Bill > H380

This bill establishes the Social Work Licensure Compact (SWLC) in Massachusetts, creating a multi-state licensing system that allows licensed social workers to practice across participating states more easily. The compact aims to increase public access to social work services, reduce duplicative licensing requirements, and address workforce shortages by allowing qualified social workers to obtain a multistate license. To be eligible for a multistate license, social workers must meet specific criteria based on their professional category (bachelor's, master's, or clinical), including having an unencumbered license in their home state, passing a qualifying national exam, completing appropriate educational requirements, and submitting to a criminal background check. The bill creates a Social Work Licensure Compact Commission to oversee the implementation and administration of the compact, which will manage a coordinated data system to track licensee information, investigate complaints, and facilitate information sharing among member states. The compact ensures that social workers will be subject to the laws and regulations of the state where they are providing services, maintains each state's ability to take disciplinary action, and provides a framework for interstate cooperation in regulating social work practice while protecting public health and safety.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H380