Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) States: Complete Guide for Nurses
October 23, 2024
Nurses must hold a valid state license to practice, which can create barriers for travel nurses and professionals seeking flexibility across state lines. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) was created to simplify this process by allowing eligible nurses to practice in multiple states with one multistate license.
With nursing shortages nationwide and increased demand for travel, telehealth, and flexible roles, compact nursing licenses offer nurses expanded career mobility while helping healthcare systems respond to staffing needs.
What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between participating states that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) to hold one multistate license.
This license permits nurses to practice in all compact states, including their primary state of residence, without obtaining additional licenses.
NLC vs. eNLC: What’s the Difference?
The original Nurse Licensure Compact was replaced by the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which introduced additional safeguards for public protection.
Key differences include:
- Uniform licensure requirements across states
- Federal criminal background checks
- Enhanced data sharing between boards of nursing
Which States Are Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) States?
Nursing compact states are the states that are currently part of the NLC. This means that a nurse who has any of these states as their primary residence and applies for a compact nursing license can work in any of those states.
The majority of U.S states, as well as Guam and the Virgin Islands, participate in this program. As of October 2024, nursing compact states include:
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Note that Pennsylvania and Guam only have partial implementation, while Connecticut and the Virgin Islands are awaiting implementation.
States With Pending or Partial NLC Implementation
Several states and territories are in various stages of NLC adoption. Pending or partial implementation means nurses may still need single-state licenses until full implementation is completed.
The following states and jurisdictions have pending legislation regarding NLC participation:
- District of Columbia
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
Why Are Nurse Licensure Compact States Important?
Nursing compact states benefit nurses, healthcare facilities, and patients by improving access to care and reducing administrative barriers.
1. Increases Access to Patient Care
Compact licensure allows nurses to respond to shortages in underserved and rural areas, improving access to care for vulnerable populations.
2. Reduces Administrative and Licensing Burdens
It takes a lot of time and effort to fill out all of the appropriate paperwork to apply for a nursing license. That also means that administrators have to check all of those applications, which causes delays and gaps in employment for nurses while they wait. The NLC eliminates this hassle.
3. Supports Emergency and Workforce Flexibility
Being able to work in many states means that nurses can cross state lines if there are emergencies or crises like natural disasters. This can improve resource allocation for everyone and ensure that patients get the right level of help.
Benefits of a Compact Nursing License
If you’re a nurse and aren’t entirely sure if you should apply for a compact nursing license, there are some powerful reasons as to why you should.
Increased Job Mobility
Being able to take a position in states other than your home state means that you can search for the highest-paying nursing jobs from a larger pool of options. You also have the flexibility to participate in telehealth as well as travel nursing and other travel healthcare positions in nursing compact states.
Expanded Job Market
With greater access to opportunities throughout the country, nurses have a chance to work with specialists and fields that they may not be able to access in their home states. You can increase your career diversity, which allows you to set career goals without worrying about staying within state lines.
Requirements for Nursing Compact Participation
States must meet certain requirements to enter the NLC, and nurses, too, must meet certain criteria before being given their compact nursing license.
Requirements for States to Join the NLC
States must pass NLC legislation, meet education standards, and comply with criminal background check requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for Nurses
To apply for the compact license, you must meet uniform licensure requirements. The first is that you must live in a member state.
You also need to meet all eligibility requirements. These include graduating from a board-approved program, passing the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination, submitting a background check, and having no felony convictions. You’re also not allowed to have misdemeanor convictions related to nursing.
The process of applying for a multi-state license begins with filing an application for licensure by endorsement. You can do this online once you have all of the required paperwork. Make sure to check for all of the unique requirements that individual states may have.
How GHR Healthcare Supports Nurses in NLC States
At GHR Healthcare, we know that licensure can be complicated and stressful. We can make the process easier by helping you navigate applying for your compact nursing license and assisting you in finding the right job for your career goals and passing the crucial first interview.
We can answer all of your questions about these positions, too — including which states are the best for travel nursing. Whether you want to try travel nursing, telehealth, or other flexible positions, we can help you get the most out of your compact license.
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