Licensing Alert for ALL Licensed Social Workers

Licensing Alert for ALL Licensed Social Workers

August & September 2018

ALL social work licenses are being renewed online this year. If you received your renewal license in the mail, just carefully follow the instructions detailed in the letter. The process includes three sections: 1) setting up an account, 2) linking your new account with your license number, and 3) renewing your license (including submitting online payment). It should take you about 15-30 minutes to complete the three-step process.

VERY HELPFUL INFORMATION

The Board has just published the following Online License Renewal Step-by-Step Instructions (with diagrams!) to help you through the entire online renewal process.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

• At this time, the MA Board of Registration of Social Workers does NOT have a paper alternative - renewals must be done online. This could change in the future, but for now, paper renewal are not an option. NASW suggests you complete the online process and not count on doing a paper renewal. If you do not have access to a computer, we suggest partnering with a trusted friend who does or going to your local library. 
• If you own a Mac, you may have difficulty renewing online. The process seems to work better with a PC. In fact, we are hearing that the entire renewal process works best using Internet Explorer.
• If you did NOT receive your license renewal letter via normal postal service delivery, there is an alternative to getting the instructions. Send an email to DPLauthcodes@mass.gov with subject line: "Social Work License Authorization Code." In the body of the email include:
  1. Full Name
  2. License Number
  3. Type of License
  4. Mailing Address (last known address or past address)
• You should receive a follow-up email that contains all information you need for online renewal with 3 – 7 days. 
• As the September 30th deadline draws closer, it could take longer to get a response, so please plan accordingly.

VITALLY IMPORTANT FOR LICSWs

• If you are licensed as a LICSW you must have, or get, an NPI# (https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do)
  • If you are not sure whether you have one go to: https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/ - if it does not work, call NPI at 800-465-3203
• If you are licensed as a LICSW you must then submit an application and contract to be a MassHealth Non-billing Provider (nearly all LICSWs fit in this category) or apply to be a MassHealth Qualified Member Beneficiary (QMB) Provider (only private practice providers who bill Medicaid secondary to Medicare should apply).
  • If you are already a QMB provider you are all set; there is nothing else you need to do.
• Access the MassHealth Application and Contract and detailed instructions here