Washington state needs nurses. And nurses who relocate, including those who are military spouses, need state licensure easement as they move their careers with them around the country. Right now, a bill moving through the state Legislature could help with that modest allowance, and it could attract more nurses to our high-paying nursing state. 

Senate Bill 5499, to join the multistate Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), received a strong pass (30-1) from the House Appropriations Committee on April 4. It had already received a strong pass in the Senate (40-8) and a unanimous pass from the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee. All this keeps it moving along for consideration. 

Rep. Vandana Slatter, D-Bellevue, urged support of the bill just before the committee vote in Appropriations, saying, “Having been a health care professional who moved from state to state and having to wait for many months to be able to get my license, it really can compound a stressful experience and have a negative impact on your career.” 

An unnecessary wait for qualified, licensed nurses from other states is having a negative impact on the state’s caregiving facilities and patients, too. 

All along the way in the public hearings for this proposal, supporters, including Washington Policy Center, have made the case that having this tool is not only a common-sense workforce solution, it will help us better prepare for the next public health crisis. It is irresponsible not to adopt it. I hope the full House is allowed the opportunity to consider the advancement that can help with that preparation, caregiver staffing issues, nurse burnout and patient access. Read my study on joining the Nurse Licensure Compact here. 

Joining the compact has had strong union opposition in the past and has gone opposed or ignored by key lawmakers. This time around, it is moving along with wide bipartisan support.

Maybe that’s because our nursing shortage in 2023 feels more acute than before. Maybe it’s because of the Democrats who are helping lead the idea down a legislative path. In the past, Republicans have carried the torch for the NLC. Maybe it's because of changes in legislative leadership considering such issues. Or maybe COVID-19 gets all the credit. It was easy to see the importance of getting qualified nurses where they were needed in a timely manner during the pandemic.

Whatever the case, SB 5499 would bring a significant change, helping nurses, patients and hospitals in Washington state. The state House of Representatives should line up with the other legislative circles of support and allow us to join 37 other states in the Nurse Licensure Compact.