What Are Compact Nursing States?

The need for a flexible and mobile nursing workforce is more important than ever. One initiative aimed at addressing this need is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

If you're a nurse or aspiring to become one, understanding the concept of compact nursing states and how the NLC works is crucial. Here, we’ll explore what compact nursing states are, how the compact works, and the benefits it offers to nurses and healthcare systems.

What are compact nursing states?

Compact nursing states are those that have enacted legislation to join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC allows nurses to have one multistate license enabling them to practice both in their home state and in other compact states without needing to obtain additional licenses.

This compact facilitates greater mobility and flexibility for nurses, making it easier to respond to workforce demands and provide care in different locations.

How the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) works

When a nurse obtains a license in an NLC member state, it’s called a compact license. This compact license grants the nurse the ability to practice in their home state and in any other NLC member states without needing additional licenses.

This is particularly beneficial for travel nurses, military spouses, and those living near state borders. The NLC is an agreement between states to recognize each other's nursing licenses. Here's how it works:

Primary state of residence: A nurse must declare a primary state of residence, which must be a compact state, to be eligible for a multistate license. This is typically determined by where the nurse files taxes, votes, and holds a driver's license.
Licensure requirements: The nurse must meet the licensure requirements of their home state. These requirements are standardized across compact states to ensure consistency and quality in nursing practice.
Multistate practice privilege: Once licensed, a nurse can practice in any of the other compact states without needing to apply for additional licenses. This privilege applies to both physical and telehealth nursing practices.
Regulatory authority: While the multistate license grants practice privileges in other compact states, the nurse is still subject to the regulatory authority and laws of the state in which they are practicing at any given time.

Benefits of the NLC

The NLC offers several advantages for nurses, healthcare systems, and patients:

Increased job opportunities: A compact nursing license opens a broader job market. Nurses can easily seek employment in any of the compact states without the hassle of applying for a new license in each state. This is particularly advantageous for travel nurses who frequently move from one state to another for assignments.
Flexibility and convenience: For nurses who live near state borders, the NLC allows them to work in neighboring states without the bureaucratic burden of obtaining multiple licenses. This flexibility can lead to more job opportunities and the ability to work in many healthcare settings.
Improved response to emergencies: The NLC enables a rapid response to healthcare emergencies and natural disasters. During crises, nurses from compact states can quickly mobilize and provide care in affected areas without the delay of licensing procedures.
Professional growth and experience: Practicing in different states can expose nurses to diverse patient populations, healthcare systems, and medical practices. This experience can enhance their skills and knowledge, making them more versatile and marketable in the healthcare industry.

States participating in the NLC

As of 2024, there are 41 states, plus Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, that are members of the NLC. The following 41 states are currently compact nursing 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 (Partial implantation)
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

States with pending NLC legislation

As of June 2024, seven additional states, and the District of Columbia, have pending legislation waiting for approval:

Alaska
District of Columbia
Hawaii
Illinois
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
New York

Steps for obtaining a multistate license

If you’re a nurse interested in obtaining a multistate license, here are the general steps you need to follow:

Verify that your primary state of residence is a member of the NLC.
Ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements set by your state board of nursing.
Submit an application for a compact license through your state's nursing board, including any required documentation and fees.
Complete a criminal background check as required.
Once approved, you’ll receive your compact nursing license, allowing you to practice in all NLC member states.

Challenges and considerations

While the NLC offers many benefits, there are some challenges and considerations to keep in mind:

Licensing in non-compact states: Nurses must still obtain separate licenses for non-compact states, which can be time-consuming and costly.
State-specific regulations: Each state has its own scope of practice and regulatory requirements. Nurses must familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of the state they plan to work in.
Maintaining primary residence: The compact license is only valid if the nurse maintains their primary residence in an NLC member state. Moving to a non-compact state would require obtaining a new license in that state.

The Nurse Licensure Compact represents a significant step towards a more agile and responsive nursing workforce. By understanding what compact nursing states are and how the NLC works, nurses can take advantage of the increased mobility and flexibility it offers, ultimately enhancing their careers and improving patient care.

Compact Nursing States: What You Need to Know