ANA-Illinois

Jacqueline Morris is a dedicated nursing advocate with a strong commitment to policy and legislative change. Her career in nursing has been shaped by her passion for improving the profession, ensuring that bedside nurses have a voice in key policy decisions. Morris actively engages in health policy and advocacy, taking on leadership roles in organizations within ANA-Illinois on the legislative committee.

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is a critical legislative initiative with potential to transform nursing mobility and patient care across state lines. As of February 2025, 43 jurisdictions have adopted the NLC, yet Illinois remains a non-participating state. Morris has been a strong advocate and supporter of the NLC and believes that supporting the NLC is vital for nurses, healthcare institutions, and patients alike.

Championing the Everyday Nurse

Morris’s journey into nursing started in 1997 when she graduated from the Chicago Public School of Practical Nursing. She was introduced and became a part of the Black Nurse Association where she was able to witness first hand the impact being a part of an organization can have on policies at the state level. 

“My passion for health policy and advocacy emerged from my desire to be the voice for the everyday working nurse,” said Morris.  

Since becoming a nurse, Morris has been a champion for the everyday working nurse – nurses who dedicate themselves to patient care and don’t have the time or resources to advocate for themselves. She has taken on the responsibility of being their voice for legislative changes that reflect the realities of bedside nursing. Morris doesn’t just work within advocacy organizations, she also works with elected officials to ensure that industry changes align with the needs of nurses. 

“It’s not enough just to see things happen and send an email. It’s not enough to get on the phone with nurses that I’ve worked with and complain about the problem. Someone needs to be that voice from that hospital bedside, from that telephone, from that email, from that social media in front of elected officials who we trust to support us, who we trust to advocate for what it is that we need,” she explained.

Understanding the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement among states that allows nurses to practice across multiple states with a single multistate license. This compact eliminates the need for nurses to obtain separate licenses in each state they wish to practice, streamlining the licensing process and reducing costs.

The NLC is particularly beneficial in today’s healthcare landscape, where telehealth and workforce flexibility are becoming increasingly necessary. With uniform licensure requirements, the compact ensures that nurses meet consistent standards while allowing for greater mobility, especially during times of crisis or nursing shortages.

The Benefits of the NLC

For Nurses:

  • Greater job mobility and expanded career opportunities.
  • Reduced costs and administrative burden for obtaining multiple licenses.
  • Ability to respond to emergencies and staffing shortages across state lines.

For Patients and Healthcare Access:

  • Improves healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved areas.
  • Enhances telehealth services, ensuring continuity of care even when patients cross state borders.
  • Provides timely medical care during disasters and public health crises.

For Healthcare Institutions and the Workforce:

  • Addresses nursing shortages by allowing institutions to recruit from a broader pool of licensed nurses.
  • Enables better workforce distribution, ensuring that hospitals and clinics can respond to patient needs more effectively.
  • Reduces bureaucratic hurdles that slow down hiring and deployment of nurses.

Why Illinois Nurses Should Support the NLC

With over 50% of Illinois nurses over the age of 55, the state is facing a looming nursing shortage (Illinois.Nurses.Gov). The NLC could help alleviate this issue by allowing for greater flexibility in workforce management. Specific groups that would benefit include:

  • Military spouse nurses who frequently relocate and need seamless transitions in their licensure.
  • Elderly and disabled nurses who wish to continue practicing through telehealth services.
  • Nurse educators teaching students across different states, helping to expand nursing education.
  • Patients needing specialized care from out-of-state providers.

Currently, Illinois legislators are considering HB 1706, a bipartisan bill that would bring the state into the NLC. However, the bill needs strong nurse-led advocacy to push it forward. Without active participation from nurses and healthcare professionals, progress may remain stagnant.

“Representative Yolanda Morris of Illinois’s 9th district who has taken on the challenge of Nurse Licensure Compact with bill HB 1706. It is time for nurses to mobilize. It is time for us to have our voices heard. We elected elected officials to advocate for the things that would benefit us. And now it’s time to hold them to that.”

How Nurses and the Public Can Help

Engaging in Advocacy:

  • Attend Nurses Day at the Capitol to show support for the NLC.
  • Submit witness slips and directly contact legislators to express support for HB 1706.
  • Encourage hospitals and healthcare organizations to advocate for Illinois’ inclusion in the NLC.

Raising Awareness:

  • Educate fellow nurses and community members on the benefits of the NLC.
  • Utilize social media and online forums to spread information and gather support.
  • Partner with doctors, hospitals, and patient advocacy groups to create a united front.

Actionable Steps:

  • Register for advocacy events and encourage colleagues to do the same.
  • Look up state legislators and contact them regarding HB 1706.
  • Mobilize the nursing community to ensure policymakers prioritize this critical issue.

The Future of Nursing in Illinois: A Call to Action

The Nurse Licensure Compact is a vital tool for modernizing the nursing profession, expanding access to care, and addressing workforce shortages. Jackie Morris has emerged as a leading advocate for this initiative, tirelessly working to amplify the voices of bedside nurses and push for legislative change.

Now is the time for nurses, healthcare professionals, and the public to unite in support of HB 1706. By taking action—whether through advocacy, education, or direct engagement with legislators—Illinois can join the growing list of states that recognize the importance of multistate nursing licensure.

The future of nursing in Illinois depends on it.