A. The board shall hold meetings at least semiannually. The board shall elect annually from its membership a chair, vice chair, and secretary/treasurer. Meetings may be called by the chair or upon written request of four members of the board or by the governor. The board shall meet as often as necessary and four members shall constitute a quorum.

            B. An administrator, who shall not be a member of the board, shall be employed to serve the board and his or her salary shall be provided for under La. Rev. Stat. 37:2716(B). The board may employ such other persons as may be necessary to carry out its duties under this Chapter.

            C.(1) The board is authorized to adopt and revise such rules and regulations as may be necessary to enable it to carry into effect the provisions of this Chapter including but not limited to rules and regulations which establish ethical standards of practice, which the board may adopt as a standard of practice.

            (2) The board is empowered to examine for, deny, approve, revoke, suspend, and renew the license of licensed clinical social workers and shall review applications at least once a year. The board is further empowered to examine for, deny, approve, revoke, suspend, and renew the license of licensed master’s social workers and shall review applications at least once a year. The board is further empowered to examine for, deny, approve, revoke, suspend, and renew the certificate of certified social workers or the license of licensed master’s social workers and shall review applications at least once a year. The board is further empowered to deny, approve, revoke, suspend, and renew the registration of registered social workers and shall review applications once a year.

            (3) The board shall have the power to conduct hearings on charges calling for revocation or suspension of a registration, certificate, or license. The board may institute disciplinary proceedings as authorized in this Chapter.

            (4) The board shall prosecute and enjoin all persons violating this Chapter and shall keep a record of all the proceedings.

            (5) The board is empowered to administer funds as provided in La. Rev. Stat. 37:2716(B) for the training and education of social workers so that competency may be assured.

            D. The board shall keep a listing of social workers licensed, certified, or registered under this Chapter.

            E. The board may enter into such professional service contracts as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this Chapter in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. 36:803.

            F. The board shall adopt standards for supervision to meet the requirements of La. Rev. Stat. 37:2708.

            G. The board shall establish requirements to assure continuing education for individuals licensed, certified, or registered under this Chapter as a condition of licensure, certification, or registration renewal. Such requirements may include but are not limited to continuing education which shall be through programs either provided by or approved by the board.

            Added by Acts 1972, No. 706, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2010, No. 880, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2021, No. 215, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.