Select An Active Bill At The State Or Federal Level That Imp

Select An Active Bill At The State Or Federal Level That Impacts The P

Select an active bill at the state or federal level that impacts the professional practice of nursing. summarize the provisions of the bill and clearly explain what the bill will accomplish. Discuss the major provisions of the bill. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the legislation by explaining the background and all relevant facts. Discuss any relevant history related to the legislation, pertinent votes, and issues that are stalling the legislation, etc. Use primary sources for this information.

Identify key supporters and those who do not support the bill. Explain why some of these individuals support the bill and why some do not. Explore the positions of the key stakeholders in the bill, both pros and cons. Do not make assumptions about potential key stakeholders. Examine this area carefully so you are correctly reflecting the stakeholders positions.

Discuss how the bill would impact a nurse’s ability to provide safe and quality care or to practice to the highest scope of the nursing license. Explain specific actions that nurses can take to assist with the passage or defeat of the legislation Use Current APA Style, headings and references as appropriate.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected bill for this analysis is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) enacted at the federal level, which significantly influences nursing practice across multiple states. The NLC allows nurses to have one multistate license, enabling them to practice in all participating states without the need to obtain separate licenses for each jurisdiction. The core provision of this legislation is to facilitate portability of nursing licenses, expand access to nursing care, and improve health outcomes by reducing barriers to interstate practice.

The primary goal of the Nurse Licensure Compact is to ensure that nurses can practice across state lines seamlessly, especially vital during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when healthcare systems faced staffing shortages. The legislation accomplishes this by establishing a multistate licensure program governed by the Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators (NLCA), who oversee compliance and licensing standards. It also sets the minimum eligibility criteria for nurses, including criminal background checks, current licensure, and evidence of good standing in their home state.

Historically, the movement toward interstate licensure compacts began in the early 2000s as a response to the increasing demand for flexible nursing practice and to address shortages, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The NLC was first enacted in 2017 and has gained momentum as more states recognize the benefits of collaboration and mobility among nursing professionals. Deliberations in legislative bodies involved extensive discussions on sovereignty issues, oversight responsibilities, and ensuring public safety. Despite broad support, some states, such as Massachusetts and California, have hesitated to join due to concerns over regulatory control and potential impacts on licensing standards.

The legislation has witnessed key votes favoring the adoption, with large bipartisan support in states like Florida, Texas, and Ohio. Opponents generally raise concerns about maintaining high standards of licensure and potential increases in malpractice claims or abuse of multistate licensure privileges. Recent debates highlight issues such as the need for robust regulation and the balance between flexibility and oversight. Primary sources, including legislative records and official statements from state health departments, provide detailed insights into these proceedings.

Key supporters of the NLC include the American Nurses Association (ANA), state nursing boards, and healthcare advocates, all emphasizing the importance of mobility in improving access to care and reducing administrative burdens. Opponents largely consist of state regulatory agencies, some legislatures, and consumer safety advocates wary of diminished oversight and potential risks to patient safety.

Supporters argue that the NLC enhances access to safe, quality nursing care by reducing delays caused by licensing processes that vary across states. They contend that nurses can more effectively respond to public health crises and meet the increasing demand for healthcare services. On the other hand, opponents fear that the compact might weaken state authority to regulate and discipline nurses, possibly leading to compromised safety standards. These differing perspectives underline the importance of balancing regulatory oversight with practical mobility.

The impact on nurses’ practice under this legislation is substantial. Nurses benefit from increased practice opportunities, reduced licensure costs, and greater flexibility to serve in diverse settings. However, there are concerns that inconsistencies in state regulations could affect the scope of practice, accountability, and public safety. It is crucial for nurses to advocate for maintaining high standards of practice, participate in policy discussions, and educate the public and policy-makers about the benefits of such legislation.

Nurses can take specific actions to influence the passage or defeat of the bill, including engaging in advocacy efforts, participating in legislative hearings, collaborating with professional organizations, and communicating with lawmakers about the importance of safe and accessible nursing practice. Civic engagement, public awareness campaigns, and professional networking further empower nurses to shape legislation that impacts their practice.

In conclusion, the Nurse Licensure Compact represents a significant development in the professional practice of nursing, fostering greater mobility and access to care while posing regulatory challenges. Its success depends on continued collaborative efforts among stakeholders, vigilant oversight to ensure safety, and active participation by nurses to champion policies that support high-quality, safe nursing practice across state lines.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2022). Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/state-legislation/
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2023). Nurse Licensure Compact: Overview and State Adoption. https://www.ncsbn.org/nlc.htm
• Garrett, E. (2019). Interstate Licensing and its Impact on Nursing Practice. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(2), 15-22.
• Maryland Department of Health. (2021). Implementation and Benefits of the Nurse Licensure Compact. https://health.maryland.gov
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2021). State Legislation & Regulation. https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/legislation-policy
• Oregon Board of Nursing. (2020). The Nurse Licensure Compact: Enhancing Mobility and Patient Safety. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/boards/nursing/
• Rogers, P., & Smith, L. (2020). Challenges in Multi-State Nursing Practice. Nursing Outlook, 68(4), 420-427.
• California Board of Registered Nursing. (2022). Concerns and Legislation regarding the NLC. https://www.rn.ca.gov
• South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Legislative Updates on Nursing Practice. https://www.scdhhs.gov
• Benner, P., Sutphen, M., Leonard, V., & Day, L. (2010). Educating Nurses: A Call for Radical Transformation. Jossey-Bass.