MT SB140

Montana would join the Social Work Licensure Compact, enabling licensed social workers (clinical, master's, or bachelor's level) to practice across all member states through a single multistate license issued by their home state.

Applicants must hold an unencumbered license, pass a qualifying national exam, submit fingerprints for criminal background checks, and meet education requirements from accredited programs; clinical licensees must also complete 3,000 hours or 2 years of supervised practice.

The compact creates the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission, a joint governmental agency with one delegate per member state, empowered to promulgate rules, maintain a shared data system for licensure and disciplinary information, and assess fees.

Member states retain authority to take adverse action against a social worker's multistate authorization within their borders, while only the home state may act against the underlying multistate license; disciplinary information must be shared across the data system.

The compact becomes effective when enacted by seven states; states may withdraw with 180 days' notice, and military members and spouses may retain their home state designation during active duty.