WASHINGTON, D.C. — Councilmember Robert White has introduced the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact Act of 2025, legislation that would allow the District to join the national Social Work Licensure Compact, making it easier for licensed social workers to provide care across state lines. The Compact enables qualified social workers in participating states to obtain a multi-state license, allowing them to legally practice whether in person or remotely in all member states without the burden of securing separate licenses in each jurisdiction. 

“Social workers are the backbone of our community health infrastructure,” said Councilmember White. “By joining this compact, we’re removing barriers that prevent them from doing their critical work and expanding access to care for residents who depend on them.” 

 The Social Work Licensure Compact streamlines the process for licensed social workers to practice in multiple states, a key step toward building a more flexible and mobile workforce. This is especially important for the District, where residents frequently move in and out for school, military service, or federal employment. 

Joining the Social Work Licensure Compact offers numerous benefits for both practitioners and residents. It improves access to care by allowing residents to maintain relationships with trusted social workers even if they relocate or travel, ensuring continuity and stability in their support. The compact also expands professional opportunities for social workers, enabling them to take jobs across state lines more easily and increasing their mobility and career growth. Additionally, it promotes greater efficiency by reducing redundant licensing requirements, saving practitioners both time and costs. With more than 20 states including Maryland and Virginia already participating, joining the compact aligns the District with its regional partners and strengthens the overall continuity of care across the region. 

 The Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact Act of 2025 builds on Councilmember White’s long-standing commitment to supporting social workers and expanding access to vital behavioral health services. In recent years, he has championed multiple initiatives to strengthen the social work pipeline and remove barriers to entering the field. These include the Social Work License Modernization Act, which simplified the licensing process for graduates and made it easier for new social workers to enter the profession; funding secured to expand pathways to behavioral health degrees, which invests in training the next generation of social workers; and the Social Work Fellowship Program at the University of the District of Columbia, which provides free tuition for D.C. residents pursuing a Master of Social Work degree. Joining the compact ensures that D.C. keeps pace with national efforts to modernize the licensing system, supporting both providers and the residents who rely on them. 

“Making it easier for social workers to serve across states means better, more consistent care for the people who need it most,” added White. “This is about ensuring that the professionals dedicated to healing our communities can focus on their work, not red tape.”