Virginia Legislative Advocacy

Updated November 2026

The Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work helps members follow legislation, licensing requirements, and public policy affecting clinical social workers and the people we serve in Virginia. Member participation brings clinical experience to discussions about access to care, professional practice, and the behavioral health system.

Virginia Licensure and Renewal

Virginia social work licenses renew annually by June 30. Continuing education requirements are due with renewal in even-numbered years. Check your individual license status and the Board’s instructions before renewing.

Renewals are completed online. Keep your email and contact information current with the Board so you receive renewal notices and other important updates.

Visit the Virginia Board of Social Work renewal page for instructions. Applications, license information, and professional resources are available through the Virginia Board of Social Work.

Continuing Education

As of November 2026, the requirements for an active Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) include:

Under the requirements in effect during November 2026, LBSWs and LMSWs need 15 hours, including at least 3 hours in ethics, standards of practice, or Virginia social work law. At least 10 hours must be Category I, with no more than 5 in Category II.

Course eligibility, provider approval, activity limits, and exceptions matter. Review the Board’s continuing education guidance and 18VAC140-20-105 before selecting activities.

Social Work Licensure Compact

Virginia enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact in 2024. The compact is intended to create a multistate licensing pathway for eligible social workers in participating jurisdictions.

As of November 2026, multistate licenses are not yet available. Enactment of compact legislation does not itself authorize a social worker to practice across state lines.

Follow the Virginia Board’s compact information and the official Social Work Licensure Compact resources for implementation and eligibility updates.

Telehealth and Cross-State Practice

Before providing services across state lines, confirm the licensing and practice requirements that apply where you and your client are located. Do not rely on pandemic-era emergency waivers or older advocacy articles as evidence of current authorization.

Consult the Board’s guidance documents and contact socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov with questions about Virginia requirements.

Follow Legislation and Board Activity

Members can follow proposed changes and opportunities for public participation through these official resources:

• Virginia Legislative Information System: Find bills, amendments, and legislative action.
• Virginia Regulatory Town Hall: Review regulatory proposals, public comment opportunities, and meeting notices.
• Board of Social Work calendar: Check meeting dates and available meeting materials before attending.

Get Involved in Virginia Advocacy

Your clinical experience can help explain how policy affects access to care and everyday practice. Members can contribute by:

• Following proposed legislation and regulations.
• Helping prepare member updates or testimony.
• Attending Board meetings and identifying issues affecting clinical practice.
• Responding to GWSCSW advocacy alerts.
• Sharing professional expertise with the legislative committee.

Learn more through GWSCSW’s Committees and Volunteer Opportunities. To express interest or suggest an issue for the committee’s attention, contact admin@gwscsw.org. Please omit identifying client information.

Earlier Advocacy Updates

These articles document GWSCSW’s earlier advocacy work, including collaboration with the Virginia Society for Clinical Social Work on compact legislation. Statements about legislation, emergency policies, deadlines, and committee personnel reflect their publication dates and should not be treated as current guidance.

This page provides general information. The Board’s current regulations and official guidance govern individual licensing and practice requirements.