Introduction
Nurses need a license to practice and this nursing license is provided by various nursing regulatory bodies, mainly the Board of Nursing, to regulate the practice of nursing within its jurisdiction. The main purpose of a nursing license is to grant the permission and right to practice as a nurse after verifying that the applicant has met the minimal requirements to do so.
The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is a multi-state agreement that allows nurses to have their state compact licenses recognized in multiple participating states, rather than making them apply for a new license in a state that is different from the one in which they acquired their license. States involved in this agreement are called Compact Nursing States.
The agreement works exceptionally well for nurses who are traveling, decide to move to a different state in the United States, or who are needed to work in another state due to an emergency scenario. The most recent iteration of the last example was during the Covid-19 pandemic when many nurses went to highly afflicted areas, some beyond the borders of the state in which they became licensed.
Proponents of the nurse licensure compact argue that it helps make healthcare accessible, reduces the cost of insurance, hospitals, and patients, and that it makes the healthcare system as a whole more robust. In spite of that, there are still many states that actively do not desire to be included in the NLC interstate agreement.
Compact Nursing States
| State | Nursing Compact Status |
|---|---|
| California | No Legislation |
| Connecticut | No Legislation |
| Hawaii | No Legislation |
| Nevada | No Legislation |
| Oregon | No Legislation |
| Alaska | Pending NLC Legislation |
| Illinois | Pending NLC Legislation |
| Massachusetts | Pending NLC Legislation |
| Michigan | Pending NLC Legislation |
| Minnesota | Pending NLC Legislation |
| New York | Pending NLC Legislation |
| Rhode Island | Pending NLC Legislation |
| Washington | Pending NLC Legislation |
| Ohio | Awaiting NLC Implementation |
| Pennsylvania | Awaiting NLC Implementation |
| Alabama | NLC State |
| Arizona | NLC State |
| Arkansas | NLC State |
| Colorado | NLC State |
| Delaware | NLC State |
| Florida | NLC State |
| Georgia | NLC State |
| Idaho | NLC State |
| Indiana | NLC State |
| Iowa | NLC State |
| Kansas | NLC State |
| Kentucky | NLC State |
| Louisiana | NLC State |
| Maine | NLC State |
| Maryland | NLC State |
| Mississippi | NLC State |
| Missouri | NLC State |
| Montana | NLC State |
| Nebraska | NLC State |
| New Hampshire | NLC State |
| New Jersey | NLC State |
| New Mexico | NLC State |
| North Carolina | NLC State |
| North Dakota | NLC State |
| Oklahoma | NLC State |
| South Carolina | NLC State |
| South Dakota | NLC State |
| Tennessee | NLC State |
| Texas | NLC State |
| Utah | NLC State |
| Vermont | NLC State |
| Virginia | NLC State |
| West Virginia | NLC State |
| Wisconsin | NLC State |
| Wyoming | NLC State |
Nursing License Compact States
The NLC is upheld by a vast majority of states in the US, and of the states that don’t currently abide by it, many have pending legislation that will enact it, or legislation that has been passed and that is just waiting to be implemented.
The 37 states who have signed up to the NLC agreement are the following:
1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. Arkansas
4. Colorado
5. Delaware
6. Florida
7. Georgia
8. Idaho
9. Indiana
10. Iowa
11. Kansas
12. Kentucky
13. Louisiana
14. Maine
15. Maryland
16. Mississippi
17. Missouri
18. Montana
19. Nebraska
20. New Hampshire
21. New Jersey
22. New Mexico
23. North Carolina
24. North Dakota
25. Ohio
26. Oklahoma
27. Pennsylvania
28. South Carolina
29. South Dakota
30. Tennessee
31. Texas
32. Utah
33. Vermont
34. Virginia
35. West Virginia
36. Wisconsin
37. Wyoming
Compact States for Nursing
Alabama
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Alabama is a nursing compact state, allowing registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) with a multistate license to practice in Alabama and other compact states without the need for additional licensure.
Alaska
Nursing Compact Status
Pending NLC Legislation
Arizona
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
As a nursing compact state, Arizona enables RNs and LPNs holding a multistate license to provide healthcare services within Arizona and other compact states, ensuring flexibility and mobility in their nursing practice.
Arkansas
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Nurses holding a multistate license can practice in Arkansas and other nursing compact states seamlessly, thanks to Arkansas being a participant in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
California
Nursing Compact Status
No Legislation
Colorado
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
By being a nursing compact state, Colorado allows RNs and LPNs with a multistate license to practice nursing in Colorado and other compact states, promoting workforce mobility and improving access to healthcare services.
Connecticut
Nursing Compact Status
No Legislation
Delaware
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Delaware's participation in the nursing compact means that nurses with a multistate license can practice in Delaware and other compact states, facilitating the delivery of quality healthcare across state lines.
Florida
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
As a nursing compact state, Florida permits RNs and LPNs with a multistate license to practice nursing within Florida and other compact states, ensuring efficient healthcare delivery and enhanced opportunities for nursing professionals.
Georgia
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Georgia's participation in the nursing compact enables RNs and LPNs with a multistate license to practice nursing in Georgia and other compact states, promoting collaboration and access to healthcare services across borders.
Hawaii
Nursing Compact Status
No Legislation
Idaho
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Idaho's membership in the nursing compact allows nurses with a multistate license to practice in Idaho and other compact states, fostering mobility and ensuring a responsive healthcare workforce.
Illinois
Nursing Compact Status
Pending NLC Legislation
Indiana
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Being a nursing compact state, Indiana permits nurses holding a multistate license to practice in Indiana and other compact states, facilitating efficient and effective nursing practice across state lines.
Iowa
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Iowa's participation in the nursing compact allows RNs and LPNs with a multistate license to practice in Iowa and other compact states, promoting flexibility and responsiveness in nursing care delivery.
Kansas
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Kansas is a nursing compact state, which means that nurses holding a multistate license can practice in Kansas and other compact states, promoting access to healthcare and supporting the mobility of nursing professionals.
Kentucky
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
By being a nursing compact state, Kentucky allows RNs and LPNs with a multistate license to practice nursing in Kentucky and other compact states, facilitating the provision of quality care and collaboration among healthcare professionals.
Louisiana
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Louisiana's participation in the nursing compact enables nurses with a multistate license to practice in Louisiana and other compact states, promoting workforce mobility, enhancing patient care, and facilitating the exchange of nursing expertise.
Maine
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Maine's membership in the nursing compact allows RNs and LPNs with a multistate license to practice in Maine and other compact states, ensuring flexibility, accessibility, and quality in nursing practice.
Maryland
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
As a nursing compact state, Maryland permits nurses holding a multistate license to practice in Maryland and other compact states, fostering cooperation and facilitating the delivery of comprehensive healthcare services.
Massachusetts
Nursing Compact Status
Pending NLC Legislation
Michigan
Nursing Compact Status
Pending NLC Legislation
Minnesota
Nursing Compact Status
Pending NLC Legislation
Mississippi
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Mississippi's participation in the nursing compact enables nurses with a multistate license to practice in Mississippi and other compact states, promoting collaboration, continuity of care, and efficient utilization of nursing resources.
Missouri
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Missouri is a nursing compact state, allowing nurses with a multistate license to practice in Missouri and other compact states, ensuring workforce mobility, promoting healthcare access, and supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care.
Montana
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
By being a nursing compact state, Montana enables RNs and LPNs with a multistate license to practice nursing in Montana and other compact states, fostering nursing workforce mobility and enhancing healthcare delivery.
Nebraska
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Nebraska's participation in the nursing compact allows nurses with a multistate license to practice in Nebraska and other compact states, promoting efficient healthcare delivery and facilitating professional collaboration.
Nevada
Nursing Compact Status
No Legislation
New Hampshire
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
New Hampshire is a nursing compact state, enabling nurses with a multistate license to practice in New Hampshire and other compact states, promoting access to healthcare services and supporting nursing professionals' career mobility.
New Jersey
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
As a nursing compact state, New Jersey allows nurses with a multistate license to practice in New Jersey and other compact states, facilitating seamless nursing practice, improving healthcare access, and enhancing patient outcomes.
New Mexico
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Nurses holding a multistate license can practice in New Mexico and other nursing compact states due to New Mexico's participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), promoting workforce mobility and ensuring quality nursing care.
New York
Nursing Compact Status
Pending NLC Legislation
North Carolina
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
North Carolina's membership in the nursing compact allows RNs and LPNs with a multistate license to practice in North Carolina and other compact states, promoting collaboration, professional growth, and efficient healthcare delivery.
North Dakota
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Being a nursing compact state, North Dakota permits nurses with a multistate license to practice in North Dakota and other compact states, fostering mobility, access to care, and utilization of nursing resources.
Ohio
Nursing Compact Status
Awaiting NLC Implementation
Ohio is awaiting NLC implementation, which means that once implemented, RNs and LPNs with a multistate license will be able to practice in Ohio and other compact states, supporting healthcare delivery and nursing workforce flexibility.
Oklahoma
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Oklahoma is a nursing compact state, allowing nurses with a multistate license to practice in Oklahoma and other compact states, enhancing access to care, promoting nursing collaboration, and facilitating the exchange of nursing expertise.
Oregon
Nursing Compact Status
No Legislation
Pennsylvania
Nursing Compact Status
Awaiting NLC Implementation
Pennsylvania is currently awaiting NLC implementation, which, once in effect, will enable RNs and LPNs with a multistate license to practice in Pennsylvania and other compact states, promoting nursing mobility and facilitating the provision of quality patient care.
Rhode Island
Nursing Compact Status
Pending NLC Legislation
South Carolina
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
South Carolina's participation in the nursing compact allows nurses with a multistate license to practice in South Carolina and other compact states, fostering workforce mobility, promoting healthcare access, and improving patient outcomes.
South Dakota
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
By being a nursing compact state, South Dakota permits RNs and LPNs with a multistate license to practice nursing in South Dakota and other compact states, promoting collaboration, professional development, and efficient healthcare delivery.
Tennessee
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Tennessee is a nursing compact state, enabling nurses with a multistate license to practice in Tennessee and other compact states, supporting workforce mobility, enhancing healthcare access, and promoting nursing excellence.
Texas
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Texas is a nursing compact state, allowing nurses with a multistate license to practice in Texas and other compact states, promoting mobility, facilitating access to healthcare services, and supporting the delivery of quality patient care.
Utah
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Utah's participation in the nursing compact enables RNs and LPNs with a multistate license to practice in Utah and other compact states, promoting flexibility, collaboration among healthcare professionals, and ensuring efficient utilization of nursing resources.
Vermont
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
By being a nursing compact state, Vermont permits nurses with a multistate license to practice in Vermont and other compact states, fostering workforce mobility, supporting healthcare access, and promoting the highest standards of nursing practice.
Virginia
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Virginia is a nursing compact state, enabling nurses with a multistate license to practice in Virginia and other compact states, ensuring nursing workforce mobility, enhancing patient care coordination, and promoting professional collaboration.
Washington
Nursing Compact Status
Pending NLC Legislation
West Virginia
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
West Virginia's participation in the nursing compact allows nurses with a multistate license to practice in West Virginia and other compact states, supporting healthcare access, promoting nursing excellence, and facilitating the exchange of best practices.
Wisconsin
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Wisconsin is a nursing compact state, permitting nurses with a multistate license to practice in Wisconsin and other compact states, enhancing nursing workforce flexibility, supporting healthcare delivery, and promoting patient-centered care.
Wyoming
Nursing Compact Status
NLC State
Wyoming's membership in the nursing compact allows RNs and LPNs with a multistate license to practice in Wyoming and other compact states, fostering mobility, promoting access to care, and facilitating collaboration among nursing professionals.
FAQs
How many states are compact nursing states ?
Currently, there are 37 states that have adopted the nursing compact and are considered compact nursing states. These states have enacted legislation or are in the process of implementing the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) to facilitate the practice of nursing across state lines.
What are the nursing compact states ?
The nursing compact states currently are 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, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
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