Massachusetts joins 41 states and jurisdictions in multistate licensure agreement to expand workforce and access to care.

BURLINGTON, MA – November 14, 2024 – The commonwealth’s hospitals and nursing leaders are celebrating the long-awaited passage of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which was included in the legislature’s economic development bill approved earlier today.

In a massive step forward for workforce development, the commonwealth now joins other 41 states and U.S. jurisdictions that have adopted the NLC. The Compact allows qualified nurses to hold one multistate license with the ability to practice in all other “compact states,” eliminating the arduous re-licensure process. With approximately 5,100 vacant RN hospital positions throughout Massachusetts, healthcare organizations have long advocated for the adoption of the NLC as an immediate, commonsense action the commonwealth can take to grow the nursing profession, support frontline caregivers, and expand patient access to care.

“Massachusetts healthcare providers are still struggling with enormous workforce shortages, and the adoption of the NLC provides us with a safe, proven, and transformative solution that can make a difference in sourcing qualified nurses right away,” said Emily Dulong, Vice President of Government Advocacy & Public Policy at the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA). “With this advancement, we’re aligning with 41 other states to support our existing frontline caregivers, improve patients’ access to services, expand the virtual care that alleviates healthcare capacity challenges, and better prepare the commonwealth for times of emergency. We are deeply grateful to the Massachusetts legislature for their leadership in making this milestone possible.”

By adopting the NLC, Massachusetts will:

• Allow qualified nurses from across state lines to more easily practice in Massachusetts
• Enable nurses to deliver follow-up telehealth services for patients who return to their home state – including those who receive reproductive and gender-affirming care
• Provide the commonwealth with an important emergency response tool, for cases in which a rapid increase in caregivers is needed
• Boost the availability of workers in in community-based and post-acute settings

“This is a pivotal moment for nursing and healthcare delivery in Massachusetts,” said Amanda Stefancyk Oberlies, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN, CEO & Chief Nursing Officer of The Organization of Nurse Leaders – MA, RI, NH, CT, VT. “With the adoption of the NLC, we’re taking a critical step forward in supporting our nurses and addressing workforce shortages that are having a very real impact on wait times and timely patient care. We commend the Massachusetts legislature for recognizing the urgency of this issue and taking action to ease the burdens on our dedicated nurses. By joining the Compact, Massachusetts is creating immediate, meaningful change and providing relief for both caregivers and patients alike.”

The economic development bill now awaits Governor Healey’s final approval.

The NLC has been endorsed by every hospital in the commonwealth, as well as the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, The Boston Globe, The Boston Business Journal. To learn more about the current state of healthcare in Massachusetts, read MHA’s new sector snapshot, Life After Steward.