The scope of practice for each level of regulation is defined in the Public Health Code and the administrative rules that support the statute.

Additionally, the Michigan Mental Health Code also provides some guidelines as to what tasks can be done for specific license types.

National organizations such as the Council on Social Work Education, Association of Social Work Board, and National Association of Social Workers provide Codes of Ethics, practice standards and educational standards that can also be used to identify the tasks that can be done by individuals with varying levels of training.

Social workers also need to be aware of the laws and administrative rules that govern other professions such as counselors, psychologists, nurses, psychiatrists (physicians), marriage and family therapists, and others.

Michigan does require that social workers have some training when they begin to practice. This training is intended to identify the tasks that can be completed by the regulated individual. The social service technicians, bachelor social workers and new masters graduates must also be supervised by a higher level social worker so they can learn the boundaries of their practice.

Only the LMSW -- Clinical can perform psychotherapy and diagnosis of DSM IV conditions. The LLMSW can perform these functions only under the supervision of an LMSW -- Clinical. The LBSW is not trained or authorized to perform psychotherapy or diagnosis of DSM IV conditions. The LMSW practice requires advanced knowledge and skills.