The mission of the Alaska Nurses Association is to advance and support the profession of nursing in Alaska. We are a voice for and represent over 7,000 nurses across the entire state of Alaska.
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Why Nurses Oppose the Nurse Licensure Compact

Why Nurses Oppose the Nurse Licensure Compact
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At first pass, joining the Nurse Licensure Compact might sound like a great idea. But after careful review, the Alaska Nurses Association continues to have numerous concerns and remains strongly opposed to the adoption of the Nurse Licensure Compact in Alaska.

LOSS OF STATE SOVEREIGNTY

Alaskans Know What’s Best for Alaskans

Our current system means local experts make local decisions that are right for Alaska. Under the Compact, we’d be handing over important decisions to a private, out-of-state trade group. That’s not what’s best for our state.

THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY & HEALTH

Safety & Quality Issues Abound

There are worrisome inconsistencies between states in regard to standards for nurses – including with education, criminal offenses, and disciplinary action. Alaska has high standards for a reason: to protect the health and safety of patients across our state.

REVENUE DOWN, LICENSE FEES UP

Outsiders = Free Riders under the Compact

Out-of-state nurses wouldn’t have to pay license fees to work in Alaska under the Compact. 41 percent of nurses licensed in Alaska live out-of-state. That would be a huge loss of revenue. And Alaskan nurses – who already pay among the highest fees in the nation – would shoulder the burden and pay more for their licenses (estimated at an additional $60 to $80 per license renewal).

WON’T SOLVE WORKFORCE NEEDS

There’s No Magic Supply of Extra Nurses

More nurses? Not so fast. There’s no evidence to suggest the Compact helps with staffing. The nursing shortage exists nationwide, and joining the Compact will not suddenly nor magically bring a flood of nurses to Alaska to fill vacancies at needy facilities.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The “One-Size-Fits-All” Nurse Licensure Compact is a Bad Fit for Alaska

We need effective regulatory measures that are workable and realistic, offer real solutions, and respect state sovereignty. The Nurse Licensure Compact just isn’t it. We can and must work toward better approaches that put Alaskans first.