NASW-NC's Hurricane Helene Temporary License Advocacy

On October 17, 2024, at the request of licensed clinical social workers impacted by Hurricane Helene and licensed clinical social workers in other jurisdictions, the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina (NASW-NC) requested the members of the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB) reconsider its position to permit social workers licensed in other jurisdictions to provide services to those impacted by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina without obtaining a temporary license.  

On November 1, 2024, the NCSWCLB voted to maintain the requirement for the Temporary License to practice in North Carolina during the Executive Order 318.

On November 17, 2024, NASW-NC sent a letter to the NCSWCLB requesting that the NCSWCLB waive the $25 fee required by certified bank check or money order for the Temporary License, find a solution to accept the Temporary License application online and verify the applicant’s license from another jurisdiction without mailing a paper copy of the application and MSW transcript as the seven other North Carolina health profession licensure boards cited in the letter have been able to do.

On December 6, 2024, the NCSWCLB voted to maintain the requirement for the Temporary License to practice in North Carolina during the Executive Order 318, still including the $25 fee made out by certified bank check or money order and mailed copy of transcript and application.

NASW-NC is disappointed by the NCSWCLB decision and wants the members of NASW-NC to be aware of the advocacy put forth by NASW-NC to make it easier for licensees from other jurisdictions to provide mental health services to those impacted by Hurricane Helene in the western part of North Carolina.

It is no surprise to learn from the Board that only 1 application has been received for a Temporary License under Executive Order 318 due to the complicated application process.

While the NCSWCLB and NASW-NC do often collaborate, this is a good reminder that the mission of the NCSWCLB is to protect the public, while NASW-NC is a membership organization with a strong mission to ethically advocate for the best interests of social workers, the social work profession, the members of NASW, and social justice issues.

NASW-NC has always encouraged our members to actively engage with the NCSWCLB. There will be two professional member vacancies on the NCSWCLB in 2025. If you are a member of NASW-NC and interested in being recommended to the Governor’s office by NASW-NC to serve on the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board, please contact Valerie Arendt director.naswnc@socialworkers.org.