In This Issue | MARCH 2024 |
To the Members of the Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work,
I want to extend my wishes for a Happy Social Work Month and as the seasons change from winter, Welcome to the Spring of 2024.
I want to thank everyone for their continued support of the Society and participation in the workshops, seminars, town halls, and membership events. The Education
Committee continues to plan exciting and thought-provoking workshops, including Implicit Bias Training/Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice, in April, which satisfies training requirements for the MD Board of Social Work, and Clinical Practice with LGBTQ+ Patients: An Intersubjective Relational Approach in May. There are also plans to hold several in-person workshops and social events.
I want to send a Thank You to Gina Sangster for sponsoring a Member Meet-up: A Book Discussion on the Impact of Social Justice Issues on our work as Therapists, at her home on March 2. If you would like to do something similar, please let us know.
As always, the Society continues our mission to advance the field of Social Work, including:
- Access to our vibrant listserv
- Sponsoring continuing education events
- Continuing our legislation and advocacy work
- Coordinating with our lobbyists on legislative issues of concern to Social Work
- Offering our mentorship program
- Providing low-cost therapy for MSW students.
The Society is in year two of the current administration and will be holding elections in the coming months. Please watch your email for information on participating with the Nominating Committee, and the positions that will be up for reelection. As always, I continue to welcome and encourage your feedback. What would make the Society more inviting and appealing to you? Of course, not every suggestion can be enacted, but I believe helpful information will emerge from your responses. As I end this note, I want us all to remember our mission as Social Workers, and the benefits we provide to our clients and others with our knowledge and humanity. I would also ask that we remember this in responding to our colleagues and their inquiries and comments.
As always, I want to continue to foster a feeling of connection and the sense that this is a Society for everyone.
Thank you for your support of me and the Society!
Karla Abney, GWSCSW President
Legislation & Advocacy BRANCH REPORT
Judy Gallant, Chair, MD Legislation and Advocacy Committee
I understand that there are some questions membership has about how our branch operates and how your membership dues are used to help us achieve our goals.
In Maryland and Virginia, we have always used paid lobbyists to help us. Our lobbyists monitor the THOUSANDS of bills that are proposed each legislative session and pull out for our attention those bills pertaining to the profession of clinical social work and bills that impact our patients. We share the cost of our Virginia lobbyist with the Virginia Society for Clinical Social Work, but even with that cost-sharing, our Virginia and Maryland lobbyists are still a significant part of the Society’s expenses.
In addition to making sure we are monitoring and weighing in on bills that impact us, our lobbyists meet with us on a weekly basis during the legislative session (usually January-March or -April) to help us devise a strategy to address each bill and it’s importance to us. They are invaluable in helping us sort out some of the backroom politics that can be at play and helping negotiate issues to our advantage. In January, the Compact Bill in Virginia was initially due to be heard in the Privileges and Elections Committee in the Senate. Just two days after that, we found that the bill would be heard by the Rehab & Social Services Committee. And one day later, there was a new plan to rerefer the bill to Senate Education & Health (NOT Rehab) and have it heard before the Ed & Health Subcommittee on Health Professions. Mark Smith (our new, and wonderful Virginia lobbyist) was in close contact with legislators on all three committees to garner their support for the bill and to help with the changing sands of where the bill would be heard. That would never have been possible without his “boots on the ground.” Were he not present in Richmond, we might not have been able to garner the support of many of the committee members. The final result of all of that work is that the bill has passed both the VA Senate and the House and now awaits the Governor’s signature!
We confer with our lobbyists when the Legislature is not in session, too. Bills that may not have passed during the session are frequently worked on during the interim, the time between legislative sessions, for re-introduction the following year. Our lobbyists let us know when our input is needed about specific issues. Because of the breadth of their knowledge and the contacts they have throughout the state, we’ve learned they can be helpful in contacting the right people when a member of the Society wishes to become a member of the Board of Social Work. In Maryland, we have consulted with our lobbyists about problems with different insurance companies, and with the BSWE. Although they cannot solve all our problems in those realms, it is usually helpful to make people in those organizations aware of the issues we have, which can help (although sometimes only for a short period of time).
In DC, the structure of legislating is different. There is the DC City Council, with members elected from each of the different wards of the city. We have not had a lobbyist there in recent years because when Margot Aronson was alive, her vast experience and knowledge of people in the city kept us connected to the lawmakers in the way that our lobbyists in Maryland and Virginia help us in those areas. Now, our Board is discussing the possibility of hiring a lobbyist who may be able to help us with getting the Compact through in DC, which has proven challenging, even with several enthusiastic members helping Adele with contacts and discussions.
As always, please contact us with any questions, comments or to join one of the committees. And please, PLEASE step up to bring your energy to our Branch. Wayne Martin, who has faithfully kept us abreast of Virginia issues, will be retiring in June from his position as Chair of the Virginia L&A Committee. Co-chairs would also be welcome, so grab a friend, and jump into a role together. Although I am not retiring at this writing, I do need a co- chair for Maryland, and Adele needs a co-chair for DC. It is important and rewarding work, and we welcome you in helping sort through the issues impacting us all.
Chair of DC L&A Committee: Adele Natter, telladelelicsw@gmail.com. Chair of VA L&A Committee: Wayne Martin, wamnoles@aol.com. Chair of MD L&A Committee and Branch Director, Judy Gallant, judy.gallant@verizon.net. We look forward to hearing from you!
Legislation & Advocacy | DC
Adele Natter, Chair, DC Legislation and Advocacy Committee
With the aid of GWSCSW members, DC Legislation & Advocacy has been working to promote adoption of the Compact legislation in DC. Since the Board of Social Work is hostile to the idea, our strategy is to bypass the Board and encourage City Council members to support the legislation, beginning with the members on the Committee on Health. Members of DC L&A met with Christina Henderson (At-Large), Chair of the Committee on Health, and with Charles Allen. Others are planning to meet with Brianne Nadeau (Ward 1) and staff from Matt Frumin’s office (Ward 3).
In addition, Council members have regular meetings with their constituents. For example, this is from Matt Frumin’s office: Save the Date: My next monthly Workday in the Ward will be from 8 am to 5 pm on Thursday, March 28, at Compass Coffee, 4850 Massachusetts Avenue NW.
We are very appreciative of the many of you who responded to our letter writing campaign by sending emails to your representatives and City Council members. Lobbying means educating: about the Compact, about who social workers are and what we do, and about the needs of our clients. Keep those letters coming! Do you have colleagues who work in clinics, hospitals, schools, or agencies? How would a social work compact affect them? We want to hear from you about these colleagues to expand our contacts in the community. You do not need to join the committee in order to make a contribution! Everyone can do a little something. Together we can do a lot. Send me an email: TellAdelelicsw@gmail.com.
The next BOSW meeting will be Monday, March 25, 10:00 am, virtually. The link is on the Board of Social Work website, under “Meeting agendas”. I hope many of you can make it and make our voices heard.
Adele Natter, LICSW, Co-Chairs the GWSCSW Legislation & Advocacy Committee for DC.. Adele has been an active participant on the Committee for the past four years; she represented GWSCSW on a Board of Social Work sub-committee, which included NASW and CSWA representatives. Adele maintains a private practice focused on helping individuals with anger and emotional regulation issues. She is also a Clinical Instructor in the Psychiatry Residency Program of the George Washington University Medical School. She holds a BA in Psychology from UCLA and received her MSW from the University of Maryland.
Legislation & Advocacy | Maryland
Judy Gallant, Chair, MD Legislation and Advocacy Committee
Progress on the Social Work Licensure Compact
Our priority during this session of the Maryland Legislature is passing Senate Bill 204: Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact, which was heard on February 13 in the Senate Finance (FIN) Committee. Overall, the hearing went well with supporters fielding questions around reciprocity, the work of the Workgroup on Requirements for Licensure, and bias in the ASWB exam. The hearing had multiple panels of proponents, including myself, on behalf of GWSCSW, new member Starling Hathcock and lobbyist Christine Krone. Only one witness testified in opposition. We have just now learned that the chair of the Senate Finance Committee has held up progress of the Compact, and we have started a letter writing campaign to House members urging them to move the bill through the Committee, so it can be voted on by the Senate. Check your email for information about the campaign. House Bill 34, the House version of the bill passed out of the Health and Government Operations (HGO) committee unanimously after members Chana Lockerman, new member Starling Hathcock and I testified in support of the bill. In a strong show of support, all the Committee members save one signed on as sponsors of the bill in the MD House. It was passed by the House on February 21.
The Time We Need to Keep our Medical Records in Maryland May Change
Amendment language was agreed with the sponsors of House Bill 149: Medical Records – Destruction – Authorization. The bill will extend the period that a provider must keep medical records for adults from the current 5-year period to 7 years, consistent with the current Medicare requirement. The timeline for minors would be extended from the current 18 plus 3 years to age 18 plus 7 years. Providers can destroy records in less time than this, but proper notice must be provided. The amendments will allow such notice to be provided by email and letter, rather than the current law, which is outdated and requires publication in a newspaper “of general circulation.” The House Committee will consider these amendments in the coming week.
Insurers Object to Bills giving Patients Extra Protection
Supported by GWSCSW, Senate Bill 124: Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Health Insurance – Annual Behavioral Health Wellness Visits – Coverage and Reimbursement requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for an annual behavioral health wellness visit, regardless of whether the assessment results in a behavioral health diagnosis. This bill was heard in FIN with, unsurprisingly, only insurers testifying in opposition.
Both the House Health and Government Operations Committee and the Senate FIN Committee heard House Bill 932/Senate Bill 731: Health Insurance – Utilization Review – Revisions. This bill is the product of a workgroup involving physicians, health care practitioners, and payors. Despite reaching agreement on this bill prior to the start of the Session, CareFirst has now reversed its support on one provision that would allow a patient to remain on a medication if a carrier previously approved the medication and the prescriber attests that the patient still needs to be on that medication (rather than being switched to a less costly alternative). Therefore, this remains a work in progress.
Bill Proposed and Written by Member of GWSCSW
Heard in the House by the Health and Government Operations Committee, HB 1289: State Board of Social Work Examiners – Practice Social Work – Definition and Scope of Authority would alter the definition of “practice social work” to clarify the types of assessment that may be performed by a licensee, adding biopsychosocial treatment as a treatment option. It would also clarify the scope of practice for individuals licensed as LCSW-Cs, listing many specific roles we can have in one place such as: certifying involuntary admission to a hospital, determining eligibility for the temporary Disability Assistance Program, and acting as an authorized provider for purposes of Workman’s Compensation, among other things. GWSCSW supported this bill with amendments, which included the need to change the language of “biopsychosocial treatment” as a treatment option to using a “biopsychosocial model” of assessment. Introduced by Delegate McComas, the bill was largely written by our member Arthur Flax.
Judy Gallant, LCSW-C, is the director of the Society’s Legislation & Advocacy program, as well as chair of the Maryland Clinical Social Work Coalition, our GWSCSW legislative committee in Maryland. She maintains a private practice in Silver Spring.
Pamela Metz Kasemeyer, JD, as well as the firm of Schwartz, Metz & Wise, PA, represent us in Annapolis and guide our advocacy strategy. Specifically, we have also had the able assistance of Christine Krone during this legislative session. Ms. Kasemeyer is an acknowledged authority on Maryland’s health care and environmental laws and has represented a variety of interests before the Maryland General Assembly and regulatory agencies for more than 25 years.
Legislation & Advocacy | VIRGINIA
Wayne Martin, Co-Chair, VA Legislation and Advocacy Committee Co-Chair
Social Work Compact (SB239) legislation now awaits the signature of Governor Youngkin. It is anticipated that the Governor will sign the bill on or before April 8th. The legislation did pass both houses of the Virginia General Assembly with only one minor amendment. Once Governor Younkin signs the bill this will make Virginia one of the first states to pass this significant legislation. According to our lobbyist, Mark Smith, we had a very successful effort with legislation that would/could impact LCSW’s in Virginia. The Virginia Legislative Committee (of which I am a member) met weekly via zoom with Mark Smith, to review proposed bills/legislation that would or could impact clinical social workers. Some of these bills did not make it out of committee, others were referred to study committees to return to be considered in the 2025 session. Our top legislative priority was the “Compact”. Mark will provide the committee with a report on the disposition and status of legislation that was monitored by the committee. Once received, I will request that this report by placed on the GWSCSW website under the “L. and A.” section. The Virginia General Assembly is due to adjourn on March 9th. We were successful in getting SB239 through the “minefield” of the Virginia General Assembly due to the efforts of Mark and members of the legislative committee who went to the General Assembly and lobbied for the Compact. It was Mark’s connections and contacts with key members of the Senate and House that gave us both access (to meet with the members) and credibility. I say the latter after viewing the video of Mark receiving a proclamation by the Virginia Senate on his retirement after his 45 years of service to the Commonwealth in the form of “SJR 151”. Mark received on March 4th in the Senate chamber, recognition for his 45 years of dedication to Virginia in the form of a “joint resolution.” The many “whereas” and the final, “hereby” of the proclamation, reconfirmed to me how fortunate we are to have him as our lobbyist. Congratulations Mark!!! (that video of the ceremony is available on U-Tube. Email me if you are interested in a forward of the link to view it.) The VSCSW Legislative Committee will meet over the summer and early fall to set our goals and priorities for 2025 General Assembly. The G.A .will convene in Mid January.
Reported submitted by Wayne A. Martin, LCSW, BCD Emeritus, GWSCSW Representative to the VSCSW Legislative Committee
- Stay tuned for an email update from Melanie Hood-Wilson, our DEI consultant, regarding the Strategic Plan. In the past two months, Melanie has completed a demographic survey of our membership and met with caucuses from major demographic groups within our organization to share the strategic plan outline and to gather input from members.
- The January Community Conversation on the topic of the ASWB exam was well-attended and successful in creating a space for open dialogue about the exam. Members heard an informational presentation on the status of the exam legislation, learned of avenues for engagement and activism, and participated in facilitated small groups for discussion.
- We plan to use this structure as a model for future community conversations and town hall meetings for the society. This will be an important avenue for discussion of topics of interest to members, as the list-serve is reserved for professional resource-sharing and referrals.
COMMUNICATIONS BRANCH REPORT
The Communications Branch is your way to stay informed about Society happenings, including Continuing Education courses, social justice events, town halls, networking, and social opportunities. We reach out to you via our list-serve, our website, social media and this quarterly newsletter.
You can reach out to us to share appreciations and concerns by writing to our Executive Administrator, Donna Dietz, who will route your communication to the person or committee with whom you want to communicate. Donna’s email address is: admin@gwscsw.org.
We are on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Feel free to have a look, subscribe and drop a “like.” The Board, with guidance from Melanie Hood-Wilson, our DEI Consultant, recently helped us revise our list-serve guidelines. The Communications Working Group, an important part of our DEI efforts, will be refining the guidelines further as time goes on. The Board, and Society members who have written to the Board, appreciate the tone of the list-serve now that it has refocused on sharing resources.
In an effort to offer members quicker access to legislative matters, the website has been modified to have a revolving display at the top left of the home page that will include urgent legislative matters as well as upcoming CE classes. Take a look by clicking here: https://www.gwscsw.org/
While you are on the website, don't forget to sign in so you can visit the “Members Only” section of the website. This will give you access to recordings of CE classes, Town Hall recordings and access to the recording of the most recent ethics presentation by Frederick Reamer.
The Board is interested in having more in-person events without eliminating the option to attend classes and meetings via video. This technology already exists and will help us to provide hybrid meetings. If you have any feedback about this, please write to me at: steveszopa@gmail.com
EDUCATION BRANCH REPORT
Lynn Grodzki, LCSW-C, Education Branch Director | Ed Geraty, Education Committee Chair
The Education Committee has offered sixteen continuing education workshops since the beginning of September, including topics such as Healing Racial Trauma, presented by Candace Oglesby; A Time for Moral Courage, presented by Dr. Frederic Reamer; and The Ethics of Intimacy: The Cost of Care Without Caring, presented by Dr. Avrum Weiss. In addition, a workshop which will be offered annually meets the new Maryland Board of Social Work requirements for Implicit Bias Training/Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice . The committee has also added eight Category 2 on-demand recorded continuing education opportunities to our webinar library. We continue to seek workshop presenters to provide CE opportunities to our members in DC, MD and VA.
Community Branch Report
com·mu·ni·ty
/kəˈmyo͞onədē/
1. A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
2. A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
Greetings. Over the past two years, I’ve come to realize that we are still in a state of transition and rebuilding our community back to in-person events after going virtual due to the pandemic for quite awhile. I’m excited for the next Community Branch Director to take this position, because there is creative space here to build and make change in our community now as we look towards the future. I recently looked up the definition of community (above), and it reminded me how much I enjoy a “feeling of fellowship” with other social workers. I’ve experienced this in my career, and perhaps you want to help offer this opportunity to other social workers through the GWSCSW? We have several opportunities to build and grow community, through the Community Branch! Are you skilled and motivated at building and creating community? I am glad to speak with you about the opportunities available. I will be leaving the Community Branch Director role at the end of this term, but if you are interested in learning more about these roles, or you’d like to get involved, reach out to me at erika@dandelioncounselingcare.com
Erika Bugaj, MA, MSW, LICSW, PMH-C
Founder, Director and Psychotherapist
Board Approved Supervisor (Maryland)
Mentor Program
What is a mentor?
How can a mentor help me in the early stages of my career?
How do I get one?
Who is eligible?
The Mentor Program is available for GWSCSW members still in school, newly-graduated, and those approaching their clinical licensure and wondering about the next steps. Mentors can assist with questions about career direction, licensing, continuing education, relationships with supervisors, and decisions about what to do after clinical licensure. Mentorship is a powerful tool to enhance new social workers' development.
If you are a member of GWSCSW and interested in signing up, please fill out the Mentor Program form or contact Nancy Harris, LCSW-C, coordinator of the Mentor Program, for questions. Her phone is (301) 385-3375, email is nlharris1214@gmail.com or www.gwscsw.com/mentoring
Experienced social workers are always welcome to be mentors themselves. The application form to be a mentor is found at the same place on the GWSCSW website.
GWSCSW Job BoardGWSCSW is proud to feature a job resource to connect career opportunities with our members.
Visit the GWSCSW job board to look for jobs or to post a job today. Manage Your Career:
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Professional CEUs: Rathbone & Associates Professional Training Program. See our current schedule at www.rathbone.info, click on “Professional Trainings.” Current topics, quality speakers, practical skills.
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News & Views
Nancy Pines, Editor
News & Views is published four times a year: March, June, September and December.
News & Views Submission Guidelines
If you have a submission, please send it to me: npines12@aol.com. I edit the articles and reports and then send them on to Donna Dietz, who organizes the newsletter content.
Articles: Focus on your area of expertise and practice, ethical dilemmas, responses to events in the media, or other topics relevant to clinical social work. Articles should be 500–700 words long.
Articles expressing the personal views of members on issues affecting the social work profession are welcome and will be reviewed and published at the discretion of the editor. Signed articles reflect the views of the authors; Society endorsement is not intended. Articles are subject to editing for space and clarity.
Committee Reports: For each newsletter, I hope to hear from all branch and committee directors to inform us of their activities.
Out & About: Share news about you: an article you’ve written, if you’ve been in the news, taught a class, earned a new certification or are a singer, artist or writer. Submissions should be 50 words or less. Send all submissions to npines12@aol.com.
Advertising: admin@gwscsw.org
Next submission deadline: May 15, 2024
Need to reach a Board member? Click here for the listing of the GWSCSW Board of Directors