Bill to Allow Full Implementation of Health Care Compacts Unanimously Passes State Senate, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Bill to Allow Full Implementation of Health Care Compacts Unanimously Passes State Senate, Heads to Governor's Desk

July 3, 2024

HARRISBURG, PA - July 3, 2024 - Senator Lisa M. Boscola proudly today announced the unanimous passage by the Senate of significant legislation to addresses crucial issues surrounding professional licensure, particularly in the healthcare sector.

House Bill 2200, a companion to Boscola's Senate Bill 1165, would require Pennsylvania-based nurses, physicians, and other eligible workers who want to work under multi-state compacts to undergo fingerprinting as part of a criminal background check by the Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI. This is a necessary component for full implementation of health care compacts, currently pending in the Commonwealth.

This latest step forward is pivotal in allowing for the full implementation of the Nurse Licensure Compact, championed by Senator Boscola and signed into law by Governor Wolf as Act 68 of 2021. The nurse compact has only been partially implemented since September of 2023, allowing only registered nurses and licensed practical nurses from other states with a multistate license to work in Pennsylvania.

Following the Senate vote, Senator Boscola expressed her enthusiasm about the bill's progress, stating, "I am thrilled to see HB 2200 pass with unanimous support from the House and Senate. This show of support from the General Assembly reflects our shared goal to modernize licensure processes and enhancing accessibility within the healthcare sector."

House Bill 2200 now heads to the Governor's desk for signing. Boscola believes this legislation will be signed into law soon, as the Governor has indicated support for this fix and has made it a priority.

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