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November 2019
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Message from Chapter President
Top
 
First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every member of NASW for your commitment to the social work profession. A common question non-members ask is, "Why should I join NASW?" My first inclination is to self-reflect, because I recall asking the same question. In fact, at one point,    I did not believe NASW's priorities aligned with my own. My passion for advocacy, child welfare, diversity, and community engagement seemed missing from the "clinically" focused conversations expressed in NASW materials and conferences. In addition, the perceived lack of social and political activism was disheartening. However, I am from a social work and family legacy with expectations to get involved because we are each responsible for making change happen. My criticism without involvement was just noise. So I jumped in and started working collaboratively with my local NASW Unit. What I found was a cadre of social work professionals who serve others all day and then volunteer their time and expertise to build networks that give us a stronger voice and presence to impact practice and policy on a local, state, and national level. Although, there are times when I    do not agree with a decision or priority, I am at the table doing what I can to advance a broader agenda. 
 
Your reasons for membership may differ greatly from mine; however, together our membership matters. Without enough members, our organization would lose the professional and political power we sometimes take for granted. The NASW Code of Ethics is probably the most well-known and frequently cited set of ethical standards used by clinicians and human service professionals, the NASW policy team is at the national table meeting with Senate and House staff and committees on behalf of social workers and people we serve, the NASW policy briefs keep advocates and practitioners aware of current trends and issues, the NASW CE programs provide affordable and convenient opportunities for licensure and ongoing professional development, and the NASW malpractice insurance partners offers coverage that is reasonable and designed to meet the unique needs of social workers. I could go on but I encourage you to create a response that speaks your own truth, so that you are able to respond to others and even help in recruiting social workers and other professionals who are not members. 
 
We need each of you! If you have a group or organization that you believe would be responsive to learning about the value of NASW membership, please reach out to me, other NASW board members, or the Florida Chapter office. We have membership materials that we would love to share and we are happy to speak with anyone at any time about membership.
 
Thanks to each of you for all you do!
 
In service,
 
Carol

Student Representatives Column

Hello Fellow Social Work Students,

I hope the semester has been treating you well and that you have been successful in your courses thus far. This time of year can be stressful because of upcoming final exams and holidays. It is essential to stay centered during this time. If you need assistance, remember that your professors are there to help you. Feel empowered to ask them questions or bring up any concerns you may have. If you are feeling overwhelmed, your schools offer a plethora of different services that you may be able to utilize. Your social work unit will also have a plethora of seasoned social workers who may be able to provide you with tips, tricks, and support. Remember, there are only a few more weeks left in the semester. Stay focused, and best of luck!

Sincerely, 
MSW Student Representative

LCSW Exam Update

The 491 Board requested another exemption allowing Registered Social Work Interns to continue to take the LCSW exam anytime during their clinical supervision. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) responded, allowing Interns to take the exam after 18 months of supervision. 

The new regulation begins July 1, 2021, and until that time Interns may take the exam anytime during their supervision. 

NASW-FL is continuing to explore alternatives to this new regulation.

Scam Alert from Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health is issuing an alert to all Florida licensed medical practitioners about a scam where individuals claim to be with the Florida Board say the practitioner's license has been suspended because of drug charges. However, the practitioner is then told to call a number not associated with the Department, which is 804-293-0309 (Do not call this number).

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Deadline is December 1, 2019

You Are Invited to 
Sponsor / Advertise / Exhibit at NASW-FL's Annual Conference

2020 Conference Sponsor Prospectus

You are invited to participate in the 2020 NASW-FL Annual Social Work Conference , June 11 - 13, at The Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando, FL.
 
Save 10% on all sponsorship / advertising opportunities by entering Promo Code SPONSOR20 when you register online  by Nov. 30

Florida Telehealth

In 2019, Florida passed the Telehealth Bill which establishes standards of practice for telehealth services, including patient evaluations, record-keeping, and controlled substances prescribing. The bill also authorizes out-of-state health care practitioners to perform telehealth services for patients in Florida upon meeting certain eligibility requirements and registering with the department.

The Florida Department of Health has created a website that allows interested parties to sign up for updates and register to become an out-of-state telehealth provider. More information, please visit: 
flhealthsource.gov/telehealth and click on Forms.

Nominations Open for the 
Annual Social Work Awards

The annual Social Work Awards honor outstanding professionals and   members of the community at the local, state, and national level.

Awards are given in the following categories: Social Work Awards Nominations Are Open
  • Social Worker of the Year (Must be a current NASW-FL member)
     
  • Social Work Student of the Year (Must be a current NASW-FL member and enrolled in a CSWE-accredited  social work program in FL)
     
  • Social Work Educator of the Year  (Must be a current NASW-FL member who is affiliated with a CSWE-accredited social work program in Florida as a faculty member, adjunct, or field instructor)
     
  • Public Citizen of the Year (Must not be a social worker or have a degree in social work)
     
  • Elected Official of the Year (Must be a current local, state or federal elected official)
Awards are considered at the local unit level, and recipients are honored at their unit's Social Work Month event in March. Unit winners are then considered at the state level. 

Click here to review the award criteria.
 
Click here to nominate someone for a Social Work Award.

The awards nominations are open until December 16, 2019.

Practice Alert: 
Open Enrollment for 2020

Carrie Dorn, LMSW, MPA Senior Practice Associate 

The uninsured rate in the United States has grown over the past two years, leaving many individuals and families without routine, affordable access to health care services. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 27.5 million people were uninsured in 2018-almost 2 million more people than in 2017 (  https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2019/demo/p60-267.pdf). This change has had a marked effect on coverage among young adults, women, and low-income families in particular. Social workers have an important role in educating individuals about the benefits of health insurance and connecting them to coverage.
 
The open enrollment period to secure health insurance coverage for 2020 is Friday, November 1 to Sunday, December 15, 2019. You must enroll by the December 15 deadline to have coverage on January 1, 2020. Individuals looking for health insurance coverage options should be directed to www.healthcare.gov.

Click here to read the full Practice Alert

NASW-FL Priority Bills for 
2020 Legislative Session

Bills may be viewed by going to House and Senate

Mental and Behavioral Health Services /Child Welfare: Support legislation for additional funding and increased efficient in service delivery:
 
Support School Social Workers in the delivery of mental health services by expanding Medicaid school based services. (SB 190 / HB 81)*
 
Expand mental health services for Veterans and their families by expanding state wide the 211 pilot program. (SB104) *
 
Expand Medicaid services (SB 164 / HB 219)
 
"Jordan Law" Improves/updates effective case management in child welfare
(SB 122 / HB 43) *
 
Prohibits privilege communication for wife/husband if child abuse or neglect is involved (SB 544 / HB 375) *
 
Expands list of incidents that constitute harm to a child (SB 232 / HB 413) *
 
Provides implementation measures related for mental health/ suicide prevention
(SB 7012) *
 
Provides Insurance Coverage and Parity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (SB 706)
 
Mental Health; Requiring that respondents with a serious mental illness be afforded essential elements of recovery and be placed in a continuum of care regimen
(SB 870)
 
Social Work Workforce: Recognize the importance of the social work profession, workforce challenges, and wages and employment trends:
 
Provide direct mental health services to those most in need by allowing Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) to be reimbursed independently for their service delivery. (No bills filed)
 
Prohibits the loss of a health care licensure because of default on a student loan
(SB 356 / HB 115) *
 
Strengthen the clinical supervision of child welfare workers with hiring/contracting LCSWs in the DCF system (no bills filed)
 
Provide greater mobility in social work licensure (SB 230) *
 
Provides a scope of practice for the Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW), reduces supervision to two years (SB 782)
 
Social Justice: Advocate for just and fair criminal justice system, immigration policies, employment, 2020 census and prevention of gun violence.
 
Criminal justice reform legislation to update fairer sentencing guidelines (SB 346) *
 
Support the "Florida Competitive Workforce Act" to prohibit all discrimination in workplace hiring. ( SB 206 / HB 161)

Prohibit conversion therapy for minors ( SB 180 / HB 41)

Update and expand funding for housing options for homeless people
( SB 68 / H B 163) *

Prohibit placing youth in solitary confinement ( SB 436 / HB 347) *

A student may not be denied classification as a resident based on his or her immigration status (SB 188)

Removes reference to direct file in juvenile cases (SB 610 / HB 285)

Verification of employment eligibility to determine the immigration status of the employee (SB 664)

Private School Eligibility Requirements for the state school choice scholarship program revised to prohibit discrimination (SB 56 / HB 45)
 
*The bill has passed one committee.


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New Practice Perspectives: Improving Transitions for U.S. Military Veterans

About 10 percent of the U.S. population has served in the armed forces, and each year about 250,000 individuals separate from the Department of Defense (DoD). Social workers interact with service members, veterans, and their families in health care facilities and community-based service settings. 

Recent federal efforts have improved the experience of exiting service members, with a particular focus on linking individuals with health and mental health resources. Some changes have been prompted by legislation and executive orders. One catalyst was the 2016 Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which enhanced peer support, outreach activities, and crisis hotline services ( www.congress.gov/bill/114th- congress/house-bill/203/text). The January 2018 Executive Order 13822, Supporting Our Veterans During Their Transition from Uniformed Service to Civilian Life, requires the DoD, Veterans Affairs (VA), and Homeland Security to work toward shared objectives of a Joint Action Plan ( www.va.gov/opa/docs/ Joint-Action-Plan-05-03-18.pdf). Coordinated efforts are now taking a proactive approach ( www.benefits.va.gov/tap/docs/mct-report-20 18.pdf), and social workers are involved in connecting service members with resources.

Click here to read the full Practice Perspectives.

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Health Specialty Practice Section 

Julia ("Julie") W. Buckey, Central Florida Unit, is the new incoming Chair of the NASW Health Specialties Practice Section of NASW (2019-2021). Appointed by the NASW President, Julie joins four other Section Committee members from across the country charged with providing content and/or articles in online NASW publications: Connections (Fall and Spring) and Intersections (Annual) informing NASW members about current social work trends and health practices impacting service delivery. 

The NASW topical theme for the Health Specialty Practice Section is health disparities. If you would like to contribute an article for the Committee's review, please contact: drjulie@urchoices.net for more information and a copy of author guidelines.  

 
An Hour With Private Practice: 
Questions & Answers
An Hour with Private Practice

2019 Schedule

An Hour With Private Practice: Questions & Answers (HOPP) is a free question and answer session for NASW members. Unless noted otherwise on the schedule, the monthly call-in sessions focus on a specific private practice subject and are led by Mirean Coleman, LICSW, Clinical Manager at NASW. 

No pre-registration is required and members can join in the discussion, ask questions, and make comments. These sessions provide members with important clinical social work updates impacting the delivery of mental health services in a private solo or group practice.

HOPP is held every third Wednesday of the month from noon to 1:00 pm ET. No session is held in December due to the holidays. Beginning February 2019, an audio recording is available online a week after the HOPP session at: 


Teleconference Dial-In Number
Members can join "An Hour With Private Practice" by dialing the following teleconference line at least 5-10 minutes prior to the start time:
  • U.S./Canada toll-free number: 1-888-378-4398
  • Participant passcode: 185608
  • December 18, 2019: Holiday


 

November 2019

I n early November, each crisp fall day's golden sunlight grows shorter and wanes into the cold dark night. We see the bright, colorful, and radiant leaves sparkling in the autumn sun sinking low on the horizon. We smell the woodsy humus fragrance of the fallen leaves and acorns from the tall oak trees rooted in the damp dark earth. 

Click here to read the full article.

University Updates
From Around the State

Social work education is an important part of NASW, and maintaining relationships with students and their universities is even more important. Check out our latest University News and Updates on our website.

Local Unit News & Events
What's Going on Near You!

NASW Florida is broken up into   18 volunteer-led units that hold meetings, continuing education events, community projects, and social events for its members. This local network is one of our greatest membership benefits! Use the links below to find out what's going on in your local area.

UNIT NAME 
COUNTIES INCLUDED 
Ecambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton 
Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla
Gainesville Unit 
Alachua, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Suwannee, Union
Baker, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Hamilton, Nassau, St. Johns
Central Unit
Orange, Osceola, Seminole
Emerald Coast Unit
Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Washington
Tampa Bay Unit
Hillsborough, Pinellas
Space Coast Unit
Brevard
Palm Beach Unit
Palm Beach, Glades
Broward Unit
Broward
Miami-Dade Unit
Dade, Monroe
Southwest Unit
Charlotte, Collier, De Soto, Hendry, Lee
Heartland Unit
Hardee, Highlands, Polk
Sarasota/Manatee Unit
Manatee, Sarasota
Treasure Coast Unit
Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee
Nature Coast Unit
Citrus, Hernando, Pasco
Lake/Sumter Unit
Lake, Sumter
Volusia/Flagler Unit
Flagler, Volusia


Here's a listing of events for the coming month. Additional details are available on our Calendar of Events or, if a unit event, on the local unit's page.

November

November 19, 2019 * Orange Park, FL
*NASW-FL Northeast Unit presents "Strategies for Engaging Children in Therapy" with Carolyn Renee Hunter, LCSW, RPT-S, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Haven Hospice Orange Park. Registration is free.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.  PLEASE REGISTER ON-SITE.

November 20, 2019 * Fort Lauderdale, FL
*NASW-FL Broward Unit presents "Teletherapy and Clinical Care: An Introduction to Key Concepts and Concerns" with Katharine Campbell, PhD, LCSW, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. Registration is FREE for NASW Members and $20 for Non-members.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

November 20, 2019 * Ft. Myers, FL
*NASW-FL Southwest Unit will host a Holiday Season Meet, Greet & Networking from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Millers Ale House. The Southwest Unit of NASW-FL invites you to celebrate the holidays with your fellow Social Workers. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Registration is free. Please RSVP by Nov. 18.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO RSVP ONLINE

November 21, 2019 * Tallahassee, FL
FSU presents Advisory Workshops: Ethical Use of Technology in Social Work with Earl Ledford, LCSW, CST, CAP from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.; Opiate Addiction with Dr. Eugene Sun, MD, from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. and Medical Cannabis with Josephine Krel, LCSW, from 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. This is a fundraiser with proceeds supporting student scholarships.
Registration is $60.00 full day; $30.00 half day; and $30.00 students.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

November 22, 2019 * Panama City, FL
*NASW-FL Emerald Coast Unit presents "What's Up Doc? Emerging Science in Psychiatry" with Dr. Susan Balk, MD, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Florida State University Bayside Auditorium. Lunch will be provided. Registration is $10 for NASW Members, $30 for Non-members, $5 for NASW Student Members and $10 for non-member students.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

November 23, 2019 * Miami,FL - CANCELLED
*NASW-FL Miami-Dade Unit presents "The Use of Drawing to Assist Patients in Inpatient & Outpatient Substance Use Units" with Frank Katz, Ed.D, LCSW/C, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., on the grounds of Miami Jewish Health Services.
Registration is $20 for NASW Members, $30 for Non-members, $10 for NASW Student members and $20 for Non-member students. This workshop is sponsored by Seasons Hospice.

December

December 2, 2019 * Lake Worth, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit is hosting Holiday Party from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the The Beach Club at Lake Worth. Registration cost is FREE for NASW Members and $20 for non-members and guests. This event is sponsored by Desert Rose Palm Beach.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

December 5, 2019 * Stuart, FL - SAVE THE DATE!
NASW-FL Treasure Coast Unit presents "Holiday Speednetworking Social for Mental Health Professionals" with Chasity Chandler, LMHC - Sex Therapist, Addictions Specialist and Author, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Notes Music Room & Wine Bar. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. There is no fee to attend this event. Venue sponsored by Notes Music Room and Wine Bar.Registration is coming soon!

December 7, 2019 * Lakeland, FL
*NASW-FL Heartland Unit is hosting a Heartland Holiday Fest from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join the Heartland Unit in celebrating the holiday and the amazing work you do in improving the lives of those we care for. Registration is free. In the Spirit of Giving, we are asking for donations of diapers for the Ridge Technical College Teen Parent Program. Appetizers and Desserts will be available.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

December 7, 2019 * St. Leo, FL
*NASW-FL Nature Coast Unit presents "Laws and Rules" with Billy Spivey, ACSW, LCSW and Tanya Bertke, ACSW, QCSW, C-ASWCM,from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Saint Leo University. Registration is $30.00 for Members and $45.00 for Non-Members.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

December 7, 2019 * Ormand Beach, FL
*NASW-FL Volusia/Flagler Unit presents "Holiday Social" from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the home of Kian Jacobs. Event will be POTLUCK STYLE (Food sign ups upon RSVP). Please bring a gift for the gift exchange ($10 Max). Registration will be first come, first served with a maximum of 25 guests. Please RSVP by November 23rd to Emma Raistrick at  eraistrick11@gmail.com

January 2020

January 13, 2020 * Palm Beach Gardens, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - North presents "Gaslighting and Other Forms of Emotional Abuse" with Sara Trosty Walsh, LCSW, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Barry University. Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

January 20, 2020 * Boca Raton, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - South presents "Dementia: Clinical Issues that Arise in Working with Patients and Caregivers" with Alyse November, LCSW, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited. Early Registration is recommended. This workshop is sponsored by CSI Caregivers Services.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

January 27-28, 2020 * Tallahassee, FL - Save The Dates
*NASW-FL will host Legislative Education Advocacy Day (LEAD).  

February 2020

February 10, 2020 * Palm Beach Gardens, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - North presents "How 211 Can Help Local Seniors" with Erin McConnell, MSW, CIRS-A, CIRS & Patrice Schroeder, MA Human Behavior, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Barry University. Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members. This workshop is sponsored by Center for Discovery.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

February 17, 2020 * Boca Raton, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - South presents "Intimate Relationships: Healing through Mindfulness Sex" with Sally Valentine, PhD, LCSW, QS, CSTS, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited. Early Registration is recommended.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

April 2020

April 13, 2020 * Palm Beach Gardens, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - North presents "I Think My client has an Eating Disorder" with Dr. Joann Hendelman, PhD, FAED, CEDS, CEDRN,from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Barry University.
Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members. Dinner is generously being sponsored by CSI Caregivers Services.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

April 20, 2020 * Boca Raton, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - South presents "Body Image in Eating Disorders with Diverse Presentations and Populations" with Lara Conley, LCSW and Melanie Smith, LMHC, CEDS, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited. Early Registration is recommended.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

May 2020

May 18, 2020 * Boca Raton, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - South presents "The Power of Resiliency: Overcoming Adversity and Utilizing Resources" with Tonya Pignato, LCSW, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited. Early Registration is recommended.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

May 30 - June 6, 2020 * Reykjavik, Iceland
*Florida State University College of Social Work and NASW-FL present Clinical Practice International: Reykjavik, Iceland. In 2020, this popular professional development course is being offered in the beautiful city of Reykjavik, Iceland. The course gives participants the exciting opportunity to see clinical social work-its theory, practice, and diversity-in a larger international arena, a vantage point that has become increasingly more important in our current global society. A large focus of the program will be on current social social issues in Iceland and how these are being addressed by the professional social work community.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE