Unlocking Opportunities: What the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact Means for Clinicians and Clients in Oklahoma

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - working remotely

The field of social work is on the verge of something truly transformative.

For decades, social workers have navigated complex and inconsistent licensing laws across states—especially those of us in private practice or providing telehealth services. But now, an exciting and long-awaited development is gaining traction: the Interstate Licensure Compact for Social Work.

This compact is not just bureaucratic progress—it’s a groundbreaking shift that could dramatically expand access to care and allow social workers like me to meet the needs of our clients more efficiently, wherever they are.

What Is the Interstate Licensure Compact for Social Work?

In simple terms, an interstate compact is a formal agreement among states that allows licensed professionals to practice across state lines without going through the entire licensure process in every new state.

The Social Work Compact, spearheaded by the Council of State Governments (CSG) in partnership with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), NASW, and other key stakeholders, is now a reality thanks to legislative action in over two dozen states.

Once implemented, this compact will allow licensed social workers in participating states to apply for a compact privilege, similar to a multi-state license, and provide services in other member states without needing additional licenses.

Why This Matters—A Lot

This isn’t just exciting for providers—it’s a win for everyone:

1. Social Workers Can Move Freely

Many of us are licensed in one state, even though our clients move or relocate. The compact eliminates the licensing headaches when clients want to continue services after moving to a new state—or when we ourselves relocate.

2. Increased Access for Clients

In rural or underserved areas, it can be difficult to find a qualified social worker. With the compact, clients across multiple states will have access to a broader range of professionals—especially for telehealth services, which exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic and remain a lifeline for many.

3. Support for Military Spouses and Families

Military families often relocate every 2–3 years. This compact allows social workers who are military spouses to maintain their careers and provide continuity of care regardless of where they live.

4. Streamlined Telehealth Across State Lines

As more of us offer virtual services, it’s critical to have clarity around where we can legally practice. The compact simplifies this, ensuring we can ethically and legally serve clients across state lines with confidence.

5. No More Being Stuck in Soul-Crushing Agency Jobs

This compact also opens the door for more licensed clinical social workers to go independent, instead of feeling stuck in poor quality, life-sucking, high-burnout agency jobs just to make ends meet. With more flexibility, more LCSW's finally reclaim their autonomy—and serve clients in ways that actually align with their (our) staunch NASW values.

Which States Are Participating?

As of May 2025, 26 states have passed legislation to join the compact—including Oklahoma, a huge win for local providers like me.

These states have met the minimum threshold to form the Social Work Compact Commission, the body that will create rules, manage the compact data system, and oversee operations.

States like Maryland, Utah, and Missouri were among the first to pass compact legislation. Others—including Texas, Pennsylvania, and Oregon—are currently considering joining.

How Will the Compact Work in Practice?

Here’s what social workers can expect:

• Once fully operational, you’ll be able to apply for a compact privilege to practice in other member states.

• You must hold an active, unencumbered license in your home state and meet the eligibility criteria set by the compact.

• A centralized data system will track licensing information and disciplinary actions to ensure safety and accountability.

This system is still being built, and while the compact has passed in many states, the implementation process is expected to take 18–24 months.

What It Means for My Practice—and Yours

As a therapist offering services in Oklahoma, I’ve experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to maintain continuity of care when clients move—even just across the state border. The Interstate Compact will allow me (and thousands of other social workers) to continue serving those clients legally and ethically, without unnecessary administrative burdens.

And for those of you who are early in your career: This compact could significantly increase your job options. You may be able to accept positions or internships in other states without worrying about dual licensure.

What You Can Do Now

If you’re a licensed social worker, here’s how you can prepare:

• Check your license status. Ensure your license is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.

• Follow updates from NASW, the ASWB, and the Social Work Compact website.

• Talk to your colleagues. Spread the word about the compact, especially to those providing telehealth or working near state borders.

• Advocate. If your state hasn’t passed compact legislation yet, contact your legislators and encourage NASW chapter advocacy efforts.

  
  

Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Social Work

This compact is more than a legal agreement—it’s a major step forward for the profession. It represents progress, flexibility, and a commitment to improving access to care across the country.

I’m incredibly excited to see Oklahoma among the early adopters and proud to be part of a profession that’s always striving to evolve, innovate, and serve better.

As a clinician, business owner, and advocate, I’ll be following the implementation process closely and sharing updates as they unfold. This is only the beginning of something great.

If you’re a client, colleague, or fellow social worker curious about how this might impact your services or practice—feel free to reach out or leave a comment below!

👉 Visit NASW’s official compact page here

About the Author

Misti Luke, LCSW, runs a one-woman private practice in Oklahoma and has been helping folks face and conquer tough life challenges for over two decades. She's passionate about the work, stays busy, and still gets excited when big changes—like the Social Work Compact—open new doors for her super cool profession.