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Association of Social Work Boards

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Delegates elect members to the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee

December 21, 2020

Delegates elect members to the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee

In 2020, the options for online meeting platforms are plentiful. As the world has adjusted to videoconferencing—whether it’s Zoom, Google, or Teams—the ability to conduct elections at an online meeting is a specialized application that requires the right set of features. As ASWB geared up for the 2020 Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly, the […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: annual meeting, Elections, meetings, members, Roxroy Reid, volunteers

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An open letter to social work deans and directors

December 21, 2020

An open letter to social work deans and directors

ASWB’s primary service to our members is development and administration of the licensing exams. In providing that service, ASWB is committed to developing and administering licensing exams that fairly measure minimum competence. Several member boards have recently received inquiries from deans and directors of social work programs in their state asking about availability of data […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Dwight Hymans, exam development, Exams, item writers

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A difficult and important discussion

December 21, 2020

A difficult and important discussion

Counsel’s column This month’s Counsel’s Column addresses a difficult and important topic for board members and staff of government-created and government-authorized social work boards. Dear Social Work Regulatory Board Members and Staff: Society as a whole, inclusive of the social work regulatory community, is under intense scrutiny and political pressures based upon a host of […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: and inclusion, counsel's column, diversity, equity, New Board Member Training, Regulation

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Maintaining social work competence: Continuing education meets current needs

December 21, 2020

Maintaining social work competence: Continuing education meets current needs

Early in 2020, it became clear that the COVID-19 pandemic would prevent the usual methods of carrying out many activities important to social work regulation. Governors and mayors in nearly every U.S. jurisdiction issued orders creating emergency provisions addressing such areas as license renewal dates, in-person supervision requirements, and continuing education requirements. Adjusting continuing education […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Board exchange, Continuing competence

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Asides

December 21, 2020

Asides

Survey says! Test-takers complete a short survey at the end of their licensing exam and have the opportunity to leave comments. Read some comments the ASWB exam administration staff received in October: “Thank you for taking COVID precautions.” “The practice exam was very helpful. I felt more confident in my test taking ability after I […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: asides, Mary Jo Monahan, staff

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Louisiana and Idaho regulators share challenges and solutions at BMX

October 26, 2020

Louisiana and Idaho regulators share challenges and solutions at BMX

Among the benefits of ASWB’s Board Member Exchange meetings is the opportunity for member board members to share successes and challenges with one another and gain new perspectives. The September 2020 virtual BMX produced an exchange between two members who are geographically distant but close together in concerns. John Shalett, chair of the Louisiana State […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Disciplinary actions, Member services, members, public protection

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Not even a pandemic can stop the work of social work regulators … or ASWB’s support for its members

October 26, 2020

Not even a pandemic can stop the work of social work regulators … or ASWB’s support for its members

Since mid-March, the Member Engagement and Regulatory Services department has assisted dozens of members and stakeholders with issues related to licensing exceptions in response to the public health emergency. But while COVID-19 may have temporarily reoriented their focus, the work of social work regulators has not stopped. In addition to the day-to-day work of administering […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Member services, Regulation

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Exam use policy compliance: An important update

October 26, 2020

Exam use policy compliance: An important update

Only eight months remain until the June 30, 2021, deadline for the exam use policy enforcement initiative. Member boards have made progress as reported in the August association news, but a number of member boards have more work to do. Policy enforcement initiative beginnings When the initiative began in 2016, the Board of Directors established […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Exams, members, Regulation

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Have Internet, will participate

October 26, 2020

Have Internet, will participate

Counsel’s Column ASWB encourages your attendance and participation in the 2020 Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly, to be conducted virtually during the week of November 16–20, 2020. Delegate and member board presence is what fuels ASWB and provides direct input into the policy setting and evolution of the organization. Without the need for physical […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: annual meeting, counsel's column, meetings

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Asides

October 26, 2020

Asides

Congratulations! AMANDA DUFFY RANDALL of Nebraska received the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nebraska chapter of NASW at the chapter’s virtual conference in September. AMANDA, recently retired from her role as director of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, is a former ASWB president, a former […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: asides, ASWB headquarters, Awards

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It is solved by walking!

August 28, 2020

It is solved by walking!

Recently I was reminded of a Latin phrase that many purport to be the key to health, well-being, and solving problems. The phrase solvitur ambulando roughly translates to “It is solved by walking.” The idea seems simple enough: Walking gives one time away from the rushed pace of life and allows the mind to consider ideas and […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Dwight Hymans, exam administration, Exams

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Examination Development update: 2020 brings new projects and experienced staff

August 28, 2020

Examination Development update: 2020 brings new projects and experienced staff

 “The expertise Keeva, Stacey, and Carl bring to ASWB will be invaluable as we continue to process more exam items and as we move into our other program initiatives.” — Lavina Harless, Senior Director of Examination Services Despite challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic that have caused all Examination Committee meetings to be convened virtually, […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: exam development, Exams, staff

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Military spouse licensure legislation: Another step toward mobility

August 28, 2020

Military spouse licensure legislation: Another step toward mobility

Nearly every U.S. state has enacted legislation associated with military spouse license portability. A 2019 Department of Defense report called military spouses the “canary in the coal mine,” because “a greater percentage of them are in licensed occupations than their civilian counterparts, and they are significantly more mobile.” The willingness of legislatures across the United […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Mobility, Regulation

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Meeting the pandemic’s challenges in two U.S. jurisdictions

August 28, 2020

Meeting the pandemic’s challenges in two U.S. jurisdictions

Member exchange Maryland and the District of Columbia share more than just a border. They also share challenges with every U.S. jurisdiction in fulfilling their missions despite the adverse circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other ASWB member boards, the social work regulators in these two jurisdictions have worked with emergency legal provisions […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: members, Mobility, public protection, Regulation

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Annual meeting moves forward with revised schedule

August 28, 2020

Annual meeting moves forward with revised schedule

Like everything else in 2020, ASWB’s Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly has adapted to the times. Instead of delegates, alternates, staff, and consultants gathering in Scottsdale, Arizona, as planned, the delegate assembly will convene online several days earlier. The draft agenda, reviewed by the Board of Directors this month, covers the week of November […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Dwight Hymans, Harold Dean, meetings

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With ten months until the deadline, more member boards achieve compliance with exam use policy

August 28, 2020

With ten months until the deadline, more member boards achieve compliance with exam use policy

“Consistent use of the licensing exams protects the validity and defensibility of the exams for all member boards.” — Lavina Harless, Senior Director of Examination Services Member boards continue to make progress toward exam use compliance. At its August meeting, the ASWB Board of Directors approved a member board’s waiver request for Clinical exam candidates […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Exams, policy

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When is a life coach a counselor?

August 28, 2020

When is a life coach a counselor?

Counsel’s Column Distinguishing between scopes of practice of related professions, such as mental health services, can be a confusing task—confusing for the policy makers who enact legislation defining such scopes, consumers, and practitioners alike. Further complicating these discussions are the legal issues around what license is required and which board has authority over the person/licensee. […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: counsel's column, Regulation

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Asides

August 28, 2020

Asides

In memoriam Former ASWB president BRUCE BUCHANAN of Iowa died in July. BRUCE first became involved with ASWB in 1992, when he attended the very first New Board Member Training. BRUCE co-chaired the task force for one of ASWB’s practice analyses, was elected to the Board of Directors, and served as president in 2002–03. BRUCE […]

Category: In memoriam, newsletter

Tag: Annual Report, asides, New Board Member Training

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What’s new in your world?

June 29, 2020

What’s new in your world?

President’s message Have you ever had anyone greet you with the salutation, “Hey, what’s new in your world?” I certainly have. And we are experiencing a variety of new things as the effects of the pandemic reach farther and wider. We are also witnessing a public outcry against the injustices of systemic racism unlike any […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Harold Dean, President

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Two Canadian provinces reflect on pandemic challenges and solutions

June 29, 2020

Two Canadian provinces reflect on pandemic challenges and solutions

Regulation is not known for being particularly nimble or flexible, and yet I think we have all been forced to take a hard look at our policies, processes, and assumptions and to act very quickly—and that’s a silver lining in this. – Lise Betteridge (ON) While the COVID-19 pandemic has been a shared experience across […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Mobility, public protection, Regulation

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Don’t dis the dissent

June 29, 2020

Don’t dis the dissent

Counsel’s Column While tempted to address the ongoing pandemic and its effects on the Association of Social Work Boards and its member boards, I have elected to lead an effort to return to the case-driven approach to regulatory content. This is not to downplay or ignore the important regulatory issues that are under added scrutiny […]

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Tag: counsel's column

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All in the timing

June 29, 2020

All in the timing

If there is one thing to be said for 2020, it’s that nothing’s gone according to plan. Professional sports? Canceled. Graduations? Virtual. Weddings? Postponed. Moving into a new headquarters? Minor adjustments. After delays in nearly every step of the building process, ASWB’s headquarters was finally ready—in the middle of a pandemic that has forced the […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: ASWB headquarters, staff

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Telework at ASWB keeps engines humming

June 29, 2020

Telework at ASWB keeps engines humming

It certainly has been a time of uncertainty and disturbance. But the resilience of ASWB staff and their dedication to the organization have been key to meeting the challenges and making the adjustments. – CEO Dwight Hymans In mid-March, ASWB’s executive leadership team of then CEO Mary Jo Monahan and incoming CEO Dwight Hymans decided […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: exam administration, Member services, staff

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Nominate a colleague for an ASWB award

June 29, 2020

Nominate a colleague for an ASWB award

Who is doing the heavy lifting as your regulatory board responds to COVID-19? Many regulators—board members and staff—have stepped up to handle major regulatory shifts and temporary provisions. Awards for this kind of selfless service, whether related to the pandemic or not, will be presented at the 2020 Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly in […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Awards, members

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Asides

June 29, 2020

Asides

Mask-erade Some ASWB Board members shared photos and updates about their lives during the pandemic. BEATRICE TRAUB-WERNER of Ontario misses her grandchildren but has found ways to stay connected via “dinners” and chats online with family and friends. “Work is 100 percent online,” she says, “and outings are so far restricted to taking the car […]

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Tag: asides

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Approaching preferment, more lessons to share

April 28, 2020

Approaching preferment, more lessons to share

Whew! The weeks had been flying by since I announced my retirement (aka “preferment”) in November 2019 and the ASWB Board of Directors announced their choice of Dwight Hymans as the next CEO in late January 2020. Dwight and I had been having regular transition meetings as outlined in ASWB’s Policy 7.4, CEO Succession Plan, […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Mary Jo Monahan

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We make a life by what we give

April 28, 2020

We make a life by what we give

Mary Jo touched on the change in direction that the COVID-19 pandemic made to our transition plans. It has been a very unusual time, one that has disrupted the plans already in place to thank Mary Jo for her eight years of service, creativity, and energy and to wish her the best as she moves […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Dwight Hymans

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In challenging times, the exam development program remains strong

April 28, 2020

In challenging times, the exam development program remains strong

Foresight of past and present members of the ASWB Board have led to the association’s current strength in adversity. ASWB’s signature program, the development and maintenance of the social work licensing examinations, remains strong in the face of challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most significant of the challenges has been Pearson VUE’s suspension of […]

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Tag: COVID-19, exam administration, exam development

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Regulation and Standards Committee to learn from crisis

April 28, 2020

Regulation and Standards Committee to learn from crisis

Whether the Regulation and Standards Committee meets in person or virtually, the July agenda will reflect questions raised and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. In fulfilling its charge to develop proposals for additions or changes to the Model Social Work Practice Act, RAS Committee members will be considering how social work regulation is affected […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: COVID-19, Member services, Model Social Work Practice Act, public protection, Regulation

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Deconstructing executive orders

April 28, 2020

Deconstructing executive orders

Counsel’s Column In times of crisis or declared emergencies, executive orders play an important role in establishing operational parameters that dictate what role government may undertake to address the circumstances. Executive orders may also provide directives to individuals that effectively have force of law and can lead to sanctions if violated. Executive orders can come […]

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Tag: counsel's column, COVID-19, Regulation

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A global perspective

April 28, 2020

A global perspective

Sohani Fernando, LCSW, who has served ASWB as an item writer since 2016, sent this March 26 dispatch from Sri Lanka. Educated at Baylor University and licensed in Texas, Sohani returned to the South Asian island nation to work in humanitarian aid and orphan care and to be close to family. As of April 25, […]

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Tag: asides, COVID-19

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20/20 in 2020: Focusing on a year of transition

February 28, 2020

20/20 in 2020: Focusing on a year of transition

The year 2020 ushers in a new decade for all of us, and it is sure to bring changes. Will those changes be social, economic, and /or political? We will have to “stay tuned” to see what the future holds. However, one thing we know for certain is that 2020 will be a year of […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Harold Dean, President, staff, strategic framework

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New to the role, but not new to ASWB

February 28, 2020

New to the role, but not new to ASWB

  “Whatever you are, be a good one.”—Abraham Lincoln Dwight Hymans, ASWB chief operating officer, shared Lincoln’s quote during his remarks following ASWB President Harold Dean’s announcement to staff that the Board of Directors had selected Hymans as incoming CEO. Hymans used the opportunity to offer thoughts about leadership and teamwork to the rest of […]

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Tag: Dwight Hymans, staff

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What’s next after a new law is passed?

February 28, 2020

What’s next after a new law is passed?

The North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners is currently drafting administrative rules after the 2019 passage of a new law that improves the state’s mobility readiness. SB 2361 amends the state’s social work practice act to align with licensing standards in other states. It was signed by the governor on April 1, 2019. In […]

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Tag: legislative partnerships, Regulation

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Delegation and the NASW Code of Ethics

February 28, 2020

Delegation and the NASW Code of Ethics

The issue of delegation of authority is an important concept for board members, staff, and relevant attorneys to understand. In short, the legislature enacts statutes that create and delegate authority to the social work boards to enforce the practice act in the interest of public protection. Where appropriate, social work boards delegate authority through the […]

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Tag: code of ethics, counsel's column, public protection, Regulation

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Asides

February 28, 2020

Asides

A grateful farewell LYNN KING of Alberta retired this month from her position as executive director and registrar of the Alberta College of Social Workers. She also stepped down from the role of president of the Canadian Council of Social Work Regulators. In sharing the news with ASWB, LYNN wrote, “I want to relay sincerest […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: ACE, asides, staff, volunteers

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Social work practice mobility by the numbers

February 27, 2020

Social work practice mobility by the numbers

The Association of Social Work Boards started focusing on practice mobility in 2013, when its Board of Directors identified mobility as a strategic objective. Since that time, ASWB has collected qualitative data and collaborated with stakeholders to help its member boards understand the challenges faced by social workers who are adding a new license. Eventually, […]

Category: mobility, newsletter

Tag: Mobility

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Threading the regulatory research maze

December 19, 2019

Threading the regulatory research maze

  Embracing Regulatory Research, the 2020 education meeting, will be held April 23–25 in Chicago. Look for registration information in late January! Like a Classical Greek labyrinth, research is full of intricate passageways and blind alleys. Venturing into this maze will reveal ideas that lead to tantalizing places and ideas that lead to anticipated outcomes […]

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Tag: Regulation, strategic framework

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North Carolina amendment brings state into compliance with exam use policy

December 19, 2019

North Carolina amendment brings state into compliance with exam use policy

  “The big picture was the public protection that is provided by having an exam in place. That was a motivator.” Elizabeth Pope, Executive Director North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board   For the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board, a process that began three and a half years ago—when ASWB […]

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Tag: Board exchange, exam administration, legislative partnerships

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Decades of excellence

December 19, 2019

Decades of excellence

ASWB presented awards to three long-term contributors to the regulation of social work at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly. Contributor Award The Contributor Award—given this year for the first time—went to Frederic G. Reamer, Ph.D. “What a career!” ASWB President Tim Brown said upon presenting Reamer with the award. A professor in […]

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Tag: Awards, meetings

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Delegates elect new members to the Board and Nominating Committee

December 19, 2019

Delegates elect new members to the Board and Nominating Committee

“Welcome to Florida!” quipped Lisa Bolhouse, a member of the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, as delegates prepared to cast another ballot for the 2020 Nominating Committee. The election process at the Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly, complete with runoffs and ties, was the first […]

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Tag: Elections, volunteers

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Embracing retirement and its life lessons

December 19, 2019

Embracing retirement and its life lessons

As most of you know, I announced my intention to retire in 2020 on November 9, 2019, at our Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly in Orlando, Florida. It has been a curious journey for me to get to this important life decision and now that I am here, I am persisting in embracing this […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Mary Jo Monahan, strategic framework

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Getting business done

December 19, 2019

Getting business done

A total of 53 delegates attended ASWB’s 2019 Annual Meeting, one of the highest turnouts in the association’s 40-year history. All delegates came prepared to represent their jurisdictions in business matters before the assembly. In addition to electing members to the 2020 Board of Directors and the 2020 Nominating Committee, delegates voted on proposed amendments […]

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Tag: meetings, strategic framework

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Related or not: Good moral character

December 19, 2019

Related or not: Good moral character

As I discussed at ASWB’s 2019 Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly in Orlando, Florida, the issue of good moral character as related to eligibility for initial licensure and licensure renewal is facing an ever-changing landscape. Most jurisdictions have a good moral character requirement as a prerequisite to licensure eligibility. Under scrutiny is what constitutes […]

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Tag: counsel's column, Disciplinary actions

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Asides

December 19, 2019

Asides

They say it’s your birthday After hearing that CLAUDE SAVOIE of New Brunswick was celebrating a birthday, DJ Adam gave him a moment in the center of the dance circle, playing the Beatles classic so CLAUDE could showcase his moves. The dance party, featuring hit songs from years that were significant in ASWB history, was […]

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Tag: asides, Mary Jo Monahan, training, volunteers

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An honor to serve as your president

October 31, 2019

An honor to serve as your president

At the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly, ASWB membership afforded trust in me to fill the Office of President. This position consists of one year as president-elect, two years as president, and a final year as past president. At the end of the 2019 Delegate Assembly, it will be my time to transition […]

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Tag: President, Tim Brown

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A fulfilling and gratifying season of life

October 31, 2019

A fulfilling and gratifying season of life

“My goal as president is to make sure the work of the association is staying true to the 2019–2021 Strategic Framework. … One of the things delegates entrusted to the president is keeping those goals ever present in our work.”– Harold Dean, incoming ASWB president Incoming ASWB president Harold Dean of Arkansas has had a […]

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Tag: Harold Dean, President

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Changing minds, changing law: How California is easing practice mobility for licensed social workers

October 31, 2019

Changing minds, changing law: How California is easing practice mobility for licensed social workers

When California governor Gavin Newsom signs a bill into law, it often makes national news. But even though his signature on Senate Bill 679 may not have garnered media headlines, the legislation is big news for regulators of social work and other licensed professions. The law, which goes into effect on January 1, 2020, will […]

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Tag: legislative partnerships, Mobility, strategic framework

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Collaboration for improvement

October 31, 2019

Collaboration for improvement

An innovative collaboration between an ASWB member board and a group of educators took place in September in Columbus, Ohio, when that state’s Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board hosted more than 50 educators and guests for a day of information-sharing. ASWB’s Education and Research Senior Manager Janice Fitts was on hand […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Member services, Path to Licensure

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Board chair webinar draws on experience, offers flexibility 

October 31, 2019

Board chair webinar draws on experience, offers flexibility 

Building on the popularity of New Board Member Training, ASWB began offering additional trainings aimed at specific roles. “After the Executive Leadership Training for board chairs and board administrators in 2018, many of the participants asked for training on becoming the board chair for the first time,” says CEO Mary Jo Monahan. “So Jennifer [Henkel, […]

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Tag: Member services, training

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Item writer training: Planting seeds rooted in practice

October 31, 2019

Item writer training: Planting seeds rooted in practice

As they sit in front of a computer screen taking an ASWB social work licensing exam, test-takers might not think much about each question’s origin story. But ASWB puts abundant thought, effort, expertise, and careful monitoring into making sure every exam item contributes to a valid and reliable exam. “The ASWB social work examinations measure […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: exam development, Exams, item writers

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Bylaws: An important recognition of membership

October 31, 2019

Bylaws: An important recognition of membership

  “The proposed amendments to the ASWB bylaws related to membership provide ASWB with the flexibility to ensure member board participation in important decision-making related to programs and services, as well as alleviate, or perhaps eliminate, the need for formal state letter agreements. … To be clear, to the extent a state law requires a […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: counsel's column, meetings

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Asides

October 31, 2019

Asides

Then and Now Note: During our 40th anniversary year, we’ll be bringing you Then and Now, featuring memories from the archives and current items, for a look at how ASWB has changed and grown! Then: An early website news page from 2000 announces two big moments in ASWB history: the change of the association’s name from […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: asides

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Exemptions. Can’t live with ’em…how can we change law to live without ’em?

August 30, 2019

Exemptions. Can’t live with ’em…how can we change law to live without ’em?

Member boards have a role in achieving the strategic framework—ASWB staff are ready to assist Exemptions allow social work practice to occur without requiring the practitioner to be licensed.  Generally, exemptions are based on practice setting. During early legislative wrangling to get licensing laws on the books, exemptions were often viewed as a politically necessary […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: exemptions, strategic framework

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Some of ASWB’s most important questions come before committee volunteers

August 30, 2019

Some of ASWB’s most important questions come before committee volunteers

ASWB’s Exam Committee is the largest committee in the association. At multiple in-person meetings each year, committee members review dozens of exam questions to approve their use as unscored items on the licensing exams. But Exam Committee members aren’t the only volunteers pondering important questions. Five other ASWB committees met in Alexandria, Virginia, in July […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Continuing competence, Nominating Committee, volunteers

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ASWB debuts Contributor Award

August 30, 2019

ASWB debuts Contributor Award

Recognizing volunteers for leadership and commitment is part of the Volunteer Engagement and Outreach department’s role in serving ASWB membership. In 2018, the department conceived of the Contributor Award in response to executive management’s desire to recognize individuals who have contributed to the work of ASWB who are not ASWB members. “The Contributor Award recognizes […]

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Tag: Awards, meetings

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The three E’s: Exercising Exceptions and Exemptions

August 30, 2019

The three E’s: Exercising Exceptions and Exemptions

  Government regulation involves the enactment of a statute (practice act) that sets forth the legislative intent to restrict practice of the profession to those duly licensed by a governmental agency/board. Licensure is required as a prerequisite to lawful practice of the profession, and practice without a license may result in criminal and/or administrative sanctions. […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: counsel's column, Regulation, strategic framework

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Others in the room

August 30, 2019

Others in the room

Six scholars and two faculty members gathered this June at ASWB headquarters in Culpeper, Virginia, for the 2019 Path to Licensure Institute intensive. Representing colleges and universities from several regions in the United States, these educators engaged in a weeklong learning experience facilitated by ASWB staff and led by two faculty members who have a longtime […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Path to Licensure

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Asides

August 30, 2019

Asides

ASWB and NASW talk about licensure by endorsement CEOs MARY JO MONAHAN of ASWB and ANGELO McCLAIN of NASW discussed ASWB’s mobility plan and licensure by endorsement on Social Work Talks, NASW’s monthly podcast. The podcast was posted Tuesday, August 27. Be sure to listen and share with others! Congratulations Congratulations to RUTH WEINZETTLE of […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: asides, ASWB headquarters, item writers, media, Mobility, New Board Member Training

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Interest deepens for an international plan for social work regulation

August 30, 2019

Interest deepens for an international plan for social work regulation

Many ASWB members and staff attended the Council on Licensure, Enforcement & Regulation’s International Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia, in June. ASWB also hosted the business meeting of the International Federation of Social Work Regulators, an informal voluntary group of professional social work regulators from around the world. IFSWR meets in conjunction with the meetings […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Mary Jo Monahan, Mobility

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Member needs are top of mind

June 26, 2019

Member needs are top of mind

A nonprofit association’s board of directors is a group of individuals who work collaboratively with and empower the association’s chief executive officer to lead the organization toward a sustainable future. The ASWB Board achieves this responsibility by embracing healthy, ethical, and legal governance and prudent financial oversight; ensuring adequate resources; and focusing on issues pertinent […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: members, President, Tim Brown

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Make room for social work regulatory research!

June 26, 2019

Make room for social work regulatory research!

Regulatory research and ASWB have gone hand in hand for decades, so much so that it is a central purpose of the association’s bylaws. By incorporating research into the strategic framework, the ASWB Board of Directors acknowledges its continuing importance to members and the regulatory community at large. Although nursing and medicine are at the […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Research, strategic framework

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Photo collage of presenters and audience members

Taking a point of view, telling a story

June 26, 2019

Taking a point of view, telling a story

The 2019 Education Conference wrapped up on Saturday afternoon with an active, participatory session designed to solidify the points of view participants had learned about during the previous conference sessions. Moderator Jennifer Henkel, senior director of member services and strategic initiatives, introduced the four-speaker panel, affectionately calling them a “man-el.” She assigned the speakers and […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: education conference, legislative partnerships, public protection

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Asides

June 25, 2019

Asides

A special opportunity With the 2019 Education Conference taking place in Arlington, Virginia, just an hour from Culpeper, all ASWB staff got to attend the conference on Friday, participating in two sessions and joining members for lunch. It was an opportunity for staff to increase their knowledge about ASWB activities and meet the members whom […]

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Tag: asides

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Meeting regulatory challenges with information

June 24, 2019

Meeting regulatory challenges with information

David Benton, CEO of the National Council of State Nursing Boards, took to the podium at ASWB’s 2019 Education Conference with a message for social work regulators: Pressure to deregulate is happening in all professions, and the strongest leverage regulators have is data. “In God we trust,” he said. “Everyone else has to bring data. […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: education conference, Research

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How to establish an emergency

June 24, 2019

How to establish an emergency

Social work regulatory boards are statutorily created and delegated with the authority to carry out the intent of the law in the interest of health, safety, and welfare of the public. As part of this delegated statutory authority, social work boards should be delegated with the right to summarily suspend a license under certain circumstances. […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: counsel's column

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Regulatory trends and regulators’ responses

June 24, 2019

Regulatory trends and regulators’ responses

During the first session of the 2019 ASWB Education Conference, attorneys Dale Atkinson and Julie Maciura prepared attendees for later sessions on ways to effect change and make improvements in legislation and regulation. Each offered a wide-angle look at regulation, bringing a historical and multiprofession perspective to an audience of social work regulators whose daily […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: education conference, Regulation

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Keep showing up

June 24, 2019

Keep showing up

When Tobi Zavala was named executive director of the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners in 2014, she was glad to have a registered lobbyist available who could notify the board of pending legislation and help the board build relationships in the Arizona Capitol. “The governor decided that he was going to introduce an executive […]

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Tag: education conference, legislative partnerships

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Mobility steps made easier

April 30, 2019

Mobility steps made easier

The second goal of the 2019–2021 Strategic Framework, “Facilitate mobility by licensure through endorsement,” carries to the next step the work done by ASWB members over the past several years: To effect change in social work regulation to decrease burdens on social workers who want to add a license in a new jurisdiction. When ASWB […]

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Tag: Member services, Mobility, strategic framework

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Doing what they do best

April 30, 2019

Doing what they do best

“Once again, the ASWB examination program is proud to welcome a group of committed and diverse subject matter experts to the Examination Committee.” — Lavina Harless, Director of Examination Development. Social work is called a “helping profession.” This attribute was at the forefront during the first meeting of the 2019 Examination Committee in Charleston, South Carolina, […]

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Tag: exam development, volunteers

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Icons of resources, good ideas, online programs

ACE adds individual course approval

April 30, 2019

ACE adds individual course approval

This month saw a big change for ASWB’s Approved Continuing Education program, one that is welcomed by members who count on ASWB to evaluate CE offerings. Beginning April 1, 2019, ACE began offering individual course approval in addition to the provider approval that has been the program’s cornerstone service to member boards. Continuing education providers […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: ACE, Continuing competence, Member services

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Call center renews focus on customer service

April 30, 2019

Call center renews focus on customer service

“THINK POSITIVE” says the sign on the wall over Felicia Dennison’s desk. Another plaque just below her computer monitors says “Make it Happen.” Dennison, who joined ASWB as candidate services manager in July 2018, clearly brings the same upbeat attitude to her work. Her management of the Candidate Services Center focuses on “growth for the […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: candidate services center, exam administration, staff

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The clock is ticking…

April 30, 2019

The clock is ticking…

  “We are always willing to talk to your board members and board staff to answer questions or concerns about compliance with exam policy. We want to support you through this process.” — Dwight Hymans, ASWB Chief Operating Officer In 2016, ASWB drew a line. To protect the validity and reliability of the licensing examinations, […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Exams, policy

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Customer service from the representative’s side

April 30, 2019

Customer service from the representative’s side

I want to brag about one of ASWB’s most visible yet unseen teams: the candidate services representatives who staff our call center. Providing customer service to exam candidates is a large part of what ASWB does, Monday through Friday. Our Candidate Services Center representatives handled 69,485 telephone calls in 2018. Think about that number. Despite […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: candidate services center, exam administration, staff

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Award nominations open

April 30, 2019

Award nominations open

Who are the heroes you work with in social work regulation? Is there a board chair who steered your board through a difficult sunset process? Do you know an administrator who found a way to process applications more efficiently? Would you like to recognize a board member who has a knack for getting to the […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Awards, volunteers

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Display of historial items, including photos and ephemera

Mem’ries—Send ’em if you’ve got ’em!

April 30, 2019

Mem’ries—Send ’em if you’ve got ’em!

As we celebrate 40 years of service, ASWB will be displaying and sharing images of items from our history. If you have something to share, email jwood@aswb.org. The history table will be on display at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly in Orlando, Florida. Asides Crafty hero When JENNIFER HENKEL wanted beauty-pageant-style sashes for […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: asides, Mary Jo Monahan, meetings, Tim Brown, volunteers

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New “Bored” Member Training

April 29, 2019

New “Bored” Member Training

Having just completed serving as facilitator at the first of three annual Association of Social Work Boards New Board Member Training sessions, I am writing this column to reflect on the enthusiasm shared by the participants and identify anticipated issues for social work boards. As self-serving as this article may seem, NBMT breathes life into […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: counsel's column, Disciplinary actions, New Board Member Training

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Celebrating 40 years of service

February 26, 2019

Celebrating 40 years of service

Mem’ries…. Do you still have that binder from the 1992 Delegate Assembly? An award for ASWB committee service that you received in the ’80s? A tote bag with the AASSWB logo? Photos from ASWB gatherings? We’d love to see them! As we celebrate 40 years of service in 2019, ASWB will be displaying and sharing […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: asides, volunteers

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Making the most of regulatory reform

February 26, 2019

Making the most of regulatory reform

This year the association news will feature articles related to the 2019–2021 Strategic Framework. Watch for the icon appearing next to the title in each issue. Dale Atkinson’s Counsel’s Column makes the case for using the current emphasis on regulatory reform to educate the public, including legislators, consumers, and other constituents, about the positive role […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: regulatory reform, strategic framework

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Member services department expands to include strategic initiatives

February 26, 2019

Member services department expands to include strategic initiatives

Member services department expands to include strategic initiatives The new 2019–2021 Strategic Framework is already more than just a plan. With three overarching goals that focus on 1. acceptance and recognition of licensure in social work, 2. practice mobility, and 3. regulatory research, the framework affirmed at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly reflects […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: staff

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“Forming, storming, and performing” in 2019

February 25, 2019

“Forming, storming, and performing” in 2019

Bruce Tuckman’s model of group development notes that well-functioning groups take time to develop. Time is required for individual members of a group to feel united, to become effective, and to arrive at an understanding of the importance of working toward greater causes—such as those of the Association of Social Work Boards. President’s message In […]

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Tag: President

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Leading by example

February 25, 2019

Leading by example

Carla Moore’s journey to reach the position of chair of the Nominating Committee serves as an example to all ASWB aspiring leaders. Moore put her name forward more than once before she was elected to the Nominating Committee, and she is quick to encourage others to “try, try again” if their desire to serve as […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: Nominating Committee

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Why? Part 2: Government Involvement

February 22, 2019

Why? Part 2: Government Involvement

In a previous newsletter article (February 2018), the Counsel’s Column focused on why regulation is under political scrutiny and suggested that social work boards embrace this spotlight as an opportunity to shine. This column will focus on government involvement in regulation and continue to justify the need for public-sector regulation of the occupations and professions. […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: counsel's column, regulatory reform

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Springtime in metro D.C.

February 22, 2019

Springtime in metro D.C.

For the 2019 Education Conference in April, the association is returning to the metro D.C. area—a location familiar to ASWB committee members and volunteers over the last 40 years. The hotel’s address is Arlington, Virginia, but it’s situated less than a mile from the Virginia/District of Columbia border (the Potomac River), with easy access to […]

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Tag: meetings

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Meeting waves of change with preparation and partnership

February 22, 2019

Meeting waves of change with preparation and partnership

Pressures for change in licensure and regulation can seem to come at regulators with the force and relentlessness of ocean waves. Join ASWB for its 2019 Education Conference, “Preparing & Partnering for Regulation and Legislation: Rising Above the Waves,” to learn more about the challenges that regulators face—including pressure to deregulate, sunset laws, social issues […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: education conference, meetings

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ASWB contributes to—and gains from—FARB Forum

February 22, 2019

ASWB contributes to—and gains from—FARB Forum

“There does not seem to be evidence that a wage premium or employment gap exist attributable to licensing.” Matthew Shafer, Council of State Governments The ASWB Board of Directors, ASWB staff, and members and staff from many member boards were part of the record-breaking attendance at the 2019 FARB Forum held in New Orleans, Louisiana, […]

Category: newsletter

Tag: FARB

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