New License Law Could Help U.S. Virgin Islands Tackle Nursing Shortage

A new law backed by AARP Virgin Islands should help the region alleviate a serious nursing shortage.

Under the legislation, which was signed into law by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. (D) in December, the U.S. Virgin Islands will join the Nurse Licensure Compact. It allows the territory to accept nurses from participating states and territories without requiring them to get relicensed in the Virgin Islands.

The law will give registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses the ability to have one multistate license, applicable to both in-person and telehealth visits.

The Virgin Islands is the 39th jurisdiction to adopt the compact, and legislation is pending in others, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.