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Regulatory Advocacy

Blueprint of Public Policy Priorities for the 119th Congress, 2025-2026

Decorative Blue Bar

Regulatory advocacy is a cornerstone of NASW’s efforts to advance the social work profession and improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. By focusing on licensure portability, expanding the role of social workers in federal programs, and addressing gaps in healthcare integration, NASW will ensure that social workers are well-positioned to meet evolving societal needs.

Enhancing Social Work Roles in Federal Programs

Social workers bring unique expertise to federal programs that address critical social issues, yet their roles are often underutilized. To address this issue, NASW will:

  • Collaborate with federal agencies to create opportunities for social workers to lead and participate in program design, implementation, and evaluation
  • Advocate for expanding social work roles in federally funded programs, including those addressing child welfare, mental health, substance use, and veteran services
  • Push for increased funding to support social work positions in federal initiatives, ensuring adequate staffing to meet program goals

Addressing Gaps in Healthcare Integration

The integration of social work into healthcare settings is essential for improving patient outcomes, addressing social determinants of health, and reducing disparities. To address these issues, NASW will:

  • Work with federal agencies and healthcare systems to address gaps in the inclusion of social workers in interdisciplinary care teams
  • Advocate for regulatory changes that recognize social workers as essential providers eligible for reimbursement under federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid
  • Support initiatives to enhance training and education for social workers in integrated care models, including behavioral health and primary care

Conclusion

Through strategic regulatory advocacy, NASW will work to remove barriers to practice, expand opportunities for social workers, and address systemic gaps in service delivery. These efforts will strengthen the profession’s impact and ensure that social workers are fully equipped to advance equity, justice, and well-being in communities nationwide.