The bill amends Alaska's nursing licensure laws to establish a framework for a multistate nurse licensure compact, which allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs) to practice across state lines with a multistate license issued by their home state. It mandates the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to set fees for both single-state and multistate nursing licenses, with multistate fees being double that of single-state fees. The bill also expands the definition of "health care provider" to include nurses licensed or privileged to practice, and it outlines the responsibilities of the Board of Nursing in adopting regulations to implement the compact, ensuring accountability and safety in nursing practice.

Additionally, the bill establishes a governance framework for the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators, detailing procedures for meetings, rulemaking, and oversight. It emphasizes the importance of due process, the protection of personal information, and the sharing of licensure and disciplinary information among party states. Key provisions include the requirement for criminal background checks for multistate license applicants, the authority for licensing boards to take adverse actions against nurses' multistate licensure privileges, and the maintenance of reporting requirements for adverse actions even after a state withdraws from the Compact. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework for nursing practice in Alaska while promoting nurse mobility and maintaining high standards of care.

Statutes affected:
HB0131A, AM HB 131, introduced 03/10/2025: 08.01.065, 08.68.500, 08.02.130, 08.11.120, 47.20.310, 08.68.100, 08.68.331, 08.68.336, 08.68.710, 08.68.190, 12.62.160, 12.62.400, 17.30.200, 08.68.160, 08.68.170, 08.68.220, 08.68.270, 09.55.535, 08.68.705, 08.68.275, 44.64.010, 08.68.277, 08.68.334, 08.68.340, 08.68.278, 08.68.800, 08.68.251, 08.68.805, 09.55.560, 47.32.900, 09.65.095, 18.20.095, 18.20.499, 18.23.070, 47.07.045, 47.33.020, 47.33.230