 | The Voice of Nursing Leadership in Pennsylvania |
Ponl legislation and advocacy
Visiting Your legislator? Be prepared with the PONL Handout for Legislative Visits 2025 House/Senate Schedule The PA House and Senate have announced their 2025 session schedules. The House has posted session days for the entire 2025 calendar year, while the Senate has only announced their “Spring” calendar. Recent Activity
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Update – September 2025 Submitted by: Mary
O'Connor, PhD, MSN, RN 1. Overview & Implementation Act 68 of 2021 established Pennsylvania’s participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), signed July 1, 2021 and fully implemented on July 7, 2025. Nearly 300,000 RNs and LPNs in PA can now apply for Multistate Licensure (MSL) or retain Single State Licensure (SSL). Current NLC regulations are temporary for 3 years; permanent regulations will be developed in early 2026.
2. Fees & Application Process Renewal Fees (SSL & MSL): LPN: $76 RN: $122 MSL Conversion Fee: $105 for current PA license holders How to Apply – PA SBN Video Guides Additional Requirements: Primary State of Residence Declaration (no fee) FBI Background Check: $20–$30 PA State Police Criminal History Check: $22 IdentoGO for Fingerprinting Note: Per Act 79 of 2024, all new applicants must submit fingerprints for FBI background checks. Current licensees renewing SSL or MSL are exempt from this requirement. New Applicants: Must apply via endorsement or examination. Fees vary based on education program type (PA-approved, out-of-state, or foreign). 3. License Renewal Reminder October 31, 2025 renewals are now open. All nurses must complete Child Abuse Clearance. MSL conversion does not affect renewal dates. 4. Technology Integration & Verification Systems between NCSBN, PA SBN, and the Department of State are now fully integrated. Employers must verify MSL status via Nursys Quick Confirm. Use Nursys e-Notify to receive licensure updates. 5. Compact Participation & Practice Authority Partial implementation began Sept. 5, 2023: Out-of-state nurses with MSLs may practice in PA (in-person or telehealth). PA nurses with MSLs can now practice in 40 jurisdictions. o View NLC Jurisdictions o Connecticut joined Oct. 1, 2025 o Three jurisdictions with NLC acts are not yet implemented: Washington, Guam, US Virgin Islands o Not participating in NLC: Alaska*, American Samoa, California, DC*, Hawaii, Illinois*, Mariana Islands, Michigan*, Minnesota*, Nevada, New York*, Oregon* * States marked with an asterisk are pursuing NLC legislation in 2025.
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PONL Position Statement on Nurse Staffing Practice and Ratios (Apr. 2023) |
Bills in the Pennsylvania Legislature during the 119th Legislative Session |
PONL Supports
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Workplace Violence Bills Introduced to U.S. Congress
PONL Monitoring
PONL Legislative Committee Members |
Andrew Thum, Chair
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