Senate Passes Roegner's Bill Expanding Opportunities for Social Workers

COLUMBUS—The Senate today passed Senate Bill 90, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), which would join Ohio to the “Social Work Licensure Compact,” an agreement between member states aiming to provide an expedited pathway to licensure for qualified social workers.

Allowing multi-state licensure for social workers to practice in multiple states expands economic opportunity for providers and increases access to care for those seeking assistance.

"State compacts are a fantastic way to help people with occupational licenses practice and use their skills in other states without having to get relicensed for the same profession multiple times,” said Senator Roegner. “Ohio joining the Social Work Licensure Compact is a strong incentive for qualified professionals to move to the Buckeye State, and also ensures quality care for the individuals they serve."

This legislation was supported by the Department of Defense, the National Association of Social Workers, the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, & Marriage and Family Therapist Board.

Brian Carnahan, Executive Director of the CSWMFT, testified “Through the Compact, Ohio’s nearly 27,000 Social Workers will be able to leverage their skills in other states, while qualified Social Workers from outside of Ohio will be able to access employment here, ensuring Ohioans can access care.”

Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Missouri have also introduced legislation to join the Compact, which will become active when seven states enact enabling legislation.