SB 1789

Abstract

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Ratifies and adopts the Nurse Licensure Compact, but only if the Compact requires fingerprinting as part of the criminal history records checks required for the privilege to practice nursing in this State. Allows for reciprocity of licensure of licensed practical nurses and registered nurses among the states. Provides for administration of the Compact by the Nursing Act Coordinator. Provides that the licensing board shall participate in a Compact Evaluation Initiative designed to evaluate the effectiveness and operability of the Compact. Provides that the Compact does not relieve employers from complying with statutorily imposed obligations. Provides that the Compact does not supersede existing State labor laws. Provides that any practical nurse or registered nurse employed in an Illinois facility providing direct patient care exercising the practice privilege afforded under the Nurse Licensure Compact shall be registered with the eNotify Nurses Database system, which can be accessed at no cost by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Further provides that a party state's licensing board shall notify the Department in the event that the party state issues a license to a practical nurse or registered nurse with a past felony conviction. Provides that the Department may revoke or limit the multistate licensure privilege of any practical nurse or registered nurse to practice in Illinois necessary to protect the health and safety of the public.