After many iterations, the NCSBN updated the most recent Compact on August 2020. It had 11 articles covering 21 pages. To be implemented, a minimum of seven US States must approve the APRN Compact State legislation. To clarify, only US states that have adopted the current Nurse Licensure Compact may implement a compact for APRNs. As of October 2020, no US States had pending APRN Compact legislation and no US States have enacted the legislation. Therefore, the APRN Compact is still just a proposal and has not been executed. This applies to CRNAs. With that in mind, there is currently no CRNA Compact in place.
APN Compact Advantages
First, APRNs will have more more flexibility to work and move freely in the APN Compact States. This opens more opportunities and options for APNs. Currently, many States face shortages of certain APRNs, such as CRNAs.
Second, for the general public, the Advanced Practice Nurses Compact allows all APNs to respond quickly in events of natural disasters like earthquakes, floods and fires. Moreover, this Compact would solve this problem by allowing free movement of advanced practice nurses.
APN Compact Disadvantages
Second, opponents are concerned about decision making being taken away from State Board of Nursing and given to the NCSBN via the Compact.
Best CRNA Programs
Conclusion
In conclusion, the benefits of the APRN Compact are very clear. This would tremendously help nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives. The APN Compact will be a great development for all Advanced Practice Nurses as well as the general public. It’s our hope that more voters in all the US States push forward for the APN legislation to pass. As it has been nearly two decades since the initial Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact was proposed, we believe that it will eventually pass but will just take time.