The bill proposes that Minnesota enact and join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs) to practice across participating states with a single multistate license.

Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Multistate Licensure: Nurses with a multistate license issued by their home state can practice in other compact states without needing additional licenses. A nurse’s primary state of residence determines the home state license.

2. Licensure Requirements: To obtain a multistate license, applicants must meet strict criteria, including:

   • Graduation from an approved nursing program.
   • Successful passage of the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam.
   • Criminal background checks, including FBI fingerprinting.
   • No felony convictions or significant disciplinary actions.
   • Disclosure of participation in any alternative (rehabilitation) programs.

3. Disciplinary Authority: Home state licensing boards retain authority over issuing and disciplining the multistate license, while other compact states can take action against a nurse’s practice privileges within their jurisdictions.

4. Coordinated Information System: A centralized database will collect and share licensure and disciplinary information among compact states, ensuring compliance and accountability.

5. Interstate Commission: The bill establishes a governing body—the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators—to oversee rulemaking, enforcement, and dispute resolution between states.

6. State Compliance: Member states must adhere to Compact rules. Non-compliance may result in remedial action or termination from the Compact.

7. Emergency Rulemaking: The Commission can adopt emergency rules when necessary to address urgent public health and safety threats.

By joining the Nurse Licensure Compact, Minnesota would streamline nurse mobility, address workforce shortages, and improve healthcare access while maintaining strict regulatory oversight.