues. Clinical social
work services consist of assessment, diagnosis and treatment, including
psychotherapy and counseling, client-centered advocacy, consultation and
evaluation. Independent social
work practice is the professional study of human capabilities and practice of
social work specialties, including direct and indirect practice, through the
formal organization and the methodology of data collection and the analysis and
evaluation of social work data.
[16.63.11.9 NMAC - Rp, 16.63.11.9 NMAC, 3/13/2022; A, 10/07/2025]
16.63.11.10 [AREAS
OF SPECIALIZATION: Applicants
for specialization will be handled by the board on a case by case basis.] [RESERVED]
[16.63.11.10 NMAC – Rp, 16.63.11.10 NMAC, 3/13/2022;
Repealed, 10/07/2025]