This chapter does not apply to several specified non-social-work activities and services, and it does not require employers to hire a licensed person.
Sec. 505.003. APPLICATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS. (a) This chapter does not apply to: (1) an activity conducted or a service performed by a person who is licensed, certified, or registered in a profession other than social work, including a physician, attorney, registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, psychologist, occupational therapist, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed chemical dependency counselor, or licensed professional counselor, if: (A) the activity or service is conducted or performed within the scope of the person's license, certificate, or registration; (B) the person does not use a title listed in Section 505.351; and (C) the person does not: (i) represent the service as social work; (ii) represent that the person is a social worker; or (iii) use a title that implies that the person is licensed in social work; (2) a service performed by a person as a volunteer or staff member if the person does not: (A) represent the service as social work; (B) represent the person as a social worker; or (C) use a title that implies that the person is licensed in social work; (3) an activity conducted by a social work student, intern, or trainee in connection with an institution of higher education accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or (4) an activity conducted or a service performed by a pastoral care counselor who is acting within the person's ministerial capabilities and who does not use a title that implies that the counselor is licensed in social work, including: (A) a Christian Science practitioner who is recognized by the Church of Christ Scientist as registered and published in the Christian Science Journal; and (B) any other recognized religious practitioner. (b) This chapter does not require a public agency or private employer, including a nonprofit corporation, to employ a person licensed under this chapter. (c) A person who teaches social work at an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education as those terms are defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, is not required to hold a license under this chapter to the extent the person confines the person's activities to teaching and does not otherwise engage in the practice of social work. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 892, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 707 (S.B. 415), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1141 (H.B. 1797), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.