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Local social workers urge delegation to pass Social Work Licensure Compact (HB 13 / SB 74)
Summary
Andres Torrens of the National Association of Social Workers (Palm Beach unit) told the delegation the interstate licensure compact will improve access to clinical social workers across state lines, reduce delays in care, and help military families. He asked lawmakers to finish passage of the compact in the upcoming session.
Andres Torrens, chair of the Palm Beach unit of the National Association of Social Workers, urged the delegation to support the Social Work Licensure Compact (House Bill 13, Senate Bill 74). He said the compact would allow licensed clinical social workers to practice across state lines in member states, in person or by telehealth, improving continuity of care and expanding access without duplicative licensure hurdles.
Torrens cited workforce projections and state data: the number of licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) in Florida has grown from about 7,300 in 2014 to approximately 13,628 today, but projected demand would reach roughly 19,000 by 2035 while supply is expected to be about 16,000 under current trends. He said the compact would help address provider shortages and ease transitions for military families.
He also noted that Florida previously enacted other interstate compacts for behavioral health professions and said the social work compact had previously passed the Florida House with bipartisan support. Torrens asked delegation members to prioritize its passage in the upcoming session.
