2025 Session Last amended: 2007 session

§ 148E.050 — Licensing; Scope of Practice

Plain-Language Summary

This section establishes the four levels of social work licenses in Minnesota and what each level allows. A licensed social worker (LSW) cannot do clinical work. A licensed graduate social worker (LGSW) and licensed independent social worker (LISW) can only do clinical work under supervision. Only a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) can practice clinical social work independently.

Practical Notes
Understanding which license level is needed for a job is essential for both employers and social workers. Practicing outside your licensed scope—such as doing clinical diagnosis or therapy without an LICSW license—is a serious violation. Employers must verify that social workers hold the right license level for the clinical duties they perform.