PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERS WELCOME FINAL PASSAGE OF NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT

State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair and Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, today welcomed the Senate’s final passage of legislation entering Connecticut into the Nurse Licensure Compact, which will create a process for registered nurses or licensed practical/vocational nurses to get multistate licenses. That shift will allow nurses to practice in any compact party state, including by telehealth.

“The pandemic exposed issues with modern nursing licenses, with qualified nurses struggling to receive accreditation to practice in different states,” said Sen. Anwar. “The increased need for telehealth exposed this need even more. I’m glad we are taking action to ease the red tape nurses need to sift through to properly provide care across state lines.”

“Today, we’re taking action to expand nurses’ abilities to practice in different states, which will support their careers and provide easier access to health care for patients in the process,” said Sen. Marx. “This is a fantastic way for our state to better meet the needs of a shifting health care industry and to support our vital nursing workforce.”

House Bill 5058, “An Act Adopting The Nurse Licensure Compact,” enters Connecticut into the Nurse Licensure Compact from October 1, 2025 to January 1, 2028. The compact will allow for registered nurses or licensed practical/vocational nurses to get multistate licenses, allowing them to practice in any compact party state, including by telehealth. States participating will set requirements and standards for applicants to get or keep that license, including passing exams, graduating from educational programs and having clear legal records.

Nurses who move from one party state to another can access multistate licenses in their new home states through the bill’s process.

Additionally, the bill will convene a working group on the working group to evaluate the state’s implementation of the Nurse Licensure Compact.

The bill passed the Senate and House unanimously and will soon be signed into law.