Compact licensure
A compact nursing license, often referred to as a multistate nursing license, allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs) to practice in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses for each state. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) was developed to facilitate nursing practice across state lines, streamline the licensure process, and enhance mobility for nurses.
Here are some key points about compact nursing licenses:
1. Eligibility: To be eligible for a compact nursing license, a nurse must have primary residence in a state that is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). They must also meet specific criteria set by their state's nursing board, which may include a background check, meeting educational requirements, and passing the appropriate licensure examination (such as the NCLEX-RN for RNs).
2. Practice privileges: Nurses with a compact license can practice both physically and electronically in any state that is a member of the NLC. This may include providing direct patient care, making nursing assessments, and administering medications, among other nursing responsibilities. Nurses should refer to each state’s nursing bylaws to understand their scope of practice.
3. Home state vs. remote state: In the context of compact licensure, the "home state" refers to the nurse's primary state of residence, while a "remote state" is any other state that is part of the compact. The nurse's license is issued by their home state and is subject to the laws and regulations of that state.
4. Single license: One of the key benefits of a compact license is that a nurse only needs a single license to practice in multiple compact states. This eliminates the need to obtain and maintain separate licenses for each state, which can be time-consuming and costly.
5. Disciplinary actions: If a nurse faces disciplinary actions or sanctions related to their license, it will impact their ability to practice in all compact states. The nurse's home state nursing board has jurisdiction over any disciplinary matters.
6. Non-compact states: Non-compact states are those that have not joined the NLC. Nurses with a primary residence in a non-compact state cannot hold a compact license but can still apply for individual licenses in non-compact states if they wish to practice there.
7. Transitioning to compact: Nurses who move from a non-compact state to a compact state may need to apply for a compact license in their new home state. Nurses who already hold a compact license can usually maintain their compact privileges if they move to another compact state.
For the most recent updates on the NLC and a map of current participating states, please visit the NCSBN website.
Board of Nursing websites by state:
As a courtesy, we’ve compiled each state’s Board of Nursing website for quick reference:
- Alabama (AL)
- Alaska (AK)
- Arizona (AZ)
- Arkansas (AR)
- California (CA)
- Colorado (CO)
- Connecticut (CT)
- Delaware (DE)
- Florida (FL)
- Georgia (GA)
- Hawaii (HI)
- Idaho (ID)
- Illinois (IL)
- Indiana (IN)
- Iowa (IA)
- Kansas (KS)
- Kentucky (KY)
- Louisiana (LA)
- Maine (ME)
- Maryland (MD)
- Massachusetts (MA)
- Michigan (MI)
- Minnesota (MN)
- Mississippi (MS)
- Missouri (MO)
- Montana (MT)
- Nebraska (NE)
- Nevada (NV)
- New Hampshire (NH)
- New Jersey (NJ)
- New Mexico (NM)
- New York (NY)
- North Carolina (NC)
- North Dakota (ND)
- Ohio (OH)
- Oklahoma (OK)
- Oregon (OR)
- Pennsylvania (PA)
- Rhode Island (RI)
- South Carolina (SC)
- South Dakota (SD)
- Tennessee (TN)
- Texas (TX)
- Utah (UT)
- Vermont (VT)
- Virginia (VA)
- Washington (WA)
- West Virginia (WV)
- Wisconsin (WI)
- Wyoming (WY)
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