Social Work Licensure Compact

The act enacts the "Social Work Licensure Compact" (compact). The compact is designed to:

• Eliminate the necessity for social workers to obtain licenses from multiple states by providing for the mutual recognition of licenses from other states that have signed the compact (member states);
• Facilitate the exchange of licensure and disciplinary information among member states;
• Authorize member states to hold a regulated social worker accountable for abiding by a member state's laws, regulations, and applicable professional standards in the member state in which the client is located at the time care is rendered; and
• Allow for the use of telehealth to facilitate increased access to regulated social work services.

The act authorizes the state board of social work examiners (board) to promulgate rules and to facilitate Colorado's participation in the compact, including notifying the social work licensure compact commission (commission) established by the compact of any adverse action taken by the board against a Colorado regulated social worker. The commission includes a delegate from each member state and has the powers and duties set forth in the act.

The compact becomes effective on the date the compact is enacted in the seventh member state.

For the 2024-25 state fiscal year, the act appropriates $78,750 from the division of professions and occupations cash fund to the department of regulatory agencies for use by the division of professions and occupations to implement the act.

APPROVED by Governor June 3, 2024

EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)