NASW-NC Submits Public Comment to SW Licensure Rule Changes

On April 14, 2021, the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB) gave notice of proposed rule changes to North Carolina Title 21 Chapter 63 – Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.

The current rules can be found here: https://ncswboard.gov/administrative-codes/

The proposed rule changes submitted by the board to the North Carolina Rules Commission and the Office of Administrative Hearings can be found here: https://ncswboard.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/rules_notice_21-63-0207-35-20.pdf

With feedback from the members of the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina, consultation with an attorney and conversation and clarification with NCSWCLB Executive Director Elizabeth Pope, NASW-NC submitted written public comment which was summarized by NASW-NC Executive Director Valerie Arendt during the June 3, 2021 public hearing. Written public comment by NASW-NC can be found here.

Of note: NASW-NC and its members questioned the need for the $30 increase in the application fee from $115 to $145. When NASW-NC met with Ms. Pope, she outlined the need for the fee increase which is to cover the impending and ongoing costs of the development and launch of the much-awaited online application and renewal process. The costs include the online platform as well as credit card fees. The NCSWCLB has also seen an increase in the number of ethics complaints which increases the costs of investigators and the board attorney. The application and reinstatement fees have not increased in 20 years and the board chose not to increase the fees to the Statute allowed maximum fee of $200, which we commend and NASW-NC did not challenge the fee increase.

Thank you to the members of NASW-NC who provided the chapter with feedback on the proposed rule changes. NASW-NC is here to advocate for the social work profession in North Carolina. If you are not a member of NASW, please join us today.