2015 South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 40 - Professions and Occupations
CHAPTER 33 - NURSES
Section 40-33-1315. Recognition of multistate licensure privilege; revocation or suspension of license; nonparty state license applicants.

(A) A license to practice registered nursing that is issued by a home state to a resident in that state must be recognized by each party state as authorizing a multi-state licensure privilege to practice as a registered nurse in each party state. A license to practice practical or vocational nursing that is issued by a home state to a resident in that state must be recognized by each party state as authorizing a multi-state licensure privilege to practice as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in each party state. In order to obtain or retain a license, an applicant must meet the home state's qualifications for licensure and license renewal and all other applicable state laws.

(B) A party state may, in accordance with that state's due process laws, revoke, suspend, or limit the multi-state licensure privilege of any licensee to practice in its state and may take any other actions under its applicable state laws that are necessary to protect the health and safety of its citizens. If a party state takes an action authorized in this subsection, it shall promptly notify the administrator of the coordinated licensure information system. The administrator shall promptly notify the home state of any actions taken by remote states.

(C) A licensee practicing in a party state shall comply with the state practice laws of the state in which the patient is located at the time care is rendered. The practice of nursing is not limited to patient care and includes all nursing practice as defined by the state practice laws of a party state. The practice of nursing in a party state shall subject a nurse to the jurisdiction of the nurse licensing board and the laws and the courts in that party state.

(D)(1) A registered nurse who has been granted multi-state licensing privileges by a party state may practice registered nursing in this State.

(2) A licensed practical nurse who has been granted multi-state licensing privileges by a party state may practice practical nursing in this State.

(3) A nurse who has been granted multi-state licensing privileges as provided for in subsection (D)(1) or (2) shall notify the board, on a standard form provided by the board, before commencing any nursing practice in this State, of the identity and location of the nurse's prospective practice location, the nurse's current address, and other contact information as requested. A nurse shall maintain at all times a current address and contact information during practice in this State.

(E) The compact does not effect additional requirements imposed by states for advanced-practice registered nursing. A multi-state licensure privilege to practice registered nursing granted by a party state must be recognized by other party states as a license to practice registered nursing if a license to practice registered nursing is required by state law as a precondition for qualifying for advanced-practice registered nurse authorization.

(F) A person who does not reside in a party state may continue to apply for nurse licensure in party states as provided for under the laws of each party state. If a license is granted to the person, the license does not grant the privilege to practice nursing in any other party state unless explicitly agreed to by that party state.

HISTORY: 2005 Act No. 87, Section 2.

Editor's Note

2005 Act No. 87, Section 7, provides as follows:

"This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and applies to nursing licenses applied for after September 30, 2006."