The bill establishes the Social Work Licensure Compact as Part II of Chapter 35 of Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, aimed at facilitating the interstate practice of regulated social workers. It seeks to enhance public access to social work services while maintaining state regulatory authority, reducing duplicative licensing requirements, and promoting cooperation among member states. The legislation outlines eligibility criteria for state participation, provisions for multistate licenses, and the creation of the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission, which will oversee the implementation of the Compact, including conducting joint investigations and sharing disciplinary information.

Additionally, the bill mandates a coordinated data system for member states, which will include criminal background checks for applicants and definitions for key terms related to the Compact. It grants the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners access to criminal history records and specifies the responsibilities of the Commission, including financial accountability and the process for handling states in default. The legislation emphasizes compliance with both the Compact and state laws, while also providing protections for Commission members and establishing procedures for amending the Compact. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensure process for social workers across states while ensuring accountability and cooperation among member states.