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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 27
INTRODUCED BY A. OLSZEWSKI
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM LEGISLATIVE STUDY OF THE ENHANCED NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT'S IMPACTS IN MONTANA; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 67TH LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, during the 2019 legislative session legislators heard numerous issues related to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact adopted by the 2017 Legislature, including but not limited to issues with difficulties determining how many nurses were working under the compact in Montana but licensed in other compact-participating states; and
WHEREAS, testimony indicated that hospitals and other facilities find benefits to the state from the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact; and
WHEREAS, other stakeholders voiced concerns that the state's inability to identify who is working as a nurse in Montana under the compact may impede both the ability of patients to complain to the appropriate regulator and regulators' ability to respond to complaints, which possibly poses a threat to the safety and welfare of citizens in this state; and
WHEREAS, an interim study would allow for a systematic review and data collection regarding the costs and benefits of participation in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to examine the costs and benefits that result from Montana being a party to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include data gathering to determine:
(1) the number of nurses operating in rural and urban areas of Montana as licensees in Montana, as traveling nurses, and as nurses with out-of-state licenses working here under the compact;
(2) the liability of employers regarding complaints, if any, related to out-of-state licensees working under the compact and to traveling nurses as compared with nurses licensed in this state; and
(3) experiences, if available, of other states under the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study solicit and consider comments and suggestions from all interested stakeholder groups, including nurses, the Montana Nurses Association, employers of nurses, the Montana Board of Nursing, and patients treated by nurses in Montana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study identify and analyze relevant policy and logistical issues and options related to:
(1) Montana remaining as a party to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, including options of tracking nurse employment in this state; and
(2) Montana leaving the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact and adopting legislation allowing for reciprocity for a certain period before being required to seek licensure in Montana or notify the Board of Nursing of longer-term practice of nursing in this state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2020.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 67th Legislature.
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Latest Version of SJ 27 (SJ0027.01)
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