Compact nursing states allow nurses to work in multiple states with one license through the Nurse Licensure Compact. By 2025, 41 states will be part of this initiative, making it easier for nurses to find jobs and for states to address healthcare needs. This article will cover what compact nursing states are, which states are included, and the benefits and challenges involved.
Bottom Line
- By 2025, 41 states and territories have the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), multi-state nursing practice and more healthcare.
- Multi-state license eligibility includes meeting educational, testing and residency requirements to ensure nursing standards across compact states.
- The NLC has many benefits like job flexibility and reduced licensing costs but has critics for the nursing shortage and profit motive for background check companies.
Compact Nursing States
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is a game changer for nurses by allowing them to have a compact nursing license which enables them to practice in multiple states participating in the nurse licensure agreement. This was created to increase patient access to care and for seamless provision of nursing services across state lines without having to get multiple individual licenses-a big plus for healthcare providers and institutions.
By 2025, 41 U.S. states and territories will have signed up for the NLC, that’s a big endorsement for healthcare and operational efficiency on a national scale. The compact streamlines the licensing process for nurses while ensuring standards are met when care is delivered through detailed licensure requirements and continuous professional development commitments-measures that protect patients and elevate quality in nursing practices.
For registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and travel nurses who are part of this system, it means career mobility options and full service capability anywhere they move due to employment or personal circumstances. All through their unified compact nursing credential. That’s especially valuable during emergent situations like natural disasters or health emergencies where quick mobilization is key to address surge in demand for multi-state delivery of essential nursing interventions.
Current eNLC StatesBy December 2024
The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) will have 43 jurisdictions. This means nurses can practice in multiple states and territories with one license instead of multiple from different locations.
However, Nevada, Oregon, American Samoa and the Mariana Islands have not joined yet. So if you have an active compact license, you can’t work in Connecticut or Massachusetts or in non-member territory like US Virgin Islands. Rhode Island also doesn’t participate in eNLC so nurses from there can’t work in other member states.
With ongoing expansion of enhanced nursing licensure compact (eNLC) jurisdictions improving healthcare access and professional flexibility for nurses, it’s best to stay updated on participating states through reliable sources like National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) or official NLC online channels.
Pending Legislation for NLC
Several states and DC are considering joining the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and seven states have pending legislation to do so, with some states currently awaiting implementation. Pennsylvania is working on eNLC legislation and multi-state licenses have not been distributed yet. Guam is also on track to adopt and with an active multi-state license, nurses can work in their territory. This is an overall trend where regions are evaluating how NLC participation can benefit their regulatory framework.
Each state has its own timeline to pass NLC laws with some aiming to pass it as early as 2024. Nurses in jurisdictions with ongoing legislation should stay updated and make sure their permanent address is current so they can transition smoothly once state licenses for multi-state practice are available.
Eligibility Requirements for Multi-State License
To get a multi-state license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you must have an active nursing license and meet certain eligibility requirements. First, you must meet your home state’s nurse licensure requirements by completing an approved education program and passing the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam. In addition to these requirements, applicants must also meet 11 uniform licensure criteria under the NLC. These include proficiency in English demonstrated through an exam, completion of both federal and state fingerprint-based criminal history checks and a valid Social Security number issued in the US. These strict requirements are in place to ensure only qualified nurses with the right qualifications get a multistate license under this compact and thus high quality of care across member states.
Claiming residency in one of the compact states is crucial for those who want to get licensure benefits from NLC agreements. Evidence of residency can be a driver’s license, voter registration card or records of federal income taxes filed locally. Any individual who has been convicted of felonies related to nursing practice or required into alternative disciplinary programs is not eligible for multistate licensure privileges through Nurse Licensure Compact agreements.
Transitioning Between Compact and Non-Compact States
Moving from a non-compact state to a compact state or vice versa, or within compact states, can be complicated, especially when transitioning to a single state license. Knowing the exact requirements can make the process smoother. This guide is designed to help you navigate through the process so you can maintain your nursing licensure and practice without interruption wherever you go.
Moving to a Compact State
When moving from a non-compact state to a compact state, you need to get a new license through endorsement in your future home state. Once you meet residency and qualification requirements, you can apply and determine compact license eligibility for a multistate license. Get this multistate license within two months of your move to avoid employment issues.
Once your new multistate license is activated under the Nurse Licensure Compact, the nurse license from your previous state will no longer be valid. With this compact license, you can work across various participating states either physically or through telehealth services. This broadens your job opportunities and professional flexibility.
Moving to a Non-Compact State
If nurses move to a state that’s not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, they need to get a new state specific license by endorsement. This can be started at any time during their move to facilitate an uninterrupted transition.When moving to a non-compact state, your multistate license will convert to a state specific license.
Moving Within Compact States
Moving to another state within the compact states can give you more job flexibility and smoother transitions. Having a multistate license allows you to work in several of these compact states without getting extra licenses for each one.
You’ll usually need to get a new multistate license from the state you’re moving to in order to keep your licensure current.
Benefits of a Compact License
Having a compact license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) offers benefits to both nurses and healthcare providers. One of the key benefits is the convenience of healthcare delivery as you can practice across participating states without individual state licenses. This is especially valuable during emergencies allowing you to quickly provide services beyond your home state.
By reducing the need for multiple nurse licensures, NLC saves money for healthcare organizations and provides career growth and job flexibility for nurses in its 39 member states and territories. The flexibility of compact licenses allows you to serve patients directly or through telehealth options and expand your patient care reach.
Challenges and Criticisms of NLC
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) has its advantages but also faces its challenges and detractors. The Massachusetts Nurses Association claims that NLC hasn’t solved the nursing shortage in states where it’s implemented, saying it doesn’t address core issues of nurse staffing and workload.
Critics argue that NLC may financially benefit third-party entities conducting background checks which could divert funds away from state regulatory agencies. But supporters say NLC promotes cooperation among state boards of nursing and a more integrated way of regulating and overseeing nursing practices.
How to Stay Informed of NLC Updates
Stay informed on NLC updates for nurses to keep your license current and get the benefits. The main source for updates is the NLC’s official website which provides information on legislative changes, new participating states and overall compact developments. You can sign up for Compact Connection—a service that gives you insight on legislative proceedings and events related to the Nurse Licensure Compact.
If you’re practicing in areas where legislation related to joining or leaving the compact is being considered in your state, it’s important to stay on top of your primary state’s legislative activities. Monitor proposed laws and keep your address current—reflecting your primary state of residence—and you’ll be smooth sailing when new nurse licensure laws are passed in your jurisdiction.
Conclusion
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) has revolutionized nursing in the United States, making healthcare more accessible. Nurses with a compact license can practice in multiple states without getting individual licenses for each one, saving money and career growth opportunities. Nurses should stay informed on NLC updates as it progresses and gets adopted by more states to keep their licensure status and get all the benefits.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, the benefits of NLC on healthcare access and nurse mobility cannot be denied. Addressing these issues and fostering cooperation among state boards of nursing will elevate care nationwide. The Nurse Licensure Compact offers many benefits for practicing nurses looking to expand geographically or professionally and for healthcare administrators who want to manage the workforce more efficiently. It’s worth considering.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?
The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is to allow nurses to have one nursing license from a compact state and practice in multiple states that are part of the NLC.
By doing so, it increases workforce flexibility and solves nurse shortage issues across multiple states.
How many states are part of the NLC as of 2025?
As of 2025, there are 39 states that are part of the NLC.
What are the requirements to get a multistate license?
To get a multistate license, applicants must graduate from a board-approved education program, pass an English proficiency exam, undergo state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks and declare residency in a compact state.
These are the requirements to be eligible.
How can nurses stay informed on NLC updates?
Nurses can stay informed on NLC updates by visiting the official NLC website regularly, signing up for Compact Connection and monitoring state legislative proceedings.
By being proactive, they’ll be informed.
What are the challenges and criticisms of NLC?
The challenges and criticisms of NLC are it doesn’t solve the nursing shortage in some states, financial conflicts of interest for third-party entities conducting background checks and licensing inconsistencies.
These issues need to be evaluated and improved.
