Telehealth's impact on nursing and the development of the interstate compact

The information age has opened a new era for nursing practice. Advances in telecommunications technology now allow nurses to care for patients and their families in geographic locations throughout the country. This new practice environment challenges many of the assumptions that have created a state-based system of nurse practice acts and licensing. In response to this challenge, the creation of a new mechanism for licensure and practice, the interstate compact, is developing. In this article, the development and regulatory challenges created by telenursing and the interstate compact are discussed.