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Title 201 | Chapter 023 | Regulation 025REG

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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Board of Social Work
(Amendment)

201 KAR 23:025.Application for licensure.

RELATES TO:

KRS 335.010-335.160, 335.990, Chapter 335B, 335B.032, 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3), 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(13)

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

KRS 335.070(1), (2), (4) (3), 335.080(1), 335.090(1), 335.100(1), 335.135, Section 17 A.

CERTIFICATION STATEMENT:

This is to certify that this administrative regulation complies with the requirements of 2025 HB 6, Section 8.

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY:

KRS 335.070(1) requires the Board to administer and enforce KRS 335.010 to 335.160 and 335.990. KRS 335.070(2) requires the Board to evaluate applications and issue licenses to qualified applicants. KRS 335.070(4) authorizes the Board to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS 335.010 to 335.160 and 335.990. KRS 335.075 requires the board to conduct a national and state criminal background investigation by fingerprint check of every applicant for an initial license and to promulgate administrative regulations to implement that requirement. KRS 335B.020 and 335B.030 establish the standards and procedures the board shall apply when considering an applicant's prior conviction. KRS 335.135, the Social Work Licensure Compact, authorizes the board to implement the compact and requires the board, as the home state licensing authority, to determine eligibility for and issue multistate licenses. KRS 335.080 sets forth licensing requirements for a certified social worker. KRS 335.090 sets forth licensing requirements for a licensed social worker. KRS 335.100 sets forth the licensing requirements for a licensed clinical social worker. This administrative regulation establishes requirements and procedures for the licensing of a certified social worker, a licensed social worker and a licensed clinical social worker, including the criminal background investigation required for an initial license and the application for a multistate license. KRS 335.070(1) requires the Board to issue licenses to qualified applicants. KRS 335.070(3) authorizes the Board to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS 335.010 to 335.160 and 335.990, including evaluating applications and issuing licenses. KRS 335.080 sets forth licensing requirements for a certified social worker. KRS 335.090 sets forth licensing requirements for a licensed social worker. KRS 335.100 sets forth the licensing requirements for a licensed clinical social worker. This administrative regulation establishes requirements and procedures for the licensing of a certified social worker, a licensed social worker, and a licensed clinical social worker.

Section 1.

Definitions.

(1)

"Additional supervisor" is defined by 201 KAR 23:070, Section 1(2)(1).

(2)

"Board" is defined by KRS 335.020(1).

(3)

"Conviction" means a judgment of guilt entered by a court upon a verdict, a plea of guilty, a plea of no contest, or an Alford plea, but shall not include:

(a)

A conviction that has been expunged, sealed, vacated, or pardoned;

(b)

A juvenile adjudication; or

(c)

A violation as defined by KRS 500.080."Social worker" is defined by KRS 335.158(4)(b).

(4)

"Domicile" is defined by KRS 335.135, Section 2.I."Supervisor of record" is defined by 201 KAR 23:070, Section 1(6).

(5)

"Home state" is defined by KRS 335.135, Section 2.L.

(6)

"Multistate license" is defined by KRS 335.020(4).

(7)

"Preliminary determination" is defined by 201 KAR 23:027, Section 1(4).

(8)

"Social Worker" is defined by KRS 335.020(7).

(9)

"Supervisor of record" is defined by 201 KAR 23:070, Section 1(17).

Section 2.

Application for licensure.

(1)

An applicant for licensure as a social worker shall submit the Licensure Application Form or use the electronic portal established by the Board for application purposes. The application for licensure and electronic portal shall include:

(a)

The full legal name of the applicant, including any suffix, along with any other name used by the applicant;

(b)

The social security number of the applicant, which shall be used to comply with 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(13), as a unique identifier, and to match the results of the criminal background investigation required by Section 3 of this administrative regulation;

(c)

The date of birth of the applicantThe mailing address of the applicant;

(d)

The mailing address of the applicant and the address of the primary residence of the applicantA telephone number for the applicant;

(e)

The applicant's state of primary residence and, for a Kentucky resident, the county of residenceThe email address of the applicant;

(f)

A telephone number for the applicantA statement of whether the applicant is currently employed;

(g)

The email address of the applicantIf employed, the name of the applicant's current employer along with the street address, telephone number, and email address of the agency where the applicant is employed;

(h)

A statement of the applicant's military statusIf employed, the applicant's official job description signed by the head of the employing agency;

(i)

A statement of whether the applicant holds a multistate license issued by another state and, if so, the issuing home state;If employed, a statement of whether the employer is a 26 U.S.C. Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt agency under the Internal Revenue Code and, if so, a copy of the Internal Revenue Service determination letter approving the tax-exempt status of the agency;

(j)

A statement of whether the applicant is currently employedor has ever been licensed to practice social work in Kentucky;

(k)

If employed, the name of the applicant's current employer along with the street address, telephone number, and email address of the agency where the applicant is employed;A statement of whether the applicant is or has ever been licensed to practice social work in any other jurisdiction and, if so, a listing of the jurisdiction license category and license number associated with the license;

(l)

If employed, the applicant's official job description signed by the head of the employing agencyAn official verification of each license the applicant holds or has ever held in a jurisdiction other than Kentucky. A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) applicant licensed as a certified social worker (CSW) in Kentucky need not provide official license verification;

(m)

If employed, a statement of whether the employer is a 26 U.S.C. Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt agency under the Internal Revenue Code and, if so, a copy of the Internal Revenue Service determination letter approving the tax-exempt status of the agencyA statement of whether the applicant has taken and passed a social work licensure exam through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and, if so, a statement of which exam was taken. An applicant for CSW licensure who is licensed in a jurisdiction other than Kentucky shall provide an ASWB Exam Official Score Transfer Report. An applicant for an LCSW license who is not licensed as a CSW in Kentucky shall provide an ASWB Exam Official Score Transfer Report;

(n)

A statement of whether the applicant is or has ever been licensed to practice social work in Kentuckyhas ever applied for and failed to receive a license in social work or any other profession in Kentucky or another jurisdiction and, if so, an explanation of why the application for licensure was denied;

(o)

A statement of whether the applicant is or has ever been licensed to practice social work in any other jurisdiction and, if so, a listing of the jurisdiction license category and license number associated with the license;A statement of whether the applicant has ever had a social work or other professional license suspended, revoked, or otherwise disciplined in Kentucky or another jurisdiction and, if so, an explanation and certified copies of the final order of the licensure entity from a jurisdiction other than Kentucky;

(p)

An official verification of each license the applicant holds or has ever held in a jurisdiction other than Kentucky. A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) applicant licensed as a certified social worker (CSW) in Kentucky need not provide official license verification; A statement of whether the applicant has ever been convicted of, or entered a plea of no contest to, a felony and, if so, a statement of the offense along with certified copies of the police report or grand jury indictment, judgment of conviction, and the judgment or sentencing order. If the sentence was probated, diverted, or paroled the applicant shall include a signed release authorizing the probation or parole officer to provide a written statement or report to the Board that confirms the probation, diversion, or parole was successfully completed. An applicant convicted of a felony shall provide proof that any fines, fees, or court costs were paid in full;

(q)

A statement of whether the applicant has taken and passed a social work licensure exam through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and, if so, a statement of which exam was taken. An applicant for CSW licensure who is licensed in a jurisdiction other than Kentucky shall provide an ASWB Exam Official Score Transfer Report. An applicant for an LCSW license who is not licensed as a CSW in Kentucky shall provide an ASWB Exam Official Score Transfer Report;A statement of the undergraduate and graduate education the applicant has completed, including the name and location of the school, dates attended, month and year of graduation, number of credits or hours completed, and degrees obtained;

(r)

A statement of whether the applicant has ever applied for and failed to receive a license in social work or any other profession in Kentucky or another jurisdiction and, if so, an explanation of why the application for licensure was deniedCopies of official transcripts with the degree conferred or awarded. A CSW applicant shall not be required to submit undergraduate transcripts. An LCSW applicant who holds a CSW license in Kentucky shall not be required to submit a master's degree transcript;

(s)

A statement of whether the applicant has ever had a social work or other professional license suspended, revoked, or otherwise disciplined in Kentucky or another jurisdiction, or has a complaint, investigation, or disciplinary action pending against a social work or other professional license, and, if so, an explanation and certified copies of the final order or pending complaint of the licensure entity from a jurisdiction other than Kentucky;A list of three (3) individuals qualified to document the applicant's professional competency including the name, address, email address, and telephone number of each individual;

(t)

A statement of whether the applicant has ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, or has criminal charges pending, and, if so, a statement of each offense. An applicant reporting a:

1.

Misdemeanor conviction shall provide a certified copy of the court record of final disposition; and

2.

Felony conviction shall submit the Felony Conviction Documentation form with certified court records of the charge, final disposition, and judgment or sentencing order; proof of successful completion of any probation, parole, diversion, or other supervision; proof that all fines, fees, and court costs were paid in full and proof of payment or the current payment status of any restitution; and a personal statement that the applicant has read KRS 335.010 to 335.160 and 201 KAR Chapter 23, including 201 KAR 23:080, the Kentucky Code of Ethical Conduct;

(u)

A statement of whether the applicant has received a preliminary determination from the board pursuant to 201 KAR 23:027that the applicant affirms the application is true and correct to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief;

(v)

Completion of the national and state criminal background investigation required by Section 3 of this administrative regulationA statement that the applicant voluntarily consents to a thorough investigation of the applicant's present and past employment and other activities for the purpose of verifying the applicant's qualifications for licensing;

(w)

A statement of the undergraduate and graduate education the applicant has completed, including the name and location of the school, dates attended, month and year of graduation, number of credits or hours completed, and degrees obtainedA statement that the applicant agrees to furnish to the Board any information that may subsequently be requested for the purpose of verifying the applicant's qualifications;

(x)

Official transcripts with the degree conferred or awarded, sent directly to the board by the educational institution or the National Student Clearinghouse. A CSW applicant shall not be required to submit undergraduate transcripts. An LCSW applicant who holds a CSW license in Kentucky shall not be required to submit a master's degree transcript. An applicant within six (6) weeks of completing a degree program may submit an unofficial transcript with the application, but a license shall not be issued until the official transcript is received. An LSW applicant qualifying under KRS 335.090(1)(b)2. shall submit documentation of completion of courses equivalent to a social work or social welfare program;Payment of the required twenty-five (25) dollar nonrefundable application fee that is in addition to any fees as established in 201 KAR 23:020;

(y)

A list of three (3) individuals qualified to document the applicant's professional competency including the name, address, email address, and telephone number of each individualA statement of the license for which the applicant is applying; and

(z)

A statement that the applicant has read KRS 335.010 to 335.160 and 201 KAR Chapter 23, including 201 KAR 23:080, the Kentucky Code of Ethical Conduct; The signature of the applicant.

(aa)

A statement that the applicant affirms the application is true and correct to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief;

(bb)

A statement that the applicant voluntarily consents to a thorough investigation of the applicant's present and past employment and other activities for the purpose of verifying the applicant's qualifications for licensing;

(cc)

A statement that the applicant agrees to furnish to the Board any information that may subsequently be requested for the purpose of verifying the applicant's qualifications;

(dd)

A statement that the applicant consents to the criminal background investigation required by KRS 335.075 and has received the notice required by 201 KAR 23:XXX, Section 8;

(ee)

Payment of the required twenty-five (25) dollar nonrefundable application fee that is in addition to any fees as established in 201 KAR 23:020;

(ff)

A statement of the license for which the applicant is applying and, for a CSW applicant, whether the applicant intends to practice clinical social work; and

(gg)

The signature of the applicant.

(2)

Denial. The Board may disapprove an application for licensure for the following reasons:

(a)

The applicant's failure to comply with KRS 335.010-335.160 or 201 KAR Chapter 23;

(b)

Any information required by KRS 335.010-335.160 or this administrative regulation is missing, inaccurate, incomplete, or cannot be independently verified;

(c)

A fraudulent, dishonest, or deceitful misstatement or omission of fact in the submitted application;

(d)

A finding against, or admission of liability by, the applicant in any legal proceeding or disciplinary action involving a violation of KRS 335.010-335.160 or 201 KAR Chapter 23; or

(e)

The denial, discipline of, refusal to renew, revocation, or suspension of the applicant's professional licensure in any jurisdiction;.

(f)

A conviction that the board determines directly relates to the practice of social work in accordance with KRS 335B.020; or

(g)

Failure to complete the criminal background investigation required by Section 3 of this administrative regulation.

(3)

If the board determines that an applicant's prior conviction may disqualify the applicant, the board shall proceed in accordance with KRS 335B.030 before making a final decision on the application.

(4)

Approval. If the applicant has complied with the provisions of KRS 335.010-335.160 and this administrative regulation, and the board has received and reviewed the results of the criminal background investigation, the application may be approved.

Section 3.

Criminal Background InvestigationAdditional requirements for LCSW licensure.

(1)

Each applicant for an initial license, a multistate license, or reissuance of a multistate license shall submit a complete and legible set of fingerprints to the Department of Kentucky State Police for a state criminal background check and submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal background check, in accordance with KRS 335.075(2) and the instructions on the Licensure Application Form or Multistate License Application. An applicant who submits both applications at the same time shall submit one (1) set of fingerprints.An in-state applicant for licensure as an LCSW shall provide documentation of two (2) years of post-master's degree supervised clinical social work experience, including 150 hours documented on the Supervised Experience Documentation Form as confirmed by the applicant's supervisor of record and each LCSW additional supervisor.

(2)

The applicant shall pay any fee charged by the Department of Kentucky State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or an authorized fingerprinting vendor directly to that entity.An LCSW applicant licensed in another jurisdiction shall, if licensed for less than two (2) years, document two (2) years of post-master's supervised clinical practice experience and 150 hours of clinical supervision provided by a licensed social worker who:

(a)

Was licensed as an LCSW, or the equivalent, for a minimum of two (2) years at the time supervision was provided as documented by official verification of the supervisor's license and a copy of a resume for each LCSW supervisor;

(b)

Documents the supervision on the Kentucky Supervised Experience Documentation Form; or

(c)

Documents the supervision on an out-of-state form which provides necessary details about qualifications of hours of supervision, names and credentials of supervisors, clinical practice, and time period of supervision.

(3)

The results of the criminal background investigation shall be sent directly to the board. Results submitted by the applicant shall not be accepted.An LCSW applicant licensed in another jurisdiction shall, if licensed for two (2) years or more, document the two (2) year period by providing:

(a)

An official job description on agency letterhead signed and dated by the head of the employing agency; or

(b)

Standard employment forms including documentation of Federal civilian employment on the Standard Form 50 for Federal civilian employees as available at https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/sf50.pdf or documentation of active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Services.

(4)

The board shall not issue a license or multistate license until it has received and reviewed the results of the criminal background investigation.

(5)

The results shall not be distributed or released except as provided by KRS 335.075(2)(c). An applicant may request a copy of his or her results in writing.

(6)

The board shall review each conviction disclosed by the applicant or identified in the results in accordance with KRS 335B.020 and 335B.030. A preliminary determination that the applicant is not disqualified shall be binding on the board as provided by 201 KAR 23:027, Section 7.

(7)

The board shall provide each applicant the notice required by 201 KAR 23:027, Section 8, within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the application.

Section 4.

Multistate Licensure.Incorporation by Reference.

(1)

An individual whose home state is Kentucky may apply for a multistate license by submitting the Multistate License Application. An individual who does not hold a Kentucky license shall also submit the Licensure Application Form.

(1)

The following material is incorporated by reference:

(a)

"Licensure Application Form", 7/2025; and

(b)

"Supervised Experience Documentation Form", 7/2025.

(2)

The Multistate License Application shall include:

(a)

The information required by Section 2(1)(a) through (i) of this administrative regulation;

(b)

A statement that Kentucky is the applicant's home state and proof of Kentucky residency or, for an active military member or the spouse of an active military member, a designation of Kentucky as the applicant's home state pursuant to KRS 335.135, Section 8, and a copy of current military orders;

(c)

The category and number of the applicant's Kentucky license, or a statement that an application for a Kentucky license is pending;

(d)

The category of multistate license requested;

(e)

For a CSW, a statement of whether the applicant is practicing clinical social work under a Contract for Clinical Social Work Supervision pursuant to 201 KAR 23:070;

(f)

Evidence that the applicant meets the competency requirement for the category requested pursuant to KRS 335.135, Section 4;

(g)

Evidence that the applicant holds a degree in social work that meets the requirements of KRS 335.135, Section 4, for the category requested;

(h)

For the clinical category, evidence that the applicant meets the practice requirement of KRS 335.135, Section 4.B.3.;

(i)

A list of each social work license the applicant holds or has held in any state, and any adverse action or encumbrance on any professional license;

(j)

The statements required by Section 2(1)(r) through (u) of this administrative regulation and any documentation required by Section 2(1)(s) and (t) of this administrative regulation that the board does not already have;

(k)

Completion of the criminal background investigation required by KRS 335.075(1)(c) and Section 3 of this administrative regulation;

(l)

A statement that the applicant agrees to comply with KRS 335.135, Section 4.A.4. through 6.;

(m)

Payment of the multistate license fee established in 201 KAR 23:020; and

(n)

The signature of the applicant.

(2)

This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Board of Social Work, 125 Holmes Street, Suite 310, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or online at bsw.ky.gov.

(3)

The board shall designate a multistate license in the category that corresponds to the applicant's Kentucky license as follows:

(a)

Licensed clinical social worker, clinical category;

(b)

Certified social worker, master's category; and

(c)

Licensed social worker, bachelor's category.

(4)

In accordance with the rules of the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission, the board shall not issue a multistate license unless the Kentucky license on which it is based is active and unencumbered, is not provisional or temporary, authorizes independent practice, and any required supervision has been completed. The following individuals shall not be eligible for a multistate license issued by the board:

(a)

An individual whose home state is not Kentucky, except an active military member or the spouse of an active military member who designates Kentucky as the home state pursuant to KRS 335.135, Section 8;

(b)

A CSW practicing clinical social work under a Contract for Clinical Social Work Supervision pursuant to 201 KAR 23:070; and

(c)

A holder of a temporary permit issued pursuant to 201 KAR 23:160.

(5)

A licensee who holds a multistate license issued by another member state and establishes domicile in Kentucky shall apply for reissuance of the multistate license no later than thirty (30) calendar days after establishing domicile by submitting the Multistate License Application, the Licensure Application Form if the licensee does not hold a Kentucky license, and the reissuance application required by the rules of the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission. Before reissuance, the board shall:

(a)

Verify through the compact data system that the multistate license is active, unencumbered, and eligible for reissuance; and

(b)

Receive and review the results of the criminal background investigation required by Section 3 of this administrative regulation.

(6)

The board shall not issue or reissue a multistate license until it has received proof of Kentucky residency and the results of the criminal background investigation. The board shall determine eligibility for a multistate license in accordance with KRS 335.075(3) and KRS 335.135, Sections 4 and 5. An applicant who does not meet the requirements for a multistate license may hold a Kentucky license if the applicant meets the requirements of this administrative regulation.

(7)

The results of the criminal background investigation shall not be shared with another member state or the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission except as permitted by KRS 335.075(2)(c).

Section 5.

Additional requirements for LCSW licensure. An applicant for licensure as an LCSW shall document supervised clinical practice experience and supervision in accordance with 201 KAR 23:070, Sections 9 through 11.

Section 6.

Incorporation by Reference.

(1)

The following material is incorporated by reference:

(a)

"Licensure Application Form", 10/2026;

(b)

"Felony Conviction Documentation", 10/2026; and

(c)

"Multistate License Application", 10/2026.

(2)

This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Board of Social Work, 125 Holmes Street, Suite 310, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or online at bsw.ky.gov.
HANK CECIL, LCSW, Board Chair
APPROVED BY AGENCY: October 14, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: October 15, 2026 at 11:35 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on December 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., at the Kentucky Board of Social Work, 125 Holmes St., Suite 310, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five (5) workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made prior to the end of the hearing. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through December 31, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Marc Kelly, Executive Director, Kentucky Board of Social Work, 125 Holmes St., Suite 310, Frankfort Kentucky 40601, phone (502) 564-2350, email marc.kelly@ky.gov
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Marc Kelly, Executive Director, Phone: (502) 564-2350, Email: marc.kelly@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Boards and Commissions, Licensing, and Social Work.
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation establishes requirements and procedures for the application and licensing of a certified social worker, a licensed social worker and a licensed clinical social worker, including the criminal background investigation required for an initial license and the application for a multistate license.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This regulation is necessary to establish uniform and specified application requirements for licensure, including associated criminal background investigations and review thereof.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 335.070(1) requires the Board to administer and enforce KRS 335.010 to 335.160 and 335.99. KRS 335.070(2)(3) requires the Board to evaluate applications and issue licenses to qualified applicants. KRS 335.070(4) authorizes the Board to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS 335.010 to 335.160 and 335.990. KRS 335.075 requires the board to conduct a national and state criminal background investigation by fingerprint check of every applicant for an initial license and to promulgate administrative regulations to implement that requirement. KRS 335B.020 and 335B.030 establish the standards and procedures the board shall apply when considering an applicant's prior conviction. KRS 335.135, the Social Work Licensure Compact, authorizes the board to implement the compact and requires the board, as the home state licensing authority, to determine eligibility for and issue multistate licenses. KRS 335.080 sets forth licensing requirements for a certified social worker. KRS 335.090 sets forth licensing requirements for a licensed social worker, KRS 335.100 sets forth the licensing requirements for a licensed clinical social worker.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation will assist in effective administration by establishing uniform application requirements, including conducting and evaluating criminal background investigations.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment defines additional terms for purposes of this administrative regulation, provides for mandatory background investigations, provides requirements for application for multistate licensure, provides for submission of uniform data to the Compact Commission, and establishes additional forms.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
Changes are necessary to implement the multistate licensure provisions of KRS 335.135 and to comply with the provisions of KRS 335.075 related to criminal background investigations.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes by establishing uniform requirements for mandatory background investigations, requirements for multistate licensure application, and providing data to the Compact Commission.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes by implementing the provisions of KRS 335.135 and KRS 335.075.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes. KRS 335.135 and 2026 RS HB 185.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
Current and future applicants for licensure are affected by this administrative regulation.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Applicants will have to comply with application provisions, criminal background provisions and requirements for multistate licensure eligibility.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
Applicants will have to pay for criminal background checks with state and federal authorities, which should be less than $100.00.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Regulated entities will benefit by being eligible for a multistate license and by the effective regulation of the practice of social work through criminal background investigations.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
No costs are anticipated.
(b) On a continuing basis:
No costs are anticipated.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
This administrative regulation does not establish new fees. Funding for the KBSW comes from licensure and certification fees; the Board does not receive any general funds.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
There is no anticipation of an increase in fees or funding needed to implement this administrative regulation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
No fees are established or increased by this administrative regulation.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
No. All regulated entities have the same requirements by license type.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
KRS 335.070, KRS 335.135, KRS 335.075
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
KRS 335.070 and 335.135. 2026 RS HB 185.
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
The Kentucky Board of Social Work.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
No local entities are affected.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
Applicants for licensure.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Minimal
For subsequent years:
Minimal
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None (6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), n(4)(a), and (5)(a):
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
Minimal for Applicants.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The Board analyzed costs associated with obtaining state and federal criminal background checks and potential additional costs to the Board.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
This administrative regulation will not have a major economic impact.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
This administrative regulation imposes minimal costs on applicants and has no revenues or associated cost savings to the board.

7-Year Expiration: 4/28/2032

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