I. The Meeting was called to order at 10:00 A.M. by Board Chair, Doreen J. Bobby, MSW, LCSW.

II. The meeting of the State Board of Social Work Examiners was held at 124 Halsey Street, the 6th floor, on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The following attendance was recorded for these minutes:

III. Roll Call

Henry Acosta, MSW, LSW, Vice-Chair Professional Member Present
Leonard Altamura, DSW, LCSW Professional Member Present
Doreen J. Bobby, MSW, LCSW, Chair Professional Member Present
Kathleen Ellis Public Member Present
Maxine Lisboa, MSW, LSW Professional Member Present
Louise A. Murray, DSW, LSW Professional Member Absent
Paul J. St. Onge, Esq. Public Member Absent
Wanetta V. Williams, BSW, CSW Professional Member Absent
Lorna Hines-Cunningham, MS, LCSW Government Member Absent

Also present were Executive Director Kay K. McCormack, DAG Jodi Krugman and Board staff Iris M. Irizarry.

IV. Review of Minutes

The Public Session minutes from January 30, 2008 were distributed and reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Ms. Ellis and seconded by Mr. Acosta. The vote was unanimous.

V. Public Comment

-There was no comment offered by attendees Dr. Dawn Hall Apgar, Ph.D., LSW, liason to the Board from the New Jersey Chapter of The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), nor from Donna Wardel, MSW, LSW of the Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work.

VI. Executive Director’s Report

-Executive Director Kay K. McCormack acknowledged the annual Education Meeting planned in Montana by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for member boards during the weekend of May 15-18, 2008.

VII. Regulations

The Board continued its discussion from the previous months’ meetings with Division Regulatory Analyst Charles Manning on two topics for which the Board is considering revision. In N.J.A.C. 13:44G-1.2 Definitions, developing definitions for “direct” vs. “clinical” supervision and, options to document prior clinical supervision when primary source verification is proven unavailable. The Board agreed to establish a committee to pursue some acceptable language. Ms. Bobby, Dr. Altamura and Ms. Ellis will participate with Mr. Manning, DAG Krugman and Mrs. McCormack. Reports will be made to the Board at a future meeting.

VIII. Review of Clinical Supervisors’ Credentials

A motion to approve all but one of the clinical supervisors was made by Mr. Acosta and Ms. Ellis. The vote was unanimous. More information will be solicited from the supervisor in question.

Supervisors

Patricia M. Payne, LCSW-NY

Joseph Cautilli, Ph.D., LPC
Licensed Psychologist-NY

Tahir Maqsood, M.D., M.S.
Licensed Psychiatrist-PA

VIII. Vote on Candidates Proposed for Licensure and Certification

A motion was made by Mr. Acosta and seconded by Ms. Lisboa approving those candidates listed (attached) as qualified in their category based on a review of their application documents and in accordance with the Statute and Regulations. The vote was unanimous.

IX. Continuing Education (CE)

A. Vote on recommendations-The Board voted unanimously to approve all programs as recommeded by content review. The vote was unanimous. These presentations will be reflected in the monthly update of Board approved CEs which is available at the Board’s website and by hardcopy from the Board office.

B. Problematic CE Presentations

Problematic CE contents were discussed and noted. Those found acceptable by the Board will be added to the monthly listing of approved CE sources. These presentations will be reflected in the monthly update of Board approved CEs which is available at the Board’s website and by hardcopy from the Board office. Those denied will be notified of the basis pursuant to regulation and others will be asked to submit additional information for future review.

C. CE Correspondence

1. As requested by the Association, the credentials of the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work will be reviewed by the Board and DAG Jodi Krugman to establish whether it meets the criteria as an Exempt category state or national social work associations according to N. J. A.C. 13:44G-6.4(b)3. In a similar discussion, it was agreed that the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups qualifies as a CE presenter in this Exempt category.

2. Ana Guerra, from the Metuchen Diocese of Catholic Charities, submitted an appeal to expedite the review of CE materials she submitted for Board review in January 2008, missing the agenda deadline of January 18, 2008. Ms. Guerra will be advised that the organization’s CE presentations were approved by Board review during today’s session.

XI. Domestic Violence Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board, 2006 Report-FYI The Board acknowledged this report as informational.

XII. Legislative Update

1. The Board reviewed A3623 which establishes a certificate of rehabilitation for certain persons with criminal records. DAG Krugman and the Board discussed how this legislation might impact the Board’s current policy of examining an applicant’s criminal history. This legislative was approved on January 13, 2008.

2. The Board agrees with the intent of A734 which provides that information about the residence of persons licensed by certain professional boards shall not be disclosed to the public. This legislative was approved on January 13, 2008.

3. DAG Krugman distributed copies of the mandated “Duty to Warn” statute, 2A:62A-16. for Board members’ reference and information.

XIII. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)

The Board unanimously supports and welcomes the application for membership in the Association from the Ontario (Canada) Board of Social Work.

XIV. Correspondence

1. M. Mina, MSW, LCSW questioned whether the direct oversight of clients’ medication protocal assigned to the social work staff of a partial care program is permitted by the Licensing Act in Authorized Practice. The Board declines response as the Act makes no comment on this activity, either to include or prohibit it. The Board suggests that M. Mina seek guidance from legal counsel.

2. Luba Shagawat, MSW, LCSW requested clarity regarding the age of consent when one can independently initiate social work treatment. The Board declines comment since the Licensing Act offers no specific guidance on this topic. Ms. Shagawat is encouraged to seek guidance from private or agency counsel.

3. Michael W. Kiernan, representing Dr. Martin Tashman, Ph.D., LCSW, submitted a draft form agreement that Dr. Tashman anticipates using for social work professionals with whom he plans to operate a referral network. The Board declines comment on the appropriateness of the submitted form as the Licensing Act does not provide advisory opinions on professional business planning.

XV. The Board unanimously agreed to conclude Public Session at 12:10 P.M. by unanimous consent.

XVI. The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________
Kay K. McCormack
Executive Director

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