Roegner Introduces Legislation Expanding Employment Opportunities For Ohio's Nurses

COLUMBUS—State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) today introduced Senate Bill 341 which would enable Ohio to join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), an agreement currently between 34 member states that allows Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses to work in multiple states. "This bill represents another effort to reduce unnecessary licensure restrictions on individuals who want to pursue their career in both Ohio and across the country," Roegner said. "Lifting these restrictions not only will enable nurses to work across state lines, providing them economic mobility, but will increase the access and quality of care Ohioans receive." The NLC focuses on increasing access to care by allowing nurses to provide care to patients located in other NLC states without having to obtain additional licenses. The NLC's 34 existing member states include Kentucky, West Virginia and Indiana. Five other states, including Pennsylvania and Michigan, have also introduced pending legislation to join the compact. This bill mirrors similar legislation, Senate Bill 272 and Senate Bill 258, which both passed the Ohio Senate unanimously in recent months and would enter Ohio into national licensing compacts for physical therapists and psychologists. The bill will now be referred to a committee for review.