The Nurse 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?
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
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.
