[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13877-01-7
S. 7579 2
8868. COORDINATED INFORMATION SYSTEM.
8869. JOINT INVESTIGATIONS.
8870. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS.
8871. INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT COMMISSION.
8872. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.
8873. FINANCE POWERS.
8874. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.
8875. RULEMAKING FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.
8876. OVERSIGHT OF INTERSTATE COMPACT.
8877. ENFORCEMENT OF INTERSTATE COMPACT.
8878. DEFAULT PROCEDURES.
8879. DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
8880. MEMBER STATES, EFFECTIVE DATE AND AMENDMENT.
8881. WITHDRAWAL.
8882. DISSOLUTION.
8883. SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION.
8884. BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS.
§ 8860. SHORT TITLE. THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED AS
THE "INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT".
§ 8861. PURPOSE. IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE, AND IN
RECOGNITION OF THE ADVANCES IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE, THE MEMBER
STATES OF THE INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT HAVE ALLIED IN COMMON
PURPOSE TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE PROCESS THAT COMPLEMENTS THE EXISTING
LICENSING AND REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF STATE MEDICAL BOARDS, PROVIDES A
STREAMLINED PROCESS THAT ALLOWS PHYSICIANS TO BECOME LICENSED IN MULTI-
PLE STATES, THEREBY ENHANCING THE PORTABILITY OF A MEDICAL LICENSE AND
ENSURING THE SAFETY OF PATIENTS. THE COMPACT CREATES ANOTHER PATHWAY
FOR LICENSURE AND DOES NOT OTHERWISE CHANGE A STATE'S EXISTING MEDICAL
PRACTICE ACT. THE COMPACT ALSO ADOPTS THE PREVAILING STANDARD FOR LICEN-
SURE AND AFFIRMS THAT THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE OCCURS WHERE THE PATIENT
IS LOCATED AT THE TIME OF THE PHYSICIAN-PATIENT ENCOUNTER, AND THERE-
FORE, REQUIRES THE PHYSICIAN TO BE UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE
MEDICAL BOARD WHERE THE PATIENT IS LOCATED. STATE MEDICAL BOARDS THAT
PARTICIPATE IN THE COMPACT RETAIN THE JURISDICTION TO IMPOSE AN ADVERSE
ACTION AGAINST A LICENSE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE IN THAT STATE ISSUED TO A
PHYSICIAN THROUGH THE PROCEDURES IN THE COMPACT.
§ 8862. DEFINITIONS. IN THIS COMPACT:
1. "BYLAWS" MEANS THOSE BYLAWS ESTABLISHED BY THE INTERSTATE COMMIS-
SION PURSUANT TO SECTION EIGHTY-EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE OF THIS ARTI-
CLE FOR ITS GOVERNANCE, OR FOR DIRECTING AND CONTROLLING ITS ACTIONS AND
CONDUCT.
2. "COMMISSIONER" MEANS THE VOTING REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTED BY EACH
MEMBER BOARD PURSUANT TO SECTION EIGHTY-EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE OF
THIS ARTICLE.
3. "CONVICTION" MEANS A FINDING BY A COURT THAT AN INDIVIDUAL IS GUIL-
TY OF A CRIMINAL OFFENSE THROUGH ADJUDICATION, OR ENTRY OF A PLEA OF
GUILT OR NO CONTEST TO THE CHARGE BY THE OFFENDER. EVIDENCE OF AN ENTRY
OF A CONVICTION OF A CRIMINAL OFFENSE BY THE COURT SHALL BE CONSIDERED
FINAL FOR PURPOSES OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION BY A MEMBER BOARD.
4. "EXPEDITED LICENSE" MEANS A FULL AND UNRESTRICTED MEDICAL LICENSE
GRANTED BY A MEMBER STATE TO AN ELIGIBLE PHYSICIAN THROUGH THE PROCESS
SET FORTH IN THE COMPACT.
5. "INTERSTATE COMMISSION" MEANS THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION CREATED
PURSUANT TO SECTION EIGHTY-EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE OF THIS ARTICLE.
S. 7579 3
6. "LICENSE" MEANS AUTHORIZATION BY A STATE FOR A PHYSICIAN TO ENGAGE
IN THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE, WHICH WOULD BE UNLAWFUL WITHOUT THE AUTHOR-
IZATION.
7. "MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT" MEANS LAWS AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE
PRACTICE OF ALLOPATHIC AND OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE WITHIN A MEMBER STATE.
8. "MEMBER BOARD" MEANS A STATE AGENCY IN A MEMBER STATE THAT ACTS IN
THE SOVEREIGN INTERESTS OF THE STATE BY PROTECTING THE PUBLIC THROUGH
LICENSURE, REGULATION, AND EDUCATION OF PHYSICIANS AS DIRECTED BY THE
STATE GOVERNMENT.
9. "MEMBER STATE" MEANS A STATE THAT HAS ENACTED THE COMPACT.
10. "PRACTICE OF MEDICINE" MEANS THE CLINICAL PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS,
OR TREATMENT OF HUMAN DISEASE, INJURY, OR CONDITION REQUIRING A PHYSI-
CIAN TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A LICENSE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE MEDICAL
PRACTICE ACT OF A MEMBER STATE.
11. "PHYSICIAN" MEANS ANY PERSON WHO:
(A) IS A GRADUATE OF A MEDICAL SCHOOL ACCREDITED BY THE LIAISON
COMMITTEE ON MEDICAL EDUCATION, THE COMMISSION ON OSTEOPATHIC COLLEGE
ACCREDITATION, OR A MEDICAL SCHOOL LISTED IN THE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL
EDUCATION DIRECTORY OR ITS EQUIVALENT;
(B) PASSED EACH COMPONENT OF THE UNITED STATES MEDICAL LICENSING EXAM-
INATION (USMLE) OR THE COMPREHENSIVE OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL LICENSING EXAM-
INATION (COMLEX-USA) WITHIN THREE ATTEMPTS, OR ANY OF ITS PREDECESSOR
EXAMINATIONS ACCEPTED BY A STATE MEDICAL BOARD AS AN EQUIVALENT EXAMINA-
TION FOR LICENSURE PURPOSES;
(C) SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION APPROVED BY THE
ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION OR THE AMERICAN
OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION;
(D) HOLDS SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION OR A TIME-UNLIMITED SPECIALTY
CERTIFICATE RECOGNIZED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES OR
THE AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION'S BUREAU OF OSTEOPATHIC SPECIAL-
ISTS;
(E) POSSESSES A FULL AND UNRESTRICTED LICENSE TO ENGAGE IN THE PRAC-
TICE OF MEDICINE ISSUED BY A MEMBER BOARD;
(F) HAS NEVER BEEN CONVICTED, RECEIVED ADJUDICATION, DEFERRED ADJUDI-
CATION, COMMUNITY SUPERVISION, OR DEFERRED DISPOSITION FOR ANY OFFENSE
BY A COURT OF APPROPRIATE JURISDICTION;
(G) HAS NEVER HELD A LICENSE AUTHORIZING THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE
SUBJECTED TO DISCIPLINE BY A LICENSING AGENCY IN ANY STATE, FEDERAL, OR
FOREIGN JURISDICTION, EXCLUDING ANY ACTION RELATED TO NON-PAYMENT OF
FEES RELATED TO A LICENSE;
(H) HAS NEVER HAD A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LICENSE OR PERMIT SUSPENDED
OR REVOKED BY A STATE OR THE UNITED STATES DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINIS-
TRATION; AND
(I) IS NOT UNDER ACTIVE INVESTIGATION BY A LICENSING AGENCY OR LAW
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY IN ANY STATE, FEDERAL, OR FOREIGN JURISDICTION.
12. "OFFENSE" MEANS A FELONY, GROSS MISDEMEANOR, OR CRIME OF MORAL
TURPITUDE.
13. "RULE" MEANS A WRITTEN STATEMENT BY THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION
PROMULGATED PURSUANT TO SECTION EIGHTY-EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY-TWO OF THIS
ARTICLE THAT IS OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY, IMPLEMENTS, INTERPRETS, OR
PRESCRIBES A POLICY OR PROVISION OF THE COMPACT, OR AN ORGANIZATIONAL,
PROCEDURAL, OR PRACTICE REQUIREMENT OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION, AND
HAS THE FORCE AND EFFECT OF STATUTORY LAW IN A MEMBER STATE, AND
INCLUDES THE AMENDMENT, REPEAL, OR SUSPENSION OF AN EXISTING RULE.
14. "STATE" MEANS ANY STATE, COMMONWEALTH, DISTRICT, OR TERRITORY OF
THE UNITED STATES.
S. 7579 4
15. "STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSE" MEANS A MEMBER STATE WHERE A PHYSI-
CIAN HOLDS A LICENSE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE AND WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNATED
AS SUCH BY THE PHYSICIAN FOR PURPOSES OF REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION
IN THE COMPACT.
§ 8863. ELIGIBILITY. 1. A PHYSICIAN MUST MEET THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIRE-
MENTS AS DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION 11 OF SECTION EIGHTY-EIGHT HUNDRED
SIXTY-TWO OF THIS ARTICLE TO RECEIVE AN EXPEDITED LICENSE UNDER THE
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THE COMPACT.
2. A PHYSICIAN WHO DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUBDIVISION 11 OF
SECTION EIGHTY-EIGHT HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO OF THIS ARTICLE MAY OBTAIN A
LICENSE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE IN A MEMBER STATE IF THE INDIVIDUAL
COMPLIES WITH ALL LAWS AND REQUIREMENTS, OTHER THAN THE COMPACT, RELAT-
ING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A LICENSE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE IN THAT STATE.
§ 8864. DESIGNATION OF STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSE. 1. A PHYSICIAN
SHALL DESIGNATE A MEMBER STATE AS THE STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSE FOR
PURPOSES OF REGISTRATION FOR EXPEDITED LICENSURE THROUGH THE COMPACT IF
THE PHYSICIAN POSSESSES A FULL AND UNRESTRICTED LICENSE TO PRACTICE
MEDICINE IN THAT STATE, AND THE STATE IS:
(A) THE STATE OF PRIMARY RESIDENCE FOR THE PHYSICIAN, OR
(B) THE STATE WHERE AT LEAST TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE PRACTICE OF
MEDICINE OCCURS, OR
(C) THE LOCATION OF THE PHYSICIAN'S EMPLOYER, OR
(D) IF NO STATE QUALIFIES UNDER PARAGRAPH (A), (B) OR (C) OF THIS
SUBDIVISION, THE STATE DESIGNATED AS STATE OF RESIDENCE FOR PURPOSE OF
FEDERAL INCOME TAX.
2. A PHYSICIAN MAY REDESIGNATE A MEMBER STATE AS STATE OF PRINCIPAL
LICENSE AT ANY TIME, AS LONG AS THE STATE MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS IN
SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION.
3. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED TO DEVELOP RULES TO FACILI-
TATE REDESIGNATION OF ANOTHER MEMBER STATE AS THE STATE OF PRINCIPAL
LICENSE.
§ 8865. APPLICATION AND ISSUANCE OF EXPEDITED LICENSURE. 1. A PHYSI-
CIAN SEEKING LICENSURE THROUGH THE COMPACT SHALL FILE AN APPLICATION FOR
AN EXPEDITED LICENSE WITH THE MEMBER BOARD OF THE STATE SELECTED BY THE
PHYSICIAN AS THE STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSE.
2. UPON RECEIPT OF AN APPLICATION FOR AN EXPEDITED LICENSE, THE MEMBER
BOARD WITHIN THE STATE SELECTED AS THE STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSE SHALL
EVALUATE WHETHER THE PHYSICIAN IS ELIGIBLE FOR EXPEDITED LICENSURE AND
ISSUE A LETTER OF QUALIFICATION, VERIFYING OR DENYING THE PHYSICIAN'S
ELIGIBILITY, TO THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.
(A) STATIC QUALIFICATIONS, WHICH INCLUDE VERIFICATION OF MEDICAL
EDUCATION, GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION, RESULTS OF ANY MEDICAL OR LICENS-
ING EXAMINATION, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS AS DETERMINED BY THE INTER-
STATE COMMISSION THROUGH RULE, SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL PRIMA-
RY SOURCE VERIFICATION WHERE ALREADY PRIMARY SOURCE VERIFIED BY THE
STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSE.
(B) THE MEMBER BOARD WITHIN THE STATE SELECTED AS THE STATE OF PRINCI-
PAL LICENSE SHALL, IN THE COURSE OF VERIFYING ELIGIBILITY, PERFORM A
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK OF AN APPLICANT, INCLUDING THE USE OF THE
RESULTS OF FINGERPRINT OR OTHER BIOMETRIC DATA CHECKS COMPLIANT WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, WITH THE EXCEPTION
OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE SUITABILITY DETERMINATION IN ACCORDANCE
WITH U.S. C.F.R. § 731.202.
(C) APPEAL ON THE DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY SHALL BE MADE TO THE
MEMBER STATE WHERE THE APPLICATION WAS FILED AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE
LAW OF THAT STATE.
S. 7579 5
3. UPON VERIFICATION IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION, PHYSICIANS
ELIGIBLE FOR AN EXPEDITED LICENSE SHALL COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION PROC-
ESS ESTABLISHED BY THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION TO RECEIVE A LICENSE IN A
MEMBER STATE SELECTED PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION,
INCLUDING THE PAYMENT OF ANY APPLICABLE FEES.
4. AFTER RECEIVING VERIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER SUBDIVISION TWO
OF THIS SECTION AND ANY FEES UNDER SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS SECTION, A
MEMBER BOARD SHALL ISSUE AN EXPEDITED LICENSE TO THE PHYSICIAN. THIS
LICENSE SHALL AUTHORIZE THE PHYSICIAN TO PRACTICE MEDICINE IN THE ISSU-
ING STATE CONSISTENT WITH THE MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT AND ALL APPLICABLE
LAWS AND REGULATIONS OF THE ISSUING MEMBER BOARD AND MEMBER STATE.
5. AN EXPEDITED LICENSE SHALL BE VALID FOR A PERIOD CONSISTENT WITH
THE LICENSURE PERIOD IN THE MEMBER STATE AND IN THE SAME MANNER AS
REQUIRED FOR OTHER PHYSICIANS HOLDING A FULL AND UNRESTRICTED LICENSE
WITHIN THE MEMBER STATE.
6. AN EXPEDITED LICENSE OBTAINED THOUGH THE COMPACT SHALL BE TERMI-
NATED IF A PHYSICIAN FAILS TO MAINTAIN A LICENSE IN THE STATE OF PRINCI-
PAL LICENSURE FOR A NON-DISCIPLINARY REASON, WITHOUT REDESIGNATION OF A
NEW STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSURE.
7. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED TO DEVELOP RULES REGARDING
THE APPLICATION PROCESS, INCLUDING PAYMENT OF ANY APPLICABLE FEES, AND
THE ISSUANCE OF AN EXPEDITED LICENSE.
§ 8866. FEES FOR EXPEDITED LICENSURE. 1. A MEMBER STATE ISSUING AN
EXPEDITED LICENSE AUTHORIZING THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN THAT STATE MAY
IMPOSE A FEE FOR A LICENSE ISSUED OR RENEWED THROUGH THE COMPACT.
2. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED TO DEVELOP RULES REGARDING
FEES FOR EXPEDITED LICENSES.
§ 8867. RENEWAL AND CONTINUED PARTICIPATION. 1. A PHYSICIAN SEEKING TO
RENEW AN EXPEDITED LICENSE GRANTED IN A MEMBER STATE SHALL COMPLETE A
RENEWAL PROCESS WITH THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION IF THE PHYSICIAN:
(A) MAINTAINS A FULL AND UNRESTRICTED LICENSE IN A STATE OF PRINCIPAL
LICENSE;
(B) HAS NOT BEEN CONVICTED, RECEIVED ADJUDICATION, DEFERRED ADJUDI-
CATION, COMMUNITY SUPERVISION, OR DEFERRED DISPOSITION FOR ANY OFFENSE
BY A COURT OF APPROPRIATE JURISDICTION;
(C) HAS NOT HAD A LICENSE AUTHORIZING THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE SUBJECT
TO DISCIPLINE BY A LICENSING AGENCY IN ANY STATE, FEDERAL, OR FOREIGN
JURISDICTION, EXCLUDING ANY ACTION RELATED TO NON-PAYMENT OF FEES
RELATED TO A LICENSE; AND
(D) HAS NOT HAD A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LICENSE OR PERMIT SUSPENDED OR
REVOKED BY A STATE OR THE UNITED STATES DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION.
2. PHYSICIANS SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOP-
MENT OR CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR RENEWAL OF A
LICENSE ISSUED BY A MEMBER STATE.
3. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL COLLECT ANY RENEWAL FEES CHARGED
FOR THE RENEWAL OF A LICENSE AND DISTRIBUTE THE FEES TO THE APPLICABLE
MEMBER BOARD.
4. UPON RECEIPT OF ANY RENEWAL FEES COLLECTED IN SUBDIVISION THREE OF
THIS SECTION, A MEMBER BOARD SHALL RENEW THE PHYSICIAN'S LICENSE.
5. PHYSICIAN INFORMATION COLLECTED BY THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION DURING
THE RENEWAL PROCESS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL MEMBER BOARDS.
6. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED TO DEVELOP RULES TO ADDRESS
RENEWAL OF LICENSES OBTAINED THROUGH THE COMPACT.
§ 8868. COORDINATED INFORMATION SYSTEM. 1. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION
SHALL ESTABLISH A DATABASE OF ALL PHYSICIANS LICENSED, OR WHO HAVE
S. 7579 6
APPLIED FOR LICENSURE, UNDER SECTION EIGHTY-EIGHT HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE OF
THIS ARTICLE.
2. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, MEMBER BOARDS SHALL
REPORT TO THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION ANY PUBLIC ACTION OR COMPLAINTS
AGAINST A LICENSED PHYSICIAN WHO HAS APPLIED OR RECEIVED AN EXPEDITED
LICENSE THROUGH THE COMPACT.
3. MEMBER BOARDS SHALL REPORT DISCIPLINARY OR INVESTIGATORY INFORMA-
TION DETERMINED AS NECESSARY AND PROPER BY RULE OF THE INTERSTATE
COMMISSION.
4. MEMBER BOARDS MAY REPORT ANY NON-PUBLIC COMPLAINT, DISCIPLINARY, OR
INVESTIGATORY INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED BY SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS
SECTION TO THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.
5. MEMBER BOARDS SHALL SHARE COMPLAINT OR DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
ABOUT A PHYSICIAN UPON REQUEST OF ANOTHER MEMBER BOARD.
6. ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION OR DISTRIB-
UTED BY MEMBER BOARDS SHALL BE CONFIDENTIAL, FILED UNDER SEAL, AND USED
ONLY FOR INVESTIGATORY OR DISCIPLINARY MATTERS.
7. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED TO DEVELOP RULES FOR
MANDATED OR DISCRETIONARY SHARING OF INFORMATION BY MEMBER BOARDS.
§ 8869. JOINT INVESTIGATIONS. 1. LICENSURE AND DISCIPLINARY RECORDS OF
PHYSICIANS ARE DEEMED INVESTIGATIVE.
2. IN ADDITION TO THE AUTHORITY GRANTED TO A MEMBER BOARD BY ITS
RESPECTIVE MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT OR OTHER APPLICABLE STATE LAW, A MEMBER
BOARD MAY PARTICIPATE WITH OTHER MEMBER BOARDS IN JOINT INVESTIGATIONS
OF PHYSICIANS LICENSED BY THE MEMBER BOARDS.
3. A SUBPOENA ISSUED BY A MEMBER STATE SHALL BE ENFORCEABLE IN OTHER
MEMBER STATES.
4. MEMBER BOARDS MAY SHARE ANY INVESTIGATIVE, LITIGATION, OR COMPLI-
ANCE MATERIALS IN FURTHERANCE OF ANY JOINT OR INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION
INITIATED UNDER THE COMPACT.
5. ANY MEMBER STATE MAY INVESTIGATE ACTUAL OR ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF
THE STATUTES AUTHORIZING THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN ANY OTHER MEMBER
STATE IN WHICH A PHYSICIAN HOLDS A LICENSE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE.
§ 8870. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS. 1. ANY DISCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN BY ANY
MEMBER BOARD AGAINST A PHYSICIAN LICENSED THROUGH THE COMPACT SHALL BE
DEEMED UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT WHICH MAY BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINE BY
OTHER MEMBER BOARDS, IN ADDITION TO ANY VIOLATION OF THE MEDICAL PRAC-
TICE ACT OR REGULATIONS IN THAT STATE.
2. IF A LICENSE GRANTED TO A PHYSICIAN BY THE MEMBER BOARD IN THE
STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSE IS REVOKED, SURRENDERED OR RELINQUISHED IN
LIEU OF DISCIPLINE, OR SUSPENDED, THEN ALL LICENSES ISSUED TO THE PHYSI-
CIAN BY MEMBER BOARDS SHALL AUTOMATICALLY BE PLACED, WITHOUT FURTHER
ACTION NECESSARY BY ANY MEMBER BOARD, ON THE SAME STATUS. IF THE MEMBER
BOARD IN THE STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSE SUBSEQUENTLY REINSTATES THE
PHYSICIAN'S LICENSE, A LICENSE ISSUED TO THE PHYSICIAN BY ANY OTHER
MEMBER BOARD SHALL REMAIN ENCUMBERED UNTIL THAT RESPECTIVE MEMBER BOARD
TAKES ACTION TO REINSTATE THE LICENSE IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THE
MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT OF THAT STATE.
3. IF DISCIPLINARY ACTION IS TAKEN AGAINST A PHYSICIAN BY A MEMBER
BOARD NOT IN THE STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSE, ANY OTHER MEMBER BOARD MAY
DEEM THE ACTION CONCLUSIVE AS TO MATTER OF LAW AND FACT DECIDED, AND:
(A) IMPOSE THE SAME OR LESSER SANCTION OR SANCTIONS AGAINST THE PHYSI-
CIAN SO LONG AS SUCH SANCTIONS ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE MEDICAL PRACTICE
ACT OF THAT STATE;
S. 7579 7
(B) OR PURSUE SEPARATE DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST THE PHYSICIAN UNDER
ITS RESPECTIVE MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT, REGARDLESS OF THE ACTION TAKEN IN
OTHER MEMBER STATES.
4. IF A LICENSE GRANTED TO A PHYSICIAN BY A MEMBER BOARD IS REVOKED,
SURRENDERED OR RELINQUISHED IN LIEU OF DISCIPLINE, OR SUSPENDED, THEN
ANY LICENSE OR LICENSES ISSUED TO THE PHYSICIAN BY ANY OTHER MEMBER
BOARD OR BOARDS SHALL BE SUSPENDED, AUTOMATICALLY AND IMMEDIATELY WITH-
OUT FURTHER ACTION NECESSARY BY THE OTHER MEMBER BOARD OR BOARDS, FOR
NINETY DAYS UPON ENTRY OF THE ORDER BY THE DISCIPLINING BOARD, TO PERMIT
THE MEMBER BOARD OR BOARDS TO INVESTIGATE THE BASIS FOR THE ACTION UNDER
THE MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT OF THAT STATE. A MEMBER BOARD MAY TERMINATE THE
AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION OF THE LICENSE IT ISSUED PRIOR TO THE COMPLETION OF
THE NINETY DAY SUSPENSION PERIOD IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THE MEDICAL
PRACTICE ACT OF THAT STATE.
§ 8871. INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT COMMISSION. 1. THE MEMBER
STATES HEREBY CREATE THE "INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT COMMIS-
SION".
2. THE PURPOSE OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION IS THE ADMINISTRATION OF
THE INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT, WHICH IS A DISCRETIONARY STATE
FUNCTION.
3. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL BE A BODY CORPORATE AND JOINT AGEN-
CY OF THE MEMBER STATES AND SHALL HAVE ALL THE RESPONSIBILITIES, POWERS,
AND DUTIES SET FORTH IN THE COMPACT, AND SUCH ADDITIONAL POWERS AS MAY
BE CONFERRED UPON IT BY A SUBSEQUENT CONCURRENT ACTION OF THE RESPECTIVE
LEGISLATURES OF THE MEMBER STATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE
COMPACT.
4. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL CONSIST OF TWO VOTING REPRESEN-
TATIVES APPOINTED BY EACH MEMBER STATE WHO SHALL SERVE AS COMMISSIONERS.
IN STATES WHERE ALLOPATHIC AND OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIANS ARE REGULATED BY
SEPARATE MEMBER BOARDS, OR IF THE LICENSING AND DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITY
IS SPLIT BETWEEN MULTIPLE MEMBER BOARDS WITHIN A MEMBER STATE, THE
MEMBER STATE SHALL APPOINT ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH MEMBER BOARD. A
COMMISSIONER SHALL BE A OR AN:
(A) ALLOPATHIC OR OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN APPOINTED TO A MEMBER BOARD;
(B) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, OR SIMILAR EXECUTIVE OF A
MEMBER BOARD; OR
(C) MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC APPOINTED TO A MEMBER BOARD.
5. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL MEET AT LEAST ONCE EACH CALENDAR
YEAR. A PORTION OF THIS MEETING SHALL BE A BUSINESS MEETING TO ADDRESS
SUCH MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, INCLUDING THE
ELECTION OF OFFICERS. THE CHAIRPERSON MAY CALL ADDITIONAL MEETINGS AND
SHALL CALL FOR A MEETING UPON THE REQUEST OF A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBER
STATES.
6. THE BYLAWS MAY PROVIDE FOR MEETINGS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION TO
BE CONDUCTED BY TELECOMMUNICATION OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION.
7. EACH COMMISSIONER PARTICIPATING AT A MEETING OF THE INTERSTATE
COMMISSION IS ENTITLED TO ONE VOTE. A MAJORITY OF COMMISSIONERS SHALL
CONSTITUTE A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS, UNLESS A LARGER
QUORUM IS REQUIRED BY THE BYLAWS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION. A COMMIS-
SIONER SHALL NOT DELEGATE A VOTE TO ANOTHER COMMISSIONER. IN THE ABSENCE
OF ITS COMMISSIONER, A MEMBER STATE MAY DELEGATE VOTING AUTHORITY FOR A
SPECIFIED MEETING TO ANOTHER PERSON FROM THAT STATE WHO SHALL MEET THE
REQUIREMENTS OF SUBDIVISION FOUR OF THIS SECTION.
8. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL PROVIDE PUBLIC NOTICE OF ALL MEET-
INGS AND ALL MEETINGS SHALL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. THE INTERSTATE
COMMISSION MAY CLOSE A MEETING, IN FULL OR IN PORTION, WHERE IT DETER-
S. 7579 8
MINES BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF THE COMMISSIONERS PRESENT THAT AN OPEN
MEETING WOULD BE LIKELY TO:
(A) RELATE SOLELY TO THE INTERNAL PERSONNEL PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION;
(B) DISCUSS MATTERS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPTED FROM DISCLOSURE BY FEDERAL
STATUTE;
(C) DISCUSS TRADE SECRETS, COMMERCIAL, OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION THAT
IS PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL;
(D) INVOLVE ACCUSING A PERSON OF A CRIME, OR FORMALLY CENSURING A
PERSON;
(E) DISCUSS INFORMATION OF A PERSONAL NATURE WHERE DISCLOSURE WOULD
CONSTITUTE A CLEARLY UNWARRANTED INVASION OF PERSONAL PRIVACY;
(F) DISCUSS INVESTIGATIVE RECORDS COMPILED FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
PURPOSES; OR
(G) SPECIFICALLY RELATE TO THE PARTICIPATION IN A CIVIL ACTION OR
OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDING.
9. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL KEEP MINUTES WHICH SHALL FULLY
DESCRIBE ALL MATTERS DISCUSSED IN A MEETING AND SHALL PROVIDE A FULL AND
ACCURATE SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN, INCLUDING RECORD OF ANY ROLL CALL
VOTES.
10. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL MAKE ITS INFORMATION AND OFFICIAL
RECORDS, TO THE EXTENT NOT OTHERWISE DESIGNATED IN THE COMPACT OR BY ITS
RULES, AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC FOR INSPECTION.
11. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL ESTABLISH AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,
WHICH SHALL INCLUDE OFFICERS, MEMBERS, AND OTHERS AS DETERMINED BY THE
BYLAWS. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO ACT ON BEHALF OF
THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RULEMAKING, DURING
PERIODS WHEN THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION IS NOT IN SESSION. WHEN ACTING ON
BEHALF OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SHALL OVER-
SEE THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE COMPACT INCLUDING ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLI-
ANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMPACT, ITS BYLAWS AND RULES, AND OTHER
SUCH DUTIES AS NECESSARY.
12. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION MAY ESTABLISH OTHER COMMITTEES FOR
GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE COMPACT.
§ 8872. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION. THE INTERSTATE
COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE DUTY AND POWER TO:
1. OVERSEE AND MAINTAIN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE COMPACT;
2. PROMULGATE RULES WHICH SHALL BE BINDING TO THE EXTENT AND IN THE
MANNER PROVIDED FOR IN THE COMPACT;
3. ISSUE, UPON THE REQUEST OF A MEMBER STATE OR MEMBER BOARD, ADVISORY
OPINIONS CONCERNING THE MEANING OR INTERPRETATION OF THE COMPACT, ITS
BYLAWS, RULES, AND ACTIONS;
4. ENFORCE COMPLIANCE WITH COMPACT PROVISIONS, THE RULES PROMULGATED
BY THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION, AND THE BYLAWS, USING ALL NECESSARY AND
PROPER MEANS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE USE OF JUDICIAL PROCESS;
5. ESTABLISH AND APPOINT COMMITTEES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AN
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AS REQUIRED BY SECTION EIGHTY-EIGHT HUNDRED SEVEN-
TY-ONE OF THIS ARTICLE, WHICH SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO ACT ON BEHALF OF
THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION IN CARRYING OUT ITS POWERS AND DUTIES;
6. PAY, OR PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE EXPENSES RELATED TO THE
ESTABLISHMENT, ORGANIZATION, AND ONGOING ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERSTATE
COMMISSION;
7. ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN ONE OR MORE OFFICES;
8. BORROW, ACCEPT, HIRE, OR CONTRACT FOR SERVICES OF PERSONNEL;
9. PURCHASE AND MAINTAIN INSURANCE AND BONDS;
S. 7579 9
10. EMPLOY AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WHO SHALL HAVE SUCH POWERS TO EMPLOY,
SELECT OR APPOINT EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR CONSULTANTS, AND TO DETERMINE
THEIR QUALIFICATIONS, DEFINE THEIR DUTIES, AND FIX THEIR COMPENSATION;
11. ESTABLISH PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROGRAMS RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF
INTEREST, RATES OF COMPENSATION, AND QUALIFICATIONS OF PERSONNEL;
12. ACCEPT DONATIONS AND GRANTS OF MONEY, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, MATERI-
ALS AND SERVICES, AND TO RECEIVE, UTILIZE, AND DISPOSE OF IT IN A MANNER
CONSISTENT WITH THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY THE
INTERSTATE COMMISSION;
13. LEASE, PURCHASE, ACCEPT CONTRIBUTIONS OR DONATIONS OF, OR OTHER-
WISE TO OWN, HOLD, IMPROVE OR USE, ANY PROPERTY, REAL, PERSONAL, OR
MIXED;
14. SELL, CONVEY, MORTGAGE, PLEDGE, LEASE, EXCHANGE, ABANDON, OR
OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF ANY PROPERTY, REAL, PERSONAL, OR MIXED;
15. ESTABLISH A BUDGET AND MAKE EXPENDITURES;
16. ADOPT A SEAL AND BYLAWS GOVERNING THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF
THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION;
17. REPORT ANNUALLY TO THE LEGISLATURES AND GOVERNORS OF THE MEMBER
STATES CONCERNING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION DURING THE
PRECEDING YEAR. SUCH REPORTS SHALL ALSO INCLUDE REPORTS OF FINANCIAL
AUDITS AND ANY RECOMMENDATIONS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN ADOPTED BY THE INTER-
STATE COMMISSION;
18. COORDINATE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND PUBLIC AWARENESS REGARDING THE
COMPACT, ITS IMPLEMENTATION, AND ITS OPERATION;
19. MAINTAIN RECORDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BYLAWS;
20. SEEK AND OBTAIN TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS, AND PATENTS; AND
21. PERFORM SUCH FUNCTIONS AS MAY BE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO
ACHIEVE THE PURPOSES OF THE COMPACT.
§ 8873. FINANCE POWERS. 1. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION MAY LEVY ON AND
COLLECT AN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FROM EACH MEMBER STATE TO COVER THE COST OF
THE OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION AND ITS
STAFF. THE TOTAL ASSESSMENT MUST BE SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE ANNUAL BUDG-
ET APPROVED EACH YEAR FOR WHICH REVENUE IS NOT PROVIDED BY OTHER SOURC-
ES. THE AGGREGATE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT AMOUNT SHALL BE ALLOCATED UPON A
FORMULA TO BE DETERMINED BY THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION, WHICH SHALL
PROMULGATE A RULE BINDING UPON ALL MEMBER STATES.
2. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL NOT INCUR OBLIGATIONS OF ANY KIND
PRIOR TO SECURING THE FUNDS ADEQUATE TO MEET THE SAME.
3. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL NOT PLEDGE THE CREDIT OF ANY OF THE
MEMBER STATES, EXCEPT BY, AND WITH THE AUTHORITY OF, THE MEMBER STATE.
4. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A YEARLY FINANCIAL
AUDIT CONDUCTED BY A CERTIFIED OR LICENSED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT AND THE
REPORT OF THE AUDIT SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INTER-
STATE COMMISSION.
§ 8874. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION. 1.
THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL, BY A MAJORITY OF COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
AND VOTING, ADOPT BYLAWS TO GOVERN ITS CONDUCT AS MAY BE NECESSARY OR
APPROPRIATE TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES OF THE COMPACT WITHIN TWELVE
MONTHS OF THE FIRST INTERSTATE COMMISSION MEETING.
2. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL ELECT OR APPOINT ANNUALLY FROM
AMONG ITS COMMISSIONERS A CHAIRPERSON, A VICE-CHAIRPERSON, AND A TREAS-
URER, EACH OF WHOM SHALL HAVE SUCH AUTHORITY AND DUTIES AS MAY BE SPECI-
FIED IN THE BYLAWS. THE CHAIRPERSON, OR IN THE CHAIRPERSON'S ABSENCE OR
DISABILITY, THE VICE-CHAIRPERSON, SHALL PRESIDE AT ALL MEETINGS OF THE
INTERSTATE COMMISSION.
S. 7579 10
3. OFFICERS SELECTED IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION SHALL SERVE
WITHOUT REMUNERATION FROM THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.
4. THE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL BE
IMMUNE FROM SUIT AND LIABILITY, EITHER PERSONALLY OR IN THEIR OFFICIAL
CAPACITY, FOR A CLAIM FOR DAMAGE TO OR LOSS OF PROPERTY OR PERSONAL
INJURY OR OTHER CIVIL LIABILITY CAUSED OR ARISING OUT OF, OR RELATING
TO, AN ACTUAL OR ALLEGED ACT, ERROR, OR OMISSION THAT OCCURRED, OR THAT
SUCH PERSON HAD A REASONABLE BASIS FOR BELIEVING OCCURRED, WITHIN THE
SCOPE OF INTERSTATE COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT, DUTIES, OR RESPONSIBILITIES;
PROVIDED THAT SUCH PERSON SHALL NOT BE PROTECTED FROM SUIT OR LIABILITY
FOR DAMAGE, LOSS, INJURY, OR LIABILITY CAUSED BY THE INTENTIONAL OR
WILLFUL AND WANTON MISCONDUCT OF SUCH PERSON.
(A) THE LIABILITY OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND EMPLOYEES OF THE
INTERSTATE COMMISSION OR REPRESENTATIVES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION,
ACTING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF SUCH PERSON'S EMPLOYMENT OR DUTIES FOR ACTS,
ERRORS, OR OMISSIONS OCCURRING WITHIN SUCH PERSON'S STATE, MAY NOT
EXCEED THE LIMITS OF LIABILITY SET FORTH UNDER THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS
OF THAT STATE FOR STATE OFFICIALS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS. THE INTERSTATE
COMMISSION IS CONSIDERED TO BE AN INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE STATES FOR THE
PURPOSES OF ANY SUCH ACTION. NOTHING IN THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL BE
CONSTRUED TO PROTECT SUCH PERSON FROM SUIT OR LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE,
LOSS, INJURY, OR LIABILITY CAUSED BY THE INTENTIONAL OR WILLFUL AND
WANTON MISCONDUCT OF SUCH PERSON.
(B) THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL DEFEND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ITS
EMPLOYEES, AND SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR OTHER
APPROPRIATE LEGAL COUNSEL OF THE MEMBER STATE REPRESENTED BY AN INTER-
STATE COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE, SHALL DEFEND SUCH INTERSTATE COMMISSION
REPRESENTATIVE IN ANY CIVIL ACTION SEEKING TO IMPOSE LIABILITY ARISING
OUT OF AN ACTUAL OR ALLEGED ACT, ERROR OR OMISSION THAT OCCURRED WITHIN
THE SCOPE OF INTERSTATE COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT, DUTIES OR RESPONSIBIL-
ITIES, OR THAT THE DEFENDANT HAD A REASONABLE BASIS FOR BELIEVING
OCCURRED WITHIN THE SCOPE OF INTERSTATE COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT, DUTIES,
OR RESPONSIBILITIES, PROVIDED THAT THE ACTUAL OR ALLEGED ACT, ERROR, OR
OMISSION DID NOT RESULT FROM INTENTIONAL OR WILLFUL AND WANTON MISCON-
DUCT ON THE PART OF SUCH PERSON.
(C) TO THE EXTENT NOT COVERED BY THE STATE INVOLVED, MEMBER STATE, OR
THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION, THE REPRESENTATIVES OR EMPLOYEES OF THE
INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL BE HELD HARMLESS IN THE AMOUNT OF A SETTLE-
MENT OR JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS, OBTAINED AGAINST
SUCH PERSONS ARISING OUT OF AN ACTUAL OR ALLEGED ACT, ERROR, OR OMISSION
THAT OCCURRED WITHIN THE SCOPE OF INTERSTATE COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT,
DUTIES, OR RESPONSIBILITIES, OR THAT SUCH PERSONS HAD A REASONABLE BASIS
FOR BELIEVING OCCURRED WITHIN THE SCOPE OF INTERSTATE COMMISSION EMPLOY-
MENT, DUTIES, OR RESPONSIBILITIES, PROVIDED THAT THE ACTUAL OR ALLEGED
ACT, ERROR, OR OMISSION DID NOT RESULT FROM INTENTIONAL OR WILLFUL AND
WANTON MISCONDUCT ON THE PART OF SUCH PERSONS.
§ 8875. RULEMAKING FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION. 1. THE
INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL PROMULGATE REASONABLE RULES IN ORDER TO
EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY ACHIEVE THE PURPOSES OF THE COMPACT.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, IN THE EVENT THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION
EXERCISES ITS RULEMAKING AUTHORITY IN A MANNER THAT IS BEYOND THE SCOPE
OF THE PURPOSES OF THE COMPACT, OR THE POWERS GRANTED HEREUNDER, THEN
SUCH AN ACTION BY THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL BE INVALID AND HAVE NO
FORCE OR EFFECT.
2. RULES DEEMED APPROPRIATE FOR THE OPERATIONS OF THE INTERSTATE
COMMISSION SHALL BE MADE PURSUANT TO A RULEMAKING PROCESS THAT SUBSTAN-
S. 7579 11
TIALLY CONFORMS TO THE "MODEL STATE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT" OF
2010, AND SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS THERETO.
3. NOT LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS AFTER A RULE IS PROMULGATED, ANY PERSON
MAY FILE A PETITION FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE RULE IN THE UNITED STATES
DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OR THE FEDERAL DISTRICT
WHERE THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION HAS ITS PRINCIPAL OFFICES, PROVIDED THAT
THE FILING OF SUCH A PETITION SHALL NOT STAY OR OTHERWISE PREVENT THE
RULE FROM BECOMING EFFECTIVE UNLESS THE COURT FINDS THAT THE PETITIONER
HAS A SUBSTANTIAL LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS. THE COURT SHALL GIVE DEFERENCE
TO THE ACTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION CONSISTENT WITH APPLICABLE
LAW AND SHALL NOT FIND THE RULE TO BE UNLAWFUL IF THE RULE REPRESENTS A
REASONABLE EXERCISE OF THE AUTHORITY GRANTED TO THE INTERSTATE COMMIS-
SION.
§ 8876. OVERSIGHT OF INTERSTATE COMPACT. 1. THE EXECUTIVE, LEGISLA-
TIVE, AND JUDICIAL BRANCHES OF STATE GOVERNMENT IN EACH MEMBER STATE
SHALL ENFORCE THE COMPACT AND SHALL TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY AND
APPROPRIATE TO EFFECTUATE THE COMPACT'S PURPOSES AND INTENT. THE
PROVISIONS OF THE COMPACT AND THE RULES PROMULGATED HEREUNDER SHALL HAVE
STANDING AS STATUTORY LAW BUT SHALL NOT OVERRIDE EXISTING STATE AUTHORI-
TY TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE.
2. ALL COURTS SHALL TAKE JUDICIAL NOTICE OF THE COMPACT AND THE RULES
IN ANY JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDING IN A MEMBER STATE PERTAIN-
ING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE COMPACT WHICH MAY AFFECT THE POWERS,
RESPONSIBILITIES OR ACTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.
3. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE ALL SERVICE
OF PROCESS IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING, AND SHALL HAVE STANDING TO INTERVENE
IN THE PROCEEDING FOR ALL PURPOSES. FAILURE TO PROVIDE SERVICE OF PROC-
ESS TO THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL RENDER A JUDGMENT OR ORDER VOID
AS TO THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION, THE COMPACT, OR PROMULGATED RULES.
§ 8877. ENFORCEMENT OF INTERSTATE COMPACT. 1. THE INTERSTATE COMMIS-
SION, IN THE REASONABLE EXERCISE OF ITS DISCRETION, SHALL ENFORCE THE
PROVISIONS AND RULES OF THE COMPACT.
2. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION MAY, BY MAJORITY VOTE OF THE COMMISSION-
ERS, INITIATE LEGAL ACTION IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, OR, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMIS-
SION, IN THE FEDERAL DISTRICT WHERE THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION HAS ITS
PRINCIPAL OFFICES, TO ENFORCE COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE
COMPACT, AND ITS PROMULGATED RULES AND BYLAWS, AGAINST A MEMBER STATE IN
DEFAULT. THE RELIEF SOUGHT MAY INCLUDE BOTH INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AND
DAMAGES. IN THE EVENT JUDICIAL ENFORCEMENT IS NECESSARY, THE PREVAILING
PARTY SHALL BE AWARDED ALL COSTS OF SUCH LITIGATION INCLUDING REASONABLE
ATTORNEY'S FEES.
3. THE REMEDIES HEREIN SHALL NOT BE THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES OF THE
INTERSTATE COMMISSION. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION MAY AVAIL ITSELF OF
ANY OTHER REMEDIES AVAILABLE UNDER STATE LAW OR THE REGULATION OF A
PROFESSION.
§ 8878. DEFAULT PROCEDURES. 1. THE GROUNDS FOR DEFAULT INCLUDE, BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO, FAILURE OF A MEMBER STATE TO PERFORM SUCH OBLI-
GATIONS OR RESPONSIBILITIES IMPOSED UPON IT BY THE COMPACT, OR THE RULES
AND BYLAWS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION PROMULGATED UNDER THE COMPACT.
2. IF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION DETERMINES THAT A MEMBER STATE HAS
DEFAULTED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS OR RESPONSIBILITIES
UNDER THE COMPACT, OR THE BYLAWS OR PROMULGATED RULES, THE INTERSTATE
COMMISSION SHALL:
(A) PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE DEFAULTING STATE AND OTHER MEMBER
STATES, OF THE NATURE OF THE DEFAULT, THE MEANS OF CURING THE DEFAULT,
S. 7579 12
AND ANY ACTION TAKEN BY THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION. THE INTERSTATE
COMMISSION SHALL SPECIFY THE CONDITIONS BY WHICH THE DEFAULTING STATE
MUST CURE ITS DEFAULT; AND
(B) PROVIDE REMEDIAL TRAINING AND SPECIFIC TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
REGARDING THE DEFAULT.
3. IF THE DEFAULTING STATE FAILS TO CURE THE DEFAULT, THE DEFAULTING
STATE SHALL BE TERMINATED FROM THE COMPACT UPON AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF A
MAJORITY OF THE COMMISSIONERS AND ALL RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND BENEFITS
CONFERRED BY THE COMPACT SHALL TERMINATE ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF TERMI-
NATION. A CURE OF THE DEFAULT DOES NOT RELIEVE THE OFFENDING STATE OF
OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES INCURRED DURING THE PERIOD OF THE DEFAULT.
4. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMPACT SHALL BE IMPOSED ONLY
AFTER ALL OTHER MEANS OF SECURING COMPLIANCE HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED. NOTICE
OF INTENT TO TERMINATE SHALL BE GIVEN BY THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION TO
THE GOVERNOR, THE MAJORITY AND MINORITY LEADERS OF THE DEFAULTING
STATE'S LEGISLATURE, AND EACH OF THE MEMBER STATES.
5. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL ESTABLISH RULES AND PROCEDURES TO
ADDRESS LICENSES AND PHYSICIANS THAT ARE MATERIALLY IMPACTED BY THE
TERMINATION OF A MEMBER STATE, OR THE WITHDRAWAL OF A MEMBER STATE.
6. THE MEMBER STATE WHICH HAS BEEN TERMINATED IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL
DUES, OBLIGATIONS, AND LIABILITIES INCURRED THROUGH THE EFFECTIVE DATE
OF TERMINATION INCLUDING OBLIGATIONS, THE PERFORMANCE OF WHICH EXTENDS
BEYOND THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF TERMINATION.
7. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL NOT BEAR ANY COSTS RELATING TO ANY
STATE THAT HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE IN DEFAULT OR WHICH HAS BEEN TERMINATED
FROM THE COMPACT, UNLESS OTHERWISE MUTUALLY AGREED UPON IN WRITING
BETWEEN THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION AND THE DEFAULTING STATE.
8. THE DEFAULTING STATE MAY APPEAL THE ACTION OF THE INTERSTATE
COMMISSION BY PETITIONING THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OR THE FEDERAL DISTRICT WHERE THE INTERSTATE
COMMISSION HAS ITS PRINCIPAL OFFICES. THE PREVAILING PARTY SHALL BE
AWARDED ALL COSTS OF SUCH LITIGATION INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEY'S
FEES.
§ 8879. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. 1. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL
ATTEMPT, UPON THE REQUEST OF A MEMBER STATE, TO RESOLVE DISPUTES WHICH
ARE SUBJECT TO THE COMPACT AND WHICH MAY ARISE AMONG MEMBER STATES OR
MEMBER BOARDS.
2. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL PROMULGATE RULES PROVIDING FOR BOTH
MEDIATION AND BINDING DISPUTE RESOLUTION AS APPROPRIATE.
§ 8880. MEMBER STATES, EFFECTIVE DATE AND AMENDMENT. 1. ANY STATE IS
ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A MEMBER STATE OF THE COMPACT.
2. THE COMPACT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE AND BINDING UPON LEGISLATIVE
ENACTMENT OF THE COMPACT INTO LAW BY NO LESS THAN SEVEN STATES. THERE-
AFTER, IT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE AND BINDING ON A STATE UPON ENACTMENT
OF THE COMPACT INTO LAW BY THAT STATE.
3. THE GOVERNORS OF NON-MEMBER STATES, OR THEIR DESIGNEES, SHALL BE
INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION ON
A NON-VOTING BASIS PRIOR TO ADOPTION OF THE COMPACT BY ALL STATES.
4. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION MAY PROPOSE AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPACT FOR
ENACTMENT BY THE MEMBER STATES. NO AMENDMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE AND
BINDING UPON THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION AND THE MEMBER STATES UNLESS AND
UNTIL IT IS ENACTED INTO LAW BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT OF THE MEMBER STATES.
§ 8881. WITHDRAWAL. 1. ONCE EFFECTIVE, THE COMPACT SHALL CONTINUE IN
FORCE AND REMAIN BINDING UPON EACH AND EVERY MEMBER STATE; PROVIDED THAT
A MEMBER STATE MAY WITHDRAW FROM THE COMPACT BY SPECIFICALLY REPEALING
THE STATUTE WHICH ENACTED THE COMPACT INTO LAW.
S. 7579 13
2. WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COMPACT SHALL BE BY THE ENACTMENT OF A STATUTE
REPEALING THE SAME, BUT SHALL NOT TAKE EFFECT UNTIL ONE YEAR AFTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF SUCH STATUTE AND UNTIL WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE WITH-
DRAWAL HAS BEEN GIVEN BY THE WITHDRAWING STATE TO THE GOVERNOR OF EACH
OTHER MEMBER STATE.
3. THE WITHDRAWING STATE SHALL IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE CHAIRPERSON OF
THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION IN WRITING UPON THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGIS-
LATION REPEALING THE COMPACT IN THE WITHDRAWING STATE.
4. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL NOTIFY THE OTHER MEMBER STATES OF
THE WITHDRAWING STATE'S INTENT TO WITHDRAW WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF ITS
RECEIPT OF NOTICE PROVIDED UNDER SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS SECTION.
5. THE WITHDRAWING STATE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL DUES, OBLIGATIONS AND
LIABILITIES INCURRED THROUGH THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF WITHDRAWAL, INCLUDING
OBLIGATIONS, THE PERFORMANCE OF WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE EFFECTIVE DATE
OF WITHDRAWAL.
6. REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING WITHDRAWAL OF A MEMBER STATE SHALL OCCUR
UPON THE WITHDRAWING STATE REENACTING THE COMPACT OR UPON SUCH LATER
DATE AS DETERMINED BY THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.
7. THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED TO DEVELOP RULES TO ADDRESS
THE IMPACT OF THE WITHDRAWAL OF A MEMBER STATE ON LICENSES GRANTED IN
OTHER MEMBER STATES TO PHYSICIANS WHO DESIGNATED THE WITHDRAWING MEMBER
STATE AS THE STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSE.
§ 8882. DISSOLUTION. 1. THE COMPACT SHALL DISSOLVE EFFECTIVE UPON THE
DATE OF THE WITHDRAWAL OR DEFAULT OF THE MEMBER STATE WHICH REDUCES THE
MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMPACT TO ONE MEMBER STATE.
2. UPON THE DISSOLUTION OF THE COMPACT, THE COMPACT BECOMES NULL AND
VOID AND SHALL BE OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, AND THE BUSINESS AND
AFFAIRS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION SHALL BE CONCLUDED AND SURPLUS
FUNDS SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BYLAWS.
§ 8883. SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION. 1. THE PROVISIONS OF THE
COMPACT SHALL BE SEVERABLE, AND IF ANY PHRASE, CLAUSE, SENTENCE, OR
PROVISION IS DEEMED UNENFORCEABLE, THE REMAINING PROVISIONS OF THE
COMPACT SHALL BE ENFORCEABLE.
2. THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMPACT SHALL BE LIBERALLY CONSTRUED TO
EFFECTUATE ITS PURPOSES.
3. NOTHING IN THE COMPACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO PROHIBIT THE APPLICA-
BILITY OF OTHER INTERSTATE COMPACTS TO WHICH THE STATES ARE MEMBERS.
§ 8884. BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS. 1. NOTHING HEREIN
PREVENTS THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY OTHER LAW OF A MEMBER STATE THAT IS NOT
INCONSISTENT WITH THE COMPACT.
2. ALL LAWS IN A MEMBER STATE IN CONFLICT WITH THE COMPACT ARE SUPER-
SEDED TO THE EXTENT OF THE CONFLICT.
3. ALL LAWFUL ACTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION, INCLUDING ALL
RULES AND BYLAWS PROMULGATED BY THE COMMISSION, ARE BINDING UPON THE
MEMBER STATES.
4. ALL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION AND THE MEMBER
STATES ARE BINDING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR TERMS.
5. IN THE EVENT ANY PROVISION OF THE COMPACT EXCEEDS THE CONSTITU-
TIONAL LIMITS IMPOSED ON THE LEGISLATURE OF ANY MEMBER STATE, SUCH
PROVISION SHALL BE INEFFECTIVE TO THE EXTENT OF THE CONFLICT WITH THE
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION IN QUESTION IN THAT MEMBER STATE.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
PART B
S. 7579 14
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new article 169-A
to read as follows:
ARTICLE 169-A
NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT
SECTION 8886. SHORT TITLE.
8887. FINDINGS AND DECLARATION OF PURPOSE.
8888. DEFINITIONS.
8889. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND JURISDICTION.
8890. APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSURE IN A PARTY STATE.
8891. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES INVESTED IN PARTY STATE LICENSING
BOARDS.
8892. COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM AND EXCHANGE OF
INFORMATION.
8893. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION OF NURSE LICEN-
SURE COMPACT ADMINISTRATORS.
8894. RULEMAKING.
8895. OVERSIGHT, DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ENFORCEMENT.
8896. EFFECTIVE DATE, WITHDRAWAL AND AMENDMENT.
8897. CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY.
§ 8886. SHORT TITLE. THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED AS
THE "NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT".
§ 8887. FINDINGS AND DECLARATION OF PURPOSE. 1. THE PARTY STATES FIND
THAT:
(A) THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC ARE AFFECTED BY THE DEGREE OF
COMPLIANCE WITH AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES RELATED
TO STATE NURSE LICENSURE LAWS;
(B) VIOLATIONS OF NURSE LICENSURE AND OTHER LAWS REGULATING THE PRAC-
TICE OF NURSING MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR HARM TO THE PUBLIC;
(C) THE EXPANDED MOBILITY OF NURSES AND THE USE OF ADVANCED COMMUNI-
CATION TECHNOLOGIES AS PART OF OUR NATION'S HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM
REQUIRE GREATER COORDINATION AND COOPERATION AMONG STATES IN THE AREAS
OF NURSE LICENSURE AND REGULATION;
(D) NEW PRACTICE MODALITIES AND TECHNOLOGY MAKE COMPLIANCE WITH INDI-
VIDUAL STATE NURSE LICENSURE LAWS DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX;
(E) THE CURRENT SYSTEM OF DUPLICATIVE LICENSURE FOR NURSES PRACTICING
IN MULTIPLE STATES IS CUMBERSOME AND REDUNDANT FOR BOTH NURSES AND
STATES; AND
(F) UNIFORMITY OF NURSE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS THROUGHOUT THE STATES
PROMOTES PUBLIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC HEALTH BENEFITS.
2. THE GENERAL PURPOSES OF THIS COMPACT ARE TO:
(A) FACILITATE THE STATES' RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC'S
HEALTH AND SAFETY;
(B) ENSURE AND ENCOURAGE THE COOPERATION OF PARTY STATES IN THE AREAS
OF NURSE LICENSURE AND REGULATION;
(C) FACILITATE THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION BETWEEN PARTY STATES IN THE
AREAS OF NURSE REGULATION, INVESTIGATION AND ADVERSE ACTIONS;
(D) PROMOTE COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF NURSING
IN EACH JURISDICTION;
(E) INVEST ALL PARTY STATES WITH THE AUTHORITY TO HOLD A NURSE
ACCOUNTABLE FOR MEETING ALL STATE PRACTICE LAWS IN THE STATE IN WHICH
THE PATIENT IS LOCATED AT THE TIME CARE IS RENDERED THROUGH THE MUTUAL
RECOGNITION OF PARTY STATE LICENSES;
(F) DECREASE REDUNDANCIES IN THE CONSIDERATION AND ISSUANCE OF NURSE
LICENSES; AND
(G) PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERSTATE PRACTICE BY NURSES WHO MEET
UNIFORM LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS.
S. 7579 15
§ 8888. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS COMPACT:
1. "ADVERSE ACTION" MEANS ANY ADMINISTRATIVE, CIVIL, EQUITABLE OR
CRIMINAL ACTION PERMITTED BY A STATE'S LAWS WHICH IS IMPOSED BY A
LICENSING BOARD OR OTHER AUTHORITY AGAINST A NURSE, INCLUDING ACTIONS
AGAINST AN INDIVIDUAL'S LICENSE OR MULTISTATE LICENSURE PRIVILEGE SUCH
AS REVOCATION, SUSPENSION, PROBATION, MONITORING OF THE LICENSEE, LIMI-
TATION ON THE LICENSEE'S PRACTICE, OR ANY OTHER ENCUMBRANCE ON LICENSURE
AFFECTING A NURSE'S AUTHORIZATION TO PRACTICE, INCLUDING ISSUANCE OF A
CEASE AND DESIST ACTION.
2. "ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM" MEANS A NON-DISCIPLINARY MONITORING PROGRAM
APPROVED BY A LICENSING BOARD.
3. "COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM" MEANS AN INTEGRATED
PROCESS FOR COLLECTING, STORING AND SHARING INFORMATION ON NURSE LICEN-
SURE AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES RELATED TO NURSE LICENSURE LAWS THAT IS
ADMINISTERED BY A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION COMPOSED OF AND CONTROLLED BY
LICENSING BOARDS.
4. "CURRENT SIGNIFICANT INVESTIGATIVE INFORMATION" MEANS:
(A) INVESTIGATIVE INFORMATION THAT A LICENSING BOARD, AFTER A PRELIMI-
NARY INQUIRY THAT INCLUDES NOTIFICATION AND AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE NURSE
TO RESPOND, IF REQUIRED BY STATE LAW, HAS REASON TO BELIEVE IS NOT
GROUNDLESS AND, IF PROVED TRUE, WOULD INDICATE MORE THAN A MINOR INFRAC-
TION; OR
(B) INVESTIGATIVE INFORMATION THAT INDICATES THAT THE NURSE REPRESENTS
AN IMMEDIATE THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REGARDLESS OF WHETHER
THE NURSE HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND.
5. "ENCUMBRANCE" MEANS A REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION OF, OR ANY LIMITA-
TION ON, THE FULL AND UNRESTRICTED PRACTICE OF NURSING IMPOSED BY A
LICENSING BOARD.
6. "HOME STATE" MEANS THE PARTY STATE WHICH IS THE NURSE'S PRIMARY
STATE OF RESIDENCE.
7. "LICENSING BOARD" MEANS A PARTY STATE'S REGULATORY BODY RESPONSIBLE
FOR ISSUING NURSE LICENSES.
8. "MULTISTATE LICENSE" MEANS A LICENSE TO PRACTICE AS A REGISTERED OR
A LICENSED PRACTICAL/VOCATIONAL NURSE (LPN/VN) ISSUED BY A HOME STATE
LICENSING BOARD THAT AUTHORIZES THE LICENSED NURSE TO PRACTICE IN ALL
PARTY STATES UNDER A MULTISTATE LICENSURE PRIVILEGE.
9. "MULTISTATE LICENSURE PRIVILEGE" MEANS A LEGAL AUTHORIZATION ASSO-
CIATED WITH A MULTISTATE LICENSE PERMITTING THE PRACTICE OF NURSING AS
EITHER A REGISTERED NURSE (RN) OR LPN/VN IN A REMOTE STATE.
10. "NURSE" MEANS RN OR LPN/VN, AS THOSE TERMS ARE DEFINED BY EACH
PARTY STATE'S PRACTICE LAWS.
11. "PARTY STATE" MEANS ANY STATE THAT HAS ADOPTED THIS COMPACT.
12. "REMOTE STATE" MEANS A PARTY STATE, OTHER THAN THE HOME STATE.
13. "SINGLE-STATE LICENSE" MEANS A NURSE LICENSE ISSUED BY A PARTY
STATE THAT AUTHORIZES PRACTICE ONLY WITHIN THE ISSUING STATE AND DOES
NOT INCLUDE A MULTISTATE LICENSURE PRIVILEGE TO PRACTICE IN ANY OTHER
PARTY STATE.
14. "STATE" MEANS A STATE, TERRITORY OR POSSESSION OF THE UNITED
STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
15. "STATE PRACTICE LAWS" MEANS A PARTY STATE'S LAWS, RULES AND REGU-
LATIONS THAT GOVERN THE PRACTICE OF NURSING, DEFINE THE SCOPE OF NURSING
PRACTICE, AND CREATE THE METHODS AND GROUNDS FOR IMPOSING DISCIPLINE.
"STATE PRACTICE LAWS" DO NOT INCLUDE REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN
AND RETAIN A LICENSE, EXCEPT FOR QUALIFICATIONS OR REQUIREMENTS OF THE
HOME STATE.
S. 7579 16
§ 8889. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND JURISDICTION. 1. A MULTISTATE LICENSE
TO PRACTICE REGISTERED OR LICENSED PRACTICAL/VOCATIONAL NURSING ISSUED
BY A HOME STATE TO A RESIDENT IN THAT STATE WILL BE RECOGNIZED BY EACH
PARTY STATE AS AUTHORIZING A NURSE TO PRACTICE AS A REGISTERED NURSE
(RN) OR AS A LICENSED PRACTICAL/VOCATIONAL NURSE (LPN/VN), UNDER A
MULTISTATE LICENSURE PRIVILEGE, IN EACH PARTY STATE.
2. A STATE MUST IMPLEMENT PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERING THE CRIMINAL
HISTORY RECORDS OF APPLICANTS FOR INITIAL MULTISTATE LICENSE OR LICEN-
SURE BY ENDORSEMENT. SUCH PROCEDURES SHALL INCLUDE THE SUBMISSION OF
FINGERPRINTS OR OTHER BIOMETRIC-BASED INFORMATION BY APPLICANTS FOR THE
PURPOSE OF OBTAINING AN APPLICANT'S CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION
FROM THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND THE AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR
RETAINING THAT STATE'S CRIMINAL RECORDS.
3. EACH PARTY STATE SHALL REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING FOR AN APPLICANT TO
OBTAIN OR RETAIN A MULTISTATE LICENSE IN THE HOME STATE:
(A) MEETS THE HOME STATE'S QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE OR RENEWAL OF
LICENSURE, AS WELL AS, ALL OTHER APPLICABLE STATE LAWS;
(B)(I) HAS GRADUATED OR IS ELIGIBLE TO GRADUATE FROM A LICENSING
BOARD-APPROVED RN OR LPN/VN PRE-LICENSURE EDUCATION PROGRAM; OR
(II) HAS GRADUATED FROM A FOREIGN RN OR LPN/VN PRE-LICENSURE EDUCATION
PROGRAM THAT (1) HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE AUTHORIZED ACCREDITING BODY IN
THE APPLICABLE COUNTRY AND (2) HAS BEEN VERIFIED BY AN INDEPENDENT
CREDENTIALS REVIEW AGENCY TO BE COMPARABLE TO A LICENSING BOARD-APPROVED
PRE-LICENSURE EDUCATION PROGRAM;
(C) HAS, IF A GRADUATE OF A FOREIGN PRE-LICENSURE EDUCATION PROGRAM
NOT TAUGHT IN ENGLISH OR IF ENGLISH IS NOT THE INDIVIDUAL'S NATIVE
LANGUAGE, SUCCESSFULLY PASSED AN ENGLISH PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION THAT
INCLUDES THE COMPONENTS OF READING, SPEAKING, WRITING AND LISTENING;
(D) HAS SUCCESSFULLY PASSED AN NCLEX-RN OR NCLEX-PN EXAMINATION OR
RECOGNIZED PREDECESSOR, AS APPLICABLE;
(E) IS ELIGIBLE FOR OR HOLDS AN ACTIVE, UNENCUMBERED LICENSE;
(F) HAS SUBMITTED, IN CONNECTION WITH AN APPLICATION FOR INITIAL
LICENSURE OR LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT, FINGERPRINTS OR OTHER BIOMETRIC
DATA FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION
FROM THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND THE AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR
RETAINING THAT STATE'S CRIMINAL RECORDS;
(G) HAS NOT BEEN CONVICTED OR FOUND GUILTY, OR HAS ENTERED INTO AN
AGREED DISPOSITION, OF A FELONY OFFENSE UNDER APPLICABLE STATE OR FEDER-
AL CRIMINAL LAW;
(H) HAS NOT BEEN CONVICTED OR FOUND GUILTY, OR HAS ENTERED INTO AN
AGREED DISPOSITION, OF A MISDEMEANOR OFFENSE RELATED TO THE PRACTICE OF
NURSING AS DETERMINED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS;
(I) IS NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN AN ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM;
(J) IS SUBJECT TO SELF-DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING CURRENT
PARTICIPATION IN AN ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM; AND
(K) HAS A VALID UNITED STATES SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.
4. ALL PARTY STATES SHALL BE AUTHORIZED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH EXISTING
STATE DUE PROCESS LAW, TO TAKE ADVERSE ACTION AGAINST A NURSE'S MULTI-
STATE LICENSURE PRIVILEGE SUCH AS REVOCATION, SUSPENSION, PROBATION OR
ANY OTHER ACTION THAT AFFECTS A NURSE'S AUTHORIZATION TO PRACTICE UNDER
A MULTISTATE LICENSURE PRIVILEGE, INCLUDING CEASE AND DESIST ACTIONS. IF
A PARTY STATE TAKES SUCH ACTION, IT SHALL PROMPTLY NOTIFY THE ADMINIS-
TRATOR OF THE COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM. THE ADMINISTRA-
TOR OF THE COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM SHALL PROMPTLY NOTI-
FY THE HOME STATE OF ANY SUCH ACTIONS BY REMOTE STATES.
S. 7579 17
5. A NURSE PRACTICING IN A PARTY STATE MUST COMPLY WITH THE STATE
PRACTICE LAWS OF THE STATE IN WHICH THE CLIENT IS LOCATED AT THE TIME
SERVICE IS PROVIDED. THE PRACTICE OF NURSING IS NOT LIMITED TO PATIENT
CARE, BUT SHALL INCLUDE ALL NURSING PRACTICE AS DEFINED BY THE STATE
PRACTICE LAWS OF THE PARTY STATE IN WHICH THE CLIENT IS LOCATED. THE
PRACTICE OF NURSING IN A PARTY STATE UNDER A MULTISTATE LICENSURE PRIVI-
LEGE WILL SUBJECT A NURSE TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE LICENSING BOARD,
THE COURTS AND THE LAWS OF THE PARTY STATE IN WHICH THE CLIENT IS
LOCATED AT THE TIME SERVICE IS PROVIDED.
6. INDIVIDUALS NOT RESIDING IN A PARTY STATE SHALL CONTINUE TO BE ABLE
TO APPLY FOR A PARTY STATE'S SINGLE-STATE LICENSE AS PROVIDED UNDER THE
LAWS OF EACH PARTY STATE. HOWEVER, THE SINGLE-STATE LICENSE GRANTED TO
THESE INDIVIDUALS WILL NOT BE RECOGNIZED AS GRANTING THE PRIVILEGE TO
PRACTICE NURSING IN ANY OTHER PARTY STATE. NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT SHALL
AFFECT THE REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY A PARTY STATE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF
A SINGLE-STATE LICENSE.
7. ANY NURSE HOLDING A HOME STATE MULTISTATE LICENSE, ON THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THIS COMPACT, MAY RETAIN AND RENEW THE MULTISTATE LICENSE ISSUED
BY THE NURSE'S THEN-CURRENT HOME STATE, PROVIDED THAT:
(A) A NURSE, WHO CHANGES PRIMARY STATE OF RESIDENCE AFTER THIS
COMPACT'S EFFECTIVE DATE, MUST MEET ALL APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS UNDER
SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS SECTION TO OBTAIN A MULTISTATE LICENSE FROM A
NEW HOME STATE.
(B) A NURSE WHO FAILS TO SATISFY THE MULTISTATE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
IN SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS SECTION DUE TO A DISQUALIFYING EVENT OCCUR-
RING AFTER THIS COMPACT'S EFFECTIVE DATE SHALL BE INELIGIBLE TO RETAIN
OR RENEW A MULTISTATE LICENSE, AND THE NURSE'S MULTISTATE LICENSE SHALL
BE REVOKED OR DEACTIVATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE RULES ADOPTED BY
THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION OF NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT ADMINISTRATORS
("COMMISSION").
§ 8890. APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSURE IN A PARTY STATE. 1. UPON APPLICA-
TION FOR A MULTISTATE LICENSE, THE LICENSING BOARD IN THE ISSUING PARTY
STATE SHALL ASCERTAIN, THROUGH THE COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION
SYSTEM, WHETHER THE APPLICANT HAS EVER HELD, OR IS THE HOLDER OF, A
LICENSE ISSUED BY ANY OTHER STATE, WHETHER THERE ARE ANY ENCUMBRANCES ON
ANY LICENSE OR MULTISTATE LICENSURE PRIVILEGE HELD BY THE APPLICANT,
WHETHER ANY ADVERSE ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN AGAINST ANY LICENSE OR MULTI-
STATE LICENSURE PRIVILEGE HELD BY THE APPLICANT AND WHETHER THE APPLI-
CANT IS CURRENTLY PARTICIPATING IN AN ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM.
2. A NURSE MAY HOLD A MULTISTATE LICENSE, ISSUED BY THE HOME STATE, IN
ONLY ONE PARTY STATE AT A TIME.
3. IF A NURSE CHANGES PRIMARY STATE OF RESIDENCE BY MOVING BETWEEN TWO
PARTY STATES, THE NURSE MUST APPLY FOR LICENSURE IN THE NEW HOME STATE,
AND THE MULTISTATE LICENSE ISSUED BY THE PRIOR HOME STATE WILL BE DEAC-
TIVATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE RULES ADOPTED BY THE COMMISSION.
(A) THE NURSE MAY APPLY FOR LICENSURE IN ADVANCE OF A CHANGE IN PRIMA-
RY STATE OF RESIDENCE.
(B) A MULTISTATE LICENSE SHALL NOT BE ISSUED BY THE NEW HOME STATE
UNTIL THE NURSE PROVIDES SATISFACTORY EVIDENCE OF A CHANGE IN PRIMARY
STATE OF RESIDENCE TO THE NEW HOME STATE AND SATISFIES ALL APPLICABLE
REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A MULTISTATE LICENSE FROM THE NEW HOME STATE.
4. IF A NURSE CHANGES PRIMARY STATE OF RESIDENCE BY MOVING FROM A
PARTY STATE TO A NON-PARTY STATE, THE MULTISTATE LICENSE ISSUED BY THE
PRIOR HOME STATE WILL CONVERT TO A SINGLE-STATE LICENSE, VALID ONLY IN
THE FORMER HOME STATE.
S. 7579 18
§ 8891. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES INVESTED IN PARTY STATE LICENSING
BOARDS. 1. IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER POWERS CONFERRED BY STATE LAW, A
LICENSING BOARD SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO:
(A) TAKE ADVERSE ACTION AGAINST A NURSE'S MULTISTATE LICENSURE PRIVI-
LEGE TO PRACTICE WITHIN THAT PARTY STATE.
(I) ONLY THE HOME STATE SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO TAKE ADVERSE ACTION
AGAINST A NURSE'S LICENSE ISSUED BY THE HOME STATE.
(II) FOR PURPOSES OF TAKING ADVERSE ACTION, THE HOME STATE LICENSING
BOARD SHALL GIVE THE SAME PRIORITY AND EFFECT TO REPORTED CONDUCT
RECEIVED FROM A REMOTE STATE AS IT WOULD IF SUCH CONDUCT HAD OCCURRED
WITHIN THE HOME STATE. IN SO DOING, THE HOME STATE SHALL APPLY ITS OWN
STATE LAWS TO DETERMINE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
(B) ISSUE CEASE AND DESIST ORDERS OR IMPOSE AN ENCUMBRANCE ON A
NURSE'S AUTHORITY TO PRACTICE WITHIN THAT PARTY STATE.
(C) COMPLETE ANY PENDING INVESTIGATIONS OF A NURSE WHO CHANGES PRIMARY
STATE OF RESIDENCE DURING THE COURSE OF SUCH INVESTIGATIONS. THE LICENS-
ING BOARD SHALL ALSO HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION OR
ACTIONS AND SHALL PROMPTLY REPORT THE CONCLUSIONS OF SUCH INVESTIGATIONS
TO THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM.
THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM SHALL
PROMPTLY NOTIFY THE NEW HOME STATE OF ANY SUCH ACTIONS.
(D) ISSUE SUBPOENAS FOR BOTH HEARINGS AND INVESTIGATIONS THAT REQUIRE
THE ATTENDANCE AND TESTIMONY OF WITNESSES, AS WELL AS, THE PRODUCTION OF
EVIDENCE. SUBPOENAS ISSUED BY A LICENSING BOARD IN A PARTY STATE FOR THE
ATTENDANCE AND TESTIMONY OF WITNESSES OR THE PRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE FROM
ANOTHER PARTY STATE SHALL BE ENFORCED IN THE LATTER STATE BY ANY COURT
OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION, ACCORDING TO THE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE OF
THAT COURT APPLICABLE TO SUBPOENAS ISSUED IN PROCEEDINGS PENDING BEFORE
IT. THE ISSUING AUTHORITY SHALL PAY ANY WITNESS FEES, TRAVEL EXPENSES,
MILEAGE AND OTHER FEES REQUIRED BY THE SERVICE STATUTES OF THE STATE IN
WHICH THE WITNESSES OR EVIDENCE ARE LOCATED.
(E) OBTAIN AND SUBMIT, FOR EACH NURSE LICENSURE APPLICANT, FINGERPRINT
OR OTHER BIOMETRIC-BASED INFORMATION TO THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTI-
GATION FOR CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS, RECEIVE THE RESULTS OF THE FEDER-
AL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION RECORD SEARCH ON CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS
AND USE THE RESULTS IN MAKING LICENSURE DECISIONS.
(F) IF OTHERWISE PERMITTED BY STATE LAW, RECOVER FROM THE AFFECTED
NURSE THE COSTS OF INVESTIGATIONS AND DISPOSITION OF CASES RESULTING
FROM ANY ADVERSE ACTION TAKEN AGAINST THAT NURSE.
(G) TAKE ADVERSE ACTION BASED ON THE FACTUAL FINDINGS OF THE REMOTE
STATE, PROVIDED THAT THE LICENSING BOARD FOLLOWS ITS OWN PROCEDURES FOR
TAKING SUCH ADVERSE ACTION.
2. IF ADVERSE ACTION IS TAKEN BY THE HOME STATE AGAINST A NURSE'S
MULTISTATE LICENSE, THE NURSE'S MULTISTATE LICENSURE PRIVILEGE TO PRAC-
TICE IN ALL OTHER PARTY STATES SHALL BE DEACTIVATED UNTIL ALL ENCUM-
BRANCES HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE MULTISTATE LICENSE. ALL HOME STATE
DISCIPLINARY ORDERS THAT IMPOSE ADVERSE ACTION AGAINST A NURSE'S MULTI-
STATE LICENSE SHALL INCLUDE A STATEMENT THAT THE NURSE'S MULTISTATE
LICENSURE PRIVILEGE IS DEACTIVATED IN ALL PARTY STATES DURING THE
PENDENCY OF THE ORDER.
3. NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT SHALL OVERRIDE A PARTY STATE'S DECISION
THAT PARTICIPATION IN AN ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM MAY BE USED IN LIEU OF
ADVERSE ACTION. THE HOME STATE LICENSING BOARD SHALL DEACTIVATE THE
MULTISTATE LICENSURE PRIVILEGE UNDER THE MULTISTATE LICENSE OF ANY NURSE
FOR THE DURATION OF THE NURSE'S PARTICIPATION IN AN ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM.
S. 7579 19
§ 8892. COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM AND EXCHANGE OF
INFORMATION. 1. ALL PARTY STATES SHALL PARTICIPATE IN A COORDINATED
LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM OF ALL LICENSED REGISTERED NURSES (RN'S)
AND LICENSED PRACTICAL/VOCATIONAL NURSES (LPN'S/VN'S). THIS SYSTEM WILL
INCLUDE INFORMATION ON THE LICENSURE AND DISCIPLINARY HISTORY OF EACH
NURSE, AS SUBMITTED BY PARTY STATES, TO ASSIST IN THE COORDINATION OF
NURSE LICENSURE AND ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS.
2. THE COMMISSION, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE COOR-
DINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM, SHALL FORMULATE NECESSARY AND
PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE IDENTIFICATION, COLLECTION AND EXCHANGE OF
INFORMATION UNDER THIS COMPACT.
3. ALL LICENSING BOARDS SHALL PROMPTLY REPORT TO THE COORDINATED
LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM ANY ADVERSE ACTION, ANY CURRENT SIGNIFICANT
INVESTIGATIVE INFORMATION, DENIALS OF APPLICATIONS, WITH THE REASONS FOR
SUCH DENIALS, AND NURSE PARTICIPATION IN ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS KNOWN TO
THE LICENSING BOARD REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH PARTICIPATION IS DEEMED
NONPUBLIC OR CONFIDENTIAL UNDER STATE LAW.
4. CURRENT SIGNIFICANT INVESTIGATIVE INFORMATION AND PARTICIPATION IN
NONPUBLIC OR CONFIDENTIAL ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS SHALL BE TRANSMITTED
THROUGH THE COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM ONLY TO PARTY STATE
LICENSING BOARDS.
5. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, ALL PARTY STATE LICENS-
ING BOARDS CONTRIBUTING INFORMATION TO THE COORDINATED LICENSURE INFOR-
MATION SYSTEM MAY DESIGNATE INFORMATION THAT MAY NOT BE SHARED WITH
NON-PARTY STATES OR DISCLOSED TO OTHER ENTITIES OR INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT
THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF THE CONTRIBUTING STATE.
6. ANY PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THE COORDI-
NATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM BY A PARTY STATE LICENSING BOARD
SHALL NOT BE SHARED WITH NON-PARTY STATES OR DISCLOSED TO OTHER ENTITIES
OR INDIVIDUALS EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY THE LAWS OF THE PARTY
STATE CONTRIBUTING THE INFORMATION.
7. ANY INFORMATION CONTRIBUTED TO THE COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMA-
TION SYSTEM THAT IS SUBSEQUENTLY REQUIRED TO BE EXPUNGED BY THE LAWS OF
THE PARTY STATE CONTRIBUTING THAT INFORMATION SHALL ALSO BE EXPUNGED
FROM THE COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM.
8. THE COMPACT ADMINISTRATOR OF EACH PARTY STATE SHALL FURNISH A
UNIFORM DATA SET TO THE COMPACT ADMINISTRATOR OF EACH OTHER PARTY STATE,
WHICH SHALL INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM:
(A) IDENTIFYING INFORMATION;
(B) LICENSURE DATA;
(C) INFORMATION RELATED TO ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM PARTICIPATION; AND
(D) OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY FACILITATE THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS
COMPACT, AS DETERMINED BY COMMISSION RULES.
9. THE COMPACT ADMINISTRATOR OF A PARTY STATE SHALL PROVIDE ALL INVES-
TIGATIVE DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION REQUESTED BY ANOTHER PARTY STATE.
§ 8893. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION OF NURSE LICENSURE
COMPACT ADMINISTRATORS.
1. THE PARTY STATES HEREBY CREATE AND ESTABLISH A JOINT PUBLIC ENTITY
KNOWN AS THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION OF NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT ADMINIS-
TRATORS.
(A) THE COMMISSION IS AN INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE PARTY STATES.
(B) VENUE IS PROPER, AND JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BY OR AGAINST THE
COMMISSION SHALL BE BROUGHT SOLELY AND EXCLUSIVELY, IN A COURT OF COMPE-
TENT JURISDICTION WHERE THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE COMMISSION IS
LOCATED. THE COMMISSION MAY WAIVE VENUE AND JURISDICTIONAL DEFENSES TO
S. 7579 20
THE EXTENT IT ADOPTS OR CONSENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE
RESOLUTION PROCEEDINGS.
(C) NOTHING IN THIS COMPACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO BE A WAIVER OF
SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY.
2. MEMBERSHIP, VOTING AND MEETINGS:
(A) EACH PARTY STATE SHALL HAVE AND BE LIMITED TO ONE ADMINISTRATOR.
THE HEAD OF THE STATE LICENSING BOARD OR DESIGNEE SHALL BE THE ADMINIS-
TRATOR OF THIS COMPACT FOR EACH PARTY STATE. ANY ADMINISTRATOR MAY BE
REMOVED OR SUSPENDED FROM OFFICE AS PROVIDED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE
FROM WHICH THE ADMINISTRATOR IS APPOINTED. ANY VACANCY OCCURRING IN THE
COMMISSION SHALL BE FILLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE PARTY
STATE IN WHICH THE VACANCY EXISTS.
(B) EACH ADMINISTRATOR SHALL BE ENTITLED TO ONE VOTE WITH REGARD TO
THE PROMULGATION OF RULES AND CREATION OF BYLAWS AND SHALL OTHERWISE
HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BUSINESS AND AFFAIRS OF THE
COMMISSION. AN ADMINISTRATOR SHALL VOTE IN PERSON OR BY SUCH OTHER MEANS
AS PROVIDED IN THE BYLAWS. THE BYLAWS MAY PROVIDE FOR AN ADMINISTRATOR'S
PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER MEANS OF COMMUNICATION.
(C) THE COMMISSION SHALL MEET AT LEAST ONCE DURING EACH CALENDAR YEAR.
ADDITIONAL MEETINGS SHALL BE HELD AS SET FORTH IN THE BYLAWS OR RULES OF
THE COMMISSION.
(D) ALL MEETINGS SHALL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, AND PUBLIC NOTICE OF
MEETINGS SHALL BE GIVEN IN THE SAME MANNER AS REQUIRED UNDER THE RULE-
MAKING PROVISIONS IN SECTION EIGHTY-EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY-FOUR OF THIS
ARTICLE.
(E) THE COMMISSION MAY CONVENE IN A CLOSED, NONPUBLIC MEETING IF THE
COMMISSION MUST DISCUSS:
(I) NONCOMPLIANCE OF A PARTY STATE WITH ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS
COMPACT;
(II) THE EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE OR OTHER PERSONNEL
MATTERS, PRACTICES OR PROCEDURES RELATED TO SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OR OTHER
MATTERS RELATED TO THE COMMISSION'S INTERNAL PERSONNEL PRACTICES AND
PROCEDURES;
(III) CURRENT, THREATENED OR REASONABLY ANTICIPATED LITIGATION;
(IV) NEGOTIATION OF CONTRACTS FOR THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF GOODS,
SERVICES OR REAL ESTATE;
(V) ACCUSING ANY PERSON OF A CRIME OR FORMALLY CENSURING ANY PERSON;
(VI) DISCLOSURE OF TRADE SECRETS OR COMMERCIAL OR FINANCIAL INFORMA-
TION THAT IS PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL;
(VII) DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION OF A PERSONAL NATURE WHERE DISCLOSURE
WOULD CONSTITUTE A CLEARLY UNWARRANTED INVASION OF PERSONAL PRIVACY;
(VIII) DISCLOSURE OF INVESTIGATORY RECORDS COMPILED FOR LAW ENFORCE-
MENT PURPOSES;
(IX) DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION RELATED TO ANY REPORTS PREPARED BY OR
ON BEHALF OF THE COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION OF COMPLI-
ANCE WITH THIS COMPACT; OR
(X) MATTERS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPTED FROM DISCLOSURE BY FEDERAL OR STATE
STATUTE.
(F) IF A MEETING, OR PORTION OF A MEETING, IS CLOSED PURSUANT TO THIS
PROVISION, THE COMMISSION'S LEGAL COUNSEL OR DESIGNEE SHALL CERTIFY THAT
THE MEETING MAY BE CLOSED AND SHALL REFERENCE EACH RELEVANT EXEMPTING
PROVISION. THE COMMISSION SHALL KEEP MINUTES THAT FULLY AND CLEARLY
DESCRIBE ALL MATTERS DISCUSSED IN A MEETING AND SHALL PROVIDE A FULL AND
ACCURATE SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN, AND THE REASONS THEREFOR, INCLUDING A
DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED. ALL DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED IN
CONNECTION WITH AN ACTION SHALL BE IDENTIFIED IN SUCH MINUTES. ALL
S. 7579 21
MINUTES AND DOCUMENTS OF A CLOSED MEETING SHALL REMAIN UNDER SEAL,
SUBJECT TO RELEASE BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE COMMISSION OR ORDER OF A
COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION.
3. THE COMMISSION SHALL, BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE ADMINISTRATORS,
PRESCRIBE BYLAWS OR RULES TO GOVERN ITS CONDUCT AS MAY BE NECESSARY OR
APPROPRIATE TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES AND EXERCISE THE POWERS OF THIS
COMPACT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
(A) ESTABLISHING THE FISCAL YEAR OF THE COMMISSION;
(B) PROVIDING REASONABLE STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES:
(I) FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MEETINGS OF OTHER COMMITTEES; AND
(II) GOVERNING ANY GENERAL OR SPECIFIC DELEGATION OF ANY AUTHORITY OR
FUNCTION OF THE COMMISSION;
(C) PROVIDING REASONABLE PROCEDURES FOR CALLING AND CONDUCTING MEET-
INGS OF THE COMMISSION, ENSURING REASONABLE ADVANCE NOTICE OF ALL MEET-
INGS AND PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ATTENDANCE OF SUCH MEETINGS BY
INTERESTED PARTIES, WITH ENUMERATED EXCEPTIONS DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE
PUBLIC'S INTEREST, THE PRIVACY OF INDIVIDUALS, AND PROPRIETARY INFORMA-
TION, INCLUDING TRADE SECRETS. THE COMMISSION MAY MEET IN CLOSED SESSION
ONLY AFTER A MAJORITY OF THE ADMINISTRATORS VOTE TO CLOSE A MEETING IN
WHOLE OR IN PART. AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE, THE COMMISSION MUST MAKE
PUBLIC A COPY OF THE VOTE TO CLOSE THE MEETING REVEALING THE VOTE OF
EACH ADMINISTRATOR, WITH NO PROXY VOTES ALLOWED;
(D) ESTABLISHING THE TITLES, DUTIES AND AUTHORITY AND REASONABLE
PROCEDURES FOR THE ELECTION OF THE OFFICERS OF THE COMMISSION;
(E) PROVIDING REASONABLE STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE ESTABLISH-
MENT OF THE PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROGRAMS OF THE COMMISSION. NOTWITH-
STANDING ANY CIVIL SERVICE OR OTHER SIMILAR LAWS OF ANY PARTY STATE, THE
BYLAWS SHALL EXCLUSIVELY GOVERN THE PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROGRAMS OF
THE COMMISSION; AND
(F) PROVIDING A MECHANISM FOR WINDING UP THE OPERATIONS OF THE COMMIS-
SION AND THE EQUITABLE DISPOSITION OF ANY SURPLUS FUNDS THAT MAY EXIST
AFTER THE TERMINATION OF THIS COMPACT AFTER THE PAYMENT OR RESERVING OF
ALL OF ITS DEBTS AND OBLIGATIONS.
4. THE COMMISSION SHALL PUBLISH ITS BYLAWS AND RULES, AND ANY AMEND-
MENTS THERETO, IN A CONVENIENT FORM ON THE WEBSITE OF THE COMMISSION.
5. THE COMMISSION SHALL MAINTAIN ITS FINANCIAL RECORDS IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE BYLAWS.
6. THE COMMISSION SHALL MEET AND TAKE SUCH ACTIONS AS ARE CONSISTENT
WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS COMPACT AND THE BYLAWS.
7. THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING POWERS:
(A) TO PROMULGATE UNIFORM RULES TO FACILITATE AND COORDINATE IMPLEMEN-
TATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THIS COMPACT. THE RULES SHALL HAVE THE
FORCE AND EFFECT OF LAW AND SHALL BE BINDING IN ALL PARTY STATES;
(B) TO BRING AND PROSECUTE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OR ACTIONS IN THE NAME OF
THE COMMISSION, PROVIDED THAT THE STANDING OF ANY LICENSING BOARD TO SUE
OR BE SUED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW SHALL NOT BE AFFECTED;
(C) TO PURCHASE AND MAINTAIN INSURANCE AND BONDS;
(D) TO BORROW, ACCEPT OR CONTRACT FOR SERVICES OF PERSONNEL, INCLUD-
ING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, EMPLOYEES OF A PARTY STATE OR NONPROFIT ORGAN-
IZATIONS;
(E) TO COOPERATE WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT ADMINISTER STATE
COMPACTS RELATED TO THE REGULATION OF NURSING, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO SHARING ADMINISTRATIVE OR STAFF EXPENSES, OFFICE SPACE OR OTHER
RESOURCES;
(F) TO HIRE EMPLOYEES, ELECT OR APPOINT OFFICERS, FIX COMPENSATION,
DEFINE DUTIES, GRANT SUCH INDIVIDUALS APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY TO CARRY OUT
S. 7579 22
THE PURPOSES OF THIS COMPACT, AND TO ESTABLISH THE COMMISSION'S PERSON-
NEL POLICIES AND PROGRAMS RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, QUALIFICA-
TIONS OF PERSONNEL AND OTHER RELATED PERSONNEL MATTERS;
(G) TO ACCEPT ANY AND ALL APPROPRIATE DONATIONS, GRANTS AND GIFTS OF
MONEY, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, MATERIALS AND SERVICES, AND TO RECEIVE,
UTILIZE AND DISPOSE OF THE SAME; PROVIDED THAT AT ALL TIMES THE COMMIS-
SION SHALL AVOID ANY APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY OR CONFLICT OF INTEREST;
(H) TO LEASE, PURCHASE, ACCEPT APPROPRIATE GIFTS OR DONATIONS OF, OR
OTHERWISE TO OWN, HOLD, IMPROVE OR USE, ANY PROPERTY, WHETHER REAL,
PERSONAL OR MIXED; PROVIDED THAT AT ALL TIMES THE COMMISSION SHALL AVOID
ANY APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY;
(I) TO SELL, CONVEY, MORTGAGE, PLEDGE, LEASE, EXCHANGE, ABANDON OR
OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF ANY PROPERTY, WHETHER REAL, PERSONAL OR MIXED;
(J) TO ESTABLISH A BUDGET AND MAKE EXPENDITURES;
(K) TO BORROW MONEY;
(L) TO APPOINT COMMITTEES, INCLUDING ADVISORY COMMITTEES COMPRISED OF
ADMINISTRATORS, STATE NURSING REGULATORS, STATE LEGISLATORS OR THEIR
REPRESENTATIVES, AND CONSUMER REPRESENTATIVES, AND OTHER SUCH INTERESTED
PERSONS;
(M) TO PROVIDE AND RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM, AND TO COOPERATE WITH,
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES;
(N) TO ADOPT AND USE AN OFFICIAL SEAL; AND
(O) TO PERFORM SUCH OTHER FUNCTIONS AS MAY BE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE
TO ACHIEVE THE PURPOSES OF THIS COMPACT CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE REGU-
LATION OF NURSE LICENSURE AND PRACTICE.
8. FINANCING OF THE COMMISSION:
(A) THE COMMISSION SHALL PAY, OR PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF, THE
REASONABLE EXPENSES OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT, ORGANIZATION AND ONGOING
ACTIVITIES.
(B) THE COMMISSION MAY ALSO LEVY ON AND COLLECT AN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT
FROM EACH PARTY STATE TO COVER THE COST OF ITS OPERATIONS, ACTIVITIES
AND STAFF IN ITS ANNUAL BUDGET AS APPROVED EACH YEAR. THE AGGREGATE
ANNUAL ASSESSMENT AMOUNT, IF ANY, SHALL BE ALLOCATED BASED UPON A FORMU-
LA TO BE DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSION, WHICH SHALL PROMULGATE A RULE
THAT IS BINDING UPON ALL PARTY STATES.
(C) THE COMMISSION SHALL NOT INCUR OBLIGATIONS OF ANY KIND PRIOR TO
SECURING THE FUNDS ADEQUATE TO MEET THE SAME; NOR SHALL THE COMMISSION
PLEDGE THE CREDIT OF ANY OF THE PARTY STATES, EXCEPT BY, AND WITH THE
AUTHORITY OF, SUCH PARTY STATE.
(D) THE COMMISSION SHALL KEEP ACCURATE ACCOUNTS OF ALL RECEIPTS AND
DISBURSEMENTS. THE RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE
SUBJECT TO THE AUDIT AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED UNDER ITS
BYLAWS. HOWEVER, ALL RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS OF FUNDS HANDLED BY THE
COMMISSION SHALL BE AUDITED YEARLY BY A CERTIFIED OR LICENSED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTANT, AND THE REPORT OF THE AUDIT SHALL BE INCLUDED IN AND BECOME
PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION.
9. QUALIFIED IMMUNITY, DEFENSE AND INDEMNIFICATION:
(A) THE ADMINISTRATORS, OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EMPLOYEES AND
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE IMMUNE FROM SUIT AND LIABIL-
ITY, EITHER PERSONALLY OR IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY, FOR ANY CLAIM FOR
DAMAGE TO OR LOSS OF PROPERTY OR PERSONAL INJURY OR OTHER CIVIL LIABIL-
ITY CAUSED BY OR ARISING OUT OF ANY ACTUAL OR ALLEGED ACT, ERROR OR
OMISSION THAT OCCURRED, OR THAT THE PERSON AGAINST WHOM THE CLAIM IS
MADE HAD A REASONABLE BASIS FOR BELIEVING OCCURRED, WITHIN THE SCOPE OF
COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT, DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES; PROVIDED THAT NOTHING
IN THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO PROTECT ANY SUCH PERSON FROM
S. 7579 23
SUIT OR LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE, LOSS, INJURY OR LIABILITY CAUSED BY
THE INTENTIONAL, WILLFUL OR WANTON MISCONDUCT OF THAT PERSON.
(B) THE COMMISSION SHALL DEFEND ANY ADMINISTRATOR, OFFICER, EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR, EMPLOYEE OR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMISSION IN ANY CIVIL
ACTION SEEKING TO IMPOSE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF ANY ACTUAL OR ALLEGED
ACT, ERROR OR OMISSION THAT OCCURRED WITHIN THE SCOPE OF COMMISSION
EMPLOYMENT, DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES, OR THAT THE PERSON AGAINST WHOM
THE CLAIM IS MADE HAD A REASONABLE BASIS FOR BELIEVING OCCURRED WITHIN
THE SCOPE OF COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT, DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES; PROVIDED
THAT NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO PROHIBIT THAT PERSON FROM
RETAINING HIS OR HER OWN COUNSEL; AND PROVIDED FURTHER THAT THE ACTUAL
OR ALLEGED ACT, ERROR OR OMISSION DID NOT RESULT FROM THAT PERSON'S
INTENTIONAL, WILLFUL OR WANTON MISCONDUCT.
(C) THE COMMISSION SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ANY ADMINISTRA-
TOR, OFFICER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EMPLOYEE OR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
COMMISSION FOR THE AMOUNT OF ANY SETTLEMENT OR JUDGMENT OBTAINED AGAINST
THAT PERSON ARISING OUT OF ANY ACTUAL OR ALLEGED ACT, ERROR OR OMISSION
THAT OCCURRED WITHIN THE SCOPE OF COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT, DUTIES OR
RESPONSIBILITIES, OR THAT SUCH PERSON HAD A REASONABLE BASIS FOR BELIEV-
ING OCCURRED WITHIN THE SCOPE OF COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT, DUTIES OR
RESPONSIBILITIES, PROVIDED THAT THE ACTUAL OR ALLEGED ACT, ERROR OR
OMISSION DID NOT RESULT FROM THE INTENTIONAL, WILLFUL OR WANTON MISCON-
DUCT OF THAT PERSON.
§ 8894. RULEMAKING. 1. THE COMMISSION SHALL EXERCISE ITS RULEMAKING
POWERS PURSUANT TO THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE AND THE RULES
ADOPTED THEREUNDER. RULES AND AMENDMENTS SHALL BECOME BINDING AS OF THE
DATE SPECIFIED IN EACH RULE OR AMENDMENT AND SHALL HAVE THE SAME FORCE
AND EFFECT AS PROVISIONS OF THIS COMPACT.
2. RULES OR AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES SHALL BE ADOPTED AT A REGULAR OR
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMISSION.
3. PRIOR TO PROMULGATION AND ADOPTION OF A FINAL RULE OR RULES BY THE
COMMISSION, AND AT LEAST SIXTY DAYS IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING AT WHICH
THE RULE WILL BE CONSIDERED AND VOTED UPON, THE COMMISSION SHALL FILE A
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING:
(A) ON THE WEBSITE OF THE COMMISSION; AND
(B) ON THE WEBSITE OF EACH LICENSING BOARD OR THE PUBLICATION IN WHICH
EACH STATE WOULD OTHERWISE PUBLISH PROPOSED RULES.
4. THE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) THE PROPOSED TIME, DATE AND LOCATION OF THE MEETING IN WHICH THE
RULE WILL BE CONSIDERED AND VOTED UPON;
(B) THE TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE OR AMENDMENT, AND THE REASON FOR THE
PROPOSED RULE;
(C) A REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED RULE FROM ANY INTERESTED
PERSON; AND
(D) THE MANNER IN WHICH INTERESTED PERSONS MAY SUBMIT NOTICE TO THE
COMMISSION OF THEIR INTENTION TO ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING AND ANY WRIT-
TEN COMMENTS.
5. PRIOR TO ADOPTION OF A PROPOSED RULE, THE COMMISSION SHALL ALLOW
PERSONS TO SUBMIT WRITTEN DATA, FACTS, OPINIONS AND ARGUMENTS, WHICH
SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
6. THE COMMISSION SHALL GRANT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A PUBLIC HEARING
BEFORE IT ADOPTS A RULE OR AMENDMENT.
7. THE COMMISSION SHALL PUBLISH THE PLACE, TIME AND DATE OF THE SCHED-
ULED PUBLIC HEARING.
(A) HEARINGS SHALL BE CONDUCTED IN A MANNER PROVIDING EACH PERSON WHO
WISHES TO COMMENT A FAIR AND REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ORALLY OR
S. 7579 24
IN WRITING. ALL HEARINGS WILL BE RECORDED, AND A COPY WILL BE MADE
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
(B) NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS REQUIRING A SEPARATE
HEARING ON EACH RULE. RULES MAY BE GROUPED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE
COMMISSION AT HEARINGS REQUIRED BY THIS SECTION.
8. IF NO ONE APPEARS AT THE PUBLIC HEARING, THE COMMISSION MAY PROCEED
WITH PROMULGATION OF THE PROPOSED RULE.
9. FOLLOWING THE SCHEDULED HEARING DATE, OR BY THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS
ON THE SCHEDULED HEARING DATE IF THE HEARING WAS NOT HELD, THE COMMIS-
SION SHALL CONSIDER ALL WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMENTS RECEIVED.
10. THE COMMISSION SHALL, BY MAJORITY VOTE OF ALL ADMINISTRATORS, TAKE
FINAL ACTION ON THE PROPOSED RULE AND SHALL DETERMINE THE EFFECTIVE DATE
OF THE RULE, IF ANY, BASED ON THE RULEMAKING RECORD AND THE FULL TEXT OF
THE RULE.
11. UPON DETERMINATION THAT AN EMERGENCY EXISTS, THE COMMISSION MAY
CONSIDER AND ADOPT AN EMERGENCY RULE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE, OPPORTUNITY
FOR COMMENT OR HEARING, PROVIDED THAT THE USUAL RULEMAKING PROCEDURES
PROVIDED IN THIS COMPACT AND IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE RETROACTIVELY
APPLIED TO THE RULE AS SOON AS REASONABLY POSSIBLE, IN NO EVENT LATER
THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE RULE. FOR THE PURPOSES
OF THIS SUBDIVISION, AN EMERGENCY RULE IS ONE THAT MUST BE ADOPTED IMME-
DIATELY IN ORDER TO:
(A) MEET AN IMMINENT THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY OR WELFARE;
(B) PREVENT A LOSS OF COMMISSION OR PARTY STATE FUNDS; OR
(C) MEET A DEADLINE FOR THE PROMULGATION OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE RULE
THAT IS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW OR RULE.
12. THE COMMISSION MAY DIRECT REVISIONS TO A PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED RULE
OR AMENDMENT FOR PURPOSES OF CORRECTING TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS, ERRORS IN
FORMAT, ERRORS IN CONSISTENCY OR GRAMMATICAL ERRORS. PUBLIC NOTICE OF
ANY REVISIONS SHALL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE OF THE COMMISSION. THE
REVISION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO CHALLENGE BY ANY PERSON FOR A PERIOD OF
THIRTY DAYS AFTER POSTING. THE REVISION MAY BE CHALLENGED ONLY ON
GROUNDS THAT THE REVISION RESULTS IN A MATERIAL CHANGE TO A RULE. A
CHALLENGE SHALL BE MADE IN WRITING, AND DELIVERED TO THE COMMISSION,
PRIOR TO THE END OF THE NOTICE PERIOD. IF NO CHALLENGE IS MADE, THE
REVISION WILL TAKE EFFECT WITHOUT FURTHER ACTION. IF THE REVISION IS
CHALLENGED, THE REVISION MAY NOT TAKE EFFECT WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE
COMMISSION.
§ 8895. OVERSIGHT, DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ENFORCEMENT. 1. OVERSIGHT.
(A) EACH PARTY STATE SHALL ENFORCE THIS COMPACT AND TAKE ALL ACTIONS
NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE TO EFFECTUATE THIS COMPACT'S PURPOSES AND
INTENT.
(B) THE COMMISSION SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS IN
ANY PROCEEDING THAT MAY AFFECT THE POWERS, RESPONSIBILITIES OR ACTIONS
OF THE COMMISSION, AND SHALL HAVE STANDING TO INTERVENE IN SUCH A
PROCEEDING FOR ALL PURPOSES. FAILURE TO PROVIDE SERVICE OF PROCESS IN
SUCH PROCEEDING TO THE COMMISSION SHALL RENDER A JUDGMENT OR ORDER VOID
AS TO THE COMMISSION, THIS COMPACT OR PROMULGATED RULES.
2. DEFAULT, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TERMINATION. (A) IF THE COMMIS-
SION DETERMINES THAT A PARTY STATE HAS DEFAULTED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF
ITS OBLIGATIONS OR RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THIS COMPACT OR THE PROMULGAT-
ED RULES, THE COMMISSION SHALL:
(I) PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE DEFAULTING STATE AND OTHER PARTY
STATES OF THE NATURE OF THE DEFAULT, THE PROPOSED MEANS OF CURING THE
DEFAULT OR ANY OTHER ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION; AND
S. 7579 25
(II) PROVIDE REMEDIAL TRAINING AND SPECIFIC TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
REGARDING THE DEFAULT.
(B) IF A STATE IN DEFAULT FAILS TO CURE THE DEFAULT, THE DEFAULTING
STATE'S MEMBERSHIP IN THIS COMPACT MAY BE TERMINATED UPON AN AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE ADMINISTRATORS, AND ALL RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND
BENEFITS CONFERRED BY THIS COMPACT MAY BE TERMINATED ON THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF TERMINATION. A CURE OF THE DEFAULT DOES NOT RELIEVE THE OFFEND-
ING STATE OF OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES INCURRED DURING THE PERIOD OF
DEFAULT.
(C) TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP IN THIS COMPACT SHALL BE IMPOSED ONLY
AFTER ALL OTHER MEANS OF SECURING COMPLIANCE HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED. NOTICE
OF INTENT TO SUSPEND OR TERMINATE SHALL BE GIVEN BY THE COMMISSION TO
THE GOVERNOR OF THE DEFAULTING STATE AND TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE
DEFAULTING STATE'S LICENSING BOARD AND EACH OF THE PARTY STATES.
(D) A STATE WHOSE MEMBERSHIP IN THIS COMPACT HAS BEEN TERMINATED IS
RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ASSESSMENTS, OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES INCURRED
THROUGH THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF TERMINATION, INCLUDING OBLIGATIONS THAT
EXTEND BEYOND THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF TERMINATION.
(E) THE COMMISSION SHALL NOT BEAR ANY COSTS RELATED TO A STATE THAT IS
FOUND TO BE IN DEFAULT OR WHOSE MEMBERSHIP IN THIS COMPACT HAS BEEN
TERMINATED UNLESS AGREED UPON IN WRITING BETWEEN THE COMMISSION AND THE
DEFAULTING STATE.
(F) THE DEFAULTING STATE MAY APPEAL THE ACTION OF THE COMMISSION BY
PETITIONING THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUM-
BIA OR THE FEDERAL DISTRICT IN WHICH THE COMMISSION HAS ITS PRINCIPAL
OFFICES. THE PREVAILING PARTY SHALL BE AWARDED ALL COSTS OF SUCH LITI-
GATION, INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES.
3. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. (A) UPON REQUEST BY A PARTY STATE, THE COMMIS-
SION SHALL ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE DISPUTES RELATED TO THE COMPACT THAT ARISE
AMONG PARTY STATES AND BETWEEN PARTY AND NON-PARTY STATES.
(B) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROMULGATE A RULE PROVIDING FOR BOTH MEDI-
ATION AND BINDING DISPUTE RESOLUTION FOR DISPUTES, AS APPROPRIATE.
(C) IN THE EVENT THE COMMISSION CANNOT RESOLVE DISPUTES AMONG PARTY
STATES ARISING UNDER THIS COMPACT:
(I) THE PARTY STATES MAY SUBMIT THE ISSUES IN DISPUTE TO AN ARBI-
TRATION PANEL, WHICH WILL BE COMPRISED OF INDIVIDUALS APPOINTED BY THE
COMPACT ADMINISTRATOR IN EACH OF THE AFFECTED PARTY STATES AND AN INDI-
VIDUAL MUTUALLY AGREED UPON BY THE COMPACT ADMINISTRATORS OF ALL THE
PARTY STATES INVOLVED IN THE DISPUTE.
(II) THE DECISION OF A MAJORITY OF THE ARBITRATORS SHALL BE FINAL AND
BINDING.
4. ENFORCEMENT. (A) THE COMMISSION, IN THE REASONABLE EXERCISE OF ITS
DISCRETION, SHALL ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS AND RULES OF THIS COMPACT.
(B) BY MAJORITY VOTE, THE COMMISSION MAY INITIATE LEGAL ACTION IN THE
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OR THE FEDERAL
DISTRICT IN WHICH THE COMMISSION HAS ITS PRINCIPAL OFFICES AGAINST A
PARTY STATE THAT IS IN DEFAULT TO ENFORCE COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS
OF THIS COMPACT AND ITS PROMULGATED RULES AND BYLAWS. THE RELIEF SOUGHT
MAY INCLUDE BOTH INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AND DAMAGES. IN THE EVENT JUDICIAL
ENFORCEMENT IS NECESSARY, THE PREVAILING PARTY SHALL BE AWARDED ALL
COSTS OF SUCH LITIGATION, INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES.
3. THE REMEDIES HEREIN SHALL NOT BE THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES OF THE
COMMISSION. THE COMMISSION MAY PURSUE ANY OTHER REMEDIES AVAILABLE UNDER
FEDERAL OR STATE LAW.
§ 8896. EFFECTIVE DATE, WITHDRAWAL AND AMENDMENT.
S. 7579 26
1. THIS COMPACT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE AND BINDING ON THE EARLIER OF
THE DATE OF LEGISLATIVE ENACTMENT OF THIS COMPACT INTO LAW BY NO LESS
THAN TWENTY-SIX STATES OR DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST, TWO THOUSAND EIGHTEEN.
ALL PARTY STATES TO THIS COMPACT, THAT ALSO WERE PARTIES TO THE PRIOR
NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT, SUPERSEDED BY THIS COMPACT, ("PRIOR COMPACT"),
SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE WITHDRAWN FROM SAID PRIOR COMPACT WITHIN SIX
MONTHS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS COMPACT.
2. EACH PARTY STATE TO THIS COMPACT SHALL CONTINUE TO RECOGNIZE A
NURSE'S MULTISTATE LICENSURE PRIVILEGE TO PRACTICE IN THAT PARTY STATE
ISSUED UNDER THE PRIOR COMPACT UNTIL SUCH PARTY STATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM
THE PRIOR COMPACT.
3. ANY PARTY STATE MAY WITHDRAW FROM THIS COMPACT BY ENACTING A STAT-
UTE REPEALING THE SAME. A PARTY STATE'S WITHDRAWAL SHALL NOT TAKE EFFECT
UNTIL SIX MONTHS AFTER ENACTMENT OF THE REPEALING STATUTE.
4. A PARTY STATE'S WITHDRAWAL OR TERMINATION SHALL NOT AFFECT THE
CONTINUING REQUIREMENT OF THE WITHDRAWING OR TERMINATED STATE'S LICENS-
ING BOARD TO REPORT ADVERSE ACTIONS AND SIGNIFICANT INVESTIGATIONS
OCCURRING PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF SUCH WITHDRAWAL OR TERMINATION.
5. NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS COMPACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO INVALIDATE
OR PREVENT ANY NURSE LICENSURE AGREEMENT OR OTHER COOPERATIVE ARRANGE-
MENT BETWEEN A PARTY STATE AND A NON-PARTY STATE THAT IS MADE IN ACCORD-
ANCE WITH THE OTHER PROVISIONS OF THIS COMPACT.
6. THIS COMPACT MAY BE AMENDED BY THE PARTY STATES. NO AMENDMENT TO
THIS COMPACT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE AND BINDING UPON THE PARTY STATES
UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS ENACTED INTO THE LAWS OF ALL PARTY STATES.
7. REPRESENTATIVES OF NON-PARTY STATES TO THIS COMPACT SHALL BE
INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSION, ON A NONVOT-
ING BASIS, PRIOR TO THE ADOPTION OF THIS COMPACT BY ALL STATES.
§ 8897. CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY. THIS COMPACT SHALL BE LIBERALLY
CONSTRUED SO AS TO EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES THEREOF. THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS COMPACT SHALL BE SEVERABLE, AND IF ANY PHRASE, CLAUSE, SENTENCE OR
PROVISION OF THIS COMPACT IS DECLARED TO BE CONTRARY TO THE CONSTITUTION
OF ANY PARTY STATE OR OF THE UNITED STATES, OR IF THE APPLICABILITY
THEREOF TO ANY GOVERNMENT, AGENCY, PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE IS HELD INVAL-
ID, THE VALIDITY OF THE REMAINDER OF THIS COMPACT AND THE APPLICABILITY
THEREOF TO ANY GOVERNMENT, AGENCY, PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL NOT BE
AFFECTED THEREBY. IF THIS COMPACT SHALL BE HELD TO BE CONTRARY TO THE
CONSTITUTION OF ANY PARTY STATE, THIS COMPACT SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE
AND EFFECT AS TO THE REMAINING PARTY STATES AND IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT
AS TO THE PARTY STATE AFFECTED AS TO ALL SEVERABLE MATTERS.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
§ 2. Severability clause. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivi-
sion, section or part of this act shall be adjudged by any court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect,
impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in
its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section
or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judg-
ment shall have been rendered. It is hereby declared to be the intent of
the legislature that this act would have been enacted even if such
invalid provisions had not been included herein.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately provided, however, that
the applicable effective date of Parts A through B of this act shall be
as specifically set forth in the last section of such Parts.