Second licensure for advanced practice: current status

This article provides a through update of second licensure for advanced practice nurses. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has proposed new requirements for legislation and licensure for advanced practice nurses. This proposal could have major repercussions for all advanced practice nurses, depending on whether the state boards of nursing adopt the council's recommendation. A review of the historical aspect and the development of nursing licensure is reported. Both the 1992 and 1995 second licensure proposals are analyzed. Support for and dissent against the proposals by nursing organizations and individuals in the nursing community are included. The current status of the proposal for second licensure by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing is high-lighted.