The best resource for monthly healthcare regulatory compliance updates.

Compliance Updates: February 2024

Overlook:

• DEA
• Licensure Compacts
• Other Legislation
• Board Updates

Nurse License Compact

The Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators (ICNLCA):

A comprehensive review and update of the Nurse Licensure Compact was completed by the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators (ICNLCA). The rules were updated to bring greater clarity, eliminate redundancies, and implement necessary new rules. The updated rules are effective January 2, 2024. 

NLC Final Rules Effective 1/2/2024 

A new rule included in the Nurse Licensure Compact update affects nurses moving residence from one compact state to another compact state. Upon moving to another compact state, a nurse holding a compact license must apply for a new license in their new primary state of residence within 60 days of relocating. Effective January 2, 2024.

NLC Relocation Rule Explanation

NLC Relocation FAQ

Arizona: 

The Arizona Board of Nursing has issued a reminder for nursing licenses expiring in 2024. License renewal applications can be submitted six months before the due for renewal date. Late-for-renewal occurs after the license is due for renewal on April 1st and before the expiration of the license on August 1st. If you continue to work on your Arizona license after 5/1/2024, you will be assessed a late fee for every month you work on the due for renewal license. If the license is not renewed, it will expire on 8/2/2024.

Arizona BON License Renewals

California:

As of September 23, 2023, all California boards within the DCA must remove and replace the name and gender of a qualified licensee whose name or gender has officially been changed, on all licenses and related records. The bill requires the board to post an online statement directing the public to contact the board for more information concerning a formal name change. The registrant or licensee must submit an official document to demonstrate the change of name or gender.
CA SB 372

Idaho:

Idaho Administrative Rule 350 governing Pharmacist Prescribing was revised in September 2023 to allow all Idaho practitioners to prescribe controlled and non-controlled substances, including pharmacists. As a reminder all individuals who prescribe controlled substances are required to obtain a separate controlled substance registration. The application for an Idaho CS registration is located on the ID DOPL website.
ID DOPL Newsletter

ID CS License Information

Maryland:

Beginning January 3, 2024, Maryland Medicaid will begin denying pharmacy claims at the point-of-sale for unenrolled prescribing practitioners​. Federal regulations require Medicaid to enroll an Ordering, Referring, and Prescribing (ORP) practitioner as a participating provider for services billable to the Medicaid program. If a claim includes an ORP provider, the provider must be an active and enrolled individual practitioner in the Medicaid program.

MD Medicaid Update

Beginning January 1, 2024, Maryland Genetic Counselors are required to be licensed. The initial application became available October 23, 2023, and is located on the Maryland Board of Physicians website.

MD New Genetic Counselors Licensing

Nebraska: 

Effective December 22, 2023, Executive Order No 23-18 was issued by Governor Jim Pillen to address background check requirements for certain health care professionals in order to avoid a healthcare workforce shortage emergency. This allows the fingerprint background check process to be completed at a state level only, pending the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) approval of the state’s statutory language to include additional license types for national level checks. License types only requiring state level background checks are: Audiologists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioners, Occupational Therapists, and Occupational Therapy Assistants. Once the statutory language is approved by the FBI, the national level background check can be completed. After passing a state level background check, the licensees will only be allowed to practice at a state level and will not be eligible to participate in their respective licensure compacts until a national background check can be completed. 

NE EO 23-18 FAQ

Ohio:

Effective December 29, 2023, the State Medical Board of Ohio has implemented reciprocity licensing for those who meet eligibility requirements. Reciprocity is available for all license types except for training certificates, limited permits and special certificates. Applicants will not be eligible for reciprocity if their license or certification has been surrendered or revoked due to negligence or intentional misconduct related to the profession or occupation.

Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements: 

1. Applicant holds a substantially similar out-of-state (OOS) occupational license, or holds a government certification in the same profession or occupation from a state that does not issue an occupational license for at least one year immediately preceding the date of application. Applicant must be in good standing in all jurisdictions the license is held;
2. Applicant has held a private certification for at least two years preceding the application date in a state that does not issue an OOS license or government certification for the respective profession or occupation. Applicant must be in good standing with the organization that issued the certification; or 
3. Applicant has been actively engaged in the profession or occupation in a state that does not issue an OOS license or government certification for the respective profession or occupation, or in the uniformed services.

OH BOM Reciprocity Licensing

Disclaimer: This information has been gathered from a variety of sources. Although Verisys has made every effort to provide complete, accurate and up-to-date information, Verisys makes no warranties, express or implied, or representations as to the accuracy or reliability of this information. The information is fluid and evolving. Verisys assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained in this resource.