State Board of Nursing - Advanced Practice Nursing Licensure and Specialty Certification - Reciprocity Discussions (Maryland Border States Advanced Practice Nursing Act)
Summary
HB602 requires the Maryland State Board of Nursing to hold discussions with the nursing licensing boards of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to pursue reciprocity agreements for advanced practice nursing licensure and specialty certification. The bill is framed as the Maryland Border States Advanced Practice Nursing Act and is intended to improve cross-border recognition of credentials for advanced practice registered nurses.
The bill also directs the Board to prioritize collaboration aimed at increasing access to qualified advanced practice nurses, improving licensure portability, and making telehealth easier to access in Maryland and neighboring jurisdictions. In addition, the Board must report annually beginning November 1, 2025, for four years on the status of discussions, any agreements reached, challenges encountered, and any needed legislative or regulatory changes.
Impact
HB602 does not itself create immediate reciprocity or change licensure standards, but it amends state law to require the State Board of Nursing to actively negotiate with nearby jurisdictions and to report on progress. Its practical effect is to place advanced practice nursing licensure reciprocity and specialty certification portability on a formal policy track, with potential downstream effects on nurse workforce mobility, telehealth delivery, and access to care in Maryland. The bill affects the State Board of Nursing and, indirectly, advanced practice registered nurses seeking to practice across state lines.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little visible opposition. It passed the House by a vote of 137-0 and the Senate by 47-0, indicating unanimous approval in both chambers. The overall sentiment reflected in the voting history is strongly favorable, likely because the measure is limited to discussions and reporting rather than immediate regulatory changes.
Contention
No committee transcript or recorded debate is provided, and the vote totals suggest no significant controversy. Any potential points of discussion would likely center on the feasibility of reaching reciprocity agreements with multiple neighboring jurisdictions, the scope of specialty certification recognition, and whether legislative or regulatory changes may later be needed to implement any agreements. However, the available record shows no identified opponents or substantive disagreement.
Crossfiled
State Board of Nursing - Advanced Practice Nursing Licensure and Specialty Certification - Reciprocity Discussions (Maryland Border States Advanced Practice Nursing Act)