New Licensure Compact Could Boost SDOH, Behavioral Health Outreach

“Social workers are essential to expanding access to behavioral healthcare services,” HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm said in a press release. “HRSA is leading the way in growing the behavioral health workforce both by training more providers and by breaking down barriers to allow the workforce to make mental health and substance use disorder services more accessible across the country.”

Telehealth advocates say multi-state licensure compacts can be an important tool for overcoming licensure barriers and expanding virtual care networks across the country. They allow healthcare organizations to expand programs across state lines and into areas where healthcare resources—especially specialists—are scarce.

Social workers are a critical element of behavioral health and SDOH programs because they can help connect patients to resources beyond the traditional healthcare network, helping to address barriers that include housing, transportation, education, employment and cultural and family issues.

“Social workers are on the frontlines in responding to the administration’s priorities, including meeting children’s mental health needs, responding to the opioid epidemic, and addressing maternal depression,” HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson said in the press release. “Today’s announcement is a critical step in helping social workers serve people in need, particularly in rural and underserved communities across the country.”