Compact License Question

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I currently have a license for Maryland, a compact license. I want to work in Arizona which is also a compact state. What do I need to get there? Do I need to apply for a license or endorsement?

KelRN215, BSN, RN

1 Article; 7,349 Posts

Specializes in Pedi.

Since you can't possibly commute from Maryland to Arizona, you will need to apply for licensure by endorsement to Arizona. If you plan to live in Arizona, you need a license for Arizona. As I understand it, you can only have one compact multi-state license and it must be in your state of residence.

elkpark

14,633 Posts

Depends on what you mean by "work in Arizona." Are you talking about a temporary job? Do you have a permanent home (that you own, pay taxes on) in Maryland that you would maintain? You can work in another compact state for as long as you like, for the rest of your career if you want, on your Maryland license as long as you maintain your permanent residence in Maryland. If you move to Arizona, you will need to apply for licensure in Arizona.

My permanent residence is Maryland the intent is to work in Arizona for no more than 13 weeks at a time. I have a Maryland license which is a compact state as is Arizona. I was reading on the Arizona site that if you have a compact license, then you should not apply for licensure by endorsement in Arizona.

elkpark

14,633 Posts

If you're going to maintain your residence in Maryland, and not move permanently to Arizona, you can work as long as you want in Arizona with your Maryland license and there is no need for you to apply for an AZ license.

Specializes in Psychiatry, Oncology.

What is a compact state?

chare

4,237 Posts

IVRUS, BSN, RN

1,049 Posts

Specializes in Vascular Access.
What is a compact state?

Not all states are part of the compact. My neighboring state of Illinois is not part of the compact, but MO is, as is my other home, Texas. So, If I make MO my primary residence, I can work in Texas all I want, and not have to go through the process of getting them to recognize my license, because they already do as part of the compact of nursing states. So, one must go to their website's home, or call their board of nursing to assess whether the state you reside is a compact state.

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