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Bill

HB 602

State Board of Nursing - Advanced Practice Nursing Licensure and Specialty Certification - Reciprocity Discussions (Maryland Border States Advanced Practice Nursing Act)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Adams and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland directs its nursing board to negotiate reciprocity agreements with bordering states to streamline advanced practice nursing licensure, potentially expanding the regional healthcare workforce.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 673
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Bill Summary · HB 602

Legislative bill overview

HB 602 establishes a framework for the Maryland State Board of Nursing to engage in reciprocity discussions with neighboring states regarding advanced practice nursing (APN) licensure and specialty certifications. The bill directs the Board to explore mutual recognition agreements that would allow advanced practice nurses licensed in bordering states to practice in Maryland under streamlined processes, rather than requiring separate Maryland licensure.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses healthcare workforce mobility and access to care in border regions. By potentially reducing licensing barriers for APNs (nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and similar roles), Maryland could expand its nursing workforce capacity without requiring duplicate licensing processes, which may help alleviate healthcare provider shortages in rural or underserved areas near state lines.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory consistency concerns: Reciprocity agreements may create situations where APNs with different training standards or scope-of-practice regulations from other states operate in Maryland, potentially creating uneven oversight and consumer protection standards
  • In-state workforce competition: Maryland-based nurses and nursing organizations may worry that easier out-of-state licensure could reduce employment opportunities or competitive advantages for locally-licensed practitioners
  • Implementation timeline and resources: The bill requires the Board to conduct reciprocity discussions but doesn't clearly specify funding, timelines, or mandatory outcomes, leaving uncertainty about actual implementation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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