California moves to join social work license compact for multistate practice

The Board of Behavioral Sciences convened on May 9, 2025, to discuss significant legislative developments regarding California's participation in the Social Work License Compact. This compact aims to facilitate the practice of licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) across state lines, allowing them to operate in member states without needing separate licenses for each state.

The meeting began with an overview of the proposed bill, which would establish California as a member state in the compact. If enacted, the bill would enable LCSWs licensed in California to practice in other member states and vice versa. The bill's implementation hinges on a majority vote from the board, which must be certified by the Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).

Key points discussed included California's existing licensing requirements for clinical social workers, which include a master's degree from an accredited institution, passage of a clinical and law ethics exam, and 3,000 hours of supervised experience. The board has also streamlined the licensing process for out-of-state licensees who have been active and unrestricted in their practice for at least two years.

The compact would allow California to issue multistate licenses, enabling social workers to practice in multiple states with a single license. However, the board expressed concerns regarding the compact's implications for California's specific coursework requirements. Currently, California mandates additional continuing education (CE) hours focused on state-specific laws and ethics, which may not be enforceable under the compact for out-of-state licensees.

The board highlighted the importance of maintaining California's unique standards, particularly given the state's diverse population and specific legal frameworks regarding reproductive and LGBTQ rights. There was also discussion about the potential loss of autonomy, as joining the compact would require the board to delegate some regulatory authority to the compact commission.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the compact's potential to address workforce shortages among licensed mental health professionals. However, the board acknowledged the need for further clarification on various regulatory aspects before making a decision on joining the compact. The next steps will involve continued discussions and evaluations of the compact's provisions and their alignment with California's licensing standards.