Ohio, 13 other states sign compact allowing social workers to practice across state lines

Amid what many Americans are calling a mental health crisis, an increasing number of states are trying to address the problem by empowering social workers to practice across state lines (Source: “Amid mental health crisis, new compact allows social workers to practice across state lines,” Stateline, May 28).

Under the Social Work Licensure Compact, social workers can get a multistate license, which clears them to care for patients in a participating state, even if they don’t live there. Social workers must abide by the laws of the state where the patient resides.

Missouri was the first state to approve compact legislation, in July 2023. Since then, 14 other states, including Ohio, have signed on. And at least 17 more are considering bills to do the same, according to the nonpartisan Council of State Governments, a nonprofit organization that promotes the exchange of ideas across state lines.

The compact is the result of a collaboration among the council, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Association of Social Work Boards, which develops social work licensing exams. The National Association of Social Workers and the Clinical Social Work Association, both membership organizations for social workers, are partners in the effort. The Defense Department is involved because military families move frequently, and many of them include social workers. Getting a new license every one or two years is burdensome.

This isn’t the first compact to allow mental health providers to practice across state lines. Thirty-six states have passed legislation to allow psychologists to practice elsewhere by joining an interstate compact known as PSYPACT. Ohio is also a part of that compact.