Allow Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) to be providers for mental health treatment for medicaid clients WITHOUT physician supervision.
Why is this important?
Currently, the state of Kentucky does not allow Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) be providers for medicaid clients unless they are "under" a physician. The license is recognized by the state as allowing therapists to provide treatment independently. No other insurance company requires supervision; in fact, many companies will only pay claims if a client is seen by a LCSW (most who are working independently). Clients who are poor, poorly educated, disabled, etc. are facing problems getting mental health treatment due to limited access to medicaid providers.
