Virginia Law

A. Medical social services shall be provided according to the medical plan of care by or under the direction of a qualified social worker who holds, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree with major studies in social work, sociology, or psychology from a four-year college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and has at least two years experience in case work or counseling in a health care or social services delivery system.

The organization shall have one year from January 1, 2006, to ensure the designated individual meets the qualifications of this standard.

B. The duties of a social worker may include, but are not limited to:

1. Assessing the client's psychological status;

2. Implementing a medical plan of care and revising, as necessary;

3. Providing social work services including (i) short-term individual counseling, (ii) community resource planning, and (iii) crisis intervention;

4. Providing consultation with the primary care physician and other health care professionals regarding changes in the client's needs;

5. Preparing notes on the care or services provided; and

6. Participating in discharge planning.