TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) has announced that on July 1, 2019, Kansas implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), joining 30 other states in the interstate compact.
The NLC allows for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to have one multistate license, with the ability to practice in person or via telehealth in both their home state and other NLC states.
“The Kansas State Board of Nursing is extremely excited to announce the implementation of the Nurse Licensure Compact in Kansas! With the implementation of the NLC legislation, it will allow the citizens of Kansas to have increased access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. KSBN is committed to remaining at the forefront of reducing the regulatory burden to our licensees, while creating better access to care for those we serve,” said Carol Moreland, MSN, RN, executive administrator, Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Licensing standards are aligned in NLC states, so all nurses applying for a multistate license are required to meet the same standards, which include a federal and state criminal background check that will be conducted for all applicants for multistate licensure.
The NLC also enables nurses to provide telehealth nursing services to patients located across the country without having to obtain additional licenses. In the event of a disaster, nurses from multiple states can easily respond to supply vital services. Additionally, almost every nurse, including primary care nurses, case managers, transport nurses, school and hospice nurses, among many others, needs to routinely cross state boundaries to provide the public with access to nursing services, and a multistate license facilitates this process
About Kansas State Board of Nursing
The Kansas State Board of Nursing is empowered by statute to oversee the licensing and education of nurses within the State of Kansas. The Board also prescribes curricula and standards for professional and practical nursing programs. The 11-member Board is comprised of registered professional nurses, advance practice registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and members of the general public who represent both the healthcare industry and health care consumers.