The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) was implemented in Texas on January 19, 2018. The eNLC replaces the previous Nurse Licensure Compact. It is an agreement between states that allows nurses to hold one license but practice in multiple states that have signed onto the eNLC. Currently 29 states have signed onto the eNLC, including Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arkansas.
The purpose of the eNLC is to increase access to healthcare while maintaining protections for the public. It decreases redundancies in the issuance of nurse licenses, promotes compliance with the laws governing the practice of nursing in each jurisdiction, and empowers nurses to quickly cross state borders to provide vital services in the event of a disaster.
Nurses licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) who previously held an unencumbered multistate license were grandfathered in, and now have an unencumbered multistate licensure privilege in all eNLC party states. Under the eNLC multistate license, Texas nurses have the privilege to practice here and in other eNLC party states in-person and via telemedicine.
Enhanced NLC Rules to Know
The Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administration (the Commission) adopted the final eNLC Rules. The Commission developed party state responsibilities and uniform licensure requirements and applicant responsibilities for a multistate license.
Party State Responsibilities
An eNLC party state is required to determine whether a “disqualifying event” will result in adverse action or deactivation of a multistate license or privilege. Rules §407. The Rules define a “disqualifying event” as ” an incident, which results in a person becoming disqualified or ineligible to retain or renew a multistate license.” §100(6). Such incidences include, but are not limited to:
- Any adverse action resulting in an encumbrance.
- Current participation in an alternative program.
- A misdemeanor offense related to the practice of nursing, including an Agreed Disposition.
- A felony offense (which includes, but is not limited to, an Agreed Disposition).
If a nurse’s multistate license privilege is deactivated due to a disqualifying event, the home state may issue a single state license.
Applicant Responsibilities
- Submit to state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks.
- Must not have any state or federal felony convictions.
- Must not have any misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing.
- Must otherwise meet the requirements for licensure in their state of residency.
- Has graduated from a board-approved education program or graduated from an international education program approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country.
- Must pass an English proficiency exam. This requirement applies to graduates of an international education program that was not taught in English and to applicants with a native language other than English. 406(2).
- Must meet all other uniform licensure requirements adopted by the Commission.
A nurse practicing under a multistate nursing license must comply with the state nursing practice laws where the patient is located at the time medical services are provided. Further, the Coordinated Licensure Information System of the eNLC (and the previous NLC) is used by party states to determine the applicant’s current licensure status, previous disciplinary action, if there is current participation in an alternative program, as well as any other significant investigative information.
If you are a Texas nurse and are facing licensure issues, our Texas nurse license defense lawyer can help.
Protecting Your Texas Nursing License
BERTOLINO LLP helps professionals, like you, keep their licenses when those licenses are under attack by a state agency or board. If you have a licensing issue or are under investigation by the Texas Board of Nursing, your license, reputation, and career are on the line. We understand that you have worked for years to become a licensed nurse in Texas. Our law firm can help you.
Contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 and schedule a case evaluation.
We represent licensed professionals across the entire State of Texas. Our honest, experienced attorneys will fight aggressively on behalf of your license and reputation.
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