Althoff Passes Bill to Let Illinois Nurses Work in Wisconsin & Vice Versa

A press release from State Senator Pam Althoff:

Nurse Licensure Compact bill flies through Senate committee

Springfield, IL… For over six years lawmakers have been pushing for Illinois to join the dozens of other states that are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact.

On March 2, State Senator Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) successfully pushed a compromise bill, Senate Bill 2214, through the Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee that would allow registered Illinois nurses to work in other states in the Compact and permit licensed nurses from other compact states to practice in Illinois.

Althoff looking left on Sen Floor genstring

Pam Althoff

“I am thrilled that we have been able to work together to craft legislation that will be instrumental in helping our state recruit and retain quality nurses from across the region,” said Senator Althoff.

“Passing this legislation will greatly benefit my district because it borders the compact state of Wisconsin, and would allow nurses from both sides to travel and work across state lines.”

Under Senate Bill 2214, Illinois would become the 26th state to join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). A nurse licensed under the Nurse Practice Act would be able to practice in any state that is part of the Compact.

While this legislation expands opportunities for licensed nurses, it also establishes patient protections by requiring the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to check the NLC database prior to granting applicants the ability to practice in Illinois to determine whether a nurse has been previously disciplined.

Additionally, licensed nurses applying to practice in Illinois must submit their fingerprints to the State Police.  The fingerprints will be used against the State Police and FBI criminal history records check.

Senate Bill 2214 passed committee with unanimous support and has been sent to the Senate floor for a vote.


Comments

Althoff Passes Bill to Let Illinois Nurses Work in Wisconsin & Vice Versa — 4 Comments

  1. This is a good thing!

    Nice job Pamela and a Big Thank You from me goes to you!

    Breaking down the barriers and allowing for free flow of talent, and opportunity.

  2. Sounds like a good idea. Is IL flooded with nurses?

    I know several who cannot find jobs.

    Maybe I’ll tell them to look just to the North.

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