After consideration, the NCSBN Board of Directors determined that safe and effective entry-level RN practice requires a greater level of knowledge, skills, and abilities than was required in 2007, when NCSBN implemented the current standard. The passing standard was increased in response to changes in U.S. health care delivery and nursing practice that have resulted in the greater acuity of clients seen by entry-level RNs.

The Board used different sources of information to help it with the evaluation and discussion regarding the change in passing standard. As part of this process, NCSBN convened an expert panel of nine nurses to perform a criterion-referenced standard setting procedure. The findings of the panel supported the creation of a higher passing standard. NCSBN also considered the results of national surveys of nursing professionals including nursing educators, directors of nursing in acute care settings and administrators of long-term care facilities.

In accordance with a motion adopted by the 1989 NCSBN Delegate Assembly, the NCSBN Board of Directors evaluates the passing standard for the NCLEX-RN examination every three years to protect the public by ensuring minimal competence for entry-level RNs. NCSBN coordinates the passing standard analysis with the three-year cycle of test plan evaluation. This three-year cycle was developed to keep the test plan and passing standard current.

“We are delighted to join the NLC on the 100th year anniversary of the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The NLC puts nursing regulation in harmony with current nursing practice and technology. It simplifies government processes and removes regulatory barriers in order to access safe nursing care,” comments Lori Scheidt, executive director, Missouri State Board of Nursing.

Developed in 1997 by NCSBN and its member boards, the NLC model is based upon the concept of mutual recognition of nurse licensure. Under the NLC, nurses hold one license in their state of residency and are able to practice in the other NLC states, provided that they follow the state’s nursing practice act for where the care is provided (similar to the drivers license compact). All NLC states are required to participate in a coordinated licensure database called Nursys that aids the NLC in the advancement of its objective to enhance public protection through timely and more complete information sharing.

Scheidt adds, “The NLC will also enable employers to hire safe, competent licensed nurses from compact states more easily, assuring the Missouri State Board of Nursing’s mission to protect the public by development and enforcement of state laws governing the safe practice of nursing.”

Currently, 23 other states have enacted the legislation allowing for participation in the NLC, including: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Operationally, the NLC is administered by the Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators (NLCA), which is made up of the participating state-designated NLC administrators.

In addition to the NLC, NCSBN also recognizes and supports the single-state licensure model.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose members include the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. The College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia is an associate member.

Mission: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), composed of Member Boards, provides leadership to advance regulatory excellence for public protection.