Kosierowski: It’s time to allow nursing professionals a multistate option

Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski    March 19, 2021 | 2:47 PM

TAYLOR, March 19 -- State Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, has introduced legislation that would implement a Nurse Licensure Compact in Pennsylvania.

“Throughout the last year we have seen how important it is to have highly trained, quality health care professionals,” Kosierowski said. “Across the commonwealth, our nurses continue to do an outstanding job amid so many challenges. As such, we must do all we can to ensure that we continue to attract qualified and dedicated professionals.”

According to Kosierowski, her bill would allow individual nursing professionals licensed in Pennsylvania to practice in other states. Additionally, H.B. 966 would create a pathway for nurses in the existing 34 member-state NLC to practice in the commonwealth.

“My bill would allow those who are duly qualified to receive a multistate license and provide care here or any state in the NLC in an efficient and expedited process,” Kosierowski said. “Doing so would greatly expand the availability of health care services vital to our ability to provide care. We only need to look at the past year to understand how important this legislation is to ensure our health care frontline – regardless of geographic location – isn’t stretched beyond its means. Additionally, this bill would also ensure proper patient care by health care providers by providing for transparency in nursing staff reports.”

The legislation was referred to the House Professional Licensure Committee.

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