The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has announced a new investment in a multi-state social worker licensure compact. This initiative, part of the first-ever Licensure Portability Grant Program, aims to facilitate social workers practicing across state lines, thereby increasing access to behavioral health services and enhancing telehealth capabilities.
State licensure compacts allow for a unified approach to licensing healthcare providers, enabling them to practice in multiple states without needing separate licenses for each one. This streamlining is expected to improve service access by easing hiring processes and facilitating telehealth use. The announcement was made at HRSA’s National Telehealth Conference, the largest federal conference on telehealth issues.
“Social workers are essential to expanding access to behavioral health care services, a top priority of the Biden-Harris Administration,” said HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm. “HRSA is leading the way in growing the behavioral health workforce both by training more providers and by breaking down barriers to allow the workforce to make mental health and substance use disorder services more accessible across the country.”
HRSA's $2.5 million investment will support launching a social worker compact alongside ongoing efforts for primary care, psychology, and podiatry compacts. Behavioral health has been identified as a priority area within this work. Since HRSA began investing in licensure compacts, initiatives like the Interstate Medical Licensing Compact and Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) have expanded to include 40 states, Washington D.C., and one territory.
“Social workers are on the frontlines in responding to the Administration’s priorities, including meeting children’s mental health needs, responding to the opioid epidemic, and addressing maternal depression,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “Today’s announcement is a critical step in helping social workers serve people in need, particularly in rural and underserved communities across the country.”
The funding will support organizations such as the Association of Social Work Boards, Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, and Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards. These groups will collaborate with state licensing boards to develop policies that reduce barriers to telehealth and cross-state practice.
HRSA’s National Telehealth Conference gathers public and private sector leaders annually to discuss best practices for expanding telehealth services in underserved areas. This year saw over 2,000 participants exploring innovation, policy changes, and licensure issues related to telehealth.
For further details on the Licensure Portability Grant Program or HRSA's telehealth initiatives:
- Visit: Licensure Portability Grant Program Awardees webpage
- Visit: Office for the Advancement of Telehealth webpage