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Abney bill to help access to mental health services advances

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    May 6, 2025 | 1:06 PM

HARRISBURG, May 6 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney announced today his legislation to improve access to mental health services and modernize professional licensing for social workers, has been unanimously approved by the House Professional Licensure Committee. The bill now advances to the full House of Representatives for further consideration.

House Bill 554 would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, an interstate agreement that allows licensed social workers to practice across state lines with greater ease. This compact would reduce administrative burdens for qualified professionals and increase the availability of critical mental health services, particularly in rural and underserved areas of the Commonwealth.

“As the only degree-holding social worker serving in the Pennsylvania legislature, I understand firsthand the challenges facing both providers and the people who rely on mental health services,” Abney said. “This bill is a practical, bipartisan solution that will strengthen our workforce, expand care options for Pennsylvanians, and bring us one step closer to meeting the growing demand for mental health support across our state.”

In addition to improving access to care, the legislation is expected to have a positive economic impact by reducing barriers to employment for social workers and making Pennsylvania a more attractive place for qualified professionals to live and work. By allowing greater mobility and flexibility in practice, the compact will help retain talent, fill critical job vacancies, and stimulate local economies, particularly in high-need areas.

“This is about more than professional licensing—it’s about building stronger communities,” Abney added. “By removing outdated barriers, we’re investing in both the health of our people and the vitality of our workforce.”

Abney represents the 19th Legislative District, comprised of the Hill District, North Side, South Side, Allentown, Hazelwood, Downtown, The Bluff, Knoxville, Beltzhoover, Manchester, Arlington, Arlington Heights, and North, South and West Oakland sections of Pittsburgh.

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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net