- Table of Contents:
- NLC Overview
- Compact Nursing States
- Pending Compact Nursing States
- Non-Compact Nursing States
- Why NLC Matters
- NLC Requirements
- APRN Compact Nursing States Overview
-
by
Erin Lee, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
The 2024 Compact Nursing States Guide offers an essential overview of the Nurse Licensure Compact, facilitating nurses' ability to practice across state lines with a single multistate license—a significant evolution in nursing licensure.
What are Compact Nursing States?
Nursing compact states refer to members of the Nurse Licensure Compact, an innovative agreement that transformed nursing licensure in the United States. Historically, registered nurses had to secure individual state nursing licenses to practice across state lines. The NLC, initiated by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), allows for a multistate license, enabling nurses to practice in their primary state of residence and other NLC member states. This model not only simplifies the licensure process but also facilitates a rapid response to healthcare emergencies nationwide, reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery and the profession's need for greater flexibility.
The original NLC was established in 2000 when Maryland became the first state to sign the agreement. In 2015, the NCSBN updated the NLC to the eNLC, or enhanced nurse licensure compact. Currently, the majority of states either have NLC status or are awaiting initial legislation.
Full List of Compact Nursing States
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) has significantly impacted the mobility and practice opportunities for nurses across the United States. As of [current date], a substantial number of states have fully embraced the NLC, while others are in various stages of implementation. Understanding the status of each state is crucial for nurses seeking to practice across state borders. Below is a comprehensive list detailing the current status of nursing compact states, including those with full implementation and those with partial implementation or pending status.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
States with Partial Implementation of eNLC
- Pennsylvania
- Guam
- Virgin Islands
Nurses with a compact state license can work in Pennsylvania and Guam; however, residents in these areas are still awaiting the ability to apply for their NLC, with dates to be announced. The U.S. Virgin Islands have not yet adopted the nursing compact state licensure framework, therefore, nurses there cannot yet benefit from the NLC's provisions.
It's important for nurses to stay informed about these evolving policies, as they directly affect licensure and employment opportunities within these jurisdictions.
States with Pending Legislation for the eNLC
The pending legislation in these states relates to bills or proposals currently under consideration by the state legislature. These proposals aim to either join the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) or adjust existing nursing licensure laws to meet the compact's requirements. Details of the legislation can vary but may include criteria for compact membership, implementation timelines, and changes to current state licensure rules.
- Alaska
- California
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New York
Non-Compact Nursing States
- Nevada
- Oregon
Why are Compact Nursing States Important?
Compact states are significant for various reasons, benefiting patients and nurses.
Why Compact Nursing States is Important for Nurses
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to practice across compact state borders without the need for an additional background check, fingerprinting, and fees associated with endorsing a single-state license to another state. This makes working in different states more affordable and convenient, negating the need for nurses to obtain additional RN licenses for each state they work in. This is especially convenient for travel nurses who often work in many different states.
The compact nursing license also facilitates online nursing education, allowing nurses to pursue further education without being limited by state boundaries.
Why Compact Nursing States is Important for Patients
The NLC is beneficial because it enables nurses to easily cross state borders to provide assistance in emergency and disaster situations where additional healthcare personnel support is needed, such as during hurricane or earthquake recovery efforts. Additionally, the NLC allows nurses to practice in person or provide telehealth services to patients across the country without the need for multiple licenses to keep track of. The eNLC further enhances these benefits by increasing access to healthcare, reducing costs, and supporting efficient healthcare delivery.
Requirements for Compact Nursing States
Eligibility for a compact nursing license under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) involves meeting specific educational and legal criteria. To qualify for a multistate license, registered and practical nurses must meet the uniform licensure requirements which include:
- Have a valid U.S. Social Security Number
- Graduate from a board-approved and accredited nursing program.
- Successfully pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Complete a federal criminal background check with fingerprinting.
- Secure an R.N. license and maintain its active, unencumbered status.
- Establish legal residency in an NLC member state to be eligible for a multistate license.
Additionally, nurses must not have any felony convictions, any nursing-related misdemeanors, or be subject to alternative program participation, which could disqualify them from obtaining a compact license. Those who are in an alternative program are required to disclose this information.
Nurses trained outside the U.S. may have to meet additional requirements, such as evaluation of foreign transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and may need to pass a foreign-educated nurses exam.
Additional considerations to maintain your NLC include:
- Continuing Education: Nurses may need to complete specific continuing education units (CEUs) as required by their home state to maintain their multistate license.
- Renewal Process: Nurses must adhere to the renewal requirements of their home state, which typically includes fees, continued practice hours, and any state-specific continuing education.
- Moving from a Non-compact State to a Multistate License: Nurses relocating to an NLC state should apply for licensure by endorsement in the new state and meet the residency requirement to obtain a multistate license.
- Moving from one Compact State to Another: Nurses moving from one compact state to another have 60 days to apply for compact licensure in their new state of legal residency.
Since requirements may vary, nurses should verify details with their state nursing boards or refer to official NLC documentation for the most current information.
APRN Compact Nursing States Overview
The APRN Compact License, which complements the NLC, provides advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with a single multistate license, allowing them to practice in other compact states. This initiative aims to expand access to care, particularly in telehealth services and during public health crises. It demonstrates a commitment to improving healthcare access and showcasing the adaptability of nursing professionals.
The APRN Compact will become effective once it is enacted by seven states. Nurses should consult their state boards for specific details and updates regarding the APRN Compact.
APRN Compact States Enacted
- Delaware
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Utah
States with Pending APRN Compact Legislation
- Arizona
- Maryland
It's important to note that implementing the APRN compact license may face more restrictions than the NLC for RNs. This is because while states may have some variations in care regulations for RNs, the scope of practice remains largely consistent. In contrast, the scope of practice for APRNs varies significantly between states. This variability is evident in NP State Scope of Practice regulations, with some states granting NPs full autonomy within their scope, while others impose restrictions requiring NPs to have varying degree of supervision by a physician.
