Bill > AB427

This bill establishes and ratifies the Social Work Licensure Compact, which creates a multi-state licensing framework for social workers. The compact allows licensed social workers to obtain a multistate license that enables them to practice in multiple member states without obtaining additional individual state licenses. To be eligible for a multistate license, social workers must meet specific requirements based on their professional category (bachelor's, master's, or clinical), including educational credentials, passing a qualifying national exam, and completing supervised practice hours. The bill creates a Social Work Licensure Compact Commission to manage the interstate system, which will develop a coordinated data system to track licensee information, adverse actions, and investigative data. The compact aims to increase public access to social work services, reduce licensing bureaucracy, address workforce shortages, support military families, and facilitate the exchange of licensure information among states. The bill specifies that a social worker must adhere to the laws and regulations of the state where the client is located, and each member state retains the authority to take adverse action against a licensee practicing within its borders. The compact will become operational once seven states have enacted the legislation, and California's participation is contingent upon the Board of Behavioral Sciences voting in favor of joining and the Director of Consumer Affairs certifying that vote.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB427