Federal Government Announces New Social Worker Licensure Compact

Effort looks to increase access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment

July 16, 2024

The federal government today announced the first steps to create a multi-state social worker licensure compact.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced the launch of a new grant program that seeks to make it easier for social workers to practice across state lines, increase behavioral health access, and facilitate telehealth services.

“HRSA is leading the way in growing the behavioral health workforce both by training more providers and by breaking down barriers to allow the workforce to make mental health and substance use disorder services more accessible across the country,” said U.S. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm.

Here’s what you need to know:

• What it does:  HRSA’s new $2.5 million investment will support the launch of the multi-state social worker compact. It also will focus on building and sustaining existing primary care, psychology, and podiatry compacts.
  • Once launched, the program will allow providers to practice across state lines without having to apply for a license in each state participating in the compact.
• Grant target:  The grant recipients will work with state licensing boards to “develop and implement state policies that reduce barriers to telehealth and allow for practice across state lines,” officials said.
• Notable:  HAP has been working to address administrative issues that have prevented the physician and nurse licensure compacts from being implemented in Pennsylvania and thanks our state and federal partners for their work to support the health care workforce.
• Quotable:  “Today’s announcement is a critical step in helping social workers serve people in need, particularly in rural and underserved communities across the country,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson.

Additional information about the licensure portability grant program is available online.