The bill, H.F. No. 1925, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, proposes the adoption of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in Minnesota. The NLC allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to have one multistate license that permits them to practice in all states that are part of the compact.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Licensure & Eligibility:

   • Nurses can obtain a multistate license from their home state, allowing them to practice in other compact states.
     
   • Applicants must meet background check requirements, including fingerprinting and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history checks.
     
   • Nurses must not have felony convictions or specific misdemeanor offenses related to nursing.
     
   • They must pass the NCLEX exam and meet educational and residency requirements.

2. Regulation & Oversight:

   • The licensing board in each compact state maintains jurisdiction over nurses practicing in its state.
     
   • Nurses must follow the practice laws of the state where the patient is located at the time of service.
     
   • The home state handles disciplinary actions against a nurse’s multistate license, while other compact states may take action to restrict practice within their borders.

3. Information Sharing & Enforcement:

   • The bill establishes a Coordinated Licensure Information System to track licensure and disciplinary actions across member states.
     
   • Licensing boards must report any disciplinary actions, denials, or alternative program participation to this system.
     
   • Affected nurses can appeal decisions regarding their multistate license.
     

4. Interstate Commission & Rulemaking:

   • The Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators will oversee implementation and rulemaking.
     
   • The commission can take legal action against states that fail to comply with compact obligations.
     
   • It also has authority to intervene in disputes between member states.

5. Financial & Legal Considerations:

   • The commission can levy an assessment on states for operational costs.
     
   • The compact administrators and employees are granted legal immunity from certain liabilities.
     

Potential Impact of the Bill:

• Increases Nurse Mobility: Nurses with a multistate license can work across compact states without obtaining additional licenses, helping address shortages.
  
• Enhances Public Safety: Standardized background checks and disciplinary coordination ensure better oversight of nurses.
  
• Reduces Administrative Burdens: Hospitals and healthcare providers benefit from a streamlined licensing process.
  
• Limits State Control: Minnesota would cede some regulatory control over nursing licensure to the interstate commission.
  

If enacted, this bill would align Minnesota with other compact states, allowing its nurses to practice more freely across state lines while ensuring accountability and compliance with national standards.