Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish the Nurse Licensure Compact in Minnesota, allowing nurses licensed in one compact state to practice in other participating states without needing additional licenses. This initiative is intended to streamline the process, improve access to healthcare across state lines, and maintain public health and safety standards.

Main Provisions

• Multistate Licensure: The bill allows for a multistate nursing license, enabling registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to practice both in their home state and any other compact states.
• Criminal Background Check: Applicants for multistate licenses must provide fingerprints for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks.
• License Requirements: Applicants must meet several criteria, including graduating from an approved nursing program, passing a licensing exam, and adhering to any legal requirements of the home state.
• Coordination and Information Sharing: A coordinated licensure information system will be established to facilitate information sharing on licensure and any disciplinary actions across states.
• Adverse Actions: States can take actions such as license suspension or revocation against nurses who violate nursing regulations. These actions will be communicated to all compact states.
• Interstate Commission: An Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators will oversee the implementation of the compact, coordinate rules, and resolve disputes.
• Public Hearings and Rulemaking: The Interstate Commission will hold public hearings for rulemaking and ensure transparency in its operations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creation of a Multistate License: This introduces an option for nurses to practice in multiple states without needing to obtain separate licenses for each.
• Centralized Information Sharing: Implementing a centralized system for sharing licensure and disciplinary information among compact states is a new feature.
• Regulatory Oversight: The establishment of the Interstate Commission extends oversight to ensure the compliance of participating states and manage disputes that arise.

Relevant Terms

• Nurse Licensure Compact
• Multistate license
• Registered nurse (RN)
• Licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN)
• Coordinated licensure information system
• Interstate Commission