NC Joins Social Work Licensure Compact, Expanding Access to Mental Health Care Across State Lines

New law allows social workers to practice across state lines with a single multistate license

RALEIGH, N.C. — In a major step forward for mental health access and professional mobility, Governor Josh Stein today signed into law HB 231, legislation that enters North Carolina into the Social Work Licensure Compact . Sponsored by Representative Dr. Timothy Reeder (Pitt County), this landmark legislation allows clinically licensed social workers in any compact member state to practice in all other participating states using a single multistate license.

“Social workers want to help our children and families who are in need. We should make it easier for them to do so not harder,” said Governor John Stein at today’s bill signing. “This law will enable our state to create an interstate licensure agreement…to expand care to more people. I am pleased to expand access to services and to help our social workers do their jobs.”

The Social Work Compact addresses one of the greatest barriers in behavioral health today: state-by-state licensure restrictions that prevent licensed clinical social workers from providing care across state borders, even via telehealth. With this law, North Carolina joins a growing national effort to eliminate unnecessary obstacles and expand access to mental health services, especially in rural and underserved communities.

“I was proud to sponsor HB 231,” said Representative Reeder. “I am honored to work with social workers every day, and I know the importance and dedication they show to North Carolinians. Through the work of social workers, we will have better health, stronger families and successful communities.”

“This Compact brings us closer to meeting the real mental health needs of our communities,” said Valerie Arendt, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC). “Social workers are the largest providers of mental health services in North Carolina and nationwide. Yet our state, like many others, is facing a shortage of behavioral health professionals. This law empowers our licensed clinical social workers to respond to that need across state lines and in times of crisis.”

One such example occurred after Hurricane Helene, when displaced residents from Western North Carolina relocated to nearby states. Social workers who had been treating these clients were unable to continue services without obtaining additional licenses, disrupting care during an already traumatic time.

“The Compact helps ensure continuity of care, no matter where life takes our residents,” said Arendt. “It also strengthens our disaster response capacity and creates more flexibility for military families, mobile workforces, and telehealth providers.”

“The social work licensure compact bill represents a crucial step forward in the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board’s (NCSWCLB) continued commitment to protecting the public safety of the citizens of North Carolina through social work regulation,” said Elizabeth Pope, Executive Director of NCSWCLB.

NASW-NC played a leading role in advocating for the passage of this legislation, working closely with lawmakers, social workers and national stakeholders to make the Compact a reality in North Carolina. The bill received unanimous support in both the North Carolina House and Senate.

“This is a proud day for the social work profession and for all North Carolinians who deserve timely, compassionate, and uninterrupted access to mental health care,” said Arendt.

This milestone makes North Carolina the 29th state to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, reflecting bipartisan recognition of the vital role social workers play in addressing behavioral health needs.

Media Contact:
Valerie Arendt
National Association of Social Workers – North Carolina
Phone: 919-828-9650
Email: director.naswnc@socialworkers.org
Website: www.naswnc.org

Multistate social work licenses are NOT yet being issued at this time. The implementation process for the compact will take 12 to 24 months before multistate licenses are to be issued. You can learn more details about the Social Work Licensure Compact and the Compact Commission by going to its website here.

Learn about NASW-NC's full Social Work Licensure Compact advocacy here.