How the Tx license works

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Specializes in med surg ltc psych.

Hello yall. I am a Louisiana LPN preparing to go to a bridge/transition RN program at a Tx college. I thought I understood compact reciprosity licensure until this weekend I plum forgot how that works. If I graduate and sit for the RN NCLEX in Tx and I become licensed, will this only be accepted in compact states only and will it not be accepted in the non compact states of Louisiana and California? Easy to get them topsy-tervied!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

You must be licensed in the state where you plan to work. If you plan to work in Texas, you must obtain licensure in Texas. If you plan to work in Louisiana, you must obtain a Louisiana license.

In addition, people frequently misunderstand the concept of a compact nursing license. Let's assume that you obtain your initial license in Texas, which is a compact state. Many people think that they can legally work in all of the compact states if they are licensed in just one compact state. However, a nursing license from a compact state is similar to a driver's license in that you can legally work in another state for a maximum of 30 days. Thereafter, you must obtain a license in the state where you intend to work.

Let's assume that you have a Texas compact license, but plan to move to Iowa, which is another compact state. You can legally work in Iowa under your Texas license for 30 days. After the 30 days has elapsed, you will definitely need an Iowa nursing license in order to continue working legally in Iowa.

A nursing license is similar to a driver's license. Once you have moved to Iowa, you can legally drive in Iowa under your Texas driver's license for 30 days, then you will need to obtain an Iowa driver's license in order to keep driving legally in your new home state. It is the exact same concept with a nursing license that is from a compact state.

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Actually from the Texas Board of nurses website:

2. How Does This Multistate Licensure Model Work?

It is very similar to the driver’s license model. A person holding a driver’s license in his/her home state is permitted to drive in other states without applying for a driver’s license in every state he/she drives through. Though requirements for a driver’s license are similar across states, each state may determine and vary its own licensure requirements. The Nurse Licensure Compact is similar in that it allows a nurse licensed in one “home” compact state to practice in a party compact state without seeking an additional nursing license. Another similarity to the driver’s license model is that the Nurse Licensure Compact is implemented through laws passed by the legislature of each participating state. The essence of any state Compact law must permit the nursing board of that state to recognize individuals licensed as nurses from other participating compact states.

In order to enjoy the multistate licensure privilege, the Compact requires that the nurse be licensed in the state in which he/she permanently resides. This license is known as a home state license. The nurse must meet the licensure criteria of his/her home state in order to obtain and retain multistate licensure recognition (MSR) privileges on his/her home state nursing license.

Other states belonging to the Nurse Licensure Compact are known as “Party” states because their state governments have also agreed to recognize nurses licensed in other compact-member states. This recognition allows a nurse to practice in a party state on his/her home state license. A nurse practicing in another party state pursuant to the multistate privilege must comply with the state practice laws of the state in which the patient is located at the time care is given.

3. What Happens If A Nurse Moves To Another State?

A nurse can hold a home state license in only one state at a time. If a nurse changes permanent residence from one party state to another party state, then the nurse must relinquish licensure in the previous state of residence and apply for licensure in the new home state. Rule 220.2(f) permits a nurse to practice on a home state license other than Texas for a maximum of 30 days when the nurse is changing permanent residence. Under the Compact, the nurse may move back to his/her previous party state and re-establish licensure or move to another party state and apply for licensure there.

If a nurse moves to a state that has not enacted or does not recognize the Compact, the previous home state license converts to a Single-State license valid only in the former home state. A single-state nursing license does not entitle the nurse to practice under multistate privilege in other party states.

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http://www.bon.texas.gov/olv/faqs-msr.html

If you are Moving to that state then you have 30 days, but if you are working there temporarily such as a travel contract your home state license is good enough.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
http://www.bon.texas.gov/olv/faqs-msr.html

If you are Moving to that state then you have 30 days, but if you are working there temporarily such as a travel contract your home state license is good enough.

Bingo!

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