Position on Reciprocity in Texas

Texas Board of Nurse Examiners (BNE) Position on Reciprocity for Non-Resident Licensed Nurses Practicing in Texas during Hurricane Katrina Crisis.

Supporting Website Reference: www.bne.state.tx.us. Look under “Temporary Privilege to Practice”.

72 Hour Rule Exemption

A licensed nurse from another state who is in Texas on a non-routine basis for a period not to exceed 72 hours to provide care to a patient being transported into, out of, or through Texas does NOT have to apply for a Texas license nor notify the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.

Temporary Privilege to Practice

For Nurses from Louisiana and other non-compact states needing to enter Texas to transport patients and/or work at a healthcare facility due to the influx of victims from any hurricane:

  1. Show a clear and current state license to the employer or healthcare facility.*
  2. Complete a paper form temporary license/endorsement application.
  3. Write “Hurricane name” on top of the application.
  4. Attach a xerox copy of your current license and fax to: (512) 305-7401 Attention: Mark Majek.
  5. To verify temporary privilege to practice in Texas due to Hurricanes, you or the employer/healthcare facility can email Mark.Majek@bne.state.tx.us or contact Mark Majek at (512) 305-6801.

* There will be no fee nor the requirement to provide a verification of licensure from your state(s) of licensure.