The bill proposes that New Jersey join the Social Work Licensure Compact, which aims to streamline the interstate practice of regulated social workers. This compact is designed to enhance public access to social work services, alleviate the burden of maintaining multiple licenses, and foster cooperation among member states. It establishes a framework for the mutual recognition of licenses, allowing social workers to practice across state lines while adhering to the regulations of the state where the client is located. To participate, New Jersey must meet specific criteria, including licensing and regulating social work, requiring graduation from accredited programs, and having mechanisms for investigating complaints.
The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the newly created Social Work Licensure Compact Commission, which will oversee the compact's administration, including rule establishment, investigations, and financial management. It emphasizes the importance of due process and the protection of licensees' rights throughout the licensing and disciplinary processes. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of a coordinated data system for tracking multistate licenses and details the procedures for adverse actions against licensees. The compact aims to ensure that social workers licensed at various levels can practice in multiple states with a single license, provided they meet the outlined requirements.