2000 State Legislative Trends

Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact (12/30/99)

The Nurse Licensure Compact, proposed nationally by NCSBN, calls for a mutual recognition form of licensure for nurses. To voluntarily implement such a model, each state must enter legislatively into a standardized agreement and legally recognize the licenses issued by all other participating states. Disciplinary actions are primarily the responsibility of the state of licensure, defined in the Compact as the state of residence. In 1998, the ANA HOD announced its concern with the Compact by identifying 14 points that needed clarification in order for the Compact to be supported by ANA. To date, 7 of the 14 points remain unaddressed by the Compact language. UT was the first state to consider and pass the Nurse Licensure Compact (in 1998). In 1999, Compact legislation was introduced in 8 states; it was enacted in AR, MD, NC, TX, UT, and WI; it died in IA and NE. NCSBN has predicted that some 18 states will pursue compact language in 2000. Three states (KS, NE, and WI) received attorney general opinions this year questioning the constitutionality of the Nurse Licensure Compact, while in MD the attorney general upheld it. These opinions, along with the constitutional questions raised by the CA Department of Consumer Affairs, may slow this legislation considerably.

1999 State Legislative Trends main page