Re: Decommission of the separate RCSW number
ACSW is taking action to strengthen public protection by demonstrating that regulatory practices are transparent, consistent and fair as we work to ensure that social workers provide safe, ethical and competent services to Albertans. Please be advised that the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) will decommission and discontinue issuance of the separate Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) number. ACSW will no longer publish a separate registry or listing of registrants with the clinical practice enhancement.
The clinical practice enhancement (RCSW) will now be linked to registration and the practice permit. Clinical social work service providers who have qualified and are approved for the clinical practice enhancement designation, will now access the clinical practice enhancement directly linked to the registration/licensure (RSW) number, which is the unique, professional registration identifier provided to each registrant upon being granted registration to practice social work in Alberta. Each registrant’s unique RSW number does not change and remains with each registrant throughout the course of their registration history with ACSW.
In accordance with the Health Professions Act and the Social Workers Profession Regulation, the clinical practice enhancement remains in full effect and has not changed. Registered social workers with the clinical practice enhancement may continue to use the protected title and RCSW designation.
To strengthen public protection, the clinical practice enhancement is now displayed on the public register at “Verify a Social Worker”. Registrants and members of the public can view all practice enhancements granted on a registrant’s practice permit under “Details”. Please be advised that ACSW will no longer publish a separate clinical registry.
Insurers and Third Parties can accept the social work service provider’s RSW number for contracting, billing, credentialing and verification purposes. Insurers and Third Parties can verify a social work service provider’s registration status, including the clinical practice enhancement designation by visiting www.acsw.ab.ca and viewing the public register at Verify a Social Worker.
Questions? Contact us at clinical@acsw.ab.ca