Nursing Licensure Law

Currently I am a nursing major student and being a nurse has always being my passion. I love helping people and I love the fulfilling feeling of knowing that I was part of the healing process for a sick person. The law that I chose to learn about is a proposed change in the licensing of nurses which could have a big impact on health and social care. Different states have distinct nursing practice licensing bodies that are unique, and usually not recognized in other states. The proposed law seeks to conduct a revision of the current State Board of Nursing - Nurse Licensure Compact (General Assembly of Maryland, 2016). If the nurse licensure law is passed, an Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators will be formed. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing would hold the mandate for ensuring that all its nurses are well-qualified, and hold valid licenses. The nurses would have to pay a reasonable amount of money per annum to be licensed. The money would go towards the administration costs and exam fees for the licensure exam, which would be held at partner nursing schools. The licensure exam would be like the bar exam for lawyers.

 The licensure of nurses would be critical for the recognition of professionals in the field. Nurses make major contributions to human health through multiple roles, such as advocating for better health, and giving medical care and advice to patients about their after being discharged from the hospital. Most professionals have to move for personal reasons, such as their spouses being transferred to a different state. If nurses have to, or want to move to other states, they should still be able to practice their profession without having to go through major hurdles such as waiting for several months to do exams. 

            I support the bill because nurses play a major role in patients’ well-being. The country would go into a crisis if there was a sudden shortage of nurses. One of the ways that a crisis can be prevented is through ensuring that all nurses can practice in diverse states, as long as they have a national license, regardless of their current state of residence. I had a meeting with some of my friends who are nursing major students as well and enlightened them about my findings and I also encouraged them to support the bill as it affects us directly. I was also able to show them how to call their senators and speak to them concerning a bill or issue that affects us and our society. Like my professor once told me; these senators are there to serve you.
 

References

General Assembly of Maryland. (2016). Status of All Senate Legislation Introduced 2017 Session. Retrieved from http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017rs&id=SB0041