Plain English Breakdown
The official source confirms the bill passed but does not specify an effective date, only that it becomes operative upon certification by the Director of Consumer Affairs.
Social Work Licensure Compact
This law allows California to join an agreement with other states so qualified social workers can get a license that lets them practice in multiple member states.
What This Bill Does
- Ratifies the Social Work Licensure Compact for participating states.
- Allows eligible applicants who meet education and experience requirements to receive a multistate license.
- Creates a commission and requires the Board of Behavioral Sciences to select a delegate to serve on it.
- Requires the board to follow compact rules and create regulations needed to make them work.
- Updates laws so people can practice clinical social work with either a standard state license or a multistate compact license.
Who It Names or Affects
- Clinical social workers who want to practice in more than one member state.
- The Board of Behavioral Sciences, which regulates these professionals and must select a delegate.
- Applicants seeking licensure under the new compact rules.
- Other states that are members of the Social Work Licensure Compact.
Terms To Know
- Social Work Licensure Compact
- An agreement between member states to issue multistate licenses and allow social workers to practice across state lines if they meet specific requirements.
- Multistate license
- A professional credential that allows the holder to work in any other state that has joined the compact, provided they meet education and experience rules.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law only starts working after the Director of Consumer Affairs certifies that a majority of the board voted to join.
- It does not take effect until specific officials are notified about the certification date.
- The text does not list which other states have already joined or will join this compact.