South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 110 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION- STATE BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK EXAMINERS
📘 Overview of Chapter 110 Regulations
Article 1: Continuing Education
Section 110-1: Continuing Education Requirements
Social workers must complete a minimum of 20 clock hours of approved continuing education annually to renew their licenses.
Approved activities include courses, seminars, and conferences that enhance professional competence.
Lecturers or discussion leaders may receive credit for their instructional time.
Repetitive courses are generally not eligible for credit unless they offer new content.
Section 110-2: Continuing Education Advisory Committee
The Board appoints a committee to recommend continuing education requirements, ensuring they align with current professional standards.
Section 110-10: Fees
The Board sets fees for applications, examinations, renewals, reinstatements, and continuing education reviews.
These fees are designed to cover the Board's operational costs and are subject to change based on legislative appropriations.
Article 2: Principles of Professional Ethics
Section 110-20: Ethical Standards
Social workers must not exploit client relationships for personal gain.
They are prohibited from soliciting clients for private practice.
Conflicts of interest must be disclosed, and services should be terminated when no longer needed.
Sexual acts with clients or former clients within the past year are strictly forbidden.
Social workers must avoid any form of sexual harassment.
The client-social worker relationship extends for six months after service termination unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
Professional responsibilities take precedence over financial interests.
Fraudulent activities, including misrepresentation of services, are prohibited.
Fee splitting or accepting gifts for referrals is not allowed.
Accurate information about services must be provided to clients.
Discrimination based on various personal characteristics is unacceptable.
Repeated failure to keep appointments is unethical.
Termination or interruption of services should be communicated promptly, with referrals made as necessary.
Client privacy must be respected, with confidentiality maintained except in compelling situations like child abuse or legal requirements.
Informed consent is required before recording or third-party observation.
Unethical practices by others should be reported to appropriate authorities.
⚖️ Enforcement and Case Law
The Board has the authority to discipline licensees for various offenses, including:
Using fraudulent documents or engaging in dishonest acts related to licensure.
Conviction of felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude.
Violating Board regulations or directives.
Assisting unlicensed individuals in practicing social work.
Publishing false statements about professional skills.
Practicing under the influence of substances that impair ability.
Sustaining physical or mental impairments that endanger public safety.
Engaging in discriminatory practices.
Repeatedly failing to attend scheduled appointments.
Misrepresenting qualifications or services.
While specific case law interpreting these regulations is limited, the Board's decisions are subject to judicial review under the South Carolina Administrative Procedures Act, ensuring due process and fairness in disciplinary matters.
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