Nurses are the bedrock of the healthcare industry, as they tirelessly work to help patients in all varieties of medical facilities. From emergency rooms to surgical suites to doctors' offices, nurses are at the front lines of care, and they deliver that care with professionalism, compassion, and strength. Where would we be without nurses? That's a question the state of Rhode Island has been asking, given the nationwide nursing shortage. As a result, that state has joined the Nurse Licensure Compact. The compact is an agreement between participating states to recognize each other's nursing licenses. As a member, Rhode Island will allow nurses who hold a license from a participating jurisdiction to practice within the state. 

If you are a nurse and are concerned about your ability to work in another state due to the existence of, or threat of, disciplinary action from the state board that issued your license, do not hesitate to seek assistance. You have worked too hard and too long to let your nursing license slip away. The Lento Law Firm can help. The firm and its Professional License Defense Team have the skills and knowledge you need. The team has nationwide experience representing medical professionals who face allegations of misconduct and the threat of disciplinary action. Whether you are in Rhode Island or anywhere else in the country, the Lento Law Firm is your best choice. Reach out to us by phone at 888-535-3686 or contact us by using this online form. 

Rhode Island and the Nurse Licensure Compact 

According to a news report, Rhode Island's Governor, Dan McKee, announced that the new compact membership would make it easier for nurses to live and work in the state since an administrative licensing burden would be lifted. Nurses who want to move to Rhode Island and practice there can do so seamlessly as long as the state that issued their license is part of the compact. McKee said that Rhode Island's decision to join the compact is intended to help combat the shortage of healthcare workers, give career flexibility to nurses, and increase the quality of medical care in the state. 

Now that compact membership has been established, nurses who live in and are licensed by Rhode Island can apply for a multi-state license when their credentials come up for renewal. Nurses who hold a Rhode Island license but live in another state that is part of the compact will receive a multi-state license when they renew their licensure. Nurses who hold a Rhode Island license but live in a state that is not a compact member can continue practicing in Rhode Island, but their license status will not change, the news article said. 

You Need a Strong Advocate if Your Nursing License is at Risk 

The Nurse Licensure Compact is great news for nurses. They can more easily move from state to state and continue to provide quality care. However, licensing trouble can move from state to state as well. If a nurse is facing accusations of wrongdoing and disciplinary action in one state, these problems travel, too. Regardless of whether your state is a member of the compact, if your nursing license is in jeopardy or might be called into question, be proactive and call the Lento Law Firm. The firm's Professional License Defense Team can review your situation, answer your questions, and help you reach the best possible outcome. Get in touch with us at 888-535-3686 or by using this online form.