RECIPROCITY LICENSURE FOR FOREIGN-EDUCATED RNs
House Bill 5564
Sponsor: Rep. Ruth Ann Jamnick
Committee: Health Policy
Complete to 1-24-02
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5564 AS INTRODUCED 1-9-02
Article 15 of the Public Health Code deals with the licensure and regulation of health care professionals. The code extends reciprocity to individuals who are licensed to practice a health profession in another state, who are registered in another state, or who hold specialty certification from another state, and who apply for licensure, registration or specialty certification in Michigan. The applicant must satisfy the relevant professional board or task force-e.g., the board of nursing or board of pharmacy-that he or she substantially meets the article's requirements and complies with rules promulgated by the board or task force. The applicant must also satisfy the board or task force that the other state maintains standards substantially equivalent to Michigan's standards. Prior to licensing, registering, or certifying the applicant, the board or task force may require the applicant to appear for a personal interview to evaluate his or her relevant qualifications.
House Bill 5564 would amend Article 15 of the Public Health Code (MCL 333.16186) to establish procedures specific to an individual who completed his or her nursing education requirements outside of the United States and is licensed to practice as a registered professional nurse (RN) in another state. Such a candidate would be granted a license to practice as an RN in Michigan, if he or she satisfied the state board of nursing and the Department of Consumer and Industry Services that he or she met the following six requirements. First, the applicant would have to substantially meet all of Article 15's requirements-i.e., the state's requirements-for licensure as an RN. Second, the state in which the applicant was licensed as an RN must maintain licensure standards substantially equivalent to Michigan standards. Third, the applicant would have to establish that the state in which he or she was licensed did not require the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Qualifying Examination at the time the applicant was licensed. Fourth, the applicant would have to have been licensed and employed as an RN in the other state on a full-time basis (or its equivalent) for not less than the two years immediately preceding the date of application for Michigan licensure. Fifth, the applicant would have to be licensed in good standing in the other state, could not have an occupational disciplinary action pending against him or her, and could not be subject to an administrative sanction imposed on him or her by the licensing board of the other state. Finally, the applicant must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs, as approved by the department.
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.