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Bill

HB 345

Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 14 co-sponsors

Maryland joins Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing licensed social workers to practice across state lines without separate state licenses, improving workforce mobility while maintaining oversight through an interstate commission.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 9
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Bill Summary · HB 345

Legislative bill overview

HB 345 establishes Maryland's participation in the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact, an agreement allowing licensed social workers to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. The bill creates a streamlined reciprocal licensing framework and establishes an interstate commission to oversee implementation and maintain professional standards.

Why is this important

Social workers frequently serve clients across state borders, and the current system requiring individual state licenses increases costs, delays care, and creates barriers to practice. This compact addresses workforce mobility issues while maintaining consumer protection through the compact commission's oversight of licensing requirements and disciplinary actions.

Potential points of contention

  • Professional standards variance: Different states maintain different licensing requirements and educational standards; the compact must balance reciprocity with ensuring baseline competency across jurisdictions
  • Regulatory oversight concerns: Centralized commission authority over discipline and disputes may reduce individual state control over professional conduct within their borders
  • Implementation costs: States must fund participation in the compact infrastructure and interstate commission operations, with unclear initial budgetary impact
  • Consumer protection gaps: Multi-state practice may complicate accountability if clients need to pursue complaints across state lines or if disciplinary records aren't consistently shared

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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