NLCs can ease nursing shortages

Nurse licensure compacts are one tool states can use to help alleviate chronic nursing shortages, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The compact permits RNs and licensed practical/vocational nurses to have one multistate license, with the option to practice in person or via telehealth, in their home territory/state and other NLC states. Washington state became the 40th jurisdiction to enact the NLC legislation; nurses with multistate licenses will be permitted to practice starting July 24. Health care systems with telehealth programs or seeking to expand their telehealth offerings can use the NLC to create telehealth nursing jobs and reach patients across state lines. (HealthLeaders Media article, 6/19/23)