An Emerging Theory to Guide Clinical Social Workers Seeking Change in Regulation of Clinical Social Work

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Riley

The study examines barriers that clinicians in licensed social work face when trying to achieve independent mental health practice across U.S. jurisdictions with inconsistent licensure laws. It grounds theory research in information from twelve historians and develops a complex-systems approach using a strategic framework for policy change. Findings support advocates in states without fully independent clinical practice by offering strategies to secure regulatory change. The work aligns with ASWB goals related to practice mobility and license portability.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Regulation and Purpose of Licensure

Inconsistencies Across Jurisdictions

Study Purpose and Interest

Background

A Brief Historical Summary

An Emerging Theory to Guide Clinical Social Workers Seeking Change in Regulation of Clinical Social Work Dianna Cooper-Bolinskey Abstract: U.S. regulation of social work began in the 1940s. By the mid-1990s, all jurisdictions within the United States regulated the profession through licensure. One purpose of licensure is to protect the public and the profession; however, legislation defining social work varies vastly among jurisdictions. The variation exists not only between jurisdictions, but also within licensure categories. The disparity within clinical social work continues without resolve. This qualitative study explored the barriers encountered and solutions used in three states as they secured laws allowing licensed clinical social workers to independently provide mental health services. Grounded theory research, based on information from 12 historians, is used to develop a theory to aid advocates in jurisdictions not yet achieving fully independent practice of clinical social work. The emerging theory offers a complex-systems approach to using a strategic framework to overcome barriers when attempting policy change. The primary purpose of the research is to develop strategies that aid in securing changes in clinical social work regulation. The emerging theory may serve a broader purpose by supporting the Association of Social Work Board’s (ASWB) goal of practice mobility and license portability. As advocates in various jurisdictions attempt to align regulations with the Model Social Work Practice Act from ASWB, they may experience barriers. This emerging theory could guide efforts to change clinical social work regulation. Keywords: Advocacy; barriers to change; changing legislation; clinical social work; grounded theory; jurisdictional regulation Regulation of social work began in the 1940s (Bibus & Boutte-Queen, 2011) and by 1992, every state within the United States regulated the profession within some categories of licensure (Randall & DeAngelis, 2013). The purpose of licensure involves protection of both the public and the profession (Association of Social Work Board [ASWB], 2016; Bibus & Boutte-Queen, 2011; Biggerstaff, 1995; Council on Social Work Education [CSWE], 2018; Groshong, 2009; Marks & Knox, 2015) . Essentially, licensure regulations establish that licensed social workers meet specific standards to practice, are monitored by a regulatory board, and practice within the guidelines specified in state statutes (Bibus & Boutte-Queen, 2011; Biggerstaff, 1995; CSWE, 2018) . While there are many benefits of professional regulation by licensure, one problematic inconsistency is the variation among jurisdictions with differing scopes and categories of practice (Collins, Coleman, & Miller, 2002; Mark & Knox, 2015) . This is especially true in the specialization of clinical social work (Groshong, 2009) . Nurses and physicians are examples of professionals who are regulated by licensure and are perceived as having little variation in practice standards from one jurisdiction to another; in other words, providers and patients share some common ideas about the functions of a registered nurse (RN) or a family practice physician (FPP) regardless of where services are provided (CooperBolinskey, 2017) . However, social work has significant variations in regulations across the United States, leaving some question about the fulfillment of the purpose of licensure. Marks and Knox (2015) stated,“…though much progress has been made, there are many issues left to be resolved regarding professional regulation, including the balance of public protection, professional competence and practice, and addressing the need for consistency and continuity on a national and international scale”(p. 170) . Groshong (2009) stated,“There has been confusion between generalist social work practice and clinical social work practice which needs to be identified; there are differences that need to be accepted, and there are conflicts be

FAQs

What problem does the study address about clinical social work regulation?

It addresses persistent disparities in how clinical social work is regulated across U.S. jurisdictions, including differences within licensure categories that remain unresolved.

What research method is used to develop the emerging theory?

The study uses grounded theory research based on information from 12 historians to develop an emerging theory for policy advocacy.

How does the emerging theory help advocates or jurisdictions seeking change?

It provides a complex-systems approach and strategic framework to overcome barriers when attempting policy change, supporting efforts to secure regulatory changes for independent practice.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Riley