Could a potential compact be in place in late 2023?

On Thursday, September 8, 2022, a Zoom informational session regarding the compact took place. Matt Shafer, the Associate Director of Public Policy at The Council of State Governments, and Keith Buckhout, the Research Associate at The Council of State
Governments, lead the session. Although the compact's language is currently unofficial and in its draft form, the Council hopes this legislation will be ready for introduction during the 2023 state legislative sessions.

What is a compact anyway?
The compact will allow licensed social workers to acquire an additional license to facilitate multi-state practice among member states and reduce the barriers to license portability. Matt and Keith simplified it nicely by comparing it to a drivers license; you can use it to drive anywhere your license is permitted, but you must obey the laws in that state. The only caveat is that the compact will only allow you to practice in the states that are legally bound to the compact.

Regarding LCSW's
For clinical social workers to acquire the additional licensure that will facilitate multi-state practice among member states, they must hold an active license in their home state as well as:
1. Have an MSW or higher from an accredited program.
2. Have passed a clinical-category national licensure exam.
3. Have completed 3,000 hours or two years of full-time, post-graduate supervised clinical practice.

Steps to take before September 16!
The Council of State Governments recognizes that many questions still do not have answers, such as which states will join the compact and the costs for the licensure. That is because the compact is still in its infancy and more work needs to be done. BUT there is something we can all do right now. An initial language draft is open for review on the compact's website. Upon review of the compact, it is strongly encouraged to provide feedback, thoughts, questions, or concerns regarding the draft. The Council has provided a link on its website to follow for any comments regarding the draft.

THIS NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022, SO PLEASE DON'T WAIT!

CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK TO THE COMPACT WEBSITE