WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
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Chapter 9
(House Bill 345)
AN ACT concerning
Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact
FOR the purpose of entering into the Social Work Licensure Compact for the purpose of
authorizing regulated social workers who hold multistate licenses to practice social
work in member states; establishing requirements for multistate licensure;
establishing the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission; providing for
withdrawal from the Compact; and generally relating to the Social Work Licensure
Compact.
BY adding to
Article – Health Occupations
Section 19–3A–01 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 3A. Interstate Social Work
Licensure Compact”
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2021 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement)
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
Article – Health Occupations
SUBTITLE 3A. INTERSTATE SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT.
19–3A–01.
THE SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT IS ENACTED IN TO LAW AND
ENTERED INTO WITH AL L OTHER STATES LEGAL LY JOINING IN IT IN THE FORM
SUBSTANTIALLY AS IT APPEARS IN THIS SECT ION AS FOLLOWS :
SECTION 1. PURPOSE.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMPACT IS TO FACILIT ATE INTERSTATE PRACT ICE
OF REGULATED SOCIAL WORKERS BY IMPROVING PUBLIC ACCESS TO COM PETENT
SOCIAL WORK SERVICES . THE COMPACT PRESERVES THE REGULATORY AUTHO RITY
OF STATES TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND SA FETY THROUGH THE CUR RENT
SYSTEM OF STATE LICE NSURE. THIS COMPACT IS DESIGNED T O ACHIEVE THE
FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES :
(1) INCREASE PUBLIC ACCES S TO SOCIAL WORKERS ;
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(2) REDUCE OVERLY BURDEN SOME AND DUPLICATIVE
REQUIREMENTS ASSOCIA TED WITH HOLDING MUL TIPLE LICENSES;
(3) ENHANCE THE MEMBER ST ATES’ ABILITY TO PROTECT T HE
PUBLIC’S HEALTH AND SAFETY ;
(4) ENCOURAGE THE COOPERA TION OF MEMBER STATE S IN
REGULATING MULTISTAT E PRACTICE;
(5) PROMOTE MOBILITY AND ADDRESS WORKFORCE SH ORTAGES BY
ELIMINATING THE NECE SSITY FOR LICENSES I N MULTIPLE STATES BY PROVIDING
FOR THE MUTUAL RECOG NITION OF OTHER MEMB ER STATE LICENSES ;
(6) SUPPORT MILITARY FAMI LIES;
(7) FACILITATE THE EXCHAN GE OF LICENS URE AND DISCIPLINARY
INFORMATION AMONG ME MBER STATES;
(8) AUTHORIZE ALL MEMBER STATES TO HOLD A REG ULATED SOCIAL
WORKER ACCOUNTABLE F OR ABIDING BY A MEMB ER STATE’S LAWS, REGULATIONS ,
AND APPLICABLE PROFE SSIONAL STANDARDS IN THE MEMBER STATE IN WHICH THE
CLIENT IS LOCATED AT THE TIME CARE IS REN DERED; AND
(9) ALLOW THE USE OF TELE HEALTH TO FACILITATE INCREASED
ACCESS TO REGULATED SOCIAL WORK SERVICES .
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS.
AS USED IN THIS COMPACT, AND EXCEPT AS OTHERW ISE PROVIDED, THE
FOLLOWING D EFINITIONS SHALL APP LY:
(1) “ACTIVE MILITARY MEMBE R” MEANS ANY INDIVIDUAL WITH
FULL–TIME DUTY STATUS IN THE ACTIVE ARMED FOR CES OF THE UNITED STATES,
INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE.
(2) “ADVERSE ACTION ” MEANS ANY ADMINISTRA TIVE, CIVIL,
EQUITABLE, OR CRIMINAL ACTION P ERMITTED BY A STATE ’S LAWS WHICH IS
IMPOSED BY A LICENSI NG AUTHORITY OR OTHE R AUTHORITY AGAINST A
REGULATED SOCIAL WOR KER, INCLUDING ACTIONS AG AINST AN INDIVIDUAL ’S
LICENSE OR MULTISTAT E AUTHORIZATION TO P RACTICE SUCH AS REVOCATION ,
SUSPENSION, PROBATION, MONITORING OF THE LI CENSEE, LIMITATION ON THE
LICENSEE’S PRACTICE, OR ANY OTHER ENCUMBR ANCE ON LICENSURE AF FECTING A WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
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REGULATED SOCIAL WOR KER’S AUTHORIZATION TO P RACTICE, INCLUDING
ISSUANCE OF A CEASE AND DESIST ACTION .
(3) “ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM ” MEANS A NON –DISCIPLINARY
MONITORING OR PRACTI CE REMEDIATION PROCE SS APPROVED BY A LIC ENSING
AUTHORITY TO ADDRESS PRACTITIONERS WITH A N IMPAIRMENT .
(4) “CHARTER MEMBER STATES ” MEANS MEMBER STATES WHO HAVE
ENACTED LEGISLATION TO ADOPT THIS COMPACT WHERE SUCH LE GISLATION
PREDATES THE EFFECTI VE DATE OF THIS COMPACT AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 14.
(5) “COMPACT COMMISSION ” OR “COMMISSION” MEANS THE
GOVERNMENT AGENCY WH OSE MEMBERSHIP CONSI STS OF ALL STATES TH AT HAVE
ENACTED THIS COMPACT, WHICH IS KNOWN AS TH E SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE
COMPACT COMMISSION, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 10, AND WHICH SHALL
OPERATE AS AN INSTRU MENTALITY OF THE MEM BER STATES.
(6) “CURRENT SIGNIFICANT I NVESTIGATIVE INFORMA TION” MEANS:
(I) INVESTIGATIVE INFORMATION THAT A L ICENSING
AUTHORITY, AFTER A PRELIMINARY INQUIRY THAT INCLUDE S NOTIFICATION AND
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR T HE REGULATED SOCIAL WORKER TO RESPOND HA S REASON
TO BELIEVE IS NOT GR OUNDLESS AND , IF PROVED TRUE , WOULD INDICATE MORE
THAN A MINOR INFRA CTION AS MAY BE DEFI NED BY THE COMMISSION; OR
(II) INVESTIGATIVE INFORMA TION THAT INDICATES THAT THE
REGULATED SOCIAL WOR KER REPRESENTS AN IM MEDIATE THREAT TO PU BLIC
HEALTH AND SAFETY , AS MAY BE DEFINED BY THE COMMISSION, REGARDLESS OF
WHETHER THE REGU LATED SOCIAL WORKER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AN D HAS HAD AN
OPPORTUNITY TO RESPO ND.
(7) “DATA SYSTEM” MEANS A REPOSITORY O F INFORMATION ABOUT
LICENSEES, INCLUDING CONTINUING EDUCATION, EXAMINATION , LICENSURE,
CURRENT SIGNIFICANT INVESTIGATIVE INFORM ATION, DISQUALIFYING EVENT ,
MULTISTATE LICENSE , AND ADVERSE ACTION I NFORMATION OR OTHER
INFORMATION AS REQUI RED BY THE COMMISSION.
(8) “DISQUALIFYING EVENT ” MEANS ANY ADVERSE AC TION OR
INCIDENT WHICH RESUL TS IN AN ENCUMBRANCE THAT DISQUALIFIES OR MAKES
THE LICENSE E INELIGIBLE TO OBTA IN, RETAIN, OR RENEW A MULTISTAT E LICENSE.
(9) “DOMICILE” MEANS THE JURISDICTI ON IN WHICH THE LICE NSEE
RESIDES AND INTENDS TO REMAIN INDEFINITE LY.
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(10) “ENCUMBRANCE ” MEANS A REVOCATION O R SUSPENSION OF , OR
ANY LIMITATION ON , THE FULL AND UNRESTRICTED PRACTICE OF SOCIAL W ORK
LICENSED AND REGULAT ED BY A LICENSING AU THORITY.
(11) “EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ” MEANS A GROUP OF DEL EGATES
ELECTED OR APPOINTED TO ACT ON BEHALF OF , AND WITHIN THE POWER S
GRANTED TO THEM BY , THE COMPACT AND COMMISSION.
(12) “HOME STATE ” MEANS THE MEMBER STA TE THAT IS THE
LICENSEE’S PRIMARY DOMICILE .
(13) “IMPAIRMENT ” MEANS A CONDITION TH AT MAY IMPAIR A
PRACTITIONER ’S ABILITY TO ENGAGE IN FULL AND UNRESTRI CTED PRACTICE AS A
REGULATED SOCIAL WOR KER WITHOUT SOM E TYPE OF INTERVENTI ON AND MAY
INCLUDE ALCOHOL AND DRUG DEPENDENCE , MENTAL HEALTH IMPAIR MENT, AND
NEUROLOGICAL OR PHYS ICAL IMPAIRMENTS .
(14) “LICENSEE” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO CURRENTLY HOLDS A
LICENSE FROM A STATE TO PRACTICE AS A REG ULATED SOCIAL WORK ER.
(15) “LICENSING AUTHORITY ” MEANS THE BOARD OR A GENCY OF A
MEMBER STATE , OR EQUIVALENT , THAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LICENSING AN D
REGULATION OF REGULA TED SOCIAL WORKERS .
(16) “MEMBER STATE ” MEANS A STATE , COMMONWEALTH , DISTRICT,
OR TERRITORY OF TH E UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THAT HAS ENAC TED THIS
COMPACT.
(17) “MULTISTATE AUTHORIZAT ION TO PRACTICE ” MEANS A LEGALLY
AUTHORIZED PRIVILEGE TO PRACTICE , WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO A LICENSE ,
ASSOCIATED WITH A MU LTISTATE LICENSE PER MITTING THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL
WORK IN A REMOTE STA TE.
(18) “MULTISTATE LICENSE ” MEANS A LICENSE TO P RACTICE AS A
REGULATED SOCIAL WOR KER ISSUED BY A HOME STATE LICENSING AUTH ORITY
THAT AUTHORIZES THE REGULATED SOCIAL WOR KER TO PRACTICE IN A LL MEMBER
STATES UNDER MULTIST ATE AUTHORIZATION TO PRA CTICE.
(19) “QUALIFYING NATIONAL E XAM” MEANS A NATIONAL LIC ENSING
EXAMINATION APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
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(20) “REGULATED SOCIAL WORK ER” MEANS ANY CLINICAL , MASTER’S,
OR BACHELOR ’S SOCIAL WORKER LICE NSED BY A MEMBER STA TE REGARDLE SS OF
THE TITLE USED BY TH AT MEMBER STATE .
(21) “REMOTE STATE ” MEANS A MEMBER STATE OTHER THAN THE
HOME STATE.
(22) “RULE” OR “RULE OF THE COMMISSION” MEANS A REGULATION
DULY PROMULGATED BY THE COMMISSION, AS AUTHORIZED BY THI S COMPACT,
THAT HAS THE FORCE OF LAW .
(23) “SINGLE STATE LICENSE ” MEANS A SOCIAL WORK LICENSE
ISSUED BY ANY STATE THAT AUTHORIZES PRAC TICE ONLY WITHIN THE ISSUING
STATE AND DOES NOT I NCLUDE MULTISTATE AU THORIZATION TO PRACT ICE IN ANY
MEMBER STATE .
(24) “SOCIAL WORK ” OR “SOCIAL WORK SERVICES ” MEANS THE
APPLICATION OF SOCIA L WORK THEORY , KNOWLEDGE , METHODS, ETHICS, AND THE
PROFESSIONAL USE OF SELF TO RESTORE OR E NHANCE SOCIAL , PSYCHOSOCIAL , OR
BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL FUNC TIONING OF INDIVIDUA LS, COUPLES, FAMILIES, GROUPS,
ORGANIZATIONS , AND COMMUNITIES THRO UGH THE CARE AND SER VICES PROVIDED
BY A REGULATED SOCIA L WORKER AS SET FORT H IN THE MEMBER STAT E’S
STATUTES AND REGULAT IONS IN THE STATE WH ERE THE SERVICES ARE BEING
PROVIDED.
(25) “STATE” MEANS ANY STATE , COMMONWEALTH , DISTRICT, OR
TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THAT REGULATE S THE PRACTICE
OF SOCIAL WORK .
(26) “UNENCUMBERED LICENSE ” MEANS A LICENSE THAT
AUTHORIZES A REGULAT ED SOCIAL WORKER TO ENGAGE IN THE FULL A ND
UNRESTRICTED PRACTIC E OF SOCIAL WORK .
SECTION 3. STATE PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPACT.
(A) TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PAR TICIPATE IN THE COMPACT, A POTENTIAL
MEMBER STATE MUST CU RRENTLY MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CRITER IA:
(1) LICENSE AND REGULATE SOCIAL WORK AT EITHE R THE CLINICAL,
MASTER’S OR BACHELOR ’S CATEGORY;
(2) REQUIRE APPLICANTS FO R LICENSURE TO GRADU ATE FROM A
PROGRAM THAT :
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(I) IS OPERATED BY A COLL EGE OR UNIVERSITY RE COGNIZED
BY THE LICENSING AUT HORITY;
(II) IS ACCREDITED , OR IN CANDIDACY BY A N INSTITUTION
THAT SUBSEQUENTLY BE COMES ACCREDITED , BY AN ACCREDITING AG ENCY
RECOGNIZED BY EITHER :
1. THE COUNCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
ACCREDITATION OR ITS SUCCESSOR; OR
2. THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION;
AND
(III) CORRESPONDS TO THE LI CENSURE SOUGHT AS OU TLINED
IN SECTION 4;
(3) REQUIRE APPLICANTS FO R CLINICAL LICENSURE TO COMPLETE A
PERIOD OF SUPERVISED PRACTICE; AND
(4) HAVE A MECHANISM IN P LACE FOR RECEIVING , INVESTIGATING ,
AND ADJUDICATING COM PLAINTS ABOUT LICENS EES.
(B) TO MAINTAIN MEMBERSHI P IN THE COMPACT A MEMBER ST ATE SHALL:
(1) REQUIRE THAT APPLICAN TS FOR A MULTISTATE LICENSE PASS A
QUALIFYING NATIONAL EXAM FOR THE CORRESP ONDING CATEGORY OF
MULTISTATE LICENSE S OUGHT AS OUTLINED IN SECTION 4;
(2) PARTICIPATE FULLY IN THE COMMISSION’S DATA SYSTEM ,
INCLUDING USING THE COMMISSION’S UNIQUE IDENTIFIER AS DEFINED IN RULES ;
(3) NOTIFY THE COMMISSION, IN COMPLIANCE WITH T HE TERMS OF
THE COMPACT AND RULES , OF ANY ADVERSE ACTIO N OR THE AVAILABILIT Y OF
CURRENT SIGNIFICANT INVESTIGATIVE INFORM ATION REGARDING A LI CENSEE;
(4) IMPLEMENT PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERING THE CRIMINAL
HISTORY RECORDS OF A PPLICANTS FOR A MULT ISTATE LICENSE . SUCH
PROCEDURES SHALL INC LUDE THE SUBMISSION OF FINGERPRINTS OR O THER
BIOMETRIC–BASED INFORMATION BY APPLICANTS FOR THE P URPOSE OF
OBTAINING AN APPLICANT ’S CRIMINAL HISTORY R ECORD INFORMATION FR OM THE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND THE AGENCY RESPONSIBLE F OR
RETAINING THAT STATE ’S CRIMINAL RECORDS ;
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
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(5) COMPLY WITH THE RULES OF THE COMMISSION;
(6) REQUIRE AN APPLICANT TO OBTAIN OR RETAIN A LICENSE IN THE
HOME STATE AND MEET THE HOME STATE ’S QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE OR
RENEWAL OF LICENSURE , AS WELL AS ALL OTHER APPLICABLE HOME STAT E LAWS;
(7) AUTHORIZE A LICENSEE HOLDING A MULTISTATE LICENSE IN ANY
MEMBER STATE TO PRAC TICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE COMPACT
AND RULES OF THE COMMISSION; AND
(8) DESIGNATE A DELEGATE TO PARTICIPATE IN TH E COMMISSION
MEETINGS.
(C) A MEMBER STATE MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTIONS 3(A) AND
3(B) OF THIS COMPACT SHALL DESIGNA TE THE CAT EGORIES OF SOCIAL WO RK
LICENSURE THAT ARE E LIGIBLE FOR ISSUANCE OF A MULTISTATE LICE NSE FOR
APPLICANTS IN SUCH M EMBER STATE . TO THE EXTENT THAT AN Y MEMBER STATE
DOES NOT MEET THE RE QUIREMENTS FOR PARTI CIPATION IN THE COMPACT AT ANY
PARTICULAR CATEGORY OF SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE , SUCH MEMBER STATE MA Y
CHOOSE, BUT IS NOT OBLIGATED TO, ISSUE A MULTISTATE L ICENSE TO APPLICANTS
THAT OTHERWISE MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 4 FOR ISSUANCE OF A
MULTISTATE LICENSE I N SUCH CATEGORY OR C ATEGORIES OF LICENSU RE.
(D) THE HOME STATES MAY C HARGE A FEE FOR GRAN TING THE
MULTISTATE LICENSE .
SECTION 4. REGULATED SOCIAL WORKER PARTICIPATION IN THE
COMPACT.
(A) TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A MULTISTATE LICENSE U NDER THE TERMS AND
PROVISIONS OF THE COMPACT, AN APPLICANT, REGARDLESS OF CATEGORY MUST :
(1) HOLD OR BE ELIGIBLE F OR AN ACTIVE, UNENCUMBERED LICENSE
IN THE HOME STATE ;
(2) PAY ANY APPLICABLE FE ES, INCLUDING ANY STATE FEE, FOR THE
MULTISTATE LICENSE ;
(3) SUBMIT, IN CONNECTION WITH A N APPLICATION FOR A
MULTISTATE LICENSE , FINGERPRINTS OR OTHE R BIOMETRIC DATA FOR THE
PURPOSE OF OBTAINING CRIMINAL HISTORY REC ORD INFORMATION FROM THE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND THE AGENCY RESPONSIBLE F OR
RETAINING THAT STATE ’S CRIMINAL RECORDS ;
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(4) NOTIFY THE HOME STATE OF ANY ADV ERSE ACTION ,
ENCUMBRANCE , OR RESTRICTION ON AN Y PROFESSIONAL LICEN SE TAKEN BY ANY
MEMBER STATE OR NON –MEMBER STATE WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE T HE
ACTION IS TAKEN;
(5) MEET ANY CONTINUING C OMPETENCE REQUIREMEN TS
ESTABLISHED BY THE H OME STATE; AND
(6) ABIDE BY THE LAWS , REGULATIONS , AND APPLICABLE
STANDARDS IN THE MEM BER STATE WHERE THE CLIENT IS LOCATED AT THE TIME
CARE IS RENDERED .
(B) AN APPLICANT FOR A CL INICAL–CATEGORY MULTISTATE LICENSE MUST
MEET ALL OF THE FOLL OWING REQUIREMENTS :
(1) FULFILL A COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT , WHICH SHALL BE
SATISFIED BY EITHER :
(I) PASSAGE OF A CLINICAL –CATEGORY QUALIFYING
NATIONAL EXAM ;
(II) LICENSURE OF THE APPL ICANT IN THEIR HOME STATE AT
THE CLINICAL CATEGOR Y, BEGINNING PRIOR TO S UCH TIME AS A QUALIFYING
NATIONAL EXAM WAS RE QUIRED BY THE HOME S TATE AND ACCOMPANIED BY A
PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS SOCIAL WORK LICENSUR E THEREAFTER , ALL OF WHICH
MAY BE FURTHER GOVER NED BY THE RULE OF T HE COMMISSION; OR
(III) THE SUBSTANTIAL EQUIV ALENCY OF THE FOREGO ING
COMPETENCY REQUIREME NTS WHICH THE COMMISSION MAY DETERM INE BY RULE.
(2) ATTAIN AT LEAST A MAS TER’S DEGREE IN SOCIAL W ORK FROM A
PROGRAM THAT IS :
(I) OPERATED BY A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY RECOGN IZED BY
THE LICENSING AUTHOR ITY; AND
(II) ACCREDITED, OR IN CANDIDACY THAT SUBSEQUENTLY
BECOMES ACCREDITED , BY AN ACCREDITING AG ENCY RECOGNIZED BY E ITHER:
1. THE COUNCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
ACCREDITATION OR ITS SUCCESSOR; OR
2. THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION; WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
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(3) FULFILL A PRACTICE REQUIREMENT , WHICH SHALL BE SATIS FIED
BY DEMONSTRATING COM PLETION OF EITHER :
(I) A PERIOD OF POSTGRADUA TE SUPERVISED CLINIC AL
PRACTICE EQUAL TO A MINIMUM OF THREE THO USAND HOURS ;
(II) A MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS OF FULL–TIME POSTGRADUATE
SUPERVISED CLIN ICAL PRACTICE; OR
(III) THE SUBSTANTIAL EQUIV ALENCY OF THE FOREGO ING
PRACTICE REQUIREMENT S WHICH THE COMMISSION MAY DETERM INE BY RULE.
(C) AN APPLICANT FOR A MA STER’S–CATEGORY MULTISTATE LICENSE
MUST MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMEN TS:
(1) FULFILL A COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT , WHICH SHALL BE
SATISFIED BY EITHER :
(I) PASSAGE OF A MASTER ’S–CATEGORY QUALIFYING
NATIONAL EXAM ;
(II) LICENSURE OF THE APPL ICANT IN THEIR HOME STATE AT
THE MASTER ’S CATEGORY, BEGINNING PRIOR TO S UCH TIME AS A QUALI FYING
NATIONAL EXAM WAS RE QUIRED BY THE HOME S TATE AT THE MASTER ’S CATEGORY
AND ACCOMPANIED BY A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF SOCIAL WORK LICENSUR E
THEREAFTER , ALL OF WHICH MAY BE FURTHER GOVERNED BY THE RULE OF THE
COMMISSION; OR
(III) THE SUBSTANTIAL EQUIV ALENCY OF THE FOREGOIN G
COMPETENCY REQUIREME NTS WHICH THE COMMISSION MAY DETERM INE BY RULE.
(2) ATTAIN AT LEAST A MAS TER’S DEGREE IN SOCIAL W ORK, FROM A
PROGRAM THAT IS :
(I) OPERATED BY A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY RECOGN IZED BY
THE LICENSING AUTHOR ITY; AND
(II) ACCREDITED, OR IN CANDIDACY THAT SUBSEQUENTLY
BECOMES ACCREDITED , BY AN ACCREDITING AG ENCY RECOGNIZED BY E ITHER:
1. THE COUNCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
ACCREDITATION , OR ITS SUCCESSOR ; OR
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2. THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
(D) AN APPLICANT FOR A BA CHELOR’S–CATEGORY MULTISTATE LICENSE
MUST MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMEN TS:
(1) FULFILL A COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT , WHICH SHALL BE
SATISFIED BY EITHER :
(I) PASSAGE OF A BACHELOR ’S–CATEGORY QUALIFYING
NATIONAL EXAM ;
(II) LICENSURE OF THE APPL ICANT IN THEIR HOME STATE AT
THE BACHELOR ’S CATEGORY, BEGINNING PRIOR TO S UCH TIME AS A QUALIF YING
NATIONAL EXAM WAS RE QUIRED BY THE HOME S TATE AND ACCOMPANIED BY A
CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF SOCIAL WORK LICENSUR E THEREAFTER , ALL OF WHIC H
MAY BE FURTHER GOVER NED BY THE RULE OF T HE COMMISSION; OR
(III) THE SUBSTANTIAL EQUIV ALENCY OF THE FOREGO ING
COMPETENCY REQUIREME NTS WHICH THE COMMISSION MAY DETERM INE BY RULE;
AND
(2) ATTAIN AT LEAST A BAC HELOR’S DEGREE IN SOCIAL W ORK FROM
A PROGRAM THAT IS :
(I) OPERATED BY A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY RECOGN IZED BY
THE LICENSING AUTHOR ITY; AND
(II) ACCREDITED, OR IN CANDIDACY THAT SUBSEQUENTLY
BECOMES ACCREDITED , BY AN ACCREDITING AG ENCY RECOGNIZED BY E ITHER:
1. THE COUNCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
ACCREDITATION , OR ITS SUCCESSOR ; OR
2. THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
(E) THE MULTISTATE LICENS E FOR A REGULATED SO CIAL WORKER IS
SUBJECT TO THE RENEW AL REQUIREMENTS OF T HE HOME STATE . THE REGULATED
SOCIAL WORKER MUST M AINTAIN COMPLIANCE WITH TH E REQUIREMENTS OF
SECTION 4(A) TO BE ELIGIBLE TO RE NEW A MULTISTATE LIC ENSE.
(F) THE REGULATED SOCIAL WORKER’S SERVICES IN A REMO TE STATE ARE
SUBJECT TO THAT MEMB ER STATE’S REGULATORY AUTHORI TY. A REMOTE STATE
MAY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH DUE PROCESS AND THAT MEMBER STATE ’S LAWS, WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
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REMOVE A REGULATED S OCIAL WORKER ’S MULTISTATE AUTHORI ZATION TO
PRACTICE IN THE REMO TE STATE FOR A SPECI FIC PERIOD OF TIME , IMPOSE FINES,
AND TAKE ANY OTHER N ECESSARY ACTIONS TO PROTECT THE HEALTH A ND SAFETY
OF ITS CITIZENS.
(G) IF A MULTISTATE LICEN SE IS ENCUMBERED , THE REGULATED SOCIAL
WORKER’S MULTISTATE AUTHORI ZATION TO PRACTICE S HALL BE DEACTIVATED IN
ALL REMOTE STATES UN TIL THE MULTISTATE L ICENSE IS NO LONGER
ENCUMBERED .
(H) IF A MULTISTATE AUTHO RIZATION TO PRACTICE IS ENCUM BERED IN A
REMOTE STATE , THE REGULATED SOCIAL WORKER’S MULTISTATE AUTHORI ZATION
TO PRACTICE MAY BE D EACTIVATED IN THAT S TATE UNTIL THE MULTI STATE
AUTHORIZATION TO PRA CTICE IS NO LONGER E NCUMBERED .
SECTION 5. ISSUANCE OF A MULTISTATE LICENSE.
(A) UPON RECEIPT OF AN AP PLICATION FOR A MULT ISTATE LICENSE, THE
HOME STATE LICENSING AUTHORITY SHALL DETE RMINE THE APPLICANT ’S
ELIGIBILITY FOR A MU LTISTATE LICENSE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 4 OF THIS
COMPACT.
(B) IF SUCH APPLICANT IS ELIGIBLE PURSUANT TO SECTION 4 OF THIS
COMPACT, THE HOME STATE LICEN SING AUTHORITY SHALL ISSUE A MULTISTATE
LICENSE THAT AUTHORI ZES THE APPLICANT OR REGULATED SOCIAL WOR KER TO
PRACTICE IN ALL MEMB ER STATES UNDER A MU LTISTATE AUTHORIZATI ON TO
PRACTICE.
(C) UPON ISSUANCE OF A MULTIS TATE LICENSE , THE HOME STATE
LICENSING AUTHORITY SHALL DESIGNATE WHET HER THE REGULATED SO CIAL
WORKER HOLDS A MULTI STATE LICENSE IN THE BACHELOR’S, MASTER’S, OR
CLINICAL CATEGORY OF SOCIAL WORK.
(D) A MULTISTATE LICENSE I SSUED BY A HOME STATE TO A RESI DENT IN
THAT STATE SHALL BE RECOGNIZED BY ALL COMPACT MEMBER STATES AS
AUTHORIZING SOCIAL W ORK PRACTICE UNDER A MULTISTATE AUTHORIZA TION TO
PRACTICE CORRESPONDI NG TO EACH CATEGORY OF LICENSURE REGULAT ED IN
EACH MEMBER STATE .
SECTION 6. AUTHORITY OF INTERSTATE COMPACT COMMISSION AND
MEMBER STATE LICENSING AUTHORITIES.
(A) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT, NOR ANY RULE OF THE COMMISSION,
SHALL BE CONSTRUED T O LIMIT, RESTRICT, OR IN ANY WAY REDUCE THE ABILITY Ch. 9 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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OF A MEMBER STATE TO ENACT AND ENFORC E LAWS, REGULATIONS , OR OTHER
RULES RELATED TO THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL W ORK IN THAT STATE , WHERE THOSE
LAWS, REGULATIONS , OR OTHER RULES ARE N OT INCONSISTENT WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS COMPACT.
(B) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT SHALL AFFECT THE REQUIREMENTS
ESTABLISHED BY A MEMBE R STATE FOR THE ISSU ANCE OF A SINGLE STA TE LICENSE.
(C) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT, NOR ANY RULE OF THE COMMISSION,
SHALL BE CONSTRUED T O LIMIT, RESTRICT, OR IN ANY WAY REDUCE THE ABILITY
OF A MEMBER STATE TO TAKE ADVERS E ACTION AGAINST A LICENSEE’S SINGLE
STATE LICENSE TO PRACTICE SOCIAL W ORK IN THAT STATE.
(D) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT, NOR ANY RULE OF THE COMMISSION,
SHALL BE CONSTRUED T O LIMIT, RESTRICT, OR IN ANY WAY REDUCE THE ABILITY
OF A REMOTE STATE TO TAKE ADVERSE ACTION AGAINST A LICENSEE’S MULTISTATE
AUTHORIZATION TO PRA CTICE IN THAT STATE .
(E) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT, NOR ANY RULE OF THE COMMISSION,
SHALL BE CONSTRUED T O LIMIT, RESTRICT, OR IN ANY WAY REDUCE THE ABILITY
OF A LICENSEE’S HOME STATE TO TAKE ADVERSE ACTION AGAIN ST A LICENSEE’S
MULTISTATE LICENSE B ASED UPON INFORMATIO N PROVIDED BY A REMO TE STATE.
SECTION 7. REISSUANCE OF A MULTISTATE LICENSE BY A NEW HOME
STATE.
(A) A LICENSEE CAN HOLD A MULTISTATE LICENSE , ISSUED BY THEIR HOME
STATE, IN ONLY ONE MEMBER S TATE AT ANY GIVEN TIME.
(B) IF A LICENSEE CHANGES THEIR HOME STATE BY MOVING BETWEEN TWO
MEMBER STATES :
(1) THE LICENSEE SHALL IM MEDIATELY APPLY FOR THE REISSUANCE
OF THEIR MULTISTATE LICENSE IN THEIR NEW HOME STATE. THE LICENSEE SHALL
PAY ALL APPLICABLE F EES AND NOTIFY THE PR IOR HOME STATE IN AC CORDANCE
WITH THE RULES OF TH E COMMISSION.
(2) UPON RECEIPT OF AN AP PLICATION TO REISSUE A MULTISTATE
LICENSE, THE NEW HOME STATE S HALL VERIFY THAT THE MULTISTATE LICENSE I S
ACTIVE, UNENCUMBERED AND ELI GIBLE FOR R EISSUANCE UNDER THE TERMS OF
THE COMPACT AND THE RULES OF THE COMMISSION. THE MULTISTATE LICENS E
ISSUED BY THE PRIOR HOME STATE WILL BE D EACTIVATED AND ALL M EMBER WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
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STATES NOTIFIED IN A CCORDANCE WITH THE A PPLICABLE RULES ADOP TED BY THE
COMMISSION.
(3) PRIOR TO THE REISSUANCE OF THE MULTISTATE LI CENSE, THE
NEW HOME STATE SHALL CONDUCT PROCEDURES F OR CONSIDERING THE C RIMINAL
HISTORY RECORDS OF T HE LICENSEE. SUCH PROCEDURES SHALL INCLUDE THE
SUBMISSION OF FINGER PRINTS OR OTHER BIOM ETRIC–BASED INFORMATION BY
APPLICANTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF O BTAINING AN APPLICAN T’S CRIMINAL HISTORY
RECORD INFORMATION F ROM THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND THE
AGENCY RESPONSIBLE F OR RETAINING THAT ST ATE’S CRIMINAL RECORDS .
(4) IF REQUIRED FOR INITI AL LICENSURE , THE NEW HOME STATE
MAY REQUIRE COMPLETI ON OF JURISPRUDENCE REQUIREMENTS IN THE NEW HOME
STATE.
(5) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY O THER PROVISION OF TH IS COMPACT, IF
A LICENSEE DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENT S SET FORTH IN THIS COMPACT FOR
THE REISSUANCE OF A MULTISTATE LICENSE BY THE NEW H OME STATE, THEN THE
LICENSEE SHALL BE SU BJECT TO THE NEW HOM E STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
ISSUANCE OF A SINGLE STATE LICENSE IN THA T STATE.
(C) IF A LICENSEE CHANGES THEIR PRIMARY STATE OF RESIDENCE BY
MOVING FROM A MEMBER STATE TO A N ON–MEMBER STATE , OR FROM A
NON–MEMBER STATE TO A ME MBER STATE, THEN THE LICENSEE SH ALL BE SUBJECT
TO THE STATE REQUIRE MENTS FOR THE ISSUAN CE OF A SINGLE STATE LICENSE IN
THE NEW HOME STATE .
(D) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT SHALL INTERFE RE WITH A LICENSEE ’S
ABILITY TO HOLD A SIN GLE STATE LICENSE IN MULTIPLE STATES ; HOWEVER, FOR
THE PURPOSES OF THIS COMPACT, A LICENSEE SHALL HAV E ONLY ONE HOME
STATE, AND ONLY ONE MULTIST ATE LICENSE.
(E) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT SHALL INTERFE RE WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS ESTABLI SHED BY A MEMBER STATE FO R THE ISSUANCE OF A SINGLE
STATE LICENSE.
SECTION 8. MILITARY FAMILIES.
AN ACTIVE MILITARY ME MBER OR THEIR SPOUSE SHALL DESIGNATE A HO ME
STATE WHERE THE INDI VIDUAL HAS A MULTIST ATE LICENSE. THE INDIVIDUAL MAY
RETAIN THEIR HOME ST ATE DESIGNATION DURING T HE PERIOD THE SERVIC E
MEMBER IS ON ACTIVE DUTY.
SECTION 9. ADVERSE ACTIONS. Ch. 9 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 14 –
(A) IN ADDITION TO THE OT HER POWERS CONFERRED BY STATE LAW , A
REMOTE STATE SHALL H AVE THE AUTHORITY , IN ACCORDANCE WITH E XISTING
STATE DUE PROCESS LA W, TO:
(1) TAKE ADVERSE ACTION A GAINST A REGULATED S OCIAL
WORKER’S MULTISTATE AUTHORI ZATION TO PRACTICE O NLY WITHIN THAT MEMB ER
STATE, AND ISSUE SUBPOENAS FOR BOTH HEARINGS AN D INVESTIGATIONS THA T
REQUIRE THE ATTENDAN CE AND TESTIMONY OF WITNESSES AS WELL AS THE
PRODUCTION OF EVIDEN CE. SUBPOENAS ISSUED BY A LICENSING AUTHORITY IN A
MEMBER STATE FOR THE ATTENDANCE AND TESTI MONY OF WITNESSES OR THE
PRODUCTION OF EVIDEN CE FROM ANOTHER MEMB ER STATE SHALL BE EN FORCED
IN THE LATTER STATE BY ANY COURT OF COMP ETENT JURISDICTION, ACCORDING
TO THE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE OF THAT CO URT APPLICABLE TO SU BPOENAS
ISSUED IN PROCEEDING S PENDING BEFORE IT . THE ISSUING AUTHORITY SHALL PAY
ANY WITNESS FEES , TRAVEL EXPENSES , MILEAGE AND OTHER FE ES REQUIRED BY
THE SERVICE STATUTES OF THE STATE IN WHICH T HE WITNESSES OR EVID ENCE ARE
LOCATED.
(2) ONLY THE HOME STATE S HALL HAVE THE POWER TO TAKE
ADVERSE ACTION AGAIN ST A REGULATED SOCIA L WORKER’S MULTISTATE LICENSE .
(B) FOR PURPOSES OF TAKIN G ADVERSE ACTION , THE HOME STATE SHALL
GIVE THE SAME PRIORITY AN D EFFECT TO REPORTED CONDUCT RECEIVED FRO M A
MEMBER STATE AS IT W OULD IF THE CONDUCT HAD OCCURRED WITHIN THE HOME
STATE. IN SO DOING, THE HOME STATE SHALL APPLY ITS OWN STATE LAWS TO
DETERMINE APPROPRIAT E ACTION.
(C) THE HOME STATE SH ALL COMPLETE ANY PEN DING INVESTIGATIONS OF
A REGULATED SOCIAL W ORKER WHO CHANGES TH EIR HOME STATE DURIN G THE
COURSE OF THE INVEST IGATIONS. THE HOME STATE SHALL ALSO HAVE THE
AUTHORITY TO TAKE AP PROPRIATE ACTION (S) AND SHALL PROMPTLY R EPORT THE
CONCLUSIONS OF THE INVESTIGATION S TO THE ADMINISTRAT OR OF THE DATA
SYSTEM. THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE DATA SYSTEM SHAL L PROMPTLY NOTIFY TH E
NEW HOME STATE OF AN Y ADVERSE ACTIONS .
(D) A MEMBER STATE , IF OTHERWISE PERMITT ED BY STATE LAW , MAY
RECOVER FROM THE AFF ECTED RE GULATED SOCIAL WORKE R THE COSTS OF
INVESTIGATIONS AND D ISPOSITIONS OF CASES RESULTING FROM ANY A DVERSE
ACTION TAKEN AGAINST THAT REGULATED SOCIA L WORKER.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
– 15 –
(E) A MEMBER STATE MAY TAK E ADVERSE ACTION BAS ED ON THE FACTUAL
FINDINGS OF ANOTHER MEMBER STATE , PROVIDED THAT THE ME MBER STATE
FOLLOWS ITS OWN PROC EDURES FOR TAKING AD VERSE ACTION.
(F) (1) IN ADDITION TO THE AU THORITY GRANTED TO A MEMBER STATE
BY ITS RESPECTIVE RE GULATED SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE ACT OR OTHE R
APPLICABLE STATE LAW , ANY MEMBER STATE MAY PARTICIPATE WITH OTHE R
MEMBER STATES IN JOI NT INVESTIGATIONS OF LICENSEES.
(2) MEMBER STATES SHALL S HARE ANY INVESTIGATI VE, LITIGATION,
OR COMPLIANCE MATERI ALS IN FURTHERANCE O F ANY JOINT OR INDIV IDUAL
INVESTIGATION INITIA TED UNDER THE COMPACT.
(G) IF AN ADVERSE ACTION IS TAKEN BY THE HOME ST ATE AGAINST THE
MULTISTATE LICENSE O F A REGULATED SOCIAL WORKER, THE REGULATED SOCIAL
WORKER’S MULTISTATE AUTHORI ZATION TO PRACTICE I N ALL OTHER MEMBER
STATES SHALL BE DEAC TIVATED UNTIL ALL EN CUMBRANCES HAVE BEEN REMOVED
FROM THE MULTISTATE LICENSE. ALL HOME STATE DISCIP LINARY ORDERS THAT
IMPOSE ADVERSE ACTIO N AGAINST THE LICENS E OF A REGULATED SOC IAL WORKER
SHALL INCLUDE A STAT EMENT THAT THE REGUL ATED SOCIAL WORKER ’S
MULTISTATE AUTHORIZA TION TO PRACTICE IS DEACTIVATED IN ALL MEMBER
STATES UNTIL ALL CON DITIONS OF THE DECIS ION, ORDER, OR AGREEMENT ARE
SATISFIED.
(H) IF A MEMBER STATE TAK ES ADVERSE ACTION , IT SHALL PROMPTLY
NOTIFY THE ADMINISTR ATOR OF THE DATA SYS TEM. THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE
DATA SYSTEM SHALL PR OMPTLY NOTIFY THE HOME ST ATE AND ALL OTHER ME MBER
STATES OF ANY ADVERS E ACTIONS BY REMOTE STATES.
(I) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT SHALL OVERRID E A MEMBER STATE ’S
DECISION THAT PARTIC IPATION IN AN ALTERN ATIVE PROGRAM MAY BE USED IN
LIEU OF ADVERSE ACTI ON.
(J) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT SHALL AUTHORI ZE A MEMBER STATE TO
DEMAND THE ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS FOR ATT ENDANCE AND TESTIMON Y OF
WITNESSES OR THE PRO DUCTION OF EVIDENCE FROM ANOTHER MEMBER STATE
FOR LAWFUL ACTIONS W ITHIN THAT MEMBER ST ATE.
(K) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT SHALL AUTHORIZ E A MEMBER STATE TO
IMPOSE DISCIPLINE AG AINST A REGULATED SO CIAL WORKER WHO HOLD S A
MULTISTATE AUTHORIZA TION TO PRACTICE FOR LAWFUL ACTIONS WITHI N
ANOTHER MEMBER STATE .
Ch. 9 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 16 –
SECTION 10. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE
COMPACT COMMISSION.
(A) THE COMPACT MEMBER STATES HEREBY CREATE AND ES TABLISH A
JOINT GOVERNMENT AGE NCY WHOSE MEMBERSHIP CONSISTS OF ALL MEMB ER
STATES THAT HAVE ENA CTED THE COMPACT KNOWN AS THE SOCIAL WORK
LICENSURE COMPACT COMMISSION. THE COMMISSION IS AN INST RUMENTALITY
OF THE COMPACT STATES ACTING JOINTLY AND NOT AN I NSTRUMENTALITY OF AN Y
ONE STATE. THE COMMISSION SHALL COME INTO EXISTENCE ON OR AFTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF TH E COMPACT AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 14.
(B) (1) EACH MEMBER STATE SHA LL HAVE AND BE LIMIT ED TO ONE
DELEGATE SELECTED BY THAT MEMBER STATE ’S LICENSING AUTHORIT Y.
(2) THE DELEGATE SHALL BE EITHER:
(I) A CURRENT MEMBER OF TH E LICENSING AUTHORIT Y AT
THE TIME OF APPOINTM ENT, WHO IS A REGULATED S OCIAL WORKER , OR PUBLIC
MEMBER OF THE LICENS ING AUTHORITY; OR
(II) AN ADMINISTRATOR OF T HE LICENSING AUTHORI TY OR
THEIR DESIGNEE .
(3) THE COMMISSION SHALL BY R ULE OR BYLAW ESTABLI SH A TERM
OF OFFICE FOR DELEGA TES AND MAY BY RULE OR BYLAW ESTABLISH T ERM LIMITS.
(4) THE COMMISSION MAY RECOMMEND REMOVAL OR SUSPENSION
OF ANY DELEGATE FROM OFFICE.
(5) A MEMBER STATE ’S LICENSING AUTHORIT Y SHALL FILL ANY
VACANCY OF ITS DELEG ATE OCCURRING ON THE COMMISSION WITHIN 60 DAYS OF
THE VACANCY .
(6) EACH DELEGATE SHALL B E ENTITLED TO ONE VO TE ON ALL
MATTERS BEFORE THE COMMISSION REQUIRING A VOTE BY COMMISSION
DELEGATES.
(7) A DELEGATE SHALL VOTE IN PERSON OR BY SUCH OTHER MEANS
AS PROVIDED IN THE B YLAWS. THE BYLAWS MAY PROVID E FOR DELEGATES TO M EET
BY TELECOMMUNICATION , VIDEO CONFERENCE , OR OTHER MEANS OF
COMMUNICATION .
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
– 17 –
(8) THE COMMISSION SHALL MEET AT LEAST ONCE DURING EACH
CALENDAR YEAR . ADDITIONAL MEETINGS M AY BE HELD AS SET FO RTH IN THE
BYLAWS. THE COMMISSION MAY MEET B Y TELECOMMUNICATION , VIDEO
CONFERENCE , OR OTHER SIMILAR ELE CTRONIC MEANS.
(C) THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING POWERS :
(1) ESTABLISH THE FISCAL YEAR OF THE COMMISSION;
(2) ESTABLISH A CODE OF C ONDUCT AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
POLICIES;
(3) ESTABLISH AND AMEND R ULES AND BYLAWS ;
(4) MAINTAIN ITS FINANCIA L RECORDS IN ACCORDANC E WITH THE
BYLAWS;
(5) MEET AND TAKE SUCH AC TIONS AS ARE CONSIST ENT WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF THE COMPACT, THE COMMISSION’S RULES AND BYLAWS ;
(6) INITIATE AND CONCLUDE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OR ACTIONS IN
THE NAME OF THE COMMISSION, PROVIDED THAT THE STANDI NG OF ANY STATE
LICENSING BOARD TO S UE OR BE SUED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW SHALL NOT BE
AFFECTED;
(7) MAINTAIN AND CERTIFY RECORDS AND INFORMAT ION PROVIDED
TO A MEMBER STATE AS THE AUTHENTICATED BU SINESS RECORDS OF TH E
COMMISSION AND DESIGNATE AN AGENT T O DO SO ON THE COMMISSION’S BEHALF;
(8) PURCHASE AND MAINTAIN INSURANCE AND BONDS ;
(9) BORROW, ACCEPT, OR CONTRACT FOR SERV ICES OF PERSONNEL ,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO , EMPLOYEES OF A MEMBE R STATE;
(10) CONDUCT AN ANNUAL FI NANCIAL REVIEW ;
(11) HIRE EMPLOYEES , ELECT OR APPOINT OFF ICERS, FIX
COMPENSATION , DEFINE DUTIES , GRANT SUCH INDIVIDUA LS APPROPRIATE
AUTHORITY TO CARRY O UT THE PURPOSES OF T HE COMPACT, AND ESTABLISH THE
COMMISSION’S PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROGRAMS RELATI NG TO CONFLICTS OF
INTEREST, QUALIFICATIONS OF PE RSONNEL, AND OTHER RELATED PE RSONNEL
MATTERS;
(12) ASSESS AND COLLECT FE ES; Ch. 9 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 18 –
(13) ACCEPT ANY AND ALL AP PROPRIATE GIFTS , DONATIONS, GRANTS
OF MONEY, OTHER SOURCES OF REV ENUE, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, MATERIALS AND
SERVICES, AND TO RECEIVE , UTILIZE AND DISPOSE OF THE SAME; PROVIDED THAT
AT ALL TIMES THE COMMISSION SHALL AVOI D ANY APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY
OR CONFLICT OF INTER EST;
(14) LEASE, PURCHASE, RETAIN, OR OTHERWISE TO OWN , HOLD,
IMPROVE OR USE ANY P ROPERTY, REAL, PERSONAL OR MIXED ; OR ANY UNDIVIDED
INTEREST THEREIN ;
(15) SELL, CONVEY, MORTGAGE , PLEDGE, LEASE, EXCHANGE,
ABANDON, OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF ANY PROPERTY REAL , PERSONAL, OR MIXED;
(16) ESTABLISH A BUDGET AN D MAKE EXPENDITURES ;
(17) BORROW MONEY ;
(18) APPOINT COMMITTEES , INCLUDING STANDING C OMMITTEES
COMPOSED OF MEMBERS , STATE REGULATORS , STATE LEGISLATORS OR THEIR
REPRESENTATIVES , AND CONSUMER REPRESE NTATIVES, AND SUCH OTHER
INTERESTED PERSONS A S MAY BE DESIGNATED IN THE COMPACT AN D THE BYLAWS;
(19) PROVIDE AND RECEIVE I NFORMATION FROM , AND COOPERATE
WITH, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGEN CIES;
(20) ESTABLISH AND ELECT A N EXECUTIVE COMMITTE E, INCLUDING A
CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR ;
(21) DETERMINE WHETHER A S TATE’S ADOPTED LANGUAGE I S
MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM THE MODEL COMPACT LANGUAGE SUCH THAT THE
STATE WOULD NOT QUAL IFY FOR PARTICIPATIO N IN THE COMPACT; AND
(22) PERFORM SUCH OTHER FU NCTIONS AS MAY BE NE CESSARY OR
APPROPRIATE TO ACHIE VE THE PURPOSES OF T HE COMPACT.
(D) (1) THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE S HALL HAVE THE POWER TO ACT ON
BEHALF OF THE COMMISSION ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE COMPACT. THE
POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COM MITTEE SHALL
INCLUDE:
(I) OVERSEEING THE DAY –TO–DAY ACTIVITIES OF TH E
ADMINISTRATION OF THE COMPACT INCLUDING ENF ORCEMENT AND COMPLIA NCE WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
– 19 –
WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMPACT, ITS RULES AND BYLAWS , AND OTHER SUCH
DUTIES AS DEEMED NEC ESSARY;
(II) RECOMMENDING TO THE COMMISSION CHANGES TO THE
RULES OR BYLAWS , CHANGES TO THIS COMPACT LEGISLATION, FEES CHARGED TO
COMPACT MEMBER STATES SUCH AS FEES CHARGED TO LICENSEES, AND OTHER
FEES;
(III) ENSURING COMPACT ADMINISTRATIO N SERVICES ARE
APPROPRIATELY PROVID ED, INCLUDING BY CONTRAC T;
(IV) PREPARING AND RECOMME NDING THE BUDGET ;
(V) MAINTAINING FINANCIAL RECORDS ON BEHALF OF THE
COMMISSION;
(VI) MONITORING COMPACT COMPLIANCE OF MEMBER STATES
AND PROVIDING COMPLI ANCE REPORTS TO THE COMMISSION;
(VII) ESTABLISHING ADDITION AL COMMITTEES AS NEC ESSARY;
(VIII) EXERCISING THE POWERS AND DUTIE S OF THE
COMMISSION DURING THE INTERIM BETWEEN COMMISSION MEETINGS , EXCEPT
FOR ADOPTING OR AMEN DING RULES, ADOPTING OR AMENDING BYLAWS, AND
EXERCISING ANY OTHER POWERS AND DUTIES EX PRESSLY RESERVED TO THE
COMMISSION BY RULE OR BYLAW; AND
(IX) OTHER DUTIES AS PROVI DED IN THE RULES OR BYLAWS OF
THE COMMISSION.
(2) THE EXECUTIVE COMMITT EE SHALL BE COMPOSED OF UP TO
ELEVEN MEMBERS :
(I) THE CHAIR AND VICE CH AIR OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE
VOTING MEMBERS OF TH E EXECUTIVE COMMITTE E;
(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL ELEC T FIVE VOTING MEMBER S
FROM THE CURRENT MEM BERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION;
(III) UP TO FOUR EX OFFICIO , NONVOTING MEMBERS FR OM
FOUR RECOGNIZED NATI ONAL SOCIAL WORKER O RGANIZATIONS ;
(IV) THE EX OFFICIO MEMBER S WILL BE SELECTED BY THEIR
RESPECTIVE ORGANIZAT IONS. Ch. 9 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 20 –
(3) THE COMMISSION MAY REMOVE ANY MEMBER OF THE EX ECUTIVE
COMMITTEE AS PROVIDE D IN THE COMMISSION’S BYLAWS.
(4) THE EXECUTIVE COMMITT EE SHALL MEET AT LEA ST ANNUALLY.
(I) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE M EETINGS SHALL BE OPE N TO THE
PUBLIC, EXCEPT THAT THE EXEC UTIVE COMMITTEE MAY MEET IN A CLOSED ,
NON–PUBLIC MEETING AS PR OVIDED IN SUBSECTION (F)(2) BELOW.
(II) THE EXECUTIVE COMMITT EE SHALL GIVE SEVEN DAYS’
NOTICE OF ITS MEETIN GS, POSTED ON ITS WEBSIT E AND AS DETERMINED TO
PROVIDE NOTICE TO PE RSONS WITH AN INTERE ST IN THE BUSINESS O F THE
COMMISSION.
(III) THE EXECUTIVE COMMITT EE MAY HOLD A SPECIA L
MEETING IN ACCORDANC E WITH SUBSECTION (F)(1)(II) BELOW.
(E) THE COMMISSION SHALL ADOPT AND PROVIDE TO THE MEMBER STATES
AN ANNUAL REPORT .
(F) (1) ALL MEETINGS SHALL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC , EXCEPT THAT
THE COMMISSION MAY MEET I N A CLOSED, NON–PUBLIC MEETING AS PR OVIDED IN
PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION B ELOW.
(I) PUBLIC NOTICE F OR ALL MEETINGS OF T HE FULL
COMMISSION SHALL BE G IVEN IN THE SAME MAN NER AS REQUIRED UNDE R THE
RULEMAKING PROVISION S IN SECTION 12, EXCEPT THAT THE COMMISSION MAY
HOLD A SPECIAL MEETI NG AS PROVIDED IN SU BPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS
PARAGRAPH BELOW .
(II) THE COMMISSION MAY HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING WHEN IT
MUST MEET TO CONDUCT EMERGENCY BUSINESS B Y GIVING 48 HOURS’ NOTICE TO
ALL COMMISSIONERS , ON THE COMMISSION’S WEBSITE, AND OTHER MEANS AS
PROVIDED IN THE COMMISSION’S RULES. THE COMMISSION’S LEGAL COUNSEL
SHALL CERTIFY THAT THE COMMISSION’S NEED TO MEET QUALI FIES AS AN
EMERGENCY .
(2) THE COMMISSION OR THE EXE CUTIVE COMMITTEE OR OTHER
COMMITTEES OF THE COMMISSION MAY CONVEN E IN A CLOSED , NON–PUBLIC
MEETING FOR THE COMMISSION OR EXECUTI VE COMMITTEE OR OTHE R
COMMITTEES OF THE COMMISSION TO RECEIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR TO D ISCUSS:
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
– 21 –
(I) NON–COMPLIANCE OF A MEMB ER STATE WITH ITS
OBLIGATIONS UNDER TH E COMPACT;
(II) THE EMPLOYMENT , COMPENSATION , DISCIPLINE OR OTHER
MATTERS, PRACTICES OR PROCEDU RES RELATED TO SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES ;
(III) CURRENT OR THREATENED DISCIPLINE OF A LICE NSEE BY
THE COMMISSION OR BY A ME MBER STATE’S LICENSING AUTHORIT Y;
(IV) CURRENT, THREATENED , OR REASONABLY ANTICI PATED
LITIGATION;
(V) NEGOTIATION OF CONTRA CTS FOR THE PURCHASE , LEASE,
OR SALE OF GOODS , SERVICES, OR REAL ESTATE ;
(VI) ACCUSING ANY PERSON O F A CRIME OR FORMALL Y
CENSURING ANY PERSON ;
(VII) TRADE SECRETS OR COMM ERCIAL OR FINANCIAL
INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED OR CONFID ENTIAL;
(VIII) INFORMATION OF A PE RSONAL NATURE WHERE
DISCLOSURE WOULD CON STITUTE A CLEARLY UN WARRANTED INVASION O F
PERSONAL PRIVACY ;
(IX) INVESTIGATIVE RECORDS COMPILED FOR LAW
ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES ;
(X) INFORMATION RELATED T O ANY INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS
PREPARED BY OR ON BE HALF OF OR FOR USE O F THE COMMISSION OR OTHER
COMMITTEE CHARGED WI TH RESPONSIBILITY OF INVESTIGATION OR
DETERMINATION OF COM PLIANCE ISSUES PURSU ANT TO THE COMPACT;
(XI) MATTERS SPECI FICALLY EXEMPTED FRO M DISCLOSURE BY
FEDERAL OR MEMBER ST ATE LAW; OR
(XII) OTHER MATTERS AS PROM ULGATED BY THE COMMISSION
BY RULE.
(3) IF A MEETING , OR PORTION OF A MEET ING, IS CLOSED, THE
PRESIDING OFFICER SH ALL STATE THAT THE M EETING WILL BE CLOSE D AND
REFERENCE EACH RELEV ANT EXEMPTING PROVIS ION, AND SUCH REFERENCES
SHALL BE RECORDED IN THE MINUTES.
Ch. 9 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 22 –
(4) THE COMMISSION SHALL KEEP MINUTES THAT FULLY A ND
CLEARLY DESCRIBE ALL MATTERS DISCUSSED IN A MEETING AND SHALL PROVIDE A
FULL AND ACCURATE SU MMARY OF ACTIONS TAK EN, AND THE REASONS THEREFOR
THEREFORE , INCLUDING A DESCRIPT ION OF THE VIEWS EXP RESSED. ALL
DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH AN A CTION SHALL BE IDENT IFIED
IN SUCH MINUTES . ALL MINUTES AND DOCUM ENTS OF A CLOSED MEE TING SHALL
REMAIN UNDER SEAL , SUBJECT TO RELEASE O NLY BY A MAJORITY VO TE OF THE
COMMISSION OR ORDER O F A COURT OF COMPETE NT JURISDICTION.
(G) (1) THE COMMISSION SHALL PAY , OR PROVIDE FOR THE P AYMENT
OF, THE REASONABLE EXPEN SES OF ITS ESTABLISH MENT, ORGANIZATION , AND
ONGOING ACTIVITIES .
(2) THE COMMISSION MAY ACCEPT ANY AND ALL APPROPRI ATE
REVENUE SOURCES , AS PROVIDED IN SUBSE CTION (C)(13) OF THIS SECTION.
(3) THE COMMISSION MAY LEVY O N AND COLLECT AN ANN UAL
ASSESSMENT FROM EACH MEMBER STATE AND IMP OSE FEES ON LICENSEE S OF
MEMBER STATES TO WHO M IT GRANTS A MULTIS TATE LICENSE TO COVE R THE COST
OF THE OPERATIONS AN D ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSION AND ITS ST AFF, WHICH
MUST BE IN A TOTAL A MOUNT SUFFICIENT TO COVER ITS ANNUAL BUD GET AS
APPROVED EACH YEAR F OR WHICH REVENUE IS NOT PROVIDED BY OTHE R SOURCES.
THE AGGREGATE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT AMOUNT FO R MEMBER STATES SHAL L BE
ALLOCATED BASED UPON A FORMULA THAT THE COMMISSION SHALL PROM ULGATE
BY RULE.
(4) THE COMMISSION SHALL NOT INCUR OBLIGATIONS OF ANY KIND
PRIOR TO SECURING TH E FUNDS ADEQUATE TO MEET THE SAME ; NOR SHALL THE
COMMISSION PLEDGE THE CREDIT OF ANY OF THE MEMBER STATES , EXCEPT BY AND
WITH THE AUTHORITY O F THE MEMBER STATE .
(5) THE COMMISSION SHALL KEEP ACCURATE ACCOUNTS OF ALL
RECEIPTS AND DISBURS EMENTS. THE RECEIPTS AND DISB URSEMENTS OF THE
COMMISSION SHALL BE S UBJECT TO THE FINANC IAL REVIEW AND ACCOU NTING
PROCEDURES ESTABL ISHED UNDER ITS BYLA WS. HOWEVER, ALL RECEIPTS AND
DISBURSEMENTS OF FUN DS HANDLED BY THE COMMISSION SHALL BE S UBJECT TO
AN ANNUAL FINANCIAL REVIEW BY A CERTIFIE D OR LICENSED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTANT , AND THE REPORT OF TH E FINANCIAL REVIEW S HALL BE INCLUDED IN
AND BECOME PART OF THE A NNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION.
(H) (1) THE MEMBERS , OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR , EMPLOYEES
AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE I MMUNE FROM SUIT AND
LIABILITY, BOTH PERSONALLY AND IN THEIR OFFICIAL CA PACITY, FOR ANY CLAIM WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
– 23 –
FOR DAMAGE TO OR LOS S OF PROPERTY OR PER SONAL INJURY OR OTHE R CIVIL
LIABILITY CAUSED BY OR ARISING OUT OF AN Y ACTUAL OR ALLEGED ACT, ERROR OR
OMISSION THAT OCCURR ED, OR THAT THE PERSON A GAINST WHOM THE CLAI M IS
MADE HAD A REASONABL E BASIS FOR BELIEVIN G OCCURRED WITHIN THE SCO PE OF
COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT , DUTIES OR RESPONSIBI LITIES; PROVIDED THAT
NOTHING IN THIS PARA GRAPH SHALL BE CONST RUED TO PROTECT ANY SUCH
PERSON FROM SUIT OR LIABILITY FOR ANY DA MAGE, LOSS, INJURY, OR LIABILITY
CAUSED BY THE INTENT IONAL OR WILLFUL OR WANTON MISCONDUCT OF THAT
PERSON. THE PROCUREMENT OF IN SURANCE OF ANY TYPE BY THE COMMISSION
SHALL NOT IN ANY WAY COMPROMISE OR LIMIT THE IMMUNITY GRANTED
HEREUNDER .
(2) THE COMMISSION SHALL DEFE ND ANY MEMBER , OFFICER,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR , EMPLOYEE, AND REPRESENTATIVE O F THE COMMISSION IN
ANY CIVIL ACTION SEE KING TO IMPOSE LIABI LITY ARISING OUT OF ANY ACTUAL OR
ALLEGED ACT , ERROR, OR OMISSION THAT OCC URRED WITHIN THE SCO PE OF
COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT , DUTIES, OR RESPONSIBILITIES , OR AS DETERMINE D BY
THE COMMISSION THAT THE P ERSON AGAINST WHOM T HE CLAIM IS MADE HAD A
REASONABLE BASIS FOR BELIEVING OCCURRED W ITHIN THE SCOPE OF
COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT , DUTIES, OR RESPONSIBILITIES ; PROVIDED THAT
NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO PROH IBIT THAT PERSON FROM
RETAINING THEIR OWN COUNSEL AT THEIR EXP ENSE; AND PROVIDED FURTHER ,
THAT THE ACTUAL OR A LLEGED ACT, ERROR, OR OMISSION DID NOT RESULT FROM
THAT PERSON ’S INTENTIONAL OR WIL LFUL OR WANTON MISCO NDUCT.
(3) THE COMMISSION SHALL INDE MNIFY AND HOLD HARML ESS ANY
MEMBER, OFFICER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR , EMPLOYEE, AND REPRESENTATIVE O F
THE COMMISSION FOR THE AM OUNT OF ANY SETTLEME NT OR JUDGMENT OBTAI NED
AGAINST THAT PERSON ARISING OUT OF ANY A CTUAL OR ALLEGED ACT , ERROR OR
OMISSION THAT OCCURR ED WITHIN THE SCOPE OF COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT ,
DUTIES, OR RESPONSIBILITIES , OR THAT SUCH PERSON HAD A REASONABLE BAS IS
FOR BELIEVING OCCURR ED WITHIN THE SCOPE OF COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT ,
DUTIES, OR RESPONSIBILITIES , PROVIDED THAT THE AC TUAL OR ALLEGED ACT ,
ERROR, OR OMISSION DI D NOT RESULT FROM TH E INTENTIONAL OR WIL LFUL OR
WANTON MISCONDUCT OF THAT PERSON .
(4) NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS A LI MITATION ON
THE LIABILITY OF ANY LICENSEE FOR PROFESS IONAL MALPRACTICE OR
MISCONDUCT , WHICH SHALL BE GOVER NED SOLELY BY ANY OT HER APPLICABLE
STATE LAWS.
(5) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT SHALL BE INTE RPRETED TO WAIVE
OR OTHERWISE ABROGAT E A MEMBER STATE ’S ACTION IMMUNITY OR STATE ACTION Ch. 9 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 24 –
AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE WITH RESPECT TO ANTI TRUST CLAIMS UNDER T HE
SHERMAN ACT, CLAYTON ACT, OR ANY OTHER STATE OR FEDER AL ANTITRUST OR
ANTICOMPETITIVE LAW OR REGULATION .
(6) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT SHALL BE CONS TRUED TO BE A
WAIVER OF SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY BY THE MEMB ER STATES OR BY THE
COMMISSION.
SECTION 11. DATA SYSTEM.
(A) THE COMMISSION SHALL PR OVIDE FOR THE DEVELO PMENT,
MAINTENANCE , OPERATION, AND UTILIZATION OF A COORDINATED DATA SYS TEM.
(B) THE COMMISSION SHALL ASSI GN EACH APPLICANT FO R A MULTISTATE
LICENSE A UNIQUE IDE NTIFIER, AS DETERMINED BY THE RULES OF THE
COMMISSION.
(C) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY O THER PROVISION OF ST ATE LAW TO THE
CONTRARY, A MEMBER STATE SHALL SUBMIT A UNIFORM DAT A SET TO THE DATA
SYSTEM ON ALL INDIVI DUALS TO WHOM THIS COMPACT IS APPLICABLE AS
REQUIRED BY THE RULE S OF THE COMMISSION, INCLUDING:
(1) IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ;
(2) LICENSURE DATA ;
(3) ADVERSE ACTIONS AGAIN ST A LICENSE AND INF ORMATION
RELATED THERETO ;
(4) NON–CONFIDENTIAL INFORMA TION RELATED TO ALTE RNATIVE
PROGRAM PARTICIPATIO N, THE BEGINNING AND EN D DATES OF SUCH
PARTICIPATION , AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO SUCH PARTICIPATIO N NOT
MADE CONFIDENTIAL UN DER MEMBER STATE LAW ;
(5) ANY DENIAL OF APPLICA TION FOR LICENSURE , AND THE
REASON(S) FOR SUCH DENIAL ;
(6) THE PRESENCE OF CURRE NT SIGNIFICANT INVES TIGATIVE
INFORMATION ; AND
(7) OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY FACILITATE THE
ADMINISTRATION OF TH IS COMPACT, AS DETERMINED BY THE RULES OF THE
COMMISSION. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
– 25 –
(D) THE RECORDS AND INFOR MATION PROVIDED TO A MEMBER STATE
PURSUANT TO THIS COMPACT OR THROUGH TH E DATA SYSTEM , WHEN CERTIFIED
BY THE COMMISSION OR AN AGENT THEREOF, SHALL CONSTITUTE THE
AUTHENTICATED BUSINE SS RECORDS OF THE COMMISSION, AND SHALL BE
ENTITLED TO ANY ASSO CIATED HEARSAY EXCEP TION IN ANY RELEVANT JUDICIAL,
QUASI–JUDICIAL OR ADMINIST RATIVE PROCEEDINGS I N A MEMBER STATE .
(E) CURRENT SIGNIFICANT I NVESTIGATIVE INFORMA TION PERTAINING TO
A LICENSEE IN ANY ME MBER STATE WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE TO OTHE R MEMBER
STATES.
(1) IT IS THE RESPONSIBIL ITY OF THE MEMBER ST ATES TO REPORT
ANY ADVERSE ACTION A GAINST A LICENSEE AN D TO MONITOR THE DATABASE TO
DETERMINE WHETHER ADVERSE ACTION HAS B EEN TAKEN AGAINST A LICENSEE.
ADVERSE ACTION INFORMATION PERTAINI NG TO A LICENSEE IN ANY MEMBER
STATE WILL BE AVAILA BLE TO ANY OTHER MEM BER STATE.
(F) MEMBER STATES CONTRIB UTING INFORMATION TO THE DATA SYSTEM
MAY DESIGNATE INFORM ATION THAT MAY NOT B E SHARED WITH THE PU BLIC
WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF THE CO NTRIBUTING STATE .
(G) ANY INFORMATION SUBMI TTED TO THE DATA SYS TEM THAT IS
SUBSEQUENTLY EXPUNGE D PURSUANT TO FEDERA L LAW OR THE LAWS OF THE
MEMBER STATE CONTRIB UTING THE INFORMATIO N SHALL BE REMOVED F ROM THE
DATA SYSTEM.
SECTION 12. RULEMAKING.
(A) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROM ULGATE REASONABLE RU LES IN ORDER
TO EFFECTIVELY AND E FFICIENTLY IMPLEMENT AND ADMINISTER THE P URPOSES
AND PROVISIONS OF THE COMPACT. A RULE SHALL BE INVALI D AND HAVE NO FORCE
OR EFFECT ONLY IF A COURT OF COMPETENT J URISDICTION HOLDS TH AT THE RULE
IS INVALID BECAUSE T HE COMMISSION EXERCISED ITS RULEMAKING AUTHO RITY IN
A MANNER THAT IS BEY OND THE SCOPE AND PU RPOSES OF THE COMPACT, OR THE
POWERS GRANTED HEREU NDER, OR BASED UPON ANOTHE R APPLICABLE STANDAR D
OF REVIEW.
(B) THE RULES OF THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE FORCE OF LAW IN
EACH MEMBER STATE , PROVIDED HOWEVER THA T WHERE THE RULES OF THE
COMMISSION CONFLICT W ITH THE LAWS OF THE MEMBER STATE THAT ESTABLISH
THE MEMBER STATE ’S LAWS, REGULATIONS , AND APPLICABLE STAND ARDS THAT
GOVERN THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL WORK AS HELD BY A COURT O F COMPETENT Ch. 9 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 26 –
JURISDICTION, THE RULES OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE I NEFFECTIVE IN THAT
STATE TO THE EX TENT OF THE CONFLICT .
(C) THE COMMISSION SHALL EXER CISE ITS RULEMAKING POWERS
PURSUANT TO THE CRIT ERIA SET FORTH IN TH IS SECTION AND THE R ULES ADOPTED
THEREUNDER . RULES SHALL BECOME BI NDING AS ON THE DAY FOLLOWING
ADOPTION OR THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE RU LE OR AMENDMENT , WHICHEVER IS
LATER.
(D) IF A MAJORITY OF THE LEGISLATURES OF THE MEMBER STATES
REJECTS A RULE OR PO RTION OF A RULE , BY ENACTMENT OF A ST ATUTE OR
RESOLUTION IN THE SA ME MANNER USED TO AD OPT THE COMPACT WITHIN FOUR
YEARS OF THE DATE OF ADOPTION OF THE RULE , THEN SUCH RULE SHALL HAVE NO
FURTHER FORCE AND EF FECT IN ANY MEMBER S TATE.
(E) RULES SHALL BE ADOPTE D AT A REGULAR OR SP ECIAL MEETING OF THE
COMMISSION.
(F) PRIOR TO ADOPTION OF A PROPOSED RULE , THE COMMISSION SHALL
HOLD A PUBLIC HEA RING AND ALLOW PERSO NS TO PROVIDE ORAL A ND WRITTEN
COMMENTS , DATA, FACTS, OPINIONS, AND ARGUMENTS .
(G) PRIOR TO ADOPTION OF A PROPOSED RULE BY T HE COMMISSION, AND
AT LEAST 30 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF T HE MEETING AT WHICH THE COMMISSION WILL
HOLD A PUBLIC HEARI NG ON THE PROPOSED R ULE, THE COMMISSION SHALL
PROVIDE A NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING :
(1) ON THE WEBSITE OF THE COMMISSION OR OTHER P UBLICLY
ACCESSIBLE PLATFORM ;
(2) TO PERSONS WHO HAVE R EQUESTED NOTICE OF T HE
COMMISSION’S NOTICES OF PROPOSE D RULEMAKING; AND
(3) IN SUCH OTHER WAY (S) AS THE COMMISSION MAY BY RUL E
SPECIFY.
(H) THE NOTICE OF PROPOSE D RULEMAKING SHALL I NCLUDE:
(1) THE TIME, DATE, AND LOCATION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING AT
WHICH THE COMMISSION WILL HEAR PUBLIC COMMENTS ON T HE PROPOSED RULE,
AND, IF DIFFERENT, THE TIME, DATE, AND LOCATION OF THE MEETING WHERE THE
COMMISSION WILL CONSI DER AND VOTE ON THE PROPOSED RULE ;
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
– 27 –
(2) IF THE HEARING IS HEL D VIA TELECOMMUNICAT ION, VIDEO
CONFERENCE , OR OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS, THE COMMISSION SHALL INCLUDE
THE MECHANISM FOR AC CESS TO THE HEARING IN THE NOTICE OF PRO POSED
RULEMAKING ;
(3) THE TEXT OF THE PROPO SED RULE AND THE REA SON THEREFOR ;
(4) A REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED RULE FROM ANY
INTERESTED PERSON ; AND
(5) THE MANNER IN WHICH INTERESTED PER SONS MAY SUBMIT
WRITTEN COMMENTS .
(I) ALL HEARINGS WILL BE RECORDED. A COPY OF THE RECORDIN G AND
ALL WRITTEN COMMENTS AND DOCUMENTS RECEIV ED BY THE COMMISSION IN
RESPONSE TO THE PROP OSED RULE SHALL BE M ADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
(J) NOTHING IN THIS SECTI ON SHALL BE CONSTRUE D AS REQUIRING A
SEPARATE HEARING ON EACH RULE . RULES MAY BE GROUPED FOR THE
CONVENIENCE OF THE COMMISSION AT HEARING S REQUIRED BY THIS S ECTION.
(K) THE COMMISSION SHALL , BY MAJORITY VOTE OF ALL MEMBERS , TAKE
FINAL ACTION ON THE P ROPOSED RULE BASED O N THE RULEMAKING REC ORD AND
THE FULL TEXT OF THE RULE.
(1) THE COMMISSION MAY ADOPT CHANGES TO THE PROPO SED RULE
PROVIDED THE CHANGES DO NOT ENLARGE THE O RIGINAL PURPOSE OF T HE
PROPOSED RULE .
(2) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROVIDE AN EXP LANATION OF THE
REASONS FOR SUBSTANT IVE CHANGES MADE TO THE PROPOSED RULE AS WELL AS
REASONS FOR SUBSTANT IVE CHANGES NOT MADE THAT WERE RECOMMENDE D BY
COMMENTERS .
(3) THE COMMISSION SHALL DETE RMINE A REASONABLE E FFECTIVE
DATE FOR TH E RULE. EXCEPT FOR AN EMERGEN CY AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 12(L),
THE EFFECTIVE DATE O F THE RULE SHALL BE NO SOONER THAN 30 DAYS AFTER
ISSUING THE NOTICE T HAT IT ADOPTED OR AM ENDED THE RULE .
(L) UPON DETERMINATION TH AT AN EMERGENCY EXIS TS, THE
COMMISSION MAY CONSIDER AND ADOPT A N EMERGENCY RULE WIT H 48 HOURS’
NOTICE, WITH OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT, PROVIDED THAT THE US UAL
RULEMAKING PROCEDURE S PROVIDED IN THE COMPACT AND IN THIS S ECTION
SHALL BE RETROACTIVE LY APPLIED TO THE RU LE AS SOON AS REASON ABLY Ch. 9 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 28 –
POSSIBLE, IN NO EVENT LATER THA N 90 DAYS AFTER THE EFFEC TIVE DATE OF THE
RULE. FOR THE PURPOSES OF T HIS PROVISION, AN EMERGENCY RULE IS ONE THAT
MUST BE ADOPTED IMME DIATELY IN ORDER TO :
(1) MEET AN IMMINENT THRE AT TO PUBLIC HEALTH , SAFETY, OR
WELFARE;
(2) PREVENT A LOSS OF COMMISSION OR MEMBER STATE FUNDS;
(3) MEET A DEADLINE FOR T HE PROMULGATION OF A RULE THAT IS
ESTABLISHED BY FEDER AL LAW OR RULE ; OR
(4) PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY.
(M) THE COMMISSION OR AN AUTH ORIZED COMMITTEE OF THE
COMMISSION MAY DIRECT REVISIONS TO A PREVIOUSLY ADOP TED RULE FOR
PURPOSES OF CORRECTI NG TYPOGRAPHICAL ERR ORS, ERRORS IN FORMAT ,
ERRORS IN CONSISTENC Y, OR GRAMMATICAL ERROR S. PUBLIC NOTICE OF ANY
REVISIONS SHALL BE P OSTED ON THE WEBSITE OF THE COMMISSION. THE REVISION
SHALL BE SUBJECT TO CHALLENGE BY ANY PER SON FOR A PERIOD OF 30 DAYS
AFTER POSTING . THE REVISION MAY BE C HALLENGED ONLY ON GR OUNDS THAT THE
REVISION RESULTS IN A MATERIAL CHANGE TO A RULE. A CHALLENGE SHALL BE
MADE IN WRITING AND DELIVERED TO THE COMMISSION PRIOR TO THE END O F THE
NOTICE PERIOD . IF NO CHALLENGE IS MA DE, THE REVISION WILL TA KE EFFECT
WITHOUT FURTHER ACTI ON. IF THE REVISION IS CH ALLENGED, THE REVISION MAY
NOT TAKE EFFECT WITH OUT THE APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSION.
(N) NO MEMBER STATE ’S RULEMAKI NG REQUIREMENTS SHAL L APPLY
UNDER THIS COMPACT.
SECTION 13. OVERSIGHT, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, AND
ENFORCEMENT.
(A) (1) THE EXECUTIVE AND JUD ICIAL BRANCHES OF ST ATE
GOVERNMENT IN EACH M EMBER STATE SHALL EN FORCE THIS COMPACT AND TAKE
ALL ACTIONS NECESSAR Y AND APPROPRIATE TO IM PLEMENT THE COMPACT.
(2) EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE P ROVIDED IN THIS COMPACT, VENUE IS
PROPER AND JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BY OR AG AINST THE COMMISSION SHALL BE
BROUGHT SOLELY AND E XCLUSIVELY IN A COUR T OF COMPETENT JURIS DICTION
WHERE THE PRINC IPAL OFFICE OF THE COMMISSION IS LOCATED . THE
COMMISSION MAY WAIVE VENUE AND JURISDICTI ONAL DEFENSES TO THE EXTENT
IT ADOPTS OR CONSENT S TO PARTICIPATE IN ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
– 29 –
PROCEEDINGS . NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT OR LIMIT THE SELECTION OR
PROPRIETY OF VENUE IN A NY ACTION AGAINST A LICENSEE FOR PROFESS IONAL
MALPRACTICE , MISCONDUCT OR ANY SU CH SIMILAR MATTER .
(3) THE COMMISSION SHALL BE E NTITLED TO RECEIVE S ERVICE OF
PROCESS IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING REGARDING THE ENFORCEMENT OR
INTERPRETATION OF THE COMPACT, AND SHALL HAVE STAND ING TO INTERVENE IN
SUCH A PROCEEDING FO R ALL PURPOSES . FAILURE TO PROVIDE TH E COMMISSION
SERVICE OF PROCESS R ENDERS A JUDGMENT OR ORDER VOID AS TO THE
COMMISSION, THE COMPACT, OR PROMULGATED RULES .
(B) (1) IF THE COMMISSION DETERMINES TH AT A MEMBER STATE HA S
DEFAULTED IN THE PER FORMANCE OF ITS OBLI GATIONS OR RESPONSIB ILITIES
UNDER THIS COMPACT OR THE PROMUL GATED RULES , THE COMMISSION SHALL
PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTI CE TO THE DEFAULTING STATE. THE NOTICE OF DEFAULT
SHALL DESC RIBE THE DEFAULT , THE PROPOSED MEANS O F CURING THE DEFAULT ,
AND ANY OTHER ACTION THAT THE COMMISSION MAY TAKE , AND SHALL OFFER
TRAINING AND SPECIFI C TECHNICAL ASSISTAN CE REGARDING THE DEF AULT.
(2) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROV IDE A COPY OF THE NO TICE OF
DEFAULT TO THE OTHER ME MBER STATES.
(C) IF A STATE IN DEFAULT FAILS TO CURE THE DE FAULT, THE DEFAULTING
STATE MAY BE TERMINA TED FROM THE COMPACT UPON AN AFFIR MATIVE VOTE OF
A MAJORITY OF THE DE LEGATES OF THE MEMBE R STATES, AND ALL RIGHTS ,
PRIVILEGES AND BEN EFITS CONFERRED ON T HAT STATE BY THIS COMPACT MAY BE
TERMINATED ON THE EF FECTIVE DATE OF TERM INATION. A CURE OF THE DEFAULT
DOES NOT RELIEVE THE OFFENDING STATE OF O BLIGATIONS OR LIABIL ITIES
INCURRED DURING THE PERIOD OF DEFAULT .
(D) TERMINATION OF MEMBE RSHIP IN THE COMPACT SHALL BE IMPO SED
ONLY AFTER ALL OTHER MEANS OF SECURING CO MPLIANCE HAVE BEEN
EXHAUSTED. NOTICE OF INTENT TO S USPEND OR TERMINATE SHALL BE GIVEN BY
THE COMMISSION TO THE GOV ERNOR, THE MAJORITY AND MIN ORITY LEADERS OF
THE DEFAULTING STAT E’S LEGISLATURE , THE DEFAULTING STATE ’S STATE
LICENSING AUTHORITY , AND EACH OF THE MEMB ER STATES’ LICENSING
AUTHORITY.
(E) A STATE THAT HAS BEEN TERMINATED IS RESPON SIBLE FOR ALL
ASSESSMENTS , OBLIGATIONS, AND LIABILITIES INCU RRED THROUGH THE
EFFECTIVE DA TE OF TERMINATION , INCLUDING OBLIGATION S THAT EXTEND
BEYOND THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF TERMINATION .
Ch. 9 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 30 –
(F) UPON THE TERMINATION OF A STATE’S MEMBERSHIP FROM TH IS
COMPACT, THAT STATE SHALL IMM EDIATELY PROVIDE NOT ICE TO ALL LICENSEES
WITHIN THAT STATE OF SUCH TERM INATION. THE TERMINATED STATE SHALL
CONTINUE TO RECOGNIZ E ALL LICENSES GRANT ED PURSUANT TO THIS COMPACT
FOR A MINIMUM OF SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DAT E OF SAID NOTICE OF TERMINATION .
(G) THE COMMISSION MAY NOT BE AR ANY COSTS RELATED TO A STATE
THAT IS FOUND TO BE IN DEFAULT OR THAT HAS BEEN TERMIN ATED FROM THE
COMPACT, UNLESS AGREED UPON I N WRITING BETWEEN TH E COMMISSION AND THE
DEFAULTING STATE .
(H) THE DEFAULTING STATE MAY APPEAL THE ACTIO N OF THE COMMISSION
BY PETITIONING THE U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OR
THE FEDERAL DISTRICT WHERE THE COMMISSION HAS ITS PR INCIPAL OFFICES .
THE PREVAILING PARTY SHALL BE AWARDED ALL COSTS OF SUCH LITIGA TION,
INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES.
(I) (1) UPON REQUEST BY A MEM BER STATE, THE COMMISSION SHALL
ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE D ISPUTES RELATED TO T HE COMPACT THAT ARISE AM ONG
MEMBER STATES AND BE TWEEN MEMBER AND NON –MEMBER STATES .
(2) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROM ULGATE A RULE PROVID ING FOR
BOTH MEDIATION AND B INDING DISPUTE RESOL UTION FOR DISPUTES A S
APPROPRIATE.
(J) (1) BY MAJORITY VOTE AS P ROVIDED BY RULE , THE COMMISSION
MAY INITIATE LEGAL A CTION AGAINST A MEMB ER STATE IN DEFAULT IN THE
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OR THE
FEDERAL DISTRICT WHE RE THE COMMISSION HAS ITS PR INCIPAL OFFICES TO
ENFORCE COMPLIANCE W ITH THE PROVISIONS O F THE COMPACT AND ITS
PROMULGATED RULES . THE RELIEF SOUGHT MAY INCLUDE BOTH INJUNCT IVE
RELIEF AND DAMAGES . IN THE EVENT JUDICIAL ENFORCEMENT IS NECES SARY, THE
PREVAILING MEMBER SH ALL BE AWARDED ALL C OSTS OF SUCH LITIGATIO N,
INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES. THE REMEDIES HEREIN S HALL NOT BE
THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDI ES OF THE COMMISSION. THE COMMISSION MAY PURSUE
ANY OTHER REMEDIES A VAILABLE UNDER FEDER AL OR THE DEFAULTING MEMBER
STATE’S LAW.
(2) A MEMBER STATE MAY INITIAT E LEGAL ACTION AGAIN ST THE
COMMISSION IN THE U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OR
THE FEDERAL DISTRICT WHERE THE COMMISSION HAS ITS PR INCIPAL OFFICES TO
ENFORCE COMPLIANCE W ITH THE PROVISIONS O F THE COMPACT AND ITS
PROMULGATED RULES . THE RELIEF SOUGHT MAY INCLUDE BOTH INJUNCT IVE WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
– 31 –
RELIEF AND DAMAGES . IN THE EVENT JUDICIAL ENFORCEMENT IS NECES SARY, THE
PREVAILING PARTY SHA LL BE AWARDED ALL CO STS OF SUCH LITIGATI ON,
INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES.
(3) NO PERSON OTHER THAN A MEMBER STATE SHALL ENFORCE THIS
COMPACT AGAINST THE COMMISSION.
SECTION 14. EFFECTIVE DATE, WITHDRAWAL, AND AMENDMENT.
(A) THE COMPACT SHALL COME IN TO EFFECT ON THE DAT E ON WHICH THE
COMPACT STATUTE IS EN ACTED INTO LAW IN TH E SEVENTH MEMBER STA TE.
(1) ON OR AFTER THE EFFEC TIVE DATE OF THE COMPACT, THE
COMMISSION SHALL CONV ENE AND REVIEW THE E NACTMENT OF EACH OF THE
FIRST SEVEN MEMBER S TATES (“CHARTER MEMBER STATE S”) TO DETERMINE IF
THE STATUTE ENACTED BY EACH SUCH CHARTER MEMBER STATE IS MATE RIALLY
DIFFERENT THAN THE M ODEL COMPACT STATUTE .
(I) A CHARTER MEMBER STATE WHOSE ENACTMENT IS F OUND
TO BE MATERIALLY DIF FERENT FROM THE MODE L COMPACT STATUTE SHALL BE
ENTITLED TO THE DEFA ULT PROCESS SET FORT H IN SECTION 13.
(II) IF ANY MEMBER STATE IS LATER FOUND TO BE IN DEFAULT,
OR IS TERMINATED OR WITHDRAWS FROM THE COMPACT, THE COMMISSION SHALL
REMAIN IN EXISTENCE AND THE COMPACT SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT EVEN IF TH E
NUMBER OF MEMBER STA TES SHOULD BE LESS T HAN SEVEN.
(2) MEMBER STATES ENACTIN G THE COMPACT SUBSEQUENT TO THE
SEVEN INITIAL CHARTE R MEMBER STATES SHAL L BE SUBJECT TO THE PROCESS SET
FORTH IN SECTION 10(C)(21) TO DETERMINE IF THEI R ENACTMENTS ARE
MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM THE MODEL COMPACT STATUTE AND W HETHER
THEY QUALIFY FOR PAR TICIPATION IN THE COMPACT.
(3) ALL ACTIONS TAKEN FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMISSION OR
IN FURTHERANCE OF TH E PURPOSES OF THE AD MINISTRATION OF THE COMPACT
PRIOR TO THE EFFECTI VE DATE OF THE COMPACT OR THE COMMISSION COMING
INTO EXISTENCE SHALL BE CONSIDERED TO BE ACTIONS OF THE COMMISSION
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY REPUDIATED BY THE COMMISSION.
(4) ANY STATE THAT JOINS THE COMPACT SUBSEQUENT TO THE
COMMISSION’S INITIAL ADOPTION O F THE RULES AND BYLAWS SHALL BE SUBJECT
TO THE RULES AND BYL AWS AS THEY EXIST ON THE DATE ON WHICH THE COMPACT
BECOMES LAW IN THAT STATE. ANY RULE THAT HAS BEE N PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED BY Ch. 9 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 32 –
THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE FULL FORCE AND E FFECT OF LAW ON THE DAY
THE COMPACT BECOMES LAW I N THAT STATE.
(B) ANY MEMBER STATE MAY WITHDRAW FROM THE COMPACT BY
ENACTING A STATUTE R EPEALING THE SAME .
(1) A MEMBER STATE ’S WITHDRAWAL SHALL N OT TAKE EFFECT
UNTIL 180 DAYS AFTER ENACTMENT OF THE REPEALING STA TUTE.
(2) WITHDRAWAL SHALL NOT AFFECT THE CONTINUIN G
REQUIREMENT OF THE W ITHDRAWING STATE ’S LICENSING AUTHORITY TO COMPLY
WITH THE INVESTIGATI VE AND ADVERSE ACTIO N REPORTING REQUIREM ENTS OF
THIS ACT PRIOR TO TH E EFFECTIVE DATE OF WITHDRAWAL .
(3) UPON THE ENACTMENT OF A STATUTE WITHDRAWIN G FROM THIS
COMPACT, A STATE SHALL IMMEDI ATELY PROVIDE NOTICE OF SUCH WITHDRAWAL
TO ALL LICENSEES WIT HIN THAT STATE . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY S UBSEQUENT
STATUTORY ENACTMENT TO THE CONTRARY , SUCH WITHDRAWING STA TE SHALL
CONTINUE TO RECOGNIZ E ALL LICENSES GRANT ED PURSUANT TO THIS COMPACT
FOR A MINIMUM OF 180 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SUCH NOTICE OF WI THDRAWAL.
(C) NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS COMPACT SHALL BE CONS TRUED TO
INVALIDATE OR PREVEN T ANY SOCIAL WORK LI CENSURE AGREEMENT OR OTHER
COOPERATIVE ARRANGEM ENT BETWEEN A MEMBER STATE AND A NON –MEMBER
STATE THAT DOES NOT CONFLICT WIT H THE PROVISIONS OF THIS COMPACT.
(D) THIS COMPACT MAY BE AMENDE D BY THE MEMBER STAT ES. NO
AMENDMENT TO THE COMPACT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE AND BINDIN G UPON ANY
MEMBER STATE UNTIL I T IS ENACTED INTO TH E LAWS OF ALL MEMBER STATES.
SECTION 15. CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY.
(A) THIS COMPACT AND THE COMMISSION’S RULEMAKING AUTHORI TY
SHALL BE LIBERALLY C ONSTRUED SO AS TO EF FECTUATE THE PURPOSE S, AND THE
IMPLEMENTATION AND A DMINISTRATION OF THE COMPACT. PROVISIONS OF THE
COMPACT EXPRESSLY AUT HORIZING OR REQU IRING THE PROMULGATI ON OF RULES
SHALL NOT BE CONSTRU ED TO LIMIT THE COMMISSION’S RULEMAKING AUTHORI TY
SOLELY FOR THOSE PUR POSES.
(B) THE PROVISIONS OF THI S COMPACT SHALL BE SEVE RABLE AND IF ANY
PHRASE, CLAUSE, SENTENCE OR PROVISIO N OF THIS COMPACT IS HEL D BY A COURT
OF COMPETENT JURISDI CTION TO BE CONTRARY TO THE CONSTITUTION OF ANY
MEMBER STATE , A STATE SEEKING PART ICIPATION IN THE COMPACT, OR OF THE WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 9
– 33 –
UNITED STATES, OR THE APPLICABILITY THEREOF TO ANY GOVER NMENT, AGENCY,
PERSON OR CIRCUMSTAN CE IS HELD TO BE UNCONSTITUTIONAL BY A COURT OF
COMPETENT JURISDICTI ON, THE VALIDITY OF THE REMAINDER OF THE COMPACT
AND THE APPLICABILIT Y THEREOF TO ANY GOV ERNMENT, AGENCY, PERSON, OR
CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL N OT BE AFFECTED THERE BY.
(C) NOTWITHSTANDING SUBSE CTION (B) OF THIS SECTION , THE
COMMISSION MAY DENY A STATE’S PARTICIPATION IN T HE COMPACT OR , IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13(B), TERMINATE A MEMBER
STATE’S PARTICIPATION IN T HE COMPACT, IF IT DETERMINES THA T A
CONSTITUTIONAL REQUI REMENT OF A MEMBER S TATE IS A MATERIAL DE PARTURE
FROM THE COMPACT. OTHERWISE, IF THIS COMPACT SHALL BE HELD TO BE
CONTRARY TO THE CONS TITUTION OF ANY MEMB ER STATE, THE COMPACT SHALL
REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS TO THE REMAINING MEMBER STA TES AND
IN FULL FORCE AND EF FECT AS TO THE MEMBER STA TE AFFECTED AS TO AL L
SEVERABLE MATTERS .
SECTION 16. BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS.
(A) A LICENSEE PROVIDING S ERVICES IN A REMOTE STATE UNDER A
MULTISTATE AUTHORIZA TION TO PRACTICE SHA LL ADHERE TO THE LAW S AND
REGULATIONS , INCLUDING LAWS , REGULATIONS , AND APPLICABLE STAND ARDS, OF
THE REMOTE STATE WHE RE THE CLIENT IS LOC ATED AT THE TIME CAR E IS
RENDERED.
(B) NOTHING HEREIN SHALL PREVENT OR INHIBIT T HE ENFORCEMENT OF
ANY OTHER LAW OF A M EMBER STATE THAT IS NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE
COMPACT.
(C) ANY LAWS , STATUTES, REGULATIONS , OR OTHER LEGAL
REQUIREMENTS IN A ME MBER STATE IN CONFLI CT WITH THE COMPACT ARE
SUPERSEDED TO THE EX TENT OF THE CONFLICT .
(D) ALL PERMISSIBLE AGREE MENTS BETWEEN THE COMMISSION AND THE
MEMBER STATES ARE BINDING IN ACCOR DANCE WITH THEIR TER MS.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act is contingent on the
enacting of substantially similar legislation in six other states. The Maryland Department
of Health shall notify the Department of Legislative Services within 10 days after six states
have enacted legislation that is substantially similar to this Act.
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, subject to Section 2 of this
Act, this Act shall take effect October 1, 2025.
Ch. 9 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 34 –
Approved by the Governor, April 8, 2025.