Pursuant to House Bill 2146, passed during the 2023 General Assembly Session, the Board of Social Work convened a workgroup on August 18, 2023, to:

1. compare pathways to social work licensure in the Commonwealth for out of state applicants who hold a comparable license;

2. examine Virginia’s current social work provisions for licensure by endorsement;

3. analyze the Social Work compact and the timeframe for implementation in the Commonwealth; and,

4. make recommendations on the feasibility of allowing social work licensure by reciprocity as well as any additional pathways to reduce barriers to licensure in Virginia and increase the licensed behavioral health workforce.

The workgroup commended the board for amending its current endorsement provisions to remove barriers to out of state licensees applying for a license to practice in Virginia. The workgroup also indicated support for joining the Social Work Licensure Compact. A workgroup member indicated that the National Association of Social Workers – Virginia Chapter (NASW-VA) expects to introduce legislation to that effect during the 2024 General Assembly Session. Even if the General Assembly enacts Compact legislation, however, Virginia cannot issue compact privileges until the Compact Commission develops rules. That could delay full implementation until at least July 2025.

The workgroup determined that providing many approaches to licensure for out of state applicants would prove the most effective and flexible approach to tackle access to care and workforce shortages. The Code of Virginia presently authorizes the Board to enter into reciprocity agreements. No additional laws or regulations are needed because the applicable Code section empowers the Executive Director to enter into reciprocity agreements on behalf of the Board. Acknowledging the feasibility of this statute, the workgroup recommended that the Executive Director pursue reciprocity agreements with all contiguous jurisdictions.

Workgroup Members

Elke Cox, MSW, LCSW
Board Member

Sherwood Randolph, MSW, LCSW
Board Member

Teresa Reynolds, MSW, LCSW
Board Member

Debra Riggs
Executive Director
National Association of Social Workers – Virginia and District of Columbia Chapters

Jaime H. Hoyle, JD
Executive Director
Virginia Boards of Counseling, Psychology, and Social Work

Erin L. Barrett, JD
Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Department of Health Professions