Nursing Compact States 2024 – Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) Agreement

The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is a key agreement where states recognize each other’s nursing licenses.
This allows nurses who hold a license in an NLC state to practice in other participating states using just one license, known as a multistate nursing license.
Currently, 36 states and two U.S. territories are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), with additional states like Pennsylvania working towards joining.
Below, we explore how the NLC benefits nurses and the states involved, as well as how to obtain a multistate nursing license.

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement among participating states that allows nurses to practice in any of those states with one multistate nursing license. If you are licensed in a state that is part of the NLC, you do not need to get a separate license to practice in other NLC states.

However, if you change your primary state of residence, you must apply for a new license in the state you move to. This rule applies to registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and nurse educators. Most states require nurse educators to be licensed in the same state where they are teaching, but with a multistate nursing license, they can teach across all NLC states.

How Does the NLC Work?

The NLC states have a mutual understanding to recognize each other’s nursing licenses, which makes it easier for nurses to work across state lines. Nurses in compact nursing license states can work in multiple states with just one license, reducing the administrative burden of applying for a new license in each state.

How Does the NLC Benefit Nurses?

Nurses in compact states enjoy several benefits:

• More Job Opportunities: Nurses can practice across multiple states without needing to apply for separate licenses, opening up more job opportunities in various nurse compact states.
• Cost Savings: Nurses save money on licensing fees, as they only need to renew their license in their home state and can practice in other compact states without extra costs.
• Telehealth Opportunities: With a multistate nursing license, nurses can offer telehealth services to patients across multiple states, improving access to healthcare services.

NLC License vs. State-Specific License

A NLC license allows nurses to work in multiple NLC states without obtaining additional state licenses. In contrast, a state-specific license is issued by a single state and only allows nurses to practice within that state.

How to Get a Multistate Nursing License

Getting a multistate nursing license involves a step-by-step application process. Here’s what you need to know:

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Nursing Compact License

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for a multistate nursing license. You must live in an NLC state or be applying from one.
2. Submit Your Application: Apply to the nursing board in your primary state of residence. You will need to provide proof of your nursing education and any previous licenses.
3. Meet the Requirements: Requirements may include criminal background checks, verification of education, and nursing practice history.

NLC Application Requirements and Eligibility

To be eligible for a multistate nursing license, you need to meet certain criteria, such as:

• Holding a valid RN or LPN license in your home state.
• Having no felony convictions.
• Meeting continuing education and other state-specific requirements.

What You Need to Know Before Applying for a Multistate Nursing License

Before applying, make sure that your primary state of residence is an NLC state. Also, check if your nursing license is in good standing, as issues like past disciplinary actions may affect your eligibility for a multistate nursing license.

Benefits of Being a Nurse in a Compact State

Being a nurse in an NLC state offers a range of benefits:

• Increased Job Opportunities: Nurses can work in any of the Nursing Compact States 2023, which provides more flexibility in finding employment.
• Cost Savings: Nurses can avoid the costs of renewing multiple state licenses and can continue working in multiple states with one license.
• Telehealth Nursing: Nurses with a multistate nursing license can practice telehealth nursing, expanding access to healthcare for patients across state lines.

Impact of the Nursing Licensure Compact on States and Healthcare

The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) not only benefits nurses but also enhances healthcare delivery across compact nursing license states. The NLC helps states address healthcare needs by allowing nurses to provide services more flexibly.

How NLC States Benefit from Flexibility and More Nurses

The NLC enables states to manage their nursing workforce more efficiently by allowing nurses to practice in multiple states without the need for additional licenses. This helps compact nursing states respond to local needs and emergencies more effectively.

Increased Access to Care in Rural Areas

One of the key benefits of the NLC is that it increases access to care in rural and underserved areas. Nurses in nursing compact states can move between states more easily, ensuring that healthcare is more widely available.

Disaster Preparedness and Healthcare Responses in Compact States

The NLC helps compact states by providing more nurses during times of disaster or emergency, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses from neighboring states can step in quickly to assist in high-demand areas.

Telehealth and Remote Nursing Opportunities in Compact States

The rise of telemedicine and telehealth nursing has been a significant development for compact nursing license states. Nurses with a multistate nursing license can now provide healthcare services across state lines without needing separate licenses in each state.

How the NLC Facilitates Telehealth Nursing Across State Lines

With the NLC, nurses can offer telehealth services to patients in multiple states. This is particularly important for patients who may have difficulty accessing healthcare in their local area.

The Growing Role of Telemedicine in Nursing

Telehealth nursing is expanding rapidly, and nurses with a multistate license can take advantage of this growing field by offering care to patients across different states.

Multistate License Benefits for Telehealth Nurses

The NLC makes it easier for telehealth nurses to serve patients in several states without needing to hold multiple licenses. This increases job opportunities and helps meet the growing demand for telehealth services.

Nursing Licensure Compact and Travel Nursing

Travel nurses are another group that greatly benefits from the NLC. With a multistate nursing license, travel nurses can work in different states without needing to apply for a new license each time they move.

Advantages for Travel Nurses in Compact States

Travel nursing compact states provide nurses with more flexibility in where they can work. Nurses can move freely between NLC states and take on temporary assignments without worrying about additional licensing requirements.

How Travel Nursing Works with an NLC License

Travel nurses can take short-term contracts in different compact nursing states without having to apply for new licenses every time they move. This makes travel nursing much easier and more accessible.

Top Travel Nursing Opportunities in Compact States

The NLC opens up numerous travel nursing opportunities in states that need temporary nurses. Nurses can work in various NLC states, helping to fill gaps in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Which States Are Part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (2024)?

As of 2023, 36 states and two territories are part of the NLC. Pennsylvania is in the process of joining the compact, while other states like Alaska, Illinois, and New York are also exploring joining in the future.

List of States in the Nursing Licensure Compact (Updated 2024)

The following states are part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)

List of NLC States and Jurisdictions

Jurisdiction	NLC Status
Alabama	NLC State
Alaska	Pending Legislation
Arizona	NLC State
Arkansas	NLC State
California	Non-NLC State
Colorado	NLC State
Connecticut	Non-NLC State
Delaware	NLC State
District of Columbia	Non-NLC State
Florida	NLC State
Georgia	NLC State
Guam	Partial NLC Implementation
Hawaii	Non-NLC State
Idaho	NLC State
Illinois	Pending Legislation
Indiana	NLC State
Iowa	NLC State
Kansas	NLC State
Kentucky	NLC State
Louisiana	NLC State
Maine	NLC State
Maryland	NLC State
Massachusetts	Pending Legislation
Michigan	Pending Legislation
Minnesota	Pending Legislation
Mississippi	NLC State
Missouri	NLC State
Montana	NLC State
Nebraska	NLC State
Nevada	Non-NLC State
New Hampshire	NLC State
New Jersey	NLC State
New Mexico	NLC State
New York	Pending Legislation
North Carolina	NLC State
North Dakota	NLC State
Ohio	NLC State
Oklahoma	NLC State
Oregon	Non-NLC State
Pennsylvania	Enacted NLC: Awaiting NLC Implementation
Rhode Island	Pending Legislation
South Carolina	NLC State
South Dakota	NLC State
Tennessee	NLC State
Texas	NLC State
Utah	NLC State
Vermont	NLC State
Virgin Islands	Enacted NLC: Awaiting NLC Implementation
Virginia	NLC State
Washington	Pending Legislation
West Virginia	NLC State
Wisconsin	NLC State
Wyoming	NLC State

Source: NCSBN (January 2023)

States that have recently joined or are planning to join include Pennsylvania, Alaska, and Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Nursing Licensure Compact

How Do I Get a Multistate Nursing License?

To obtain a multistate nursing license, you must apply through the nursing board in your home state, which must be an NLC state. You’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements, including residency, education, and criminal background checks.

Which States Are Not in the Nurse Licensure Compact?

As of 2023, states that are not part of the NLC include California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island. However, some states are considering joining in the near future.

How Do Nurses Move Between Compact States?

If you move permanently to a new NLC state, you can apply for a license in that state. You can continue working with your multistate nursing license until your new license is issued.

The Future of the Nursing Licensure Compact

The Nursing Licensure Compact is evolving, with more states expected to join in the future. As healthcare needs grow and telehealth expands, the NLC will likely continue to provide significant benefits for both nurses and patients.

What’s Next for the Nursing Compact States?

The future of the NLC looks promising, with more states recognizing the benefits of joining the compact. As healthcare becomes more interconnected and telemedicine grows, the NLC is expected to continue to evolve and expand.

How the NLC Will Evolve in the Coming Years

In the coming years, the Nursing Licensure Compact will likely evolve to meet new healthcare challenges. As more states join and telehealth becomes more prevalent, the NLC will play an essential role in improving access to care across state lines.

By understanding the Nursing Licensure Compact and its benefits, nurses can take advantage of multistate nursing licenses to expand their career opportunities, save money, and increase access to healthcare across the U.S.