Social Work Licensure Compact Status – Chapter 2
The social work profession is truly noble, founded on service, integrity, and clinical expertise. However, it can also be stressful and even dangerous at times. The nation is grateful for what you do, and so are we. Thank you!
Pro-Tip
Make sure that your professional liability policy covers your multi-state practice.
When a Licensing Board complaint is filed against you in a state outside your home state, your home state Licensing Board will also receive a complaint. This means your legal defense costs will at least double.
Preferra Insurance Company’s professional liability policy currently covers multistate practice at no extra charge.
This Tip of the Month is an update to the December 2024 Tip of the Month titled “Social Work Licensure Compact Status.” Some of this information includes literature search material and publications from the National Center for Interstate Compacts Artificial Intelligence. Refer to: SWCompact.org
The Multistate Licensing System Licensure Compact effort is accelerating and gaining significant adoption by the states. Multistate licenses are not yet being issued. However, as of the date of this writing, 15 states have legislation pending and 30 states have joined. They include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and South Carolina.
Full implementation is anticipated by 2026. Before social workers can access the Compact, their home state legislature must enact Compact legislation, and the system must be fully operational.
Another requirement will be continuing education (CEU) standards established by the Compact Commission once the multistate system is operational. Technical hurdles remain, such as creating a centralized database to share licensing information among member states. This will take an estimated 12–24 months.
Rulemaking during ongoing meetings throughout 2025 and 2026 will define the fee structure, application process, CE requirements, and other Compact rules. At a minimum, CE requirements will include mandatory ethics training and cultural competence training. Compact CE requirements will align with each home state’s CE rules while meeting baseline requirements of all member states.
Overview of the Interstate Compact
The Interstate Compact is a contract between two or more states to facilitate occupational licensing reciprocity. A multistate license authorizes social work practice in other Compact member states after the license fee is paid, eligibility is verified, and CE credits are completed. It is anticipated that the Compact will eventually be recognized by all 50 states and U.S. territories and is rapidly being adopted by state legislatures.
Benefits of the Interstate Compact
- Increases mobility
- Expands access to professional services
- Improves continuity of client care during travel and relocation
- Supports relocating military spouses and others
- Creates an enhanced database to aid in investigations and adverse actions
- Provides states with an additional layer of oversight (a Licensing Board complaint in one state will also be received by your home state)
Joining the Interstate Compact
- Your state must first join the Compact. You can then apply through your home state
- The application process will include fees, membership dues, and CE requirements.
- You only need to join through your home state
- If you wish to practice in a non-member state, you must still obtain a license directly from that state.
- CEU standards are being defined; they will align with state requirements and will not exceed those of your home state.
Who Controls the Interstate Compact?
The Council of State Governments (CSG) partners with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) to assist social workers with interstate mobility. The Compact is designed to expand public access to services and reduce barriers to license portability.
The Compact Commission governs the Compact and consists of representatives from each member state’s licensing board. It functions as a supra-state, sub-federal entity serving the member states.
In closing, the Licensure Interstate Compact provides significant benefits to clients, practitioners, and states. The main risk for social workers arises when an incident occurs outside their home state, as this doubles Licensing Board exposure and, consequently, legal defense costs.
Pro-Tip
Your professional liability policy may not cover you outside your home state. Carefully review policy exclusions and definitions, such as territorial coverage. There may also be sublimits and deductibles.
Review your policy to confirm you are covered before providing interstate professional services.
Preferra Insurance Company’s professional liability policy currently covers multistate practice at no extra charge.
