NJ A2813

New Jersey joins the Social Work Licensure Compact, an interstate agreement that allows licensed social workers (clinical, master's, or bachelor's level) to practice across all member states without obtaining separate licenses in each state

Social workers must hold an unencumbered license in their home state, pass a qualifying national exam, submit fingerprints for criminal background checks, and meet continuing education requirements to obtain a multistate license

The compact establishes the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission, a joint government agency composed of delegates from each member state, to administer the agreement, maintain a data system for licensure information, and promulgate rules

Member states retain authority to take adverse action against a social worker's authorization to practice within their state, and disciplinary information must be reported to the data system and shared among member states

The compact becomes effective when enacted by seven states; member states may withdraw with 180 days' notice after repealing the statute, and must continue recognizing compact licenses for at least 180 days after withdrawal