Nursing Compact States & Licensure: 2023 Ultimate Guide
As a healthcare professional, you know that nursing licensure is a critical component of ensuring patient safety and quality care. However, with the rise of telehealth and the increasing mobility of healthcare professionals, it's becoming more important than ever to understand the ins and outs of nursing licensure across state lines.
That's where the nursing compact licensure comes in. In this blog, we'll explore what the nursing compact is, how it works, and which states are currently part of this agreement. So whether you're a nurse looking to relocate or a healthcare provider curious about the future of nursing licensure, read on to learn more about the compact nursing license and its impact on the healthcare industry.
What is a compact nursing license?
The compact nursing license, also known as the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), is a multistate license that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to practice in participating states without obtaining additional licenses.
The NLC was created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to address the issue of nurses practicing across state lines, particularly in the areas of telehealth and travel nursing.
Under the NLC, nurses must hold a license in their primary state of residence and meet the licensing requirements of each state they practice in. This means that nurses can practice in other compact nursing states without having to obtain additional licenses or pay additional fees. However, if a nurse wishes to practice in a non-compact state, they must obtain a separate license.
The compact nursing license is intended to streamline the licensing process for nurses and improve patient safety by ensuring that nurses meet the same standards of practice in all participating states.
What is the eNLC?
The eNLC stands for the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact. It is a licensure agreement between certain states in the United States that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/ VNs) to practice in any of the participating states with one multi-state license.
What states are part of the eNLC?
The United States now has 39 nurse compact states and territories. Although some of these jurisdictions are currently awaiting implementation, the following states have all passed legislation approving compact nursing licenses:
States:
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
Pennsylvania*
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
U.S. Territories
Guam**
Virgin Islands*
*Have enacted nurse licensure compact but are still waiting to complete implementation.
**Allowing nurses to practice who hold active, unencumbered, multi-state licenses issued by nurse licensure compact member states.
What are compact nursing states?
Compact nursing states are states in the United States that have entered into a mutual agreement called the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/ VNs) to practice in any of the participating states without obtaining an additional license.
This means that if a nurse is licensed in one of the compact nursing states, they can practice in any of the other compact states without having to apply for and obtain a new nursing license. The NLC is designed to increase access to care while maintaining high standards of nursing practice and patient safety.
Nursing compact license qualifications
To be eligible for a nursing compact licensure, a nurse must meet the following qualifications:
Hold a valid and unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical/ vocational nurse (LPN/ LVN) in the state of their primary residence.
Have graduated from a nursing education program that meets the standards of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) or accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Have passed the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination, or an examination equivalent to the NCLEX, that is accepted by the state of the primary residence.
Meet the nursing background check requirements in the state of their primary residence and any other state of licensure.
Have no disciplinary actions or restrictions on their nursing license.
Agree to abide by the Nurse Practice Act and the rules and regulations of the state where they are practicing.
Be a citizen or resident of the U.S. with a valid social security number.
Have never been convicted of a felony charge.
Pass an English proficiency test (applicable to students who graduated from an international education program where English was not taught or if English is not the individual’s native language)
Have a valid United States Social Security number.
It is important to note that each state has its own specific nursing license requirements and processes for obtaining a compact nursing license. Nurses should check with their state board of nursing to determine their eligibility and the specific requirements for obtaining a compact nursing license.
How do you apply for a nursing compact state license?
If you are a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse interested in obtaining a nursing compact states licensure, you can follow these steps:
1- Check your eligibility
The first step is to ensure you meet the requirements for licensure in the nursing compact states. You should be a resident of a compact state, have an active license in good standing, and meet any additional requirements of the state.
2- Submit an application
Once you confirm that you are eligible, you can submit an application for a compact nursing license. You may need to provide personal information, employment history, educational background, and documentation of your active license.
3- Pay the fee
You will need to pay the nursing license fee, which varies by state.
4- Complete a criminal background check
You will be required to undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process.
5- Wait for the processing
Your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified of the outcome. The processing time varies by state.
Once you have obtained a compact states nursing license, you can practice in any of the other compact states without needing to obtain a separate license. Keep in mind that the rules and regulations of each state may differ, so it is essential to stay informed about any changes in the regulations.
What if your state is not a compact nursing state?
You can still work in another state even if your primary residence or the state you desire to work in is not one of the compact nursing states. However, the procedure will be more difficult and time-consuming to obtain proper licenses.
In fact, if you want to work in every state, you'll need to apply for a single-state license there. It's essential to start applying as soon as you can because this procedure can take some time.
Additionally, you are permitted to have multiple single-state nursing licenses at once, but you’ll have to renew each license and complete required continuing education credits to maintain them. The good news is that you can use your CEUs to satisfy multiple nursing license renewal requirements.
Can you transfer your nurse license to another state?
Yes, it is possible to transfer your nurse license to another state in the United States, but the process and requirements vary from state to state. You will need to contact the nursing board or licensing agency in the state where you want to practice to learn about their specific requirements and application process for license transfer. Generally, you will need to provide proof of your current license and education, complete an application, and possibly pass a criminal background check and/ or take additional exams or courses. It's important to research the requirements and start the process well in advance of any planned move or job change.
Can you transfer your nurse license to another state?
If you decide to move to a new state as a nurse, you will need to update your licensure.
Below, we detail different scenarios you may face when moving as a nurse.
1. Compact to compact
If you currently reside in a compact nursing state and decide to move your primary residence to another state that approves of the eNLC, you will have to submit an application for licensing by endorsement there.
The good news is that since both states accept the eNLC, you can continue to practice with your current license until the new one is issued. It is nevertheless advised to submit a license application as soon as possible in your new state.
Your previous eNLC license is considered inactive once your new one is issued.
2. Compact to non-compact
You must apply for a single-state license by endorsement if you transfer from a compact nursing state to a non-compact nursing state.
It is best to apply for single-state licensure as soon as possible because non-compact states don't accept the eNLC license, and you won't be able to practice with your multi-state license there.
3. Non-compact to non-compact
Moving from one non-compact state to another requires you to reapply for a single-state license in the new state.
You will require a unique single-state license for the state you're going to since neither state provides a multi-state license. Since you won't be able to practice in the new state with your previous single-state license, it is best to start the licensure application process as soon as feasible.
4. Non-compact to compact
Changing from a non-compact to a compact state is the ultimate option for nurses who want to move to a new state as their primary residence.
In this case, you should once more apply for licensing as quickly as possible in your new state because your non-compact state's single-state license won't be accepted for use in your new residency. You may, however, apply either before or after the transfer.
The good news is that you can upgrade to an eNLC license once you have been granted a license in the compact state. You will thereafter be able to work in any other compact state without having to get a new license.
Your single-state license from the state you left will also remain in effect until it expires.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the compact nursing license allows nurses to practice in multiple states with a single license, making it easier for them to work in different regions or travel while maintaining their professional qualifications. The compact also streamlines the licensing process for nurses who want to move to a new state, reducing the administrative burden and time required to obtain a new license. However, it's important to note that not all states participate in the compact, and the rules and requirements can vary between participating states. Nurses should be aware of the specific regulations and consult with their state board of nursing to ensure they are following the appropriate guidelines for licensure in any state where they wish to practice.
FAQs
1- What is the nurse licensure compact?
A nurse is permitted to hold a single multistate license under the nurse licensure compact (NLC), allowing them to work in both their home state and other compact states.
2- How do I get a compact nursing license in the States?
To obtain a compact nursing license in the United States, you must first meet the eligibility requirements for licensure in your home state. This includes completing an approved nursing education program, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and meeting any other requirements set by your state's Board of Nursing.
Once you are licensed in your home state, you can apply for a compact nursing license through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The NCSBN is the organization responsible for administering the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to practice in multiple states without having to obtain separate licenses in each state.
To apply for a compact nursing license, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Hold an active and unencumbered nursing license in a compact state
Declare a primary state of residency (which must be a compact state)
Meet the licensure requirements for your primary state of residency
Pass a criminal background check
Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for a compact nursing license through your state's Board of Nursing. You will need to provide documentation of your eligibility and pay any required fees.
It's important to note that not all states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Before applying for a compact nursing license, be sure to check with your state's Board of Nursing to confirm that your home state and the state(s) where you wish to practice are part of the NLC.
