Iowa Admin. Code r. 481-895.6

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 10, November 13, 2024

Rule 481-895.6 - Supervised clinical experience

An applicant for licensure as an independent level social worker must complete a supervised clinical experience as set forth in this rule.

(1)Minimum requirements. The supervised clinical experience must satisfy all of the following requirements:

a.Timing. The supervised clinical experience cannot begin until after licensure as a master level social worker.

b.Duration. The supervised clinical experience must be a minimum of two years.

c.Minimum number of hours. The supervised clinical experience consists of at least 3,000 hours of practice.

d.Minimum number of direct client hours. The supervised clinical experience consists of at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact.

e.Minimum number of direct supervision hours. The supervised clinical experience consists of at least 110 hours of direct supervision equitably distributed throughout the supervised clinical experience, including at least 24 hours of live or recorded direct observation of client interaction. A maximum of 50 hours of direct supervision may be obtained through group supervision. Direct supervision can occur in person or by using videoconferencing. After 110 hours of direct supervision are complete, ongoing direct supervision will continue to occur for the remainder of the supervised clinical experience.

f.Number of supervisors. A supervisee may utilize a maximum of four supervisors at any given time. A supervisee is responsible for notifying each supervisor if another supervisor is also being utilized to allow for coordination as appropriate.

g.Number of supervisees. A supervisor will determine the number of supervisees who can be supervised safely and competently and will not exceed that number.

h.Content. The supervised clinical experience must involve performing psychosocial assessments, diagnostic practice using the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), published March 2022, and providing treatment, including the establishment of treatment goals, psychosocial therapy using evidence-based therapeutic modalities, and differential treatment planning. The supervised clinical experience will prepare the supervisee for independent practice and must include training on practice management, ethical standards, legal and regulatory requirements, documentation, coordination of care, and self-care.

(2)Eligible supervisors. A supervisor must satisfy all of the following requirements:

a. Hold an active license as an independent level social worker, mental health counselor, or marital and family therapist in Iowa.

b. Have a minimum of three years of independent practice.

c. Have completed at least a six-hour continuing education course in supervision or one graduatelevel course in supervision.

d. Be knowledgeable of the applicable ethical code and licensing rules governing the supervisee.

Any request for a supervisor who does not meet these requirements must be approved by the board before supervision begins.

(3)Supervision plan. Prior to beginning supervision, the supervisee will submit a written supervision plan to the board using the current form published by the board. The supervisee will also submit a written supervision plan to the board prior to beginning supervision with a new supervisor.

(4)Supervision report. When supervision is complete, or when a supervisor ceases providing supervision to the supervisee, the supervisee will ensure a completed supervision report using the current form published by the board is submitted to the board. If the supervisor reports that the supervisee is not adequately prepared for independent licensure, or reports violations of the board's rules or applicable ethical code, the board may require the supervisee to complete additional supervision or training as deemed appropriate prior to licensure.

(5)Supervised clinical experience in other states. An applicant who completed some or all of the supervised clinical experience in another state without obtaining licensure in that state should contact the board to determine whether some or all of the supervised clinical experience completed can be used to qualify for licensure in Iowa.

(6)Grandfather clause. Any new or additional requirements imposed by this rule do not apply to supervision that started prior to July 20, 2022.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 481-895.6

ARC 8057C, IAB 6/12/2024, effective 7/17/2024; Editorial change: IAC Supplement 9/18/2024