The Old Line State's Top 10: Most Valuable Nurses Benefits

Maryland's highlights for nursing professionals include its foundational role as the first Nurse Licensure Compact state, a highly valuable preceptor tax credit, and full independent practice authority for APRNs. Here's the full WeSalute ranking for the top ten professional resources and benefits for nurses in Maryland:

1. Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Membership: Maryland is a member of the NLC. This is a primary benefit, allowing RNs and LPNs who hold a multistate license to practice in any of the 40+ other compact states without needing to obtain an additional license.
2. Full Practice Authority for APRNs: Maryland grants full, independent practice authority to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). After an initial 18-month mentorship period with a physician or another APRN, they can practice without a collaborative agreement, including full prescriptive authority.
3. Nurse Preceptor Tax Credit: This is a standout financial benefit. Nurse Practitioners and other providers who serve as unpaid preceptors for NP students in designated shortage areas can claim a non-refundable state income tax credit of $1,000 per student (up to $10,000 annually).
4. Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP): This state-funded program offers substantial loan repayment to nurses who work full-time in Maryland state or local government or nonprofit agencies serving low-income populations. It is a vital tool for reducing educational debt.
5. Flexible Continuing Competency (RNs/LPNs): Maryland offers flexibility for license renewal. Instead of mandatory classroom hours, RNs and LPNs can renew by verifying 1,000 hours of active nursing practice within the past 5 years. If they do not meet this, they must complete 30 contact hours of CE.
6. Implicit Bias Training Requirement: A key, recently updated requirement: All RNs and LPNs must complete an implicit bias training course approved by the Board for their first license renewal. This ensures all Maryland nurses are equipped to address health disparities.
7. Maryland Nurses Association (MNA): The MNA is the state's premier professional organization. Membership provides a joint membership with the American Nurses Association (ANA), offering legislative advocacy, professional networking, and discounts on ANCC certification and liability insurance.
8. Maryland Nurse Practice Act: This is the single most important legal document for every nurse in the state. It defines the legal scope of practice for LPNs, RNs, and APRNs, and outlines the rules for delegation, standards of conduct, and disciplinary actions.
9. Maryland Nursing Workforce Center: This state center collects and analyzes data to support the nursing profession. It helps secure funding for nursing programs and provides critical information on the supply and demand of nurses to guide state policy.
10. Professional Liability Insurance: While many employers provide malpractice coverage, nurses—especially APRNs transitioning to independent practice—are strongly encouraged to carry their own individual liability insurance policy for personal protection.

It is critical to contact the Maryland Board of Nursing for all official information on licensure, scope of practice, and continuing education. Professional associations like the MNA are the primary resource for advocacy, networking, and career development.

Maryland Board of Nursing

Contact Information:

Address:
4140 Patterson Avenue 
Baltimore, MD 21215-2254

Phone: 1-410-585-1900

Return to the WeSalute State Nurses Benefits Guide