Bill > SB174

This bill establishes the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact, a comprehensive agreement designed to facilitate social workers' ability to practice across multiple states more easily. The compact creates a multistate licensing system that allows qualified social workers to obtain a single license that is recognized in all participating member states, reducing bureaucratic barriers and addressing workforce shortages. To be eligible for a multistate license, social workers must meet specific requirements, including holding an unencumbered license in their home state, passing a national qualifying exam, submitting to a criminal background check, and maintaining continuing education requirements. The bill establishes a Social Work Licensure Compact Commission to oversee the implementation and administration of the compact, which will develop a coordinated data system to track licensee information, facilitate information sharing between states, and ensure public safety. The compact covers three categories of social work licensure (clinical, master's, and bachelor's) and includes provisions for military families, adverse action reporting, and dispute resolution. The legislation will only take effect once six other states have enacted substantially similar legislation, with an intended implementation date of October 1, 2025, and is designed to preserve each state's regulatory authority while creating a more streamlined, portable licensing process for social workers.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0174?ys=2025RS