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SB 407

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 Pam Beidle and 2 co-sponsors

Maryland's Board of Nursing must negotiate advanced practice nursing reciprocity agreements with border states to streamline cross-state APN licensure and reduce healthcare workforce barriers.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 674
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Bill Summary · SB 407

Legislative bill overview

SB 407 directs Maryland's State Board of Nursing to enter into reciprocity discussions with neighboring states regarding Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) licensure and specialty certifications. The bill establishes a framework for exploring mutual recognition agreements that would streamline licensing for APNs working across state lines in the Maryland border region.

Why is this important

Healthcare workforce mobility directly affects patient access to care, particularly in rural and border communities where nursing shortages are acute. Reciprocity agreements can reduce licensing delays and costs for APNs while potentially addressing gaps in medical services across state boundaries. However, the bill only mandates discussions rather than implementation, meaning real-world impact depends on future negotiations and agreements.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory standardization concerns: Neighboring states may have different education, training, and competency requirements for APNs, raising questions about whether mutual recognition could compromise patient safety standards
  • Economic impact on licensing: Reciprocity could reduce licensing fee revenue for Maryland while potentially creating competitive advantages for out-of-state practitioners
  • Implementation ambiguity: The bill requires "discussions" but provides no timeline, enforcement mechanism, or mandatory outcomes, potentially limiting practical effect

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

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