Board of Social Workers

About the Board of Social Workers

The Board of Social Worker Licensure was created in 1984 by an act of the State Legislature. This Board is charged with the responsibilities of governing the practice of social work, safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans, by requiring that all those who practice social work within this state be qualified. The Board interprets the laws, rules, and regulations to determine the appropriate standards of practice in an effort to ensure the highest degree of professional conduct. The Board is authorized to issue licenses qualified candidates who have completed appropriate education and successfully completed required examinations. The Board is also responsible for the investigation of alleged violations of the Practice Act and rules, and is responsible for the discipline of licensees who are found guilty of such violation.

The administrative staff of the Division of Health Related Boards supports the Board by issuing licenses to those qualified candidates who have graduated from approved schools and who have completed appropriate post graduate work. Social workers may be licensed by either examination or endorsement from other states. Renewal notices are mailed from Board’s administrative office approximately forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration of the license to the current address on record. For those licensees who have "opted in," an email will be sent to the email address on file approximately seventy (70) days prior to the expiration date of the license.  This is the only reminder a licensee shall receive. Licensees are responsible for renewing their license on time and keeping the Board apprised of current information. Licenses can be renewed on-line seventy (70) days prior to expiration at https://apps.tn.gov/hlrs/.  Click on "renew license" and follow the prompts.  Failure to renew by the expiration date may result in a fine.

All members of the Board are appointed by the Governor and serve five (5) year terms. The eleven (11) member Board consists of three (3) clinical social workers, three (3) advanced practice social workers, two (2) licensed masters social workers, two (2) baccalaureate social workers, and one (1) consumer who is not directly or indirectly engaged in the social work profession. The Board meets as needed throughout the year. A quorum of six (6) or more members is required to conduct business. The meetings are open to the public.

Contact the Board of Social Workers

615-741-5735 local or 1-800-778-4123 nationwide
Unit1HRB.Health@tn.gov
665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243