Important Updates as LARA Moves to the MiPLUS System

Earlier this week licensed Michigan social workers received an email from the Bureau of Professional Licensing regarding the upcoming switchover to the MiPLUS system. MiPLUS is LARA’s new online licensing and regulatory database application for health and occupational professionals in Michigan. The new platform will officially be active on October 5th and there will be a short period (between September 28 and October 5) where paper licensure applications will be unavailable.

Below is a copy of the email that was sent out from LARA and answers to a few of the questions we have been receiving regarding the change.

If I am thinking of applying for my limited license in the next few weeks, should I wait?
Yes. All paper applications received between September 28 and October 5th will need to be manually entered into the new MiPLUS system, which may cause some small delays in processing your application. It is recommended to wait until after October 5 to submit your limited license application online.

When will social workers be officially moved to the MiPLUS system?
The go live date with the new MiPLUS database is set for October 5, 2021.

When can social workers start setting up their MiPLUS account?
Any time after October 5, 2021.

Will fully licensed social workers get new license numbers?
No. Fully licensed social workers (LBSW, LMSW) will keep their existing license numbers. Limited licensed social workers will have new licensure numbers (please see the chart below for the new numbers). This change in limited license numbers has already taken place in order to migrate into the new system.  Click here to verify your specific new license number. 

If I have a limited license and am already scheduled to take the ASWB exam, do I need to contact my testing site to update them with my new license number?
No. This change does not impact those individuals who were made eligible with the ASWB to take the exam.

How will limited licensees submit the Supervision Verification Forms?
With the MiPLUS system, limited licensees will be able to directly upload the Supervision Verification Form online once their work experience and supervision hours are complete. If a LLBSW or LLMSW is finishing up their hours now, it is recommended to wait until your MiPLUS account is active after October 5th to submit your Verification Form.

What are some of the benefits of the MiPLUS system?

• Applicants are able to apply online, track the status of their application, and receive electronic notifications
• Licensees will be able to renew and modify their existing licensing information online
• Verify the status of a licensed professional
• File a complaint against a licensed professional or report a change in staff privileges

Learn more about MiPLUS at https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_72600_92411---,00.html.

EMAIL FROM LARA SENT ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

September 13, 2021

The Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is moving to a new online licensing and regulatory database for health and occupational professions, called Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS).

Our tentative launch date for this Phase 4 of the new system is October 5, 2021. This phase involves the following professions: Physical Therapy, Social Work, Chiropractic, Counseling, Respiratory Care, Occupational Therapy, Accountancy, Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, Collection Agencies, Hearing Aid Dealers, Landscape Architects, and Personnel Agencies. 

In order to allow time for migration of current licensing records into the new system, our office will be unable to  process license applications, license renewals, or changes to licenses between September 17, 2021 and  October 5, 2021 , for these professions only. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  document provides answers to questions regarding the conversion to the new system.  If you have additional questions or concerns regarding the transition, please do not hesitate to contact us at  517-241-0199 or email  BPLHELP@michigan.gov.

One critical item to note is please do not attempt to create or register for a MiPLUS account until after October 5, 2021. Doing so will negatively impact your ability to interact with the system as it will require that you contact our office to correct your account.

As we get closer to the launch date, we will be posting additional information specific to your profession on our MiPLUS website ( www.michigan.gov/miplus ).  In the mean time if you wish to familiarize yourself with the new system you can review the information and videos available  here.

Again, thank you for your cooperation as we work together to make Michigan’s system of professional licensing a model for other states.

Sincerely,

Licensing Division

Bureau of Professional Licensing