The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), as part of an initiative to promote licensure portability for military spouses, in 2021 awarded a $500,000 grant for the development of an interstate licensure compact for social workers.
An interstate compact is a legal contract between two or more states/territories that would enable social workers to practice in each other’s jurisdiction, giving members of the profession more license mobility.
The Council of State Governments (CSG) is overseeing development of the compact and the Association of Social Work Boards is the lead. NASW and the Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA) are partners.
Visit this page to get regular updates on the development of the compact.
Draft Legislation Release
The draft legislation for the social work interstate licensure compact has been released by the Council of State Governments (CSG). The public comment period is now open and is expected to last for approximately two months.
Social workers from around the country – including representatives from NASW – have been involved in the drafting process. However, since licensure is different in each state and the legislation will affect each state differently it is important social workers from around the nation review the legislation and weigh in.
To download a copy of the draft legislation, review the fact sheet, read FAQs, register for their weekly stakeholder review sessions, and access the survey link to provide your comments. Visit the Council on State Governments (CSG) to learn more.