sample letter: Mutual Recognition of the Nursing License

suggested wording for a letter to send to State Senator and State Legislator

The Honorable Jane Doe

Dear Representative/Senator:

I am writing to you in support of the legislation (House Study Bill 143 or Senate Study Bill 145) that would approve the Nurse Licensure Compact. As a registered nurse, the opportunities for working with consumers from another state are increasing. These options are enhanced by the development of health systems that span the state and draw patients on a regional basis. When those persons return home, there are frequent telephone contacts to reinforce teaching and manage concerns that arise in their recovery.

I am faced with the financial burden of having licenses in all of the states in which these persons reside. The Iowa Board of Nursing has published the position statement that use of electronic transmission of nursing care requires a license within the state in which the patient resides. Since this is consistent with the national organization representing state boards of nursing, I believe that I put my professional life at risk when I use telehealth technology in these ways when delivering nursing care.

There has been a proliferation of technology allowing for the provision of nursing care over long distances; these means are proving to be cost-effective as well as pleasing to consumers. We are on the leading edge of developing and testing these technologies. We in the state of Iowa need to be preparing for the future use of the technologies.

State borders are becoming irrelevant in the design of health delivery systems. Our means of protecting citizens must keep up with these changes. An interstate compact would move us in the direction that the technology and delivery of care are moving. Please support passage of (House Study Bill 143 or Senate Study Bill 145) when it comes to committee consideration.

Sincerely,

Name, RN
Title (if relevant)
Employing organization