The COVID-19 pandemic forever impacted our lives. Every corner of the United States mournfully bears witness to loss of family, friends, and fellow citizens. This immense global crisis has served as a stark reminder that pandemics are not a question of "if" but an honest question of "when." COVID-19 exposed our responsibilities towards each other as citizens of the same nation. As the adage goes – divided we fall, united we stand, holds truer than ever.

We now face an unprecedented demand for broad access to healthcare services across state lines. During the pandemic, several states faced severe nursing shortages. Effective care should not be constrained by geographic boundaries, especially during a variety of crises. 

In light of the above, this petition calls for Hawaii to join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Congruent to the mobility granted to physicians via Multi-State Medical Licensing, it's crucial that Registered Nurses are welcomed to operate within Hawaii as well. It's important to mention that as per the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), as of 2024, 42 states and territories have enacted the NLC - in part or fully - allowing registered nurses to practice in other NLC states, without needing additional licenses.

By joining the NLC, Hawaii could significantly augment its nursing workforce, mitigating healthcare crises. Leveraging multi-state licensing builds a more resilient healthcare system, and more importantly, it ensures that when another health crisis does occur, we can say, confidently and without doubt, that we are united in our efforts to help each other.

Please, sign our petition and endorse our plea to the Hawaiian administration for inclusion in the Nurse Licensure Compact States. Let's take a step forward in showing that we stand united when it comes to providing critical healthcare.