For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 11, 2024

Montgomery County Addresses Nursing Shortage Through Advocacy to Simplify State Licensing Process

Montgomery County’s “Welcome Back Center of Suburban Maryland” and “World Education Services (WES)” have played a significant role that resulted in a recent change in Maryland’s nursing licensure process. Those organizations advocated for the new regulations that will help internationally educated nurses more easily meet the language competency requirements so they can be licensed to work in Maryland and help ease the State’s nursing shortage.

The change, which went into effect on June 24, will expedite the licensing process and could immediately benefit approximately 80 nurses working with the center.

“Many highly educated and experienced health professionals living in Maryland who have degree certifications from outside the U.S. are currently under-employed and not utilizing their valuable skills in the health care fields,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I appreciate the advocacy efforts of the Welcome Back Center and World Education Services that led to the regulation change, and I commend the Maryland Board of Nursing’s decision to expand options for English-language competency examinations. This change removes a barrier for qualified individuals, creating a more inclusive and appropriate pathway for them to get licensed.”

Before the regulation changes, the Maryland Board of Nursing language assessment standards did not adequately address the occupation-specific English-language skills required to succeed as a nurse. These misaligned standards posed a significant challenge for the center’s nurse participants, as they struggled to meet the required scores for the two accepted English-language competency exams.

“World Education Services applauds the Maryland Board of Nursing and the Welcome Back Center of Suburban Maryland for their leadership and perseverance in driving impactful reform to nursing licensure requirements in the State,” said Esther Benjamin, WES CEO and executive director. “We look forward to continuing our shared work to eliminate barriers facing internationally educated nurses in Maryland and beyond.”

The Welcome Back Center of Suburban Maryland, part of the County’s Latino Health Initiative, opened in 2005 and assists internationally educated health professionals, including nurses, in navigating the licensure/certification process so they can join the healthcare workforce. The center’s services include one-on-one guidance and support to develop an educational and career plan with participants. The services could include taking English language courses, completing credentials evaluation and taking board exam preparation courses. Participants are provided an orientation to the U.S. healthcare system, pre-employment services and help accessing financial aid.

Click here for more information about the COMAR 10.27.01.05 regulation. Visit the Latino Health Initiative’s website for more information about the Welcome Back Center of Suburban Maryland.

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Media Contact:  Ingrid Lizama, 240-408-0821, or ingrid.lizama@montgomerycountymd.gov