Indiana To Join 31 States In Nurse Licensure Compact

Indiana will join 31 other states in the nurse licensure compact. The new law could improve access to care in rural parts of the state.

Nurses in Indiana will be able to work in other states that are part of the compact and vice versa.

Hosparus Health government affairs liaison Amelia McClure says the newly signed legislation allows registered nurses to practice in other compact states.

"It really just allows nurses to move freely throughout the states that need them most, it’s also a huge benefit for disaster areas," says McClure.

In emergencies, like flooding, nurses in the compact can respond in neighboring states. Currently Kentucky is the only other border state in the agreement.

McClure says nurses in northern Kentucky will also be able to cross the border to help ease a shortage.

"We have been finding it extremely difficult to staff the necessary positions in rural southern Indiana without the nurse licensure compact," says McClure.

The move will reduce barriers including additional licenses and fees.

Illinois and Michigan have pending legislation to join the compact. Indiana’s new law goes into effect July 1.