After much advocacy from WSHA and hospitals across the state, the Legislature recently passed SB 5499, which will have Washington join the multistate Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC benefits hospitals by enabling nurses licensed in compact states to practice in-person or provide telenursing services in Washington without first obtaining an additional Washington license. The NLC offers increased access to care while maintaining public protections at the state level. The Washington law will also require nurse employers to report information about employees with out-of-state compact licenses within 30 days of hire. WSHA will provide more information as the law is implemented. In the meantime, the Nurse Licensure Compact organization offers a wealth of resources for leaders including regular training. The next offering is “
The NLC: What Nurse Employers Need to Know” at 12 p.m. Tuesday, May 23. Register here. (Trish Anderson)
