The Nurse Licensure Compact: A Bad Fit for Alaska
At first pass, joining the Nurse Licensure Compact might sound like a great idea. But after careful review, the Alaska Nurses Association continues to have numerous concerns and remains strongly opposed to the adoption of the Nurse Licensure Compact in Alaska.
LOSS OF STATE SOVEREIGNTY
Alaskans Know What’s Best for Alaskans
Our current system means local experts make local decisions that are right for Alaska. Under the Compact, we’d be handing over important decisions to a private, out-of-state trade group. That’s not what’s best for our state.
THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY & HEALTH
Safety & Quality Issues Abound
There are worrisome inconsistencies between states in regard to standards for nurses – including with education, criminal offenses, and disciplinary action. Alaska has high standards for a reason: to protect the health and safety of patients across our state.
REVENUE DOWN, LICENSE FEES UP
Outsiders = Free Riders under the Compact
Out-of-state nurses wouldn’t have to pay license fees to work in Alaska under the Compact. As of Febuary 2023, 48% of nurses licensed in Alaska had out-of-state addresses. Of this, 79% listed addresses in compact states. That would be a huge loss of revenue. And Alaskan nurses – who already pay among the highest fees in the nation – would shoulder the burden and pay more for their license
WON’T SOLVE WORKFORCE NEEDS
There’s No Magic Supply of Extra Nurses
More nurses? Not so fast. There’s no evidence to suggest the Compact helps with staffing. The nursing shortage exists nationwide, and joining the Compact will not suddenly nor magically bring a flood of nurses to Alaska to fill vacancies at needy facilities. As of 2022, the top five states with the biggest hospital nurse staffing shortages are New Mexico, Vermont, Rhode Island, West Virginia and Arizona. All but Rhode Island are members of the NLC.Nevada, a non-compact state, reports the least severe nursing shortages with hospital staffing
THE BOTTOM LINE
The “One-Size-Fits-All” Nurse Licensure Compact is a Bad Fit for Alaska
Joining the NLC is an “all or nothing” proposition. Each state must adopt the same enabling language with no ability to tailor the measure to reflect state concerns.
Once Alaska joins, a separate law would be needed to leave the NLC
We need effective regulatory measures that are workable and realistic, offer real solutions, and respect state sovereignty. The Nurse Licensure Compact just isn’t it. We can and must work toward better approaches that put Alaskans first.