A. In order to safeguard the welfare of the people of the State of Oklahoma, no person shall engage in the practice of social work for compensation or hold himself or herself forth as performing the services of a social worker unless he or she is licensed under the Social Worker's Licensing Act, nor may any person participate in the delivery of social work service unless under the supervision of a person licensed under these provisions, and no person may use any title, abbreviation, sign, card or device incorporating the words “social worker” or a derivative thereof unless such person has been duly licensed under the provisions of this law.

B. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent qualified persons from doing work within the standards and ethics of their respective professions. Provided, that such persons shall not hold themselves out to the public by any title or description of services as being engaged in the practice of social work.

C. Employees of agencies of the state shall be exempt from the requirements of the Social Worker's Licensing Act¹ as to the performance of their duties as state employees or health care facilities or employees of health care facilities licensed by the state. This exemption shall not apply to persons licensed by the Board of Licensed Social Workers, regardless of their employment.