Alaskans value resilience. We know what it means to work together in tough times, and we require solutions that meet the unique challenges of our vast and remote state. Few areas demonstrate this need more clearly than health care.
Our mission at the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development is to promote a healthy economy, strong communities, and protect consumers in Alaska. Our ability to achieve this mission depends on factors across many sectors, but one key indicator is the stability of our health care system. Health care workers, and nurses in particular, are the backbone of that system. We cannot deliver quality patient care without them. In five short years, Alaska is projected to have the largest shortage of nurses in the nation, while many other states are projected to meet demand or have a surplus of nurses.
We know that the challenges we face in Alaska often tend to have complex solutions — retention and recruitment of nurses is no different. In addition to workforce training, we will also need to continue to address childcare and housing needs. However, there is one very simple tool to help us combat Alaska’s nursing shortage. It’s a tool utilized by more than 40 other states and it would create a clear pathway to bringing more nurses to Alaska.
The multi-state nurse licensure compact (NLC) allows registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who meet the highest standards to hold one license, recognized across the majority of states in our country. For Alaska, joining the compact would:
Improve access to care: Hospitals and clinics could more competitively recruit and quickly hire qualified nurses from other NLC states without the delays of duplicative licensing. This is especially critical during emergencies like natural disasters or a pandemic.
Support rural Alaska: Small hospitals and clinics often struggle to attract staff. The NLC would expand their recruiting reach, making it easier to fill urgent gaps and allow more Alaskans to receive care close to home.
Empower Alaska’s nurses: When our nurses travel, relocate temporarily, or pursue advanced training, they wouldn’t need to apply for multiple licenses. This reduces costs, saves time, and makes it easier and more appealing for them to return to Alaska when ready.
Some have raised concerns about state sovereignty and oversight. Let me be clear, Alaska would retain full authority to enforce our professional and disciplinary standards under the NLC. After 25 years, no state that is a member of the compact has ever left.
Support for joining the NLC is strong and widespread. The Alaska Board of Nursing has unanimously supported this move for over five years. A survey in 2023 found that 92% of Alaska-licensed nurse respondents are in favor. All of Alaska’s hospitals support it, as do the U.S. Department of Defense, the Alaska Chamber of Commerce, our nursing schools, AARP, and many others.
Currently, if a nurse with an NLC license moves to Alaska, they lose their multi-state license — because only residents of compact states can hold one. This creates a disincentive at a time when we can least afford it. By joining the NLC, we can strengthen our workforce, improve care, and ensure that Alaskans from Southeast to the North Slope receive the quality health care they deserve.
To voice your support for Alaska joining the NLC, please contact your state legislators. For more information, including where the legislation currently stands, visit professionallicense.alaska.gov/BoardofNursing/NurseLicensureCompact.
Julie Sande is Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
