PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey is joining a national compact that will allow licensed clinical social workers to practice across state lines, aiming to ease access to care and reduce long wait times for treatment.
Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed legislation that adds New Jersey to the Social Work Licensure Compact, a nearly 30-state agreement that creates reciprocal licensing for social workers.
Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, the bill’s sponsor, said the compact offers a two-way benefit.
“This is helping address a shortage in New Jersey, but it is also allowing our social workers in New Jersey to benefit from the compact in other states,” he said.
Greenwald said the move also allows for virtual visits.
“I think with the widely gained acceptance of telemedicine, it would also allow patients and families to get the treatment their loved ones need in a much more rapid timeline than the 12-week waiting period we’re currently experiencing,” he said.
He added that the compact will help get help to underserved or rural areas faster.
“When you have areas that are geographically isolated, think Salem County, or lack certain specialty care, by increasing the efficiency and allowing this reciprocity with other states, you cut down on the licensure requirement and you can bring more skilled professionals sooner, quicker.”
Pennsylvania and Delaware have pending legislation to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, and no multistate licenses have been issued yet. Full implementation is expected to take 12 to 24 months.