RDCSB202 362 3918
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
SB 202 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session Peacock
Proposed law enacts the nurse licensure compact. Allows La. to join a multi-state compact
for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to obtain multi-state license privileges to
practice in participating compact states.
Proposed law provides that each state participating in the compact adopt similar
requirements for criminal background checks, licensure, and education. Requires
verification of licensure information through the coordinated information system and
exchange of information regarding discipline and adverse actions by all participating states.
Proposed law requires registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who hold a multi-state
license not issued by the La. State Board of Nursing or the La. State Board of Practical
Nurse Examiners to provide notice to the La. licensing board that regulates their profession
before furnishing any nursing services in this state. Proposed law provides that any nurse
who holds a multi-state license issued by a state that does not require the same level of
criminal history background check as required by present law shall provide to the board all
of the information and any fee or cost required by present law for the appropriate La.
licensing board to conduct a criminal history background check in the manner required by
present law. Requires the board to request and obtain the criminal history record
information and after review to notify the nurse whether he may furnish nursing services
within this state.
Proposed law requires a nurse leaving his home state to practice in a participating state to
comply with the laws of the participating state.
Proposed law provides for a home state license and process for changing home state and
location of primary residence. Provides that the home state is responsible for taking adverse
action against nurses in violation of practice act requirements, including deactivation of
multi-state licensure privileges.
Proposed law requires that the governor appoint a nurse licensure compact administrator to
serve as the single state designee on the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact
Administrators. Provides that the administrator shall be a board member or executive
director of the La. State Bd. of Nursing or of the La. State Bd. of Practical Nursing and for
the administrator position to alternate between the two boards every two years.
Proposed law provides for enforcement and rulemaking authority.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 37:920.2, 971.1, and 1018-1020)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to
the engrossed bill:
1. Require that registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who hold a
multi-state license not issued by the La. State Board of Nursing or the La. State
Board of Practical Nurse Examiners provide notice to the La. licensing board that
regulates their profession before furnishing any nursing services in this state.
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2. Make technical changes.
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and
Governmental Affairs to the engrossed bill:
1. Add requirement for the same-level criminal history background check required
by present law for a nurse who holds a multi-state license prior to his furnishing
nursing services within this state.
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