Emergency Authorizations

Emergency Authorizations for Executive Order No. 26-10

As of June 15, 2026, Governor Kotek has declared a state of emergency due to the imminent threat of wildfire. For additional information about this declaration, please visit the Governor's Office Website.

In response to this executive order, OAR 877-020-0071 and OAR 877-020-0081, allow the Board to issue emergency authorizations for individuals that will be working with and assisting during this state of emergency.

Depending on the duration of the state of emergency, the authorization may end at any time.

All emergency authorizations will end 90 days from the date the emergency was declared.
You may request to extend your authorization for an additional 90 days if the state of emergency is still active. Please email the Board directly if you wish to extend your emergency authorization.

Emergency Authorization Application

Use the Oregon BLSW Emergency Authorization Application Form to submit your application. Once approved, your Emergency Authorization will end on September 13, 2026.

Please make sure to provide all of the required documentation. Once submitted our staff will review your application and send you an approval letter to the email provided.

The emergency authorization is based on the State of Emergency determined by the Governor of Oregon. Once the state of emergency has ended, so will the emergency authorizations.

Emergency Authorization Extension

If you wish to extend this emergency authorization for another 90 days, email the Board at oregon.blsw@blsw.oregon.gov by September 1, 2026.

Any licensee interested in continuing to provide services to clients in Oregon are welcome to apply for an Oregon social work license. Please see our Apply for a License page for additional information.

If you have any questions about this emergency authorization, please contact our office at oregon.blsw@blsw.oregon.gov or via phone at 503-378-5735. Our phone hours are Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4 pm PST.

Emergency Authorization Verification

If you need to confirm that aa social worker has been authorized to practice due to an emergency authorization please contact our office directly either via email oregon.blsw@blsw.oregon.gov, or calling our office at 503-378-5735.

If emailing, please make sure to title your subject line: Emergency Authorization Verification Request. We will also need to know the name of the individual you wish to verify.

All verifications of emergency authorization will provide the following information:

If an out of state, or Oregon expired licensee has applied for an emergency authorization
If an out of state or Oregon expired licensee was approved to practice clinical social work in Oregon during the period of the emergency