The Nurse Compact License
Requirements for a nurse compact license are similar across states. However, each state may determine and vary its own licensure requirements. The states that participate in the compact have agreed that the licensing requirements in the individual states are compliant with their own licensing requirements. Therefore, these states allow you to work in their state without any additional licensing.
Nurse Compact License Requirements
Who’s Eligible?
Currently the Compact license is available for LPN’s and RN’s. Additionally, there is current legislation attempting to provide a compact for Advance Practice Nurses.
According to NCSBN The following are necessary in order to qualify for a Compact License
- Legally reside in a NLC state.
- Hold an active RN or LPN/VN nursing license in good standing. (APRN’s are not included in this compact.)
- Declare a NLC state as your primary state of residency.
- Meet the licensure requirements in your home state.
Additionally, some states have additional requirements in order to qualify. Check each state boards website for details.
Which States Participate in the Compact?
Over the years, the nurse compact license has evolved. Now referred to as the eNLC. There are currently 31 states that have passed legislation. Indiana, Alabama, Kansas and Louisiana have passed and are pending implementation (as of June 2018)
NLC State
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Awaiting Implementation
- Alabama – The Alabama board expects to fully implement eNLC by January 2020.
- Kansas (starting July 1, 2019)
- Indiana (TBD)
- Louisiana (starting July 1, 2019)
Pending Legislation
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
Additional Reading
- What Travel RNs Need to Know About the Enhanced Nurse Licensure…
- State Spotlight: Travel Nursing in Iowa
- RN License Timeline – Infographic