A limited permit allows an individual who has met all requirements for licensure as an LMSW except the licensing examination to practice as an LMSW provided that the individual is under the general supervision of an LMSW or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The proposed supervisor must include a copy of his/her license with the Application for Limited Permit (Form 5). To be eligible for a limited permit, you must:
- submit an application (Form 1) and fee for licensure and first registration ($294);
- have your school verify completion of the M.S.W. degree (Form 2);
- submit proof of completion of coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider; and
- be at least 21 years of age and be of good moral character as determined by the Department.
You may apply for a limited permit (Form 5) at the same time as or any time after you submit your Application for Licensure (Form 1). The fee for a limited permit is $70.
The limited permit is issued for a specific employment setting and the permit holder must be under the supervision of an LMSW or LCSW. If you are a new applicant for licensure in New York State, a private practice that you own or operate would not be an acceptable setting for a limited permit holder. The setting must be legally authorized to provide licensed master social work services such as:
- A professional service corporation, registered limited liability partnership or professional service limited liability company that is owned by a licensed master social worker, licensed clinical social worker or other licensed professional(s) authorized to provide licensed master social work services;
- A sole proprietorship owned by a licensee who provides services that are within the scope of his or her profession and services within the scope of licensed master social work;
- A professional partnership owned by licensees who provide services that include licensed master social work;
- A program or service operated, regulated, funded , or approved by the Department of Mental Hygiene, the Office of Children and Family Services, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the State Office for the Aging and the Department of Health or a local governmental unit as that term is defined in section 41.03 of the Mental Hygiene Law or a social services district as defined in section 61 of the Social Services law to provide services that are within the scope of licensed master social work or licensed clinical social work;
- An entity holding a waiver issued by the Department pursuant to section 6503-a or 6503-b of the Education Law to provide services that are within the scope of licensed master social work or licensed clinical social work;
- A program or facility authorized under federal law, such as the Veterans’ Administration, to provide health services including licensed master social work or licensed clinical social work; or
- An entity authorized under New York law or the laws of the jurisdiction in which the entity is located to provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed master social work or licensed clinical social work.
The permit application must include the certificate of incorporation for the professional entity, the operating certificate or other authorization for an authorized program or service, a waiver issued by the Department, or other documentation, acceptable to the Department, to demonstrate the setting’s authority to provide professional social work services in New York.
In New York State, a general business corporation or not-for-profit corporation may not provide professional services or employ licensed professionals unless authorized under law. The permit application must include a copy of the operating certificate or certificate of incorporation that authorizes the entity to employ licensed professionals and provide services that are restricted under Title VIII of the Education Law.
A limited permit holder may not practice clinical social work, including diagnosis and psychotherapy, under the supervision of an LMSW. If the supervisor is an LCSW, the supervision must be consistent with Education Law §7702 and Section 74.6 of the Commissioner’s Regulations.
Limited permits are valid for a period of one year and are not renewable.
A limited permit cannot be issued until the Department has determined that you have satisfied all requirements for licensure except the licensing examination.
Limited permits are not issued to applicants for employment in public schools. Such applicants should apply for a provisional school social worker credential through the Office of Teaching Initiatives. See more information on the Office of Teaching Initiatives’ website. In accordance with Section 74.4 of the Commissioner’s Regulations, the LMSW or LCSW supervisor may not supervise more than five permit holders to ensure public protection.
Practice of Licensed Master Social Work
Effective September 1, 2004, the practice of licensed master social work, as defined in Article 154 of the Education Law, is restricted to individuals who are licensed, under a limited permit, or authorized under the law. The use of the title “licensed master social worker” is restricted to persons who are licensed.
A licensed master social worker may only practice clinical social work, including diagnosis and psychotherapy, under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), licensed psychologist or psychiatrist in an acceptable setting. Once you are licensed as an LMSW, you may submit a plan for practicing licensed clinical social work under supervision using the Plan for Experience (Form 6) included in this packet to the New York State Board for Social Work. See more information about the requirements for LCSW.