The NASW Legal Defense Fund has published a new legal update examining how the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Chiles v. Salazar is beginning to influence other cases involving licensed mental health professionals.

The update focuses on Brokamp v. District of Columbia, where a federal court applied Chiles to hold that, under the specific facts presented, the District could not require a Virginia-licensed counselor to obtain a D.C. license before providing teletherapy to clients located in the District. Although the decision is narrow and does not change licensing requirements for social workers, it is the first significant example of a court extending Chiles beyond conversion therapy and into the area of professional licensing.

An NASW LDF article discusses why this matters for social workers, including the potential implications for professional licensure, standards of care, and interstate teletherapy. It also explains why social workers should continue to comply with all applicable state licensing requirements.

You can read the full update here:

https://tinyurl.com/naswLDF7-28-26