Compact license question

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.

Okay so I know you don't get compact privileges by endorsement....but I will be moving to that state. Does your original license have to be in a compact state or do you get compact privileges once you've established residency there?

Granted I've been up all night - yay night shift! - but I can't seem to find the answer on the website. If anyone could answer this or point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it!

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Good question.....Call the Board in the State you are moving too.

Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

When you move to your compact state (I'll use NE as an example), you will apply for a nursing license. When granted, it will have compact privileges, allowing you to cross state lines or practice as a traveling nurse in other compact states.

Your out of state, non-compact licence (from IL, for example) will remain in effect until you allow it to expire or place it on inactive status. If you wish, you may keep your out of state license active by meeting the renewal requirements and paying the fee. Be sure you notify the BON of your address change.

https://www.ncsbn.org/nlc.htm

You can obtain a compact (multistate) license if you…

  • Legally reside in a NLC state. See map above.
  • Hold an active RN or LPN/VN nursing license in good standing. Note: APRN's are not included in this compact.
  • Declare a NLC state as your primary state of residency. *
  • Meet the licensure requirements in your home state. When working in a remote state, you will also be held accountable to the Nurse Practice Act of the state where the patient is located or where practice occurs

You will also have to tell the state that you want your license to be "compact"..

Specializes in family practice.

I believe i can help here

If you apply for license in a compact state and you do not have residency there, you would be given only that state's privileges until you move there and declare residency.

Until you have declared your state of residence, you can only work in that state with the license.

and for one more way of looking at it:

i am a legal resident of non-compact state a, where i have a license.

i also hold a license in a compact state b because i work there sometimes, but i am not a legal resident there.

i cannot go to compact state c and practice on compact state b's license, because it is not my primary license. if i want to, i can spend the money to obtain a compact state c license.

then i leave state a and move, establishing legal residence in compact state b and changing my license to a compact license.

now i can practice in any compact state, based on my compact license in b.

my non-compact state a license is good in a as long as i want renew it, but i can't use my compact license in a since it isn't a compact state.

that help?

Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.
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