OLYMPIA — As workforce issues continue to garner local, state, and national attention, the state is one step closer to addressing critical shortages in nursing care.
Legislation to enact the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact passed the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee last week.
House Bill 1417 was approved, 11-3.
“We are seeing workforce shortages across a broad spectrum of industries and occupations for a variety of reasons,” sponsor Rep. Mike Volz, R-Spokane, said. “However, shortages in the health care sector have dangerous implications for the current and future health of our citizens and communities. Enacting the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact will have a positive impact on health care services across the state.”
The compact says that a multistate license to practice registered or licensed practical nursing issued by the nurse’s resident state must be recognized by each party state.
It is an agreement between states to expedite the licensure for nurses across state lines and has been enacted by 39 states as of January 2023.
Volz’s bill includes components to ensure attention to any disciplinary history of nurses in other states who seek licensing in Washington.
It also establishes licensure and disciplinary processes as well as oversight and enforcement procedures. The Nursing Quality Assurance Commission may adopt rules to implement the compact.
“This was truly a bipartisan effort. From the sponsors, to the amendment in committee, to working with stakeholders to get this through the first phase of the legislative process,” Volz said. “I especially want to thank Representative Mari Leavitt. She was a collaborative partner and worked tirelessly to bring both sides to the table and helped us work through various concerns.”
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