What does the term 'permissive licensure' mean?

The term 'permissive licensure' refers to a type of licensing system that allows individuals to practice nursing without holding a specific license, typically in circumstances where there is an identified need for services, such as during a crisis or nursing shortage. This approach can enable unlicensed individuals with certain qualifications or training to provide care, thereby addressing immediate healthcare needs without the full regulatory framework required for standard licensure.

In this context, options that suggest mandatory licensure or temporary licensing do not capture the flavor of what permissive licensure entails. Mandatory licensure implies that all individuals must be licensed to practice, while temporary licensing refers to a structured and time-limited authorization, usually for graduates waiting for full licensure. None of these definitions accurately represents the flexibility and context-driven nature of permissive licensure, which often prioritizes immediate access to care in response to urgent conditions.