An Act relative to Massachusetts joining the nursing licensure compact

Massachusetts bill HD 136 would allow the state to join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), enabling registered and licensed practical nurses with a Massachusetts license (their "home state") to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill creates legal definitions and procedures for the NLC, including recognizing a "multistate license" that authorizes practice across all compact states. Nurses must meet Massachusetts licensing standards, pass required exams, and pass background checks, but their home-state license would automatically grant practice rights in other compact states. This directly affects Massachusetts nurses seeking to work in other NLC states and streamlines interstate practice for nursing professionals.