Is it necessary to have a psychiatrist conduct the Mental Status Exam (MSE) on an applicant or will a licensed social worker suffice?
Question:
Is it necessary to have a psychiatrist conduct the Mental Status Exam (MSE) on an applicant or will a licensed social worker suffice?
Answer:
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The Mental Status Exam must be performed by an "Acceptable Medical Source" (AMS) in order to establish a "medically determinable physical or mental impairment."
Acceptable Medical Sources include physicians, psychologists, advanced practice nurse practitioners (APRN), or physician assistants (PA). Further, the APRN category includes: Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Audiologists are also acceptable medical sources for hearing-related disorders.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are not included.