The bill amends the "Nurse Licensure Compact" in Chapter 5-34.3 of the General Laws, introducing new provisions and revising existing ones to facilitate the practice of nursing across state lines. It expands the definition of "adverse action" and introduces terms such as "commission" and "single-state license." The bill allows for a multistate license to be recognized by each party state, enabling nurses to practice in multiple states without redundant licensure. It outlines the requirements for obtaining or retaining a multistate license, including criminal history checks, and removes language that previously limited license recognition to the issuing state. New insertions include requirements for nurses to not have misdemeanors related to nursing, to disclose participation in alternative programs, and to have a valid U.S. Social Security number. The bill also grants party states the authority to take adverse action against a nurse's multistate licensure privilege and requires compliance with the state practice laws where the client is located.

The bill also establishes the interstate commission of nurse licensure compact administrators, responsible for information exchange and coordination among party states. It grants the commission powers to hire employees, manage finances, and cooperate with law enforcement, and requires annual assessments on party states to fund operations. The commission is given authority to promulgate rules, including emergency rules, and provides immunity for actions taken in good faith under the compact. The bill specifies the effective date of the compact, the process for states to withdraw, and repeals certain sections of the General Laws. It also introduces a rulemaking process for the commission and outlines the obligations of party states to enforce the compact, including data collection and reporting requirements for Rhode Island employers of nurses. The act will take effect on January 1, 2024, and expire on January 1, 2027.