RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 577 (SB 202) 2018 Regular Session Peacock
New law enacts the Nurse Licensure Compact. Allows Louisiana to join a multi-state
compact for nurses to obtain multi-state license privileges to practice in participating
compact states to decrease redundancies in the consideration and issuance of nursing licenses
and provide opportunity for interstate practice by nurses who meet the uniform licensure
requirements.
Provides that each participating state to 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.
Requires a nurse leaving his home state to practice in a participating state to comply with the
laws of the participating state. 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.
Establishes the Interstate Commission and grants each participating state a single seat on the
commission.
Provides for gubernatorial appointment, based on a two year rotation, of an appointee from
the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse
Examiners.
Provides that the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and the Louisiana State Board of
Practical Nurse Examiners shall develop a voluntary reporting system in which nurses
holding a multi-state license under the nurse licensure compact and who engages in the
practice of nursing or licensed practical nursing in Louisiana voluntarily provide their
address and other workforce related data as determined by the respective licensing board in
properly promulgated rules. Provides that failure to voluntarily provide this information shall
not be a basis for disciplinary action against or restriction of the multi-state license of any
nurse or licensed practical nurse.
Provides that the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and the Louisiana State Board of
Practical Nurse Examiners shall develop a reporting system to collect aggregate data from
employers on the number and geographic representation of nurses and licensed practical
nurses employed in Louisiana who are practicing nursing or licensed practical nursing
pursuant to a multi-state license as determined by the respective licensing board in properly
promulgated rules.
Provides that failure of an employer to submit this data to the board shall not be a basis for
disciplinary action against or restriction of the multi-state license of any nurse or licensed
practical nurse.
Provides for enforcement and rulemaking authority.
Effective upon signature of the governor (May 31, 2018).
(Adds R.S. 37:1018-1020)