PA licensed RN's and LPN's can apply for Compact License effective July 7, 2025

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Received email from PA BON re Compact License: start date July 7, 2025

I  will be applying after having a PA license since 1977, just to say accomplished it --and maybe work from home!!

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As part of its continuing commitment to expand job opportunities for nurses in Pennsylvania, the Shapiro Administration is pleased to inform you that nurses will be able to apply for a multistate professional license under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) starting on July 7, 2025.  

On that date, any RN or LPN who meets all relevant criteria to apply for a multistate license to practice in other NLC member states will be able to do so, if they would like.  

Please note: The application for a multistate RN or LPN license is not yet available; it will become available on July 7. Also on that date, our NLC webpage will provide how-to videos on the new license application and renewal processes you will encounter in our PALS system. 

For more information about the NLC and the documentation you will need to apply for a multistate license, please review the extensive frequently asked questions section on the State Board of Nursing's website.  

As always, thank you for your vital work caring for the health of Pennsylvanians. 

Thank you,
State Board of Nursing

 

Additional PA BON info:

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Effective January 13, 2025, all applicants for health care practitioner licenses must submit a full set of fingerprints to the Pennsylvania State Police for an FBI criminal history background check as a requirement for licensure. Individuals who are already licensed in Pennsylvania will not need to complete this background check to renew their current license.

As the Department works to finalize the necessary steps to access official FBI background check results, the Bureau will temporarily continue to accept applicant-submitted FBI Identity History Summary Checks to permit applicants to complete their licensure requirements during this transitional period. FBI Identity History Summary Checks are available at    https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks.

Per the FBI website today, processing times :

 

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FBI Identity History Summary Checks (Rap Sheets)

Current Processing Time:

Online requests:

• Within 48 hours of visiting a United States Post Office location for electronic fingerprints
• Approximately 15 days (after we receive your mailed fingerprint card)

Mail requests: Up to 50 days

Allow additional time for mail delivery.

[Beerman, BSN]

You have to apply?  

How much do they charge you for that?

I've worked in many states over the years with my Colorado license without having to do anything.

[chare]

Beerman said:

You have to apply? 

[...]

Yes.  I was licensed in OH and WV when both implemented the NLC, and had I met the eligibility requirements, I would have had to apply.   This ensures that the applicant meets all of the Uniform Licensure Requirements for a Multistate License.   

It is likely that future applicants for licensure, who meet all eligibility requirements, will be issued multi-state privileges.  At least that has been my experience when I applied for initial licensure in two compact states (NC and VA), and met eligibility, based on PSOR.  

Beerman said:

[...]

I've worked in many states over the years with my Colorado license without having to do anything.

As will those that choose to apply for multi-state privileges.

[Beerman, BSN]

chare said:

Yes.  I was licensed in OH and WV when both implemented the NLC, and had I met the eligibility requirements, I would have had to apply.   This ensures that the applicant meets all of the Uniform Licensure Requirements for a Multistate License.   

It is likely that future applicants for licensure, who meet all eligibility requirements, will be issued multi-state privileges.  At least that has been my experience when I applied for initial licensure in two compact states (NC and VA), and met eligibility, based on PSOR.  

As will those that choose to apply for multi-state privileges.

Well, you're telling me they do have to do something.  They have to apply, which I imagine comes with a fee.

I've never had to apply for a multistate license.

Sounds like a cash grab.  

[Epidural, BSN, RN]

So happy to hear this! It's about time!

🎈🎈🎈

[jadedRN04]

Beerman said:

Well, you're telling me they do have to do something.  They have to apply, which I imagine comes with a fee.

I've never had to apply for a multistate license.

Sounds like a cash grab.  

I'm not sure how other states do it, but when Indiana became a compact state I had to apply for the compact license which required answering a few questions and getting fingerprinted. The compact license is a separate license here. The fee was $25 and I pay $25 for my compact license at renewal.