AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law legislation sponsored by Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, that will improve access to social work services in Maine by having the state join the Social Work Licensure Compact.
Currently, social workers must seek a separate license in each state and territory where they wish to practice, which can be labor- and time-intensive. LD 2140, as amended, will allow social workers to practice across different jurisdictions that have enacted the compact, enhancing license mobility within the profession. This change will improve public access to social work services, support relocating military families and allow for expanded use of telehealth.
"The social work compact will help alleviate some of the unnecessary administrative burdens social workers have faced and mitigate workforce shortages in behavioral health," said Crafts. "I am grateful to all the advocates and legislators who got behind this great policy, and to Gov. Mills for signing it into law. With this compact in place, Maine social workers will encounter fewer barriers, and the people of Maine will have greater access to the behavioral health care they need."
Legislation to join the compact has already been enacted in nine other states, including Vermont, and introduced in 17 other states. The compact became active once seven states enacted it into law, but multistate licenses are not yet being issued. The implementation process for the compact will likely take 12 to 24 months.
The new law will go into effect 90 days after the current session of the Legislature adjourns.
Rep. Crafts is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents Bristol, Damariscotta, Newcastle, Nobleboro and Monhegan Plantation. She is the House chair of the Legislature's Transportation Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Crafts], c. 305-965-2744