TheNurse Licensure Compact (NLC)simplifies the cumbersome licensing process and allows nurses to practice in other NLC states without obtaining additional licenses.   

The purpose of the compact is to alleviate the demand for care and improve access to quality care for individuals living in rural communities and underserved areas. In 2016, there were eight states issued under the NLC. Currently, thirty-nine jurisdictions have enacted NLC legislation, giving nurses more opportunities to practice and provide medical staffing support in other NLC states. 

5 FAQs about the NLC: 

How can I receive a multistate license as a nurse?

You are eligible for a multistate license if you declare a compact state as your primary residence state. However, obtaining multiple state licenses at once can be expensive; therefore, receiving a multistate license saves you time and money. Plus, there is no time limit for practicing in another compact state if you remain in good standing and maintain legal residency in the issued state. 

How can I access the NLC application? 

If this is your first license after school, you must complete the licensure by exam. If you already have a state license, you can apply via endorsement. Medicus would be happy to facilitate the process for you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you are interested.  

Is there a difference between the compact license and the multistate license? 

The terms are interchangeable; both refer to the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses to keep one license and practice in all compact states. 

What about APRNs? 

The APRN Compact was adopted in August 2020 and will allow advanced practice registered nurses to hold one multistate license with the privilege to practice in other compact states. This compact will be implemented when seven states have enacted the legislation. North Dakota and Delaware are the only two states with enacted APRN compact legislation – Maryland is pending legislation.  

Which states participate in the NLC? 

Please see the map below to view the 39 NLC jurisdictions and status :  
 

Ohio – Pending legislation for the NLC: SB 3 Click for BON Info


Oregon – Pending legislation for the NLC: HB 2335 Click for BON Info


MINNESOTA – Pending legislation for the NLC: HB 4052 and SB 3983 Click for BON Info


CALIFORNIA – Pending legislation for the NLC: SB 1053 Click for BON Info


ILLINOIS – Pending legislation for the NLC: SB 3067 Click for BON Info


ALASKA – Pending legislation for the NLC: HB 238 and SB 179 Click for BON Info


RHODE ISLAND – Pending legislation for the NLC: HB 7171 Click for BON Info


VERMONT – Pending legislation for the NLC: HB 99 Click for BON Info


WASHINGTON – Pending legislation for the NLC: SB 5247 Click for BON Info


GUAM – Pending legislation for the NLC: 13-36 (COR) Click for BON Info


INDIANA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


DELAWARE – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


MASSACHUSETTS – Pending legislation for the NLC: HD 2891 and H 1944 Click for BON Info


NORTH CAROLINA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


VIRGINIA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


MISSOURI – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


ARKANSAS – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


LOUISIANA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


TEXAS – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


NEW MEXICO – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


NEW JERSEY – Partial Implementation. Click for BON Info


SOUTH CAROLINA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


GEORGIA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


KENTUCKY – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


OKLAHOMA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


FLORIDA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


NORTH DAKOTA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


IDAHO – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


MONTANA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


WYOMING – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


COLORADO – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


SOUTH DAKOTA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


NEBRASKA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


KANSAS – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


ARIZONA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


IOWA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


WISCONSIN – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


MISSISSIPPI – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


ALABAMA – Enacted NLC. Implementation date: 1/1/2020 Click for BON Info


WEST VIRGINIA – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


NEW HAMPSHIRE – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


MAINE – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


UTAH – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


TENNESSEE – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


PENNSYLVANIA – Pending legislation for the NLC: SB 655 Click for BON Info


MARYLAND – Enacted NLC. Click for BON Info


MICHIGAN – Pending legislation for the NLC: HB 4042 Click for BON Info


NLC State
NLC Enacted: Awaiting Implementation
State with Pending NLC Legislation
No Pending NLC Legislation

Please note that this is information as of January 2022. Visit the Nurse Licensure Compact section of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website for up-to-date information.