The proposed bill establishes the "Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact," designed to simplify the licensure process for social workers across participating states. It introduces new definitions and requirements, mandating that applicants for a multistate license must possess an active unencumbered license from their home state, undergo criminal background checks, and meet continuing education standards. The bill also creates a compact commission responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the compact, while ensuring that member states retain the authority to regulate social work practice within their jurisdictions, provided they do not conflict with the compact's provisions.

Additionally, the bill amends the Social Work Practice Act to clarify the scope of practice for social workers and enhances the board's authority to implement necessary rules and procedures. It specifies that individuals are practicing social work if they represent themselves as licensed in the state and expands the definition of social work practice to include specialized knowledge of local cultures. The board is granted the power to adopt a professional code of ethics, conduct hearings on license denials, and establish criteria for continuing education. Importantly, the bill requires the development of procedures for criminal background checks, ensuring confidentiality of criminal history information.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 61-31-6, 61-31-8