The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate agreement intended to expand patient access to health care while affording public protection at the state level. Under this agreement, nurses who practice in NLC states can also practice in other NLC states without having to obtain additional licenses. The enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) is the most updated version of this agreement. It benefits nurses in NLC compact states in several ways. The primary benefit is that RN and LPN/VN applicants who meet uniform licensure requirements can obtain a multistate license which allows them to practice in all participating compact states. Other benefits for nurses include the ability to practice via telenursing and the ability to quickly provide additional nursing services across state borders in the event of an emergency. The eNLC also benefits nurse educators with multistate licenses by allowing them to teach via distance learning in all NLC states. The eNLC benefits the public as well by providing additional nursing services to local and interstate communities. As of 2022, 35 states are full NLC states:
Many candidates for nursing licensure may wonder which states are NLC states. It may help them decide where they want to practice if they desire to work in one of the NLC compact states. Candidates can find compact nursing license states by looking at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website. Under the NLC page they provide an updated map of full NLC states, states with partial implementation, states with NLC enacted but awaiting implementation, and states with pending NLC legislation.
There are several ways that candidates can obtain a license in NLC states. Candidates can get a license by examination or by endorsement (holding a license in another state). They may also renew their license, upgrade a single state license to a multistate license, or get a license for graduates of foreign nursing programs. Aspiring RNs will need to follow the application process for their state of residence. This information can be found on their state's Board of Nursing. The fees, conditions and application process may vary slightly by state. For example, in Kentucky - one of the NLC states - there is no additional fee or application to obtain a compact license in the state. If a licensed nurse in Kentucky qualifies for a compact license, it will automatically be a multistate license. The application fees in the state for RN or LPN licensure vary by the format of the license. Initial licensure by examination in Kentucky costs $125, endorsement $165, reinstatement $135 (when a previously held license has expired), and renewal $65. The time it takes for a state to process the application and documents for licensure can also vary. In Kentucky, for instance, candidates can expect to receive their license within 7 to 14 business days.
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Create AccountIn order to obtain a compact RN license, candidates must meet 11 uniform licensure requirements. One of these requirements is passing the NCLEX-RN exam. After taking the NCLEX, a test taker's nursing regulatory body (NRB) will receive their test results. Some states have a quick results service that releases unofficial scores. This service is available for $7.95 from a candidate's NCLEX account. Otherwise, official scores are available about 6 weeks after the exam. Candidates who move to other NCLEX compact states will need to follow their new state's process for obtaining a license by endorsement. This will come with a state-specific fee, such as $165 for Kentucky.
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Create AccountCandidates pursuing a compact RN license after moving into a compact nursing license state from a non-compact state will need to follow their new state's requirements for licensure by endorsement. Typically, nurses can apply for this new license before or after they move to the state. Candidates who have a single-state license from the non-compact state will not be affected. If candidates meet the residency and eligibility requirements for the new state of residence, then a multistate license may be issued. Eligibility requirements include:
In order to apply for a license by endorsement, candidates will need to follow the application instructions laid out by their new state's Board of Nursing. This process may include a state-specific fee (such as $165 for the state of Kentucky). Candidates will likely need to fill out an online application through their new state's Board of Nursing, pay the fee, and complete a background check. They will also need to request that their previous state send verification of licensure by NCLEX examination to their current state. Requesting verification of licensure can be completed through Nursys for $30 for participating states. States that do not utilize Nursys will require candidates to contact that state's board of nursing to complete the verification form and determine the required fee. Some states may have additional requirements, such as submitting transcripts for their nursing program, evidence of continuing education, or passing a Jurisprudence Examination. The application process is similar for nurses moving from a compact state to another compact state, but the application should be completed without delay after moving.
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As of 2022, there are 35 NLC states that have fully implemented the eNLC agreement. It can take several years for a state or territory to become a compact state, and there are different states that are at different stages in the process. In 2021, two states - Pennsylvania and Ohio - enacted the NLC but they have yet to implement it. Implementation for the NLC in Ohio is set for January 1, 2023, but the implementation date for Pennsylvania has yet to be determined. The territory of Guam is set to implement the NLC in 2022. The Virgin Islands enacted the NLC in 2021, but have not set an implementation date. The following states currently have pending NLC legislation:
Candidates in non-compact states who wish for their state to become an NLC state should first find out what step in the process (if any) their state is at. If their state has not taken steps to become a compact state, candidates are encouraged to take action and send a letter to their legislator to tell them that they support the NLC. Candidates can send messages to their governor, state senator, and/or state representative.
Sharon Keegan, LPN is a professional nurse with 5 years of experience in hospitals and clinical settings. She has passed the NCLEX and works part-time as an NCLEX tutor. Sharon completed her LPN at Tennessee College of Applied Technology. She also holds a Master's degree in English as a Second Language from Cornerstone University.
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At least 35 states have implemented the NLC and a few more states have pending legislation waiting to be passed.
The following are compact states as of 2022: 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, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Yes, California is one of the states that have pending NLC legislation. Others include Washington State, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York State.
Nurses must claim primary residence in a compact state. Applications are available through the nursing board website of the state in which you wish to obtain licensure.