States Push Single Social Work License to Boost Labor Supply (1)

Lawmakers in more than 20 states aim to pass legislation this year that would establish a common, multistate license for social workers to help address behavioral health workforce shortages and gaps in mental health-care access across the country.

The Social Work Licensure Compact has gained significant traction so far in 2024, with legislators in states like Colorado, Nebraska, and Virginia introducing bills this month to adopt the professional agreement. In total, 22 states have introduced such legislation, in addition to Missouri, the only state that has accepted the compact. At least six states need to follow Missouri’s lead to officially ...