Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Worker Compact topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rep. Hunchofsky seeks social worker compact to let licensed social workers practice across member states
Summary
Representative Hunchofsky told the health care budget subcommittee that House Bill 13 would adopt the social worker compact, allowing licensed social workers to practice in member states and improving continuity of care; the subcommittee reported the bill favorably with supporters recorded as waiving testimony.
Representative Hunchofsky presented House Bill 13 to the health care budget subcommittee, describing it as the social worker compact that "would allow licensed social workers to practice in member states." She said about 30 states currently participate and Florida is not yet a member; adopting the compact would let social workers provide continuity of care when clients move between states.
"This is, once again, the social worker compact, which would allow licensed, social workers to practice in member states," Hunchofsky said. She told the panel the measure would address workforce shortages and help maintain continuity for people who move or who are temporarily in other states.
The chair read in public testimony waiving support from Caleb Hawkes of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Yvonne Fernandez of ARP and Ron Watson of the Florida Renal Association. During debate, Representative Woodson said there is a shortage of social workers in Florida and nationally and called the compact "a common sense bill," urging colleagues to support it. Representative Tannen also voiced support and encouraged colleagues to join in voting for the measure.
Hunchofsky waived close. The clerk called the roll for a vote and the subcommittee recorded the bill as reported favorably; the chair announced the measure was shown reported favorably with no dissent recorded in the transcript.
The subcommittee action advances House Bill 13 for further legislative consideration.
