Latesha Newson, LCSW, Calumet District Chair
Happy New Year! As we embark upon this new year, may it come with renewed strength to serve during this difficult time in our world and to meet the needs of those most vulnerable. We are truly living in a unique time in our history, but it offers great opportunity to help repair and shape the future through advocacy, policy, and practice.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead
Lastly, it has been a great time serving as your Calumet District Chair since 2020; this year ends my term. We are looking for individuals in our district who have the passion to serve on our board and endeavor to make change and advance our profession. If you are interested, please see below or check our website and express your intent. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!
—Latesha Newson, LCSW, Calumet District Chair
CHAPTER NEWS
Federal Rule to Prevent Surprise Health Care Billing
Under a new federal rule to protect consumers from surprise health care bills, clinical social workers (CSW) and other health care provider types must, effective January 1, 2022, provide a good faith estimate (GFE) of expected charges that may be billed for items and services to individuals who are uninsured (e.g., not enrolled in any health plan or coverage) or who are self-pay (e.g., not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage). The GFE must be provided both orally and in writing, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, and within specific timeframes. Read more here.
NASW members only: For further conversation about the federal rule, see this active thread on the national MyNASW board.
2019–2021 LSW/LCSW Licensure News and Updates
This month we’ve had a rash of updates to report as IDFPR provided several changes to the 2019–2021 licensure cycle. In short, the IDFPR website is now allowing for LSW and LCSW licensees to renew online, and the deadline to renew and obtain CEUs for the current licensure cycle beginning on December 1, 2019, has been extended to February 28, 2022. We have been monitoring and responding to many member questions about renewal in the NASW Illinois community in MyNASW. For updates as they are announced, please make sure you are enrolled in the NASW Illinois community in MyNASW.
Other License-Related Links:
LSW and LCSW Renewal Now Active on IDFPR Renewal Portal Website: https://www.naswil.org/post/lsw-and-lcsw-renewal-now-active-on-idfpr-renewal-portal-website
2019–2021 IDFPR Licensure Renewal Changes: https://www.naswil.org/post/2019-2021-idfpr-licensure-renewal-changes
Frequently Asked Questions About 2021 Licensure Renewal: https://www.naswil.org/post/frequently-asked-questions-about-2021-licensure-renewal
In-Person CEU Requirements Waived by IDFPR: https://www.naswil.org/post/breaking-news-nasw-il-efforts-successful-in-getting-in-person-ceu-requirements-waived-by-idfpr
Join the NASW-IL Board of Directors!
We are beginning our open call to members to join the 2022 NASW-Illinois Chapter Board of Directors! We are seeking applicants to several positions on the board including president-elect, secretary, chairs in the Calumet, Chicago, Jane Addams, and Southern District, member at-large, and undergraduate and graduate student reps. To find out more about these open positions, take a look at our 2022 NASW-Illinois Chapter Board Leadership Recruitment Packet or contact the chapter to request a nomination form! The deadline is March 1, 2022, for all nominations.
For more news, go to the NASW-Illinois Chapter News page: https://www.naswil.org/blog
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