That was the testimony of Linda Mauro, interim dean of Temple’s School of Social Administration. She was one of a group of experts who testified on behalf of House Bill 1693, a bill that would allow licensed and credentialed social workers from other states to practice in Pennsylvania without having to go through the state’s formal licensing process, at the Liacouras Center on Aug. 7.

By allowing those social workers with out-of-state licenses who wish to come to Pennsylvania do so immediately, the state’s most vulnerable residents — the very young and the very old — will be assured of the help they need.

“Pennsylvania faces serious shortages of trained social workers in these areas as well as others, such as mental health,” Mauro said. “It will benefit the residents of our state for us to welcome professionals from other states whose expertise is needed and who meet or exceed our state’s criteria for licensure.”

Also, allowing this type of fast-track licensure will help attract dual-career couples, which means that the state might gain additional lawyers, doctors and other professionals, Mauro said.

The legislation, an amendment of the Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists Act, was sent to the Committee on Professional Licensure on July 13. The bill was sponsored by a group of House members including Philadelphia reps Babette Josephs, Michael McGheehan and Rosita Youngblood.