| Q: Why do I need to take continuing education courses related to anti-racism and anti-discrimination? A: On September 28, 2021, the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers adopted a new policy that requires licensed social workers to complete 2 CEUs related to anti-racism and 1 CEU related to anti-discrimination each licensing cycle. The requirements are based on the NASW Code of Ethics Section 1.05, which addresses the ethical standard of cultural competence.
Q: When does this new policy go into effect? A: This policy is in effect for licensed social workers scheduled to renew their licenses on or after September 28, 2023.
Q: Does this new requirement increase the total number of CEUs I need to earn each licensing cycle? A: No. These 3 CEUs must be completed as part of your existing required number of CEUs, as indicated by your licensing level. If you are an LICSW, for example, you are still required to earn 30 CEUs each licensing period, but 2 of those 30 CEUs must be related to anti-racism and 1 of those 30 CEUs must be related to anti-discrimination.
Q: How does this affect those who are exempt from CEU licensure requirements? A: If a social worker is exempt from CEU requirements (because they are providing social work services exclusively as an employee of state, county, or municipal government), then they are also exempt from these new requirements.
Q: How often am I required to complete continuing education courses related to anti-racism and anti-discrimination? A: These requirements are required to be completed during each licensing cycle (every 2 years).
Q: How will I know if a continuing education course will count toward anti-racism or anti-discrimination? A: The Board will not pre-approve specific courses as meeting the requirements of this policy. Each social worker is responsible for determining whether a course is acceptable under this policy. It should include a focus on anti-racism and/or anti-discrimination; it does not have to be the sole focus of the course.The intention is for a broad variety of courses to be able to fulfill the requirements.
Q: What is the distinction between anti-racism and anti-discrimination? A: Anti-racism refers to race specifically, with a focus on oppression. Anti-discrimination is a broader category referring to “oppression because of ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and/or mental or physical ability”.
Q: Is it possible that one continuing education course could satisfy both the anti-racism and anti-discrimination requirements? A: Yes, one course can fulfill both, but there still need to be 3 CEUs total to cover both subjects.
Q: How do I prove that I’ve met these new CE requirements when I renew my license? A: There will be no proof or attestation specifically addressing this policy at time of license renewal, but social workers will still have to attest on their renewal that they have met all CE requirements, which includes the requirements of this policy.
Q: If I get audited and need to provide proof that the course(s) I completed satisfy the anti-racism and/or anti-discrimination requirements, what kinds of documentation will be accepted by the licensing board? A: Social workers should be prepared to demonstrate how the courses taken fulfill the requirements. When saving general CEU documentation, make note of those that have a focus in these areas. If the title does not make that focus explicit, the description, outline, or course materials can be used for supporting materials. The intention is for a broad variety of courses to be able to fulfill the requirements.
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