Bill > S155

This bill establishes the Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact, which aims to facilitate interstate practice for social workers by creating a streamlined system for obtaining and maintaining multistate licenses. The compact allows social workers to more easily practice across participating states by establishing a uniform set of licensing requirements and creating a data system to track licensure information. Key provisions include defining different categories of social work licensure (bachelor's, master's, and clinical), establishing eligibility criteria for obtaining a multistate license, and creating a compact commission to oversee implementation. The compact will help increase public access to social work services, reduce duplicative licensing requirements, address workforce shortages, and support mobility for social workers, including military families. The commission will manage a coordinated database of licensure information, have rulemaking authority, and provide a mechanism for investigating and resolving disciplinary actions across member states. Each member state will retain the ability to regulate social work practice within its borders, but will agree to recognize multistate licenses issued by other member states that meet the compact's standards. The compact will become effective once seven states have enacted the legislation, and states can join or withdraw according to specified procedures.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S155