Implementation of Vt. nursing licensure compact proves costly
WCAX
Is a program designed to alleviate Vermont’s nursing shortage taking a toll on regulators’ budget? Vermont’s interstate nursing licensure compact allows nurses and LPNs to practice across state lines, with the aim of bolstering the workforce. However, a new report says that administering the program is draining the budget of the Office of Professional Regulation.
Staff shortages have forced hospitals in recent years to rely on hiring more expensive traveling nurses. The UVM Health Network alone budgeted $350 million for traveling staff in the past three years, double the amount it costs to pay for permanent nurses.
“Our workforce crisis is probably the biggest threat facing our health care system right now,” said Jill Mazza Olson with the VNAs of Vermont.