What is an interstate licensure compact?
An interstate compact is a legal contract between two or more states/territories enabling practitioners (in this case, social workers) to practice in each other’s jurisdiction, once practitioners demonstrate they meet the compact requirements.
How do states join compacts?State legislatures must enact compact legislation to become a member state of a compact.
What steps are needed before the compact is operational?
A threshold number of states, typically, seven to 10 states, must pass the enabling legislation. These states then would form a compact Commission which will govern the compact and ensure coordination between the participating states. Once the threshold number of states have passed the legislation and the Commission is in place, social workers would be able to pursue licensure through the compact, in the participating states. Additional states are added to the compact as they enact the required legislation and join the Commission.
How can social workers get involved in this initiative?
NASW will be providing numerous opportunities for members to advance this important effort. This includes the opportunity to provide input on the draft compact, and to engage in advocacy efforts through the NASW Nevada Chapter to enact compact legislation.If you are NOT a member of NASW-NV please complete the following form to subscribe to be added to our future licensure compact discussions.
