Board reviews petition to allow multistate NLC licenses for school nurse credentials; formal vote set for next month

Department presenters reviewed a petition for rulemaking submitted 05/05/2025 by Rosemary Catton (executive director, New Jersey School Nurse Association) seeking amendments to NJAC 6A:9B that would allow holders of multistate Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) licenses to qualify for substitute and standard school nurse credentials in New Jersey.

Presenters said the department consulted with the Division of Consumer Affairs and the New Jersey Board of Nursing and confirmed multistate licenses meet competency standards. Proposed amendments would allow holders of valid multistate NLC licenses to qualify for substitute school nurse non‑instructional credentials (NJAC 6A:9B‑7.5), recognize multistate licenses for school nurse endorsements (NJAC 6A:9B‑14.3), and include multistate license recognition for standard and emergency certification pathways (NJAC 6A:9B‑14.4), provided candidates also meet educational and CPR/AED requirements.

Board members and presenters noted the petition is a rulemaking petition (a formal request to the board) rather than a citizen signature petition; it was brought by a representative of nursing organizations. Presenters said the petition was granted in September and the department expanded scope to include additional related amendments. The department invited public comment and said a final vote on the amendments will be held next month.

The change is intended to expand the pool of qualified school nurse candidates at a time of high hiring demand, according to department remarks.