Multistate licensure for social workers and mental health care providers continues to trend across the U.S. as shortages plague service delivery.
With a shortage of social workers and mental health care providers across the country, some states are looking towards multistate licensure to expand the areas where these vital workers are eligible to practice. This is particularly useful in areas like the DC metro area where residents often can live, work, and spend time between three to four different states in a given week. For local governments in particular, social workers and mental health practitioners fulfill important roles for local human service divisions but also across a number of local government departments including police and first responder units, schools, and health departments.
According to a recent Stateline article, fifteen other states have approved legislation to enable what's called a social work licensure compact. This allows the clinician to practice in multiple states provided they abide by the unique laws in each state while caring for patients. The Maryland General Assembly considered similar legislation during the 2024 legislative session. The House version of the bill, HB 34, crossed over and was referred to the Senate Finance Committee, while the Senate version, SB 204, did not move following a February hearing.
Read the full Stateline article.
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