Denver, Colorado – The House Health and Human Services Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota and Representative Matthew Martinez to expand access to behavioral health care in Colorado. HB24-1002 It was passed unanimously.
“We need a strong behavioral health care workforce to meet the needs of Coloradans.” said Rep. Emily Sciorta, D-Denver.. “Social workers are essential to the success of behavioral health systems across the state, and we must do everything we can to attract and retain these skilled workers. This bill creates a social work licensing agreement. This means social workers practicing in participating states can seamlessly transition to working and living in Colorado.”
“The demand for behavioral health workers is growing in Colorado, and we are working to remove barriers that prevent qualified and licensed professionals from joining our workforce.” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This bill would make it easier for licensed social workers practicing in partner states to obtain a license in Colorado, saving them money and allowing them to more quickly respond to the needs of Coloradans. This bill will assist military spouses relocating to Colorado by removing barriers to entry into the behavioral health profession.”
HB24-1002 This would create a new path for out-of-state social workers to obtain professional licenses to practice in Colorado. This bill would create the Social Work Licensing Compact, an agreement between Colorado and six other states that would allow licensed social workers from member states to obtain and easily transfer licenses from other member states.
This legislation aims to reduce barriers for social workers by easing the interstate licensure process in Colorado and increasing access to behavioral health care. Social Work Licensing Agreements may be especially helpful to active duty military personnel and military spouses who often move from state to state.
Colorado lawmakers have championed nine Mobility Compact laws over the years, including last year's Mobility Compact Act. HB23-1064 To address Colorado's teacher shortage.
