CMS SOM App. A, Tag A-1716

master’s degree from an accredited school of social work or must be qualified by

education and experience in the social services needs of the mentally ill. If the

director does not hold a master’s degree in social work, at least one staff member

must have this qualification.

Interpretive Guidelines §482.62(f)(1)

The director of the social work department or service must have a master’s degree in

social work (MSW) from an accredited school of social work or must be qualified by

education and experience in the social services needs of the mentally ill. Qualifications

are determined by a combination of education, experience, specialized training, state

licensure, and maintaining professional standards of practice. As of 2017, the Council on

Social Work Education (CSWE) is the only organization that accredits MSW programs.

A MSW from a school of social work that is not accredited by CSWE will not meet the

MSW requirement. The exact requirements as per CSWE can be found on their website at

https://www.cswe.org/.

CMS expects hospitals to demonstrate how the director of social services meets the

requirements of this standard.

Survey Procedures §482.62(f)(1)

• Review personnel record for the Director of Social Work to determine whether

he/she has a MSW from an accredited school of social work or is qualified by

education and experience in the social services needs of the mentally ill.

• If the director of social services does not have a MSW from an accredited school

of social work, determine if there is another social service professional on staff

with a MSW from an accredited school of social work.