The legislative session in Maryland just wrapped. The behavioral health provider association in the state, Community Behavioral Health Association, reported (see 2024 Legislative Report) successes for their membership including a 3% rate increase and the preservation of the Medicaid behavioral health carve out.

What was more interesting is what didn’t pass, the two bills granting reciprocal licensure for out-of-state clinicians to practice in Maryland. The Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact (SB204/HB34) that would enter Maryland into a compact allowing licensed social workers to practice across state lines did not pass.  Nor did a similar bill, SB359/HB425 which would have entered Maryland into the Advance Practice Registered Nurse Compact.  

The…