Washington is joining the multistate Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)!
Beginning July 24, 2023, employers of nurses, including acute care and psychiatric hospitals, are required to report to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WSBON, formerly NCQAC) within 30 days of hiring a nurse with a multistate nurse license (MSL) issued by a state other than Washington. Employers will use an online reporting form provided by WSBON. Reporting will include the employer’s attestation that the nurse has completed required suicide prevention training and submitted demographic data to WSBON via Nursys e-Notify.
WSBON will host two webinars for employers to learn more about these mandatory reporting requirements. Meeting registration is required.
WSBON Webinar 1:
Monday, July 17, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join online via Zoom
WSBON Webinar 2:
Friday, July 21, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join online via Zoom
For more information on the WSBON meeting schedule, please visit the WSBON webpage.
Background about the new law
The Washington legislature enacted SB 5499 this year. The new law requires Washington to join the NLC, allowing eligible nurses to practice in 38 Compact states with an active MSL.
WSHA advocated joining the NLC for years. Part of the reason we were successful this year is because the law requires health care employers to report information about nurses who hold MSLs issued by other states to WSBON.
WSBON has released guidance for a two phased implementation approach to the new law:
- Phase 1 allows out of state nurses with an active MSL to begin working in Washington on July 24, 2023. If a nurse with an MSL issued by another state intends to make Washington state their primary residence, they are required to apply for a Washington “single state” license until Phase 2 is complete.
- Phase 2 includes issuing MSLs to active Washington state nurses. (Mary Storace)
