Nursing License Compact States: What You Need to Know
Are you a nurse wanting to work across state lines? The Nursing License Compact (NLC) could be your answer. With 41 states and two territories joining, it’s changing how nurses work and travel. But what is the NLC, and how can it help your career? Let’s explore the details you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- The Nursing License Compact (NLC) allows nurses to practice in multiple states with a single license.
- The Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) was implemented in 2018 and included standards for licensure.
- Participating in the NLC/eNLC can increase mobility and opportunities for travel nurses.
- Nurses must meet specific requirements to be eligible for a multistate nursing license.
- The Nursys e-Notify system provides automated license and discipline notifications for enrolled nurses.
What is the Nursing License Compact?
The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between states. It lets registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs) have one license that works across states. This means they can work in their home state and other NLC states without extra licenses.
Overview of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Started in 2000, the NLC has grown a lot. By 2015, it had 25 states on board. The NLC makes it easier for nurses to work across state lines. It makes getting licensed in another state simpler and helps nurses move jobs more easily.
Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC)
In 2018, the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) was introduced. It made the NLC better by setting the same rules for all states. Now, all states must check the criminal background of applicants through state and federal databases. By June 2024, 42 states and the District of Columbia are part of the eNLC. Seven states are also working on joining.
“Nurses with compact licenses are able to practice in any participating compact state without needing to obtain another license.”
Benefits of the Nursing License Compact
The nursing license compact, also known as the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) or Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), brings big benefits to nurses and healthcare. It makes it easier for nurses to move between states and work in different places. This helps nurses grow their careers, improves healthcare access, and helps healthcare workers work better together.
Portability of Nursing License
One big plus of the nursing license compact is how it lets nurses work in other states easily. Nurses with a compact license can work in any state that’s part of the compact, without needing another license. This saves nurses time and money, letting them focus more on helping patients.
Streamlined Licensing Process
The compact also makes getting a nursing license easier across states. Nurses don’t have to deal with different rules in each state. They can move between states more easily, which makes their work life simpler and lets them focus on their jobs.
Now, 38 states and two territories are part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). More states are joining, which helps nurses and patients by making healthcare services easier to get. It also helps healthcare workers work together better.
The compact helps with telehealth, lets nurses work in hard-to-reach areas, and makes it easier to prepare for disasters. It also could mean more job chances for nurses and lower insurance costs.
Overall, the nursing license compact is a big help for nurses and healthcare. It tackles the old problem of state-by-state licensing. This means nurses can move around more easily, work in more places, and focus on giving great care to patients.
States Participating in the Nursing License Compact
The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) is growing fast in the U.S., making it easier for nurses to work across states. By April 2024, 41 U.S. states or territories have joined the eNLC. Currently, 38 states let nurses work with a license that’s good in many places.
Here are the states that have joined the compact, either fully or partially, or are waiting to start:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Guam
- 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
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Virgin Islands
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Even though most states are part of the eNLC, some like Massachusetts, Michigan, and California haven’t joined yet. But, more states are likely to join as they see the benefits of the eNLC.
List of Current eNLC States
As of June 2024, 42 jurisdictions are part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC):
State/Territory | Status |
---|---|
Alabama | Fully Implemented |
Arizona | Fully Implemented |
Arkansas | Fully Implemented |
Colorado | Fully Implemented |
Connecticut | Enacted, Pending Implementation |
Delaware | Fully Implemented |
Florida | Fully Implemented |
Georgia | Fully Implemented |
Guam | Enacted, Pending Implementation |
Idaho | Fully Implemented |
Indiana | Fully Implemented |
Iowa | Fully Implemented |
Kansas | Fully Implemented |
Kentucky | Fully Implemented |
Louisiana | Fully Implemented |
Maine | Fully Implemented |
Maryland | Fully Implemented |
Mississippi | Fully Implemented |
Missouri | Fully Implemented |
Montana | Fully Implemented |
Nebraska | Fully Implemented |
New Hampshire | Fully Implemented |
New Jersey | Fully Implemented |
New Mexico | Fully Implemented |
North Carolina | Fully Implemented |
North Dakota | Fully Implemented |
Ohio | Fully Implemented |
Oklahoma | Fully Implemented |
Pennsylvania | Enacted, Pending Implementation |
Rhode Island | Fully Implemented |
South Carolina | Fully Implemented |
South Dakota | Fully Implemented |
Tennessee | Fully Implemented |
Texas | Fully Implemented |
Utah | Fully Implemented |
Vermont | Fully Implemented |
Virginia | Fully Implemented |
Virgin Islands | Enacted, Pending Implementation |
Washington | Enacted, Pending Implementation |
West Virginia | Fully Implemented |
Wisconsin | Fully Implemented |
Wyoming | Fully Implemented |
This list shows how the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) is spreading across the U.S. It’s making it easier for nurses to work in different states.
nursing license compact states
To get a compact nursing license, you need to meet certain requirements. You must have proof of living in a state, known as the primary state of residence (PSOR). You also need a current nursing license in that same state.
The PSOR is where you say you live for legal reasons. You can only pick one state as your main place of residence for the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC). So, you can’t have a nursing license in more than one state at once.
Eligibility Criteria for a Multistate Nursing License
- Hold a current, active nursing license in your primary state of residence
- Meet your state’s Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs), which include educational, examination, and other eligibility criteria
- Have no active discipline on your nursing license
- Declare your primary state of residence as your legal place of residency
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for a multistate nursing license in your primary state. This license lets you work as a nurse in any compact state. It gives you more freedom and choices in your nursing career.
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Current, Active Nursing License | You must hold a current, active nursing license in your primary state of residence to be eligible for a multistate nursing license. |
Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs) | You must meet your state’s Uniform Licensure Requirements, which include educational, examination, and other eligibility criteria. |
No Active Discipline | Your nursing license must not have any active disciplinary actions or restrictions. |
Primary State of Residence (PSOR) | You must declare your primary state of residence as your legal place of residency, as only one state can be designated as your PSOR for eNLC purposes. |
By fulfilling these requirements, you can get a multistate nursing license. This lets you work as a nurse in any compact state. It opens up more career opportunities and gives you more flexibility.
Applying for a Multistate Nursing License
Getting a multistate nursing license is not automatic. You must apply for it to enjoy its perks. If your state was in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) from the start and you had a multistate license, you won’t pay extra to switch to an Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) license. You’ll get a new compact license if you meet the needed requirements.
To apply for a multistate nursing license, first check if your primary state of residence (PSOR) is in the eNLC. If it’s not, you can’t get a multistate license. After checking, you can apply through your state’s nursing board.
To get a multistate license, you must meet certain requirements. These include passing the NCLEX exam, completing state and federal background checks, and meeting uniform licensure standards. These steps make sure nurses with multistate licenses are qualified everywhere.
If your home state isn’t in the NLC, you’ll need to get nursing licenses for each state you work in. This can take a lot of time and money. So, the multistate license is better for nurses working in many places.
To sum up, getting a multistate nursing license means checking if your state is in the eNLC, meeting the requirements, and applying through your state’s board. With a multistate license, you can work in many states easily and enjoy more flexibility in your career.
Renewal and Continuing Education
If you’re a nurse with an enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) license, you need to know about renewal and continuing education. The eNLC makes these steps easier for nurses working in many states.
CE Requirements for Compact Licenses
For CE contact hours, follow your home state’s rules. Each eNLC state has its own CE courses and hours you must complete. The renewal process is linked to your home state, not where you work.
In Louisiana, nurses with a multistate license need 30 continuing education contact hours every two years. You can get these hours through classes, certifications, and professional programs.
Continuing Education Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Contact Hours | 30 contact hours every two years |
Eligible Activities |
|
Renewal Timeline | License expires on October 31st of each even-numbered year |
Following your home state’s CE rules helps you keep up with the latest knowledge and skills. This way, you can provide top-quality care and renew your compact nursing license.
“The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) aims to foster public protection and access to care, with the majority of state nurses associations, hospital associations, and healthcare facilities supporting it.”
Nursys e-Notify System
The Nursys e-Notify system is a key tool for nurses in the Nursing License Compact (NLC). It gives updates on license status, when it expires, and when it needs renewal or disciplinary actions. This is for registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in states that join.
It’s a good idea for all nurses under the enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) to join the Nursys e-Notify system. This way, you’ll know right away about any changes to your nursing license. It helps you keep up with rules and stay in good standing.
The Nursys database is the main place for nurse license and disciplinary info. State boards of nursing use it as a key source. This system helps boards talk better with each other, making it easier to check licenses and report on disciplinary actions.
- The Nursys e-Notify for Nurses service sends you updates on your license status, when it expires, when it needs renewal, and about any disciplinary actions.
- The Nursys e-Notify for Institutions service gives real-time updates on nurses’ licenses and disciplinary records for healthcare employers.
- The Nursys Verification service lets nurses check their license details for moving to another state. It costs $30 per license type per board of nursing.
Being part of the Nursys e-Notify system keeps nurses in the loop about nursing license compact updates. It helps them keep their licenses up to date, no matter where their career goes.
“The Nursys database is the repository of the license and disciplinary data of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) member boards of nursing.”
Primary State of Residence (PSOR)
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) focus on the primary state of residence (PSOR). This is the state where you live and say is your main home for legal reasons.
Defining Primary State of Residence
To figure out your PSOR, states look at things like your driver’s license, tax returns, or voter registration. Remember, PSOR is about where you legally live, not where you own property or consider home.
Under the NLC and eNLC, you can only pick one state as your primary place of legal residence. This choice is key because it decides where you’ll get your nursing license that lets you work across states.
Starting January 2, 2024, the eNLC rule says nurses moving to a new compact state must get a new multistate license within 60 days. This rule helps nurses keep their license as they move around.
Nurses with a multistate license can work in up to 39 states and territories without extra licenses. This is great for travel nurses and military personnel. But, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) need separate licenses for each state they work in.
The primary state of residence (PSOR) is key in the Nurse Licensure Compact. It decides if a nurse can get a license to work in many states and where they can legally practice.
Moving to a New Compact State
If you’re a nurse with a multistate license moving to another state in the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), you have 60 days to apply for a new license. You can start the process even before you have a permanent address in the new state.
Apply for licensure by endorsement in your new state right away. There’s no grace period, so make sure your multistate license is issued quickly. While waiting, you can work with your old state license.
To get your new multistate license, you’ll need to show proof of residency, like a driver’s license. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) says only one state can be your primary residence for NLC.
If you’re moving from a non-compact state to a compact state, or vice versa, you’ll need to follow different steps. Make sure you know what your situation requires for a smooth move.
- Nurses can apply for licensure by endorsement before or after moving.
- A multistate license can be issued if you meet residency and eligibility requirements.
- You must apply for licensure by endorsement quickly, as there’s no grace period in a new NLC state.
- You might need to show proof of residency, like a driver’s license, for your new multistate license.
The moving to new compact state and updating compact nursing license processes are key for your nursing career. By staying informed and proactive, you can make this transition smoothly.
“Applying for a multi-state nursing license when moving to a new state within the compact has a 60-day window according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).”
States with Pending eNLC Legislation
The Enhanced Nursing License Compact (eNLC) is growing fast, with 41 states now part of it. Yet, some states are still waiting for approval to join. These states are getting ready to make the eNLC even bigger, making nursing licenses more portable and accessible.
Seven more states and the District of Columbia are moving to join the eNLC. These include Alaska, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and the District of Columbia. If they join, nurses will be able to work in more places, making it easier to move around for work.
How long it takes to get a nursing license in these states varies. For instance, Illinois and Michigan usually take 6-8 weeks. On the other hand, Alaska and Hawaii might take 3-4 months and 2 months, respectively.
Adding these states to the eNLC will make it even stronger. It will give nurses more chances to work in new places. Everyone in the nursing field is looking forward to these changes.
“The eNLC has been a game-changer for the nursing profession, allowing us to provide care where it’s needed most. I’m excited to see more states join the compact and further enhance the portability of our licenses.”
– Jane Doe, Registered Nurse
Challenges and Resistance to Joining the Compact
The Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) is growing, with 37 states on board. Yet, some states are still hesitant to join. Even in states where the eNLC is being considered, nursing groups are pushing back. Their concerns focus on licensing rules and keeping patients safe.
Some worry that joining the eNLC could weaken each state’s nursing standards. For example, Massachusetts has strict rules for nurses. Joining the compact might relax these standards. Also, some states don’t require nurses to keep up with new skills, which could lead to less qualified nurses moving around.
There are also fears about how the compact affects patient safety and care quality. Cases show nurses with past issues moving easily between states, raising safety concerns. The compact’s complexity might also make it hard for patients to report problems with nurses.
Another issue is the potential for companies making money from background checks, which could limit state nursing board control. There’s also a worry about out-of-state call centers replacing local nurses, which could lower patient care quality.
Despite these hurdles, the debate on the nursing compact is ongoing. Supporters argue it’s key to keeping patients safe and improving care quality. Advocates also see benefits in making it easier for nurses to work across states.
Challenges of the Nursing License Compact | Resistance to Joining the eNLC |
---|---|
|
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The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is working to overcome the hurdles. They aim to make the compact more appealing by keeping state control while allowing nurses to work across borders. The goal is to switch from single-state to state-of-residence licenses, letting nurses work in more places.
Federal and Military Nurse Licensure Exemptions
Nurses working for the federal government, Veterans Administration, military, or Indian Health Services don’t need a state license. They just need an active nursing license in any state. This rule doesn’t apply to nurses working in civilian jobs outside these groups.
For those in federal, Veterans Administration, military, or Indian Health Services, having a nursing license in any state lets them work in any state or U.S. territory. This makes sure patients get the care they need without hassle.
But, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are not covered by the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). They must get a license for each state where they work.
Nurses working remotely in an NLC state for the federal government, Veterans Administration, military, or Indian Health Services can work with just one license. If they have a multistate license in their main state, they don’t need another one in the remote NLC state.
Military spouses who are nurses also get benefits from the NLC. They can keep their legal home in an NLC state and work in other NLC states with their multistate license. They don’t need extra licenses in those places.
“Nurses in the Federal/Veterans Administration/Military/Indian Health Services category are exempt from licensure in the state of practice when holding an active nurse license in any state.”
In short, these exemptions help federal and military nurses work easily across state lines. They don’t have to deal with extra licenses.
Uniform Licensure Requirements
The Nursing License Compact is growing, and it’s key for nurses to know the rules for a multistate nursing license. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has set 11 criteria for eligibility. These criteria help nurses get a compact license.
Eligibility Criteria for Multistate License
To get a multistate nursing license, you must:
- Meet your state’s licensure requirements
- Finish a nursing education program approved by the board
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam
- Have an active, unencumbered nursing license in your main state
- Undergo a federal and state criminal background check with fingerprints
- Have no felony convictions
- Have no misdemeanor convictions related to nursing
- Not be in an alternative program
- Have no encumbrances on any state licenses or multi-state privilege
- Not be in an alternative program
- Have a valid United States Social Security number
These rules make sure nurses with a multistate license meet the same standards everywhere. This allows nurses to work easily in different states. By following these criteria, nurses can enjoy the benefits of the Nursing License Compact and give top-notch care to patients across the country.
“The Nursing License Compact is designed to promote public protection and nurse mobility by ensuring that nurses meet consistent standards for licensure, regardless of their location.”
Conclusion
The nursing license compact has grown a lot in the U.S., with 42 states joining the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) by June 2024. This has made it easier for nurses to work in different states. It also makes getting a nursing license simpler.
Yet, some states are still hesitant to join the compact. They face challenges and resistance. But, the benefits of better healthcare access and efficient delivery are pushing the movement forward.
Key points include the fast growth of the compact, better mobility for nurses, and efforts to address concerns. These steps aim to get more states involved.
The nursing license compact is changing the game for nurses. It lets them work more easily and improves healthcare across the U.S. As it keeps growing, it will be key in supporting nurses and helping patients in the future.