Wisconsin would join the Social Work Licensure Compact

Wisconsin would enter the Social Work Licensure Compact and appoint a state representative to its commission. The compact would involve Wisconsin and other member states, with Wisconsin represented by a member of its marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, and social work examining board. The compact commission would have the powers and duties set out in the compact. The compact is already active because enough states have joined it. The compact would take effect in Wisconsin upon enactment of the bill.

Eligible social workers could seek a multistate license to practice in other compact states. The provision covers social workers licensed or eligible for a license in a home state, including bachelor’s, master’s, and clinical categories. Applicants would have to pay required fees and meet the requirements for their license category. A remote state could regulate the worker’s services and act against the worker’s authorization in that state. A home-state adverse action would deactivate the worker’s multistate authorization in other member states until the license conditions are resolved. The multistate licensing provisions would apply after the compact takes effect in Wisconsin upon enactment.

The compact commission could set rules, hire staff, and collect assessments from member states or fees from licensees. The commission would oversee compact operations, and member states would share licensing and disciplinary information about covered social workers. Member states would submit required information to a coordinated data system. Disciplinary orders with adverse action would state that the worker’s multistate authorization is inactive until the order’s conditions are met. Member states could use subpoenas that other states enforce. These duties and powers would begin when the compact takes effect in Wisconsin upon enactment.