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 Mississippi Chapter News

  
Welcome to Mississippi Chapter News

February 2012!


Join us in Natchez for our annual conference

"Social Work Matters...to Clients, Communities, Policy, and to You!"

Registration for attendees, exhibitors, and student poster sessions

are now being accepted! 

Click NASWMS Conference  for brochure!

Make all checks payable to NASW, MS Chapter

OR

You can register online at https://www.123signup.com/register?id=cchpv 

using  MC, VISA, or Discover credit card


Continuing Education Changes Now in Place

As of January 1, 2012 the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists (MBOE)  assumed full responsibility for social work Continuing Education (CE) and Designated Provider (DP) review and approval.  It is our understanding from the MBOE that they will honor any CE and DP approvals granted by the NASW MS Chapter CE Committee through December 31, 2011.

Any questions about the CE and DP application process should now be directed  to the MBOE office, 601.987.6806, or you may check the MBOE website at  www.swmft.ms.gov .


A Note from your Board President

Greetings Everyone,

It is a new year and we are off to a running start! I hope you have received information about two major events for our Chapter; Legislative Day at the Mississippi Capital, February 22 and the Annual Program Conference, March 21-23. Legislative Day is always exciting and this year should be no exception. NASW has the entire Rotunda reserved for displays and will be joined by representatives from the schools of social work, healthcare and school social work associations, and our licensing board, the Board of Examiners.  As most of you are aware, there are many new faces at the Capital. This is our opportunity to educate them about social work and issues related to the profession. If you are not able to attend, please be in contact with your legislator by letter, email or phone to encourage their vote on social work issues. Remember, if we do not advocate for ourselves and the people we serve, no one else is likely to do so.

The Annual Program meeting is being held in Natchez. Spring is always a great time to be in that beautiful city on the river. Make plans to join us for fun as well as educational opportunities. At the APM we will continue the tradition of conducting a PACE (Political Action Committee) auction. Bring items to donate and bring money to purchase. This is always exciting as individuals get in a bidding war toward the closing.

The Board is also providing an opportunity for members to participate by serving on the Diversity Committee. This is a mandated committee by the national office of NASW, but has been inactive for awhile. The Board feels strongly that this needs to be an existing and active committee. If you are interested in serving, please contact the NASW office for further information. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Board and the staff of the Chapter office. They are working tirelessly on multiple issues while also planning details of the activities mentioned above. This Board has been phenomenal to work with, responding in a true social work spirit of willingness to serve. Thanks guys!

See you all on February 22 at the Capital and March 21 in Natchez!

Angela Gaddis, PhD, MSW, LCSW

President, MS Chapter NASW


Nominate Someone for Social Worker of the Year!!!

Do you know of a social work colleague who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, had unique accomplishments within the last year, and/or contributed to a positive public image of social work?  NOMINATE HIM OR HER FOR SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR!

Do you know of an individual, not a social worker, who made a significant contribution within the last year to an area or population of concern to social work and acted with courage and determination on behalf of our profession and/or our objectives?  NOMINATE HIM OR HER FOR PUBLIC CITIZEN OF THE YEAR!

Do you know of a social worker who has had a long career in the profession and who has made significant contributions to social work practice within the state?  NOMINATE HIM OR HER FOR SOCIAL WORKER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT!

Award Nominations Guidelines are found HERE Nominations are due by February 21, 2012.  All awards will be presented during our Annual Conference March 22-23, 2012.

Hank Rainer, ACSW, LCSW, BCD
Awards Chairperson
Social Work Matters...to Clients, Communities, Policy, and to YOU!
Annual Conference, March 22-23, 2012
Natchez, MS

 


Future Social Worker Welcomed!!!

NASW, MS welcomes the birth of J Rose Hudson, daughter of Phylandria Hudson, LMSW & Thomas Hudson, JD.  Princess Rose was born January 10th. Congratulations!

 


NASW, MS Chapter

NEEDS FUNDS FOR THE STUDENTS AWARDS!

 Every year NASW, MS Chapter invites all CSWE schools of social work in our state to submit their star students for the NASW student awards at our annual conference.  At the presentation, one Undergraduate Student of the Year and one Graduate Student of the Year are selected from this group and honored with these top awards and financial honorarium.  The awards are given in honor and memory of former NASW MS Chapter President Claire Nowlin, who exemplified the strength and resilience needed to be a successful social worker in our state.

 

We want to keep this tradition alive, but funds in our awards account are low.  We are asking that you donate to our awards fund, in any amount you can send.  This contribution is tax deductable.  Please use the form below, and follow the instructions closely as our national foundation will be issuing your tax deduction statement. You will get an email stating our chapter office has received your donation first.

                                               YOU CAN ALSO GET THE  Donation Form HERE!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

PLEASE COMPLETE AND SEND THIS FORM IN WITH YOUR DONATION:

 

Name______________________________________________  email_______________________________________________________

 

Mailing address___________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Phone_____________________________________________   Amount enclosed $__________________  check or money order only

 

PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS TO:

 

 NASW FOUNDATION --  also write MISSISSIPPI NASW  in memo line 

 

Mail your donation to:  NASW, MS Chapter, P O Box 5599, Pearl MS 39288-5599

 


 Now Accepting Scholarship Applications!

 

The Mississippi Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care will be accepting applications until April 1, 2012 for an award of $500.  This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to those students interested in pursuing social work careers in health care.  Recipients will be selected based on several criteria including academic standing, community involvement, awards, future aspirations and financial need.  The scholarship award is to be used for tuition, fees, books, room and board or any other educational expenses.  Recipients are eligible one-time only and will be notified in May. For directions click Here. For the scholarship application, click here.

 


WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

 Kenyada Ales, Shaikenya Alexander, Shirease Anderson, Brittney Avery, Molly, Barbieri, Trish Brix-Baskin, Deborah Brown, Rhonda Buckley, Janice Cain, Jasmine Daniels, Elicia Davis


NASW APPROVED OBSERVANCES-February

 


 

FREE ONLINE COURSES 2.0 FREE CE

    • Understanding Malpractice Risk: What Social Workers Can Do
    • Understanding HIV/AIDS: The Social Worker's Role
    • Understanding Adolescent Health: The Social Worker's Role
    • Understanding Cancer Caregiving: The Social Worker’s Role
    • Understanding the NASW Code of Ethics
    • Promoting Adherence to Cancer Oral Medications: The Social Worker’s Role

Take these courses today at www.NASWWebEd.org


Clinical Social Workers: Changes in HIPAA Software – Ready for Version 5010?

 

 http://www.socialworkers.org/assets/secured/documents/practice/clinical/Clinical%20Social%20Workers%205010%20is%20Coming.pdf  

 Effective January 1, 2012, clinical social workers who use electronic transactions in their solo or group practice will be required to replace the current HIPAA software Version 4010/4010A with Version 5010.  This practice perspective discusses the changes and implementation process.  You may use this practice perspective in your paper and online media products.  Please do not hesitate to contact Mirean Coleman at mcoleman@naswdc.org  if you have further questions about the implementation of Version 5010. 


Clinical Social Workers Needed for DSM-V Field Trials

The American Psychiatric Association is seeking clinical social workers to participate in field trials for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).  The field trials are designed to test the feasibility and clinical usefulness of the proposed diagnostic criteria and measures in clinical settings. The trials also examine whether the measures capture changes in patients' symptom levels over time and are informative for treatment planning.

Clinical social workers who volunteer to participate will be recognized as contributors in the DSM-V and receive continuing education credits for participation in the field trials and completion of a required online DSM-V training session.

NASW encourages clinical social workers to participate in the DSM-V field trials.  Since clinical social workers use the DSM when diagnosing a patient for mental illness, their participation is germane in the development process.  Additional information about the field trials and how to volunteer is available online at:  http://www.psych.org


Loan Forgiveness Programs for Social Workers

 A Loan Forgiveness Program for Social Workers—$200 Million Is Available for Loan Repayment

The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program (NHSC LPR) offers fully trained and licensed clinical social workers $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for two years serving in a community-based site in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) that has applied to, and been approved by, the NHSC as a service site. There is more information available about the loan repayment program, eligibility requirements, employment opportunities in HPSAs, and NHSC .  For inquiries about this program, contact CallCenter@hrsa.gov or 1-800-221-9393 (TTY: 1-877-897-9910), Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays), 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.


 

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES

 

Free Risk Management Hotline For All NASW Members

 

Hotel Discounts for NASW Members

 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Option

 

Join NASW today at www.socialworkers.org!

 

Professional Development/CE Credit

 

The Lunchtime Series Teleconference:   1 FREE CE Each Join Online Today!

 


NASW Assurance Services, Inc is now offering auto, homeowners, & renters insurance in addition to their malpractice coverage...see all their benefits at www.naswassurance.org !


Legal Issue of the Month Articles

For more information about NASW’s legal resources please visit the Legal Defense Fund webpage at www.socialworkers.org/ldf .

Clinical Social Workers and Private Practitioners Resources Directory

NASW resources for clinical social workers and private practitioners have been combined into one document, Managed Care Directory of Resources for Clinical Social Workers in Private Practice.  It is available to NASW members online at the following link:  https://www.socialworkers.org/practice/clinical/managedCare08/default.asp?back=yes   


         Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists

NOTE: These reports are listed chronologically; scroll down for the earlier reports

August 12, 2011

Social Work members attending this meeting were Kristi Plotner, LCSW, Chair, Melinda Pilkinton, PhD, LCSW, Discipline Specific Chair, Social Work, Spencer Blaylock, LCSW, Anna Lyn Whitt, LCSW, Pat Terry, LSW, and Natalie Bryant, LSW.  This was Natalie's first meeting.  She was appointed by the Lt. Governor to fill the remainder of the term vacated by Catherine Jones' resignation.

Billy Dilworth began with the expense report and stated that renewals for LSWs and LMFTs will begin to come in, but over numbers of licensed social workers has declined from 5,500 two years ago to 3,000 now.  There was some discussion about this, and the impact this reduction in income is having on the board's budget as these fees are the only income the board has to operate; there is no state money involved.  The discussion will be carried on over the next few months.  The Legislative Budget Office received the proposed 2013 budget.  The Office of Public Safety will be handling the fingerprinting for social workers via a Memorandum of Understanding that is currently being drafted, but no date to implement this was given.  Work continues on the Rules and Regulations.   Social Workers are encouraged to check the Secretary of State's website to review materials by going to www.sos.ms.gov .   Kristi assisted Billy in his report and had no further comments.

Dean, DSC-MFT commented on new MFT forms being drafted.  Melinda , DSC-SW provided some details of the next LCSW Supervision training it will be held on the Gulf Coast and Virginia Adolph, LCSW and former member and Chair of the MBOE will conduct the training.  More information will be posted on the MBOE website at www.swmft.ms.gov.    Melinda also stated the MBOE has been approached by the MS Conference on Social Welfare to assist with funding a nationally known speaker on ethics, and MCSW has offered a free exhibit table this assistance will be provided.

Social Work Licenses:

LSW=12;   LMSW=13;   LCSW=17;   LSW by Reciprocity=1;   LMSW by Reciprocity=1;

Reinstatement:  LSW=2;  LMSW=4

July 8, 2011

Social Work members attending this meeting were Kristi Plotner, LCSW,  Board Chair, Melinda Pilkinton, PhD, LCSW, Discipline Specific Chair-Social Work (DSCSW), Anna Lyn Whitt, LCSW, Spencer Blaylock, LCSW, Pat Terry, LSW. 

Billy Dilworth, Executive Director gave the financial report; all expenses and income are within budget at this time.  He stated the Legislative Budget Office request the 2013 budget by August 1 and he is preparing this.  There were no new complaints this month, and several board members gave updates on existing complaints.  Discussion was held regarding the requirement for fingerprinting that was to go into effect July 1, and details remain to be worked out.  Board Attorney Gloria Green discussed the revision of the Rules and Regulations to be consistent with the Administrative Rules Act for the state using the current law and then revise them again using the updated law that was effective July 1.  More information on this will be forthcoming.

The MFT report was given by Dean Worsham, DSCMFT.  Sharon DeBerry is up for nomination again in 2012 and is willing to run another term as she was filling in a vacancy originally.  There was discussion of the work the MFTs have done on the Rules & Regulations from their end, and which MFTs should attend the KLEAR conference this fall.  A general discussion regarding declining revenue ensued.

The SW report was given by Melinda Pilkinjton, DSCSW, who discussed the recent LCSW Supervisor training that was held in Jackson.  It went well, and another training will be planned hopefully for the southern area of the state in the fall.  Cost is a consideration in planning this event.

Social workers licensed this meeting:

LSW= 8 ;  LMSW= 9;  LMSW-Reciprocity= 1;  LCSW=5;  LCSW-Reciprocity=1;  Reinstatement:  LMSW=1; LCSW=!

No LMFTs were licensed at this meeting.

 June 10, 2011

Social Worker members present were Kristi Plotner, LCSW, Chair, Melinda Pilkinton, PhD, LCSW, incoming Discipline Specific Chair-Social Work-, Anny Lyn Whitt, LCW, Stella Johnson, LCSW, Discipline Specific Chair- Social Work  and outgoing member of the MBOE, Pat Terry, LSW.

Kristi opened the meeting with reminding everyone that minutes for the meetings were now being emailed to board members for review prior to the meeting, though voting would still be at the meeting.  Billy Dilworth provided information on the recent renewals, stating that 670 had renewed, 38% of those used the on-line renewal,  and 61 had not renewed at all.   There was a new complaint assigned to the LMFT, and discussion of a hearing on a separate MFT complaint with possible dates in later in the summer.  Kristi reported the original Rules and Regulations are being reformatted  to conform with the Administrative Procedure Act.  This will continue to be in process with the Secretary of State's office after the original ones are modified, as the new law coming into effect July 1 will require a revision again.

Jeff did not have a report for MFT.  She discussed the previous training for social work supervisor, specifically related to how the supervisors would get the continuing education training in that area.  More discussion will be held on this topic.

Social Workers licensed:

LSW=11;   LSW by Reciprocity=3;   LMSW-41;   LMSW by Reciprocity=1;  LCSW=1;  LCSW by Reciprocity=2 

LMFT by Reinstatement=1

May 6, 2011

Social Worker members present at the  meeting were Kristi Plotner, LCSW, Chair, Stella Johnson, DSC-SW, Melinda Pilkinton, PhD, LCSW, Anny Lyn Whitt, LCSW, Pat Terry, LSW.

Billy Dilworth was out today and Kristi gave the report for him as well as her report.  The expenses are inline  with the the month, there was a review of complaints  filed  and disciplinary actions taken.  There was discussion regarding the lease at the Medical Mall and lack of space for the office, and Billy is to report more fully on available options at the next meeting. There was also discussion of the need to revise Rules and Regulations to fit the new Administration Procedures, with each discipline taking their part and Billy and Gloria to handle the technical part of the rules.

Jeff gave the report for the MFTs, and stated that Dean Worsham would be taking over as DSC-MFT for him in July.  The committee to handle the MFT CE reviews is going well but is time consuming.   Stella announced that Melinda will take over as DSC- SW.  She stated that LCSW Supervision training will be held June 15-16 in Jackson.

Social Workers licensed:

LSW= 6;LSW-Reciprociety=1;  LMSW=2;  LCSW=5;  LCSW-Reciprocity=1;   Reinstatement:  LCSW=1

LMSW=1 pending 1 letter of reference and outstanding fees.

April 8, 2011

Social Worker members present at this meeting were Kristi Plotner, LCSW, Chair, Stella Johnson, LCSW, DSC-SW, Melinda Pilkinton, PhD, LCSW, Anne Lyn Whitt, LCSW, Catherine Jones, LSW, Pat Terry.

Billy Dilworth gave the expense report, and stated that all expenses are in line for this time of the fiscal year with renewals coming in.  The Legislative Budget Office has notified him that budgets will be restricted in 2012, especially in the travel and contractual line item areas.  He will continue to keep the board informed.  He also stated that the licensing bill, HB 607 was signed by the Governor.   A review of complaints that are in process were discussed, and the disciplinary progress report was reviewed as well.  He is still working with the state agency to find alternative office space at a more reasonable rate but no other options have been found.

Kristi again stated that HB 607 had been signed and would go into effect July 1, 2011.  However there is a need to revise the Rules and Regulations for the and discussion was held as to how this would be handled among the BOE members.  In looking ahead to social work  members for 2012, Anna Lyn Whitt stated she would like to be nominated for a second term.

Jeff did not have a report for the MFT.  Stella reported that the New MBOE Member manuals were almost finished. 

Social Workers Licensed:

LSW=2;  LSW by Reciprocity-1;  LMSW-1;  LMSW by Reciprocity=1;  LCSW by Reciprocity=1

Reinstatement:  LSW=1  

No LMFTs were licensed today.

March 18, 2011

Social Workers attending this meeting were Kristi Plotner, Chair, Stella Johnson DSC SW Chair, Melinda Pilkinton, Pat Terry.  Anna Lyn Whitt and  Catherine Jones were not present.

Billy gave the expense report, and revenue if up due to relicensing. So far 718 LSW have renewed, with half of those renewing on line!  It was noted by two board members that renewal on line is not possible if you are being audited; two board members are being audited, one for the second consecutive time.  The program selecting files to audit uses a totally random process. There were no new complaints filed, and work continues on several ongoing complaints. 

Kristi discussed the confirmation process; all but two members have had to go through the process this year due to confusion over status in past years.  She was very pleased to say that new additions to the board are in process of confirmation, one of whom won't even start until July.  She stated this is the better way to go, getting ahead, to ensure that those coming on the board are official in terms of voting, and in receiving reimbursement if travel is involved in their attendance.  Committees then gave reports, and there was some discussion over the newsletter, which has not been updated since 2009.  They will be working on a solution to keeping members informed in a timely manner.  She then reminded all Board members that they are obligated to complete their Ethics Commission filing by May.  She also gave a brief update on HB 607.

Jeff stated there was not MFT  report.

Stella stated there was no SW report.

Gloria stated there was no legal report.

The following licenses were granted:

LSW=2   LMSW=3   LMSW by reciprocity=1   LCSW=5   LCSW by reciprocity=2

Reinstatement:  LSW=3        LMFT=1

 The next meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2011  at the Jackson Medical Mall .  Please contact the BOE office for directions, at 601.987.6806.


Do You or Someone You Know Work for the Federal Government?

Federal employees can support NASW Foundation, CFC #12538, in the 2008 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).  This pre-tax deduction is a great way to support charitable and educational social work projects.  Learn more about the NASW Foundation and its work at www.NASWFoundation.org.


  To view national job postings, click here  To View MS listing click button on the left

 


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