Social Work Licensure Compact Status
First, we want to acknowledge that the social work profession is genuinely noble and grounded in service, integrity, and clinical expertise. Although it can be stressful and even dangerous, 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. If an out-of-state licensing board files a complaint against you, your home state licensing board may initiate a parallel investigation. You could face two cases, potentially doubling your legal defense costs.
Preferra Insurance Company RRG covers multi-state practice at no extra charge.
This Tip of the Month summarizes essential information published by the National Center for Interstate Compacts Artificial Intelligence.
For more details, visit: www.swcompact.org
Overview of the Interstate Compact
The Interstate Compact is a contract between at least two states to facilitate occupational licensing reciprocity. Once a license fee is paid and eligibility is verified, a multi-state license allows practice in other Compact member states. The Compact is anticipated to be recognized by all 50 states and U.S. territories eventually.
Benefits of the Interstate Compact
- Increases mobility
- Increases access to professional services
- Enhances continuity of client care during travel and relocation
- Supports relocating military spouses and others
- Creates an enhanced database of licensure information to aid in investigations and adverse actions
- This law provides states with additional oversight of social workers practicing in multiple states, resulting in at least two licensing board complaints (the remote state(s) where an incident occurred and the home state) if an issue arises.
Join the Interstate Compact
- Your state must join the Compact so you can apply through your home state.
- If a state you wish to practice in is not a Compact member, you must obtain a separate license from that state.
- CEU requirements are only necessary in your home state to maintain Compact participation.
Who Controls the Interstate Compact?
The Council of State Governments (CSG) collaborates with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) to support social worker mobility across states. The Compact Commission, a governing body of participating states, is a supra-state, sub-federal government entity that serves member states. Commission delegates include representatives from each state’s licensing board.
Status of the Interstate Compact in the States
Pending Legislation: Pennsylvania, New Jersey.
Enacted Legislation:
Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
In closing, the Social Work Licensure Compact benefits clients, practitioners, and states. However, for practitioners, incidents outside your home state can at least double your licensing board exposure and likely double your legal defense costs. Verify that your professional liability policy covers you for interstate practice before you begin offering services across state lines.
