Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Embedded Files
For more information about the new changes to the NLC as of January 2, 2024 (Regarding the amended residency rule)
Explanation of the NLC for Nurses
Explanation of the NLC for Nurses
Explanation of the NLC for Nurse Employers
Explanation of the NLC for Nurse Employers
Making Travel Nursing Easier with a Multi-State License
Making Travel Nursing Easier with a Multi-State License
Current NLC States and Status
Current NLC States and Status
States in blue are part of the compact. As such, an RN or LPN (VN in some states) who is actively licensed (multi-state license) in their primary state of residence (PSOR), that has no encumbrances, my practice in any other blue state. Please be aware. Even if you are not practicing in your primary state, you are responsible for knowing the Nurse Practice Act and any additional rules of the state, province, or territory you are presently practicing in. Practice happens where your patient physically is.
If you were to violate any part of their Nurse Practice Act or rules, the state you are practicing in has the authority to discipline your privilege to practice accordingly. . In order to practice outside of your PSOR with an encumbered license you will have to be licensed directly in that state- just the same as if they were a NON-compact state. DO NOT PRACTICE UNLICENSED.
States that are not blue are not part of the compact. This means you must apply with their Board of Nursing and license with them in order to practice in that state, province, or territory. This principle applies if your license is, or has become, encumbered.
Educational Offerings
Educational Offerings
Free educational webinars help nurses, nurse educators, nursing students, nurse employers, and other organizations learn more about the NLC.
To stay up to-date with the NLC, sign-up for their newsletter(s) and check out the available webinars HERE
2023 NLC Educational Webinars
2023 NLC Educational Webinars
2/21/2023: Nurse and Employer
4/18/2023: Helpful NLC Tips for New Nursing Graduates
6/20/2023: Multistate Licensure for Telephonic Practice
7/25/2023: Understanding Primary State of Residence
8/22/2023: Nurse and Employer
9/19/2023: Fireside Chat: Discipline & Eligibility
10/17/2023: Nurse and Employer
11/21/2023: Helpful Tips for New Nursing Graduates
2022 NLC Educational Webinars
2022 NLC Educational Webinars
1/25/2022: How Does the NLC Work for Military & Military Spouses
2/22/2022: NLC: What Nurse Employers Need to Know
3/29/2022: NLC Fireside Chat
4/19/ 2022: Helpful Tips for New Nursing Graduates
5/24/2022: NLC Legislative Update
6/21/2022: Understanding Primary State of Residence
7/26/2022: How the NLC Works for Telephonic Nurses
8/23/2022: How Does the NLC Work for Military Spouses
9/20/2022: NLC: What Nurse Employers Need to Know
10/18/2022: Helpful Tips for New Nursing Graduates
11/15/2022: NLC Fireside Chat
January 29, 2021, 1:00 pm: The NLC: What Nurse Employers Need to Know
February 16, 2021, 1:00 pm: Understanding Primary State of Residency
February 23, 2021, 1:00 pm: NLC Legislative Update
March 16, 2021, 1:00 pm: How Does the NLC Work for Telephonic Nurses and Case Managers
March 30, 2021, 1:00 pm: The NLC: What Nurse Employers Need to Know
April 13, 2021, 1:00 pm: Helpful Tips for New Nursing Graduates
April 20, 2021, 1:00 pm: NLC Legislative Update
May 11, 2021, 1:00 pm: How Does the NLC Work for Military and Military Spouses
May 25, 2021, 1:00 pm: NLC Legislative Update
June 15, 2021, 1:00 pm: Understanding Primary State of Residency
June 29, 2021, 1:00 pm: NLC Legislative Update
FAQ
FAQ
How do I know I am eligible for a multi-state license?
How do I know I am eligible for a multi-state license?
Your primary state of residence (PSOR) is a compact state
You are eligible to be licensed in your PSOR
Your current, active RN, LPN (VN) license is unencumbered
You have graduated a Board approved nursing program
You have passed the NCLEX-RN/-PN
You have submitted a completed application and FBI fingerprint cards or other biometric data as required for a criminal background check
You are NOT enrolled in ANY alternative program to discipline
You have NOT been convicted of a felony offense or misdemeanor offense related to the practice of nursing
You have a valid United States social security number
Can I practice in another state on a temporary permit?
Can I practice in another state on a temporary permit?
No.
I'm graduating soon, where do I apply for my multi-state license?
I'm graduating soon, where do I apply for my multi-state license?
You will apply in the state in which you will be practicing in.
Do I need to apply for a new multi-state license in each state that I'm practicing in?
Do I need to apply for a new multi-state license in each state that I'm practicing in?
No. The multi-state license allows you to practice in any compact state without having to get a new license in every state you practice in. It works very similar to your drivers license.
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