Social workers: interstate compact.

Assembly Member Jackson proposes joining California to a multistate licensing compact that would allow social workers to practice across state lines through a single multistate license. The Social Work Licensure Compact establishes uniform standards for participating states while preserving each state's authority to regulate social work practice within its borders.

Under the compact, social workers meeting education, examination and supervised practice requirements could obtain a multistate license from their home state authorizing them to practice in all member states. The compact creates three tiers of multistate licenses - clinical, master's and bachelor's level - with specific qualifications for each category. Participating states must require clinical licensees to complete a master's degree and supervised practice hours.

A new interstate commission would oversee the compact's implementation, maintain a shared database of licensee information, and facilitate information sharing about disciplinary actions among member states. While home states retain primary authority over their licensees' multistate licenses, remote states can take action against a social worker's authorization to practice within their jurisdiction. The compact requires member states to report adverse actions and participate in joint investigations when necessary.

The compact would take effect once seven states enact substantially similar legislation. California's participation is contingent upon certification by the Director of Consumer Affairs that the Board of Behavioral Sciences has voted to join. The board would need to select a delegate to the interstate commission and adopt regulations implementing the compact's requirements.