House Bill No. 2261 establishes the Social Work Licensure Compact in Oklahoma, designed to facilitate the interstate practice of regulated social workers. The bill aims to improve public access to social work services, reduce duplicative licensing requirements, and enhance member states' ability to protect public health and safety. It creates a Social Work Licensure Compact Commission to oversee the compact's implementation, including membership, voting, and rulemaking procedures. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for states wishing to participate, detailing the process for social workers to obtain a multistate license, which includes maintaining a clean license status and completing a qualifying national exam.

The legislation also establishes a framework for the issuance and regulation of Multistate Licenses, allowing social workers to practice under a Multistate Authorization to Practice. It clarifies that member states retain the authority to enforce their own laws related to social work practice, provided they do not conflict with the Compact's provisions. The bill mandates the development of a coordinated data system for tracking licensure and adverse actions, and it outlines the Commission's rulemaking authority, including procedures for public hearings and addressing defaults by member states. The Compact will take effect once enacted by the seventh member state and includes provisions for severability and adherence to local laws for licensees providing services in remote states.