# Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-23-102: Practice of baccalaureate social work - Licensing requirements > Tennessee · Statutes · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T63_C23_S63-23-102 ## Section - **Citation:** Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-23-102 - **Heading:** Practice of baccalaureate social work - Licensing requirements - **Jurisdiction:** Tennessee - **Kind:** Statutes - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 23 / Section 63-23-102 ## Text (a) The practice of baccalaureate social work is the professional application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values and ethics and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities. The practice of baccalaureate social work is basic generalist practice that includes interviewing, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, mediation, supportive counseling, direct nonclinical practice, information and referral, problem solving, client education, advocacy, community organization, supervision of employees, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs and activities. Baccalaureate social workers are not qualified to diagnose or treat mental illness nor provide psychotherapy services. A social worker at this level shall not provide services to clients in exchange for direct payment or third-party reimbursement. A social worker at this level shall work in or for an agency or organization and may not practice privately or independently. Licensed baccalaureate social workers shall not engage in advanced social work practice or in clinical social work practice or hold themselves out as a licensed master's social worker, a licensed advance practice social worker or a licensed clinical social worker. A social worker may not prescribe medication or interpret psychological tests. (b) (1) To obtain a license to engage in the practice of baccalaureate social work, an applicant must provide evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has: (A) Submitted a written application in the form prescribed by the board; (B) Paid all applicable fees specified by the board relative to the licensure process; (C) Attained the age of majority; (D) Graduated and received a baccalaureate degree in social work from a council on social work education approved program; and (E) Successfully passed the association of social work board's bachelor's licensing exam. (2) Any baccalaureate social worker who graduated before 1980 or who has graduated from a council on social work education accredited program since 1980 may apply for licensure as a baccalaureate social worker without examination until December 31, 2010. (c) No person shall, by verbal claim, advertisement, letterhead, card or in any other way represent that the person is a licensed baccalaureate social worker unless the person possesses a valid license issued pursuant to subsection (b). (d) A violation of subsection (c) is a Class A misdemeanor. (e) The board shall establish regulations for the issuance of temporary licenses to baccalaureate social workers who hold a baccalaureate degree in social work granted by any college, university, or school of social work that has applied for, but has not yet received, accreditation by the council on social work education. Acts 1984, ch. 1003, § 1; 1989, ch. 523, § 88; 1989, ch. 591, §§ 1, 6; 2006, ch. 658, §1; 2008 , ch. 1016, § 1. ations for the issuance of temporary licenses to baccalaureate social workers who hold a baccalaureate degree in social work granted by any college, university, or school of social work that has applied for, but has not yet received, accreditation by the council on social work education. Acts 1984, ch. 1003, § 1; 1989, ch. 523, § 88; 1989, ch. 591, §§ 1, 6; 2006, ch. 658, §1; 2008 , ch. 1016, § 1. (a) The practice of baccalaureate social work is the professional application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values and ethics and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities. The practice of baccalaureate social work is basic generalist practice that includes interviewing, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, mediation, supportive counseling, direct nonclinical practice, information and referral, problem solving, client education, advocacy, community organization, supervision of employees, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs and activities. Baccalaureate social workers are not qualified to diagnose or treat mental illness nor provide psychotherapy services. A social worker at this level shall not provide services to clients in exchange for direct payment or third-party reimbursement. A social worker at this level shall work in or for an agency or organization and may not practice privately or independently. Licensed baccalaureate social workers shall not engage in advanced social work practice or in clinical social work practice or hold themselves out as a licensed master's social worker, a licensed advance practice social worker or a licensed clinical social worker. A social worker may not prescribe medication or interpret psychological tests. (b) (1) To obtain a license to engage in the practice of baccalaureate social work, an applicant must provide evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has: (A) Submitted a written application in the form prescribed by the board; (B) Paid all applicable fees specified by the board relative to the licensure process; (C) Attained the age of majority; (D) Graduated and received a baccalaureate degree in social work from a council on social work education approved program; and (E) Successfully passed the association of social work board's bachelor's licensing exam. (2) Any baccalaureate social worker who graduated before 1980 or who has graduated from a council on social work education accredited program since 1980 may apply for licensure as a baccalaureate social worker without examination until December 31, 2010. (1) To obtain a license to engage in the practice of baccalaureate social work, an applicant must provide evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has: (A) Submitted a written application in the form prescribed by the board; (B) Paid all applicable fees specified by the board relative to the licensure process; (C) Attained the age of majority; (D) Graduated and received a baccalaureate degree in social work from a council on social work education approved program; and (E) Successfully passed the association of social work board's bachelor's licensing exam. (A) Submitted a written application in the form prescribed by the board; (B) Paid all applicable fees specified by the board relative to the licensure process; (C) Attained the age of majority; (D) Graduated and received a baccalaureate degree in social work from a council on social work education approved program; and (E) Successfully passed the association of social work board's bachelor's licensing exam. (2) Any baccalaureate social worker who graduated before 1980 or who has graduated from a council on social work education accredited program since 1980 may apply for licensure as a baccalaureate social worker without examination until December 31, 2010. council on social work education approved program; and (E) Successfully passed the association of social work board's bachelor's licensing exam. (2) Any baccalaureate social worker who graduated before 1980 or who has graduated from a council on social work education accredited program since 1980 may apply for licensure as a baccalaureate social worker without examination until December 31, 2010. (c) No person shall, by verbal claim, advertisement, letterhead, card or in any other way represent that the person is a licensed baccalaureate social worker unless the person possesses a valid license issued pursuant to subsection (b). (d) A violation of subsection (c) is a Class A misdemeanor. (e) The board shall establish regulations for the issuance of temporary licenses to baccalaureate social workers who hold a baccalaureate degree in social work granted by any college, university, or school of social work that has applied for, but has not yet received, accreditation by the council on social work education. Acts 1984, ch. 1003, § 1; 1989, ch. 523, § 88; 1989, ch. 591, §§ 1, 6; 2006, ch. 658, §1; 2008 , ch. 1016, § 1. ## Nearby sections - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-23-101 Board - Creation - Membership](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T63_C23_S63-23-101.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-23-102 Practice of baccalaureate social work - Licensing requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T63_C23_S63-23-102.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-23-103 Practice of licensed master social work - Licensing requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T63_C23_S63-23-103.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-23-104 Practice of advanced social work - Licensing requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T63_C23_S63-23-104.md) - [Tenn. 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