As of Monday, February 22, 2016 the Senate committee approves the interstate nurse compact bills. HB 55 would enter Wyoming into an interstate nurse licensure compact. That would let licensed nurses from elsewhere begin working in the state without the need to seek a new license. The compact – which would let Wyoming nurses work out of state as well – would go into effect once 26 states have signed up or on Dec. 31, 2018, whichever is sooner.
HB 56 would sign on to a similar compact for advanced practice registered nurses. That compact takes effect once 10 states have signed up. To date, Idaho and Wyoming are the only ones considering it. This bill passed the committee by a 5-0 vote.
Both measures passed their first votes in the full Senate on Monday, February 22, 2016. They must pass two more votes to be sent on to Gov. Matt Mead for his consideration and signature.