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Board of Social Workers

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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 that 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 the Board's administrative office forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration of the license to the most current address on record. Licenses can be renewed on-line one hundred twenty (120) days prior to expiration at Tennessee.gov/health. Click on the "License Renewal" link and follow the prompts. Licensees are responsible for renewing their licenses on time and keeping the Board apprised of current information. It is a violation of the law and of the board’s rules to practice on an expired license.

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 worker’s, three (3) advanced practice social worker’s, two (2) licensed masters social worker’s, two (2) baccalaureate social worker’s, 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

To contact this board, call (615) 532-3202 local or 1-800-778-4123 nationwide or write
227 French Landing, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37243

Members


Board Members

Board Member Title Representation Term Expires
Pamela P. Sams Member Licensed Clinical Social Worker 06-30-2014
Frances C. Mazzaferro Member Liensed Advanced Practice Social Worker 07-31-2013
Sheryl A. DeMott Member Licensed Masters Social Worker 06-30-2014
Teresa C. Housteau Chair Licensed Clinical Social Worker 06-30-2010
Georgia Y. Alexander Secretary Licensed Clinical Social Worker 06-30-2014
Julia Axley Member Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker 07-31-2013
Steven W. Pharris Member Licensed Masters Social Worker 07-31-2013
Vickie Gardine Williams Member Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker 07-31-2012
Barrett Michelle Horton Member Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker 07-31-2012
Amy Marie Gasser Member Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker 07-31-2012
Vacant Member Consumer

Meeting Schedule


Meeting Schedule

Public Notices will remain online until the minutes are ratified and posted on the Meeting Minutes Tab. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at 227 French Landing, MetroCenter.

Board of Social Workers Meeting Schedule
Date Time Event and Location Public Notice
February 25-26, 2010 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting
Iris Room, 227 French Landing Metrocenter		 Public Notice
May 20-21, 2010 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting
Iris Room, 227 French Landing Metrocenter		  
August 5-6, 2010 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting
Iris Room, 227 French Landing Metrocenter		  
November 18, 2010 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting
Iris Room, 227 French Landing Metrocenter		  
November 19, 2010 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting
Poplar Room, 227 French Landing Metrocenter		  

Meeting Minutes


Meeting Minutes

Copies of all minutes are maintained in the official record section of the administrative office. Please contact the board administrator to make arrangements to review minutes of meetings held prior to 2004.

Copies of all minutes are maintained in the official record section of the administrative office. Please contact the board administrator to make arrangements to review minutes of meetings held prior to 2004.

National Organization


National Organizations of State Boards

Information on the American Association of State Social Work Boards may be obtained by phone, fax, Internet, or writing to:

American Association of State Social Work Boards
400 South Ridge Parkway, Suite B
Culpepper, VA 22701
Phone: (540) 829-6880
www.aswb.org

Information on the National Association of Social Workers may be obtained by phone, fax, Internet, or writing to:

National Association of Social Workers
1808 West End Avenue, Suite 805
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 321-5095
www.naswtn.com