The Social Work Licensure Compact
The Social Work Licensure Compact is a multi-state agreement that allows licensed social workers to practice across state lines—without applying for a new license in every state.
It is one of the most practical, bipartisan solutions available right now to improve mental health access.
What the Social Work Compact Does
The compact creates a multistate practice privilege for eligible social workers.
Once implemented, a licensed social worker in a participating state can practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. It maintains regulatory oversight while modernizing access.
This model follows successful compacts in other professions, including Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, and PSYPACT.
How It Works
To qualify, a social worker must:
Reside in a compact state
Hold an active, unencumbered license
Pass an FBI background check
Meet category-specific licensure standards
Pay applicable fees
The compact recognizes three licensure categories: clinical, master’s, and bachelor’s level.
The national licensing exam is administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
Important guardrails remain:
Providers must follow the laws of the state where the client is located
States retain disciplinary authority
A shared data system allows real-time license verification
This is not deregulation. It is coordinated regulation.
Where Things Stand
As of early 2026:
31 states have enacted the Social Work Compact
The compact has reached activation status
Multistate licenses are not yet being issued (expected 12–24 months for implementation)
The current member states include:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
States that have not yet joined may enact the model legislation at any time.
Why This Matters for States
1. Workforce Expansion Without New Training Pipelines
It allows states to access licensed providers already trained elsewhere.
2. Telehealth Modernization
It supports regulated cross-state telehealth in a post-pandemic reality.
3. Continuity of Care
It reduces disruption for students, military families, and remote workers.
4. Stronger Oversight
Shared disciplinary data improves transparency and safety.
Bottom Line
The Social Work Compact is a bipartisan, infrastructure-level reform that:
Expands access
Reduces administrative burden
Maintains public safety
Aligns with telehealth realities
For states serious about addressing the youth mental health crisis and workforce shortages, this is a high-leverage policy solution already underway.