Kentucky 2023 Regular Session

Kentucky House Bill HB405

Introduced
2/21/23  

Caption

AN ACT relating to the Social Work Licensure Compact.

Impact

The implementation of HB 405 is expected to significantly impact state regulations surrounding the practice of social work. By allowing for mutual recognition of licenses across member states, the bill aims to eliminate the necessity for social workers to obtain multiple licenses when practicing across state lines. This mutual recognition can enhance workforce mobility, allowing social workers to provide services in areas experiencing shortages without unnecessary licensing barriers. The compact supports military families by allowing them to retain their home state designation during active duty, thus providing stability in licensure regardless of relocations.

Summary

House Bill 405 establishes the Social Work Licensure Compact, aiming to facilitate the interstate practice of regulated social workers while ensuring public access to competent social work services. This compact seeks to promote the exchange of licensure and disciplinary information among member states, thereby enhancing the ability of these states to protect public health and safety while also addressing anticipated workforce shortages in the field of social work. The compact emphasizes the importance of maintaining state regulatory authority, ensuring that the integrity and standards of social work practice are upheld nationwide.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 405 is generally positive among proponents who emphasize workforce mobility and access to services. Advocates argue that the compact not only simplifies the licensure process but also addresses pressing needs within the healthcare system by ensuring that capable social workers can operate where they are needed most. However, there are concerns about the potential erosion of local regulatory authority, with critics questioning whether a uniform approach could compromise the local standards of care specific to diverse communities. Ensuring that local needs are still adequately met within the broader framework of the compact remains a point of discussions among lawmakers.

Contention

Discussion around HB 405 centered on the balance between facilitating inter-state social work practice and maintaining state standards. While many support the aim of increasing access to social work services and addressing workforce shortages, there is apprehension regarding the possible reduction in local control over social work practices. Legislators have raised concerns about the effectiveness of a single compact in meeting the varied social and cultural needs of different states. Therefore, the ongoing discourse includes examining the compact's framework to ensure that it does not unintentionally disadvantage various localities in favor of a more standardized, but potentially less tailored, statewide approach.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KY SB57

AN ACT relating to the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.

KY HB65

AN ACT relating to the Licensed Professional Counseling Compact.

KY HB762

AN ACT relating to the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact.

KY SB105

Social Work Licensure Compact

KY HB5375

SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT

KY HB2473

SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT

KY SB0163

Social work licensure compact.

KY SB0110

Social work licensure compact.

KY HB110

Social Work Licensure Compact

KY HB839

Social Work Licensure Compact Act; enact

Similar Bills

KY HB56

AN ACT relating to licensed professionals.

KY HB562

AN ACT relating to dietitians.

KY HB557

AN ACT relating to dietitians.

KY HB70

AN ACT relating to dietitians.

KY SB57

AN ACT relating to the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.

KY HB77

AN ACT relating to the Interstate Massage Compact.

KY HB108

AN ACT relating to the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact.

KY HB762

AN ACT relating to the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact.