From Texas to Kentucky- License Endorsement

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 27, 2017

Hello, I am an LVN in the state of Texas and as far as I know, Texas is a compact state. I recently moved in Indiana and Kentucky is just few minutes away, knowing that Kentucky is also a compact state, I am planning to get a job there. However, will I still need an license endorsement since my primary residence is in Texas?

Yes, you will.

Although this is from the NH BON site, it explains compact licensure very well, including how the compact defines a state of primary residence:

Nurse Licensure Compact | Frequently Asked Questions | New Hampshire Board of Nursing

First, determine if Texas is really is your primary state of residence. From the FAQ above:

"Primary state of residence" is defined by the compact as "the state of a person's declared fixed permanent and principal home or domicile for legal purposes". Evidence of a primary state of residence may be required. Sources used as evidence include, but are not limited to, driver's license, federal income tax return, military payroll documents, and voter registration"

If you're living in Indiana as you stated, how can you claim Texas as your primary state of residence? Unless you're commuting every day/week between the two, and that's quite the commute IMO.

If your primary residence is in Indiana (a non-compact state), your Texas license reverts to a single-state license for Texas only. You no longer hold compact license privileges while you're living in Indiana. So to work in Kentucky, you will have to apply for licensure in Kentucky, which will also be single-state.

Hope this helps.

Archerlpvn, LPN, LVN · Feb 27, 2017

If you're planning on moving to Indiana to live there and establish residency, you will forfeit your compact privileges from Texas. If Indiana will become your primary state of residence, you will have to notify the Texas BON of this change so they will change your compact license into single state. And to practice in Kentucky while living in Indiana, you will have to apply for licensure into Kentucky for a single state license unless you plan on moving there and declaring Kentucky as primary state of residence.