The bill amends West Virginia law to adopt the Social Work Licensure Compact, which facilitates the interstate practice of regulated social workers while preserving state regulatory authority. It introduces a new article, 30-30A, that defines the compact's purpose, key terms, and requirements for state participation and social workers seeking to practice across state lines. The compact aims to improve public access to social work services, reduce redundant licensing requirements, and support military families. It also outlines the powers and duties of the Board of Social Work, including the authority to require criminal history checks for applicants seeking multistate licenses.

Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for issuing and regulating Multistate Licenses for social workers, detailing eligibility requirements, practice standards, and procedures for adverse actions against social workers. It creates a Commission to oversee the compact's implementation, including maintaining a data system for sharing licensure and disciplinary information among member states. The bill also includes provisions for financial management, legal protections for Commission members, and mechanisms for dispute resolution and enforcement. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the licensing process for social workers and enhance the portability of their licenses across state lines while ensuring compliance with state laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-30A-1, 30-30A-2, 30-30A-3, 30-30A-4, 30-30A-5, 30-30A-6, 30-30A-7, 30-30A-8, 30-30A-9, 30-30A-10, 30-30A-11, 30-30A-12, 30-30A-13, 30-30A-14, 30-30A-15, 30-30A-16
Committee Substitute: 30-30-3, 30-30-5, 30-30A-1, 30-30A-2, 30-30A-3, 30-30A-4, 30-30A-5, 30-30A-6, 30-30A-7, 30-30A-8, 30-30A-9, 30-30A-10, 30-30A-11, 30-30A-12, 30-30A-13, 30-30A-14, 30-30A-15, 30-30A-16
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 30-30-3, 30-30-5, 30-30A-1, 30-30A-2, 30-30A-3, 30-30A-4, 30-30A-5, 30-30A-6, 30-30A-7, 30-30A-8, 30-30A-9, 30-30A-10, 30-30A-11, 30-30A-12, 30-30A-13, 30-30A-14, 30-30A-15, 30-30A-16