Nurse nursing compact states

Every state requires its nurses to receive a license before they can practice. While some states have licenses that are only accepted in that state alone, there are many states that share licensing standards which allow nurses to work in multiple states.

These are called compact nursing states, which means they recognize the Nursing License Compact (NLC). Compact nursing states allow nurses with a compact nursing license from a compact nursing state the opportunity to practice in other compact nursing states without the need to get a new license.

What Are Compact Nursing States?

Compact nursing states are states that recognize the Nursing License Compact, which is a set of standards that allow nurses licensed in one compact nursing state to practice in another compact nursing state. Compact nursing began in 2000, and in 2018, the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) was created as an improved version of the compact.

The standards of compact nursing states are agreed upon by the state's nursing associations and regulated by the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administration taken, in part, from members of those agencies. This is to ensure licensing meets certain types of safety requirements and other nursing accreditations.

The Benefits of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact

Why are compact nursing states important? There are several answers. For one, they increase access to healthcare and make the industry more efficient. This, in turn, helps lower the cost for insurance companies, hospitals, and patients.

It is easier and faster for compact nursing states to hire new nurses because their pool of candidates extends throughout the country. If an out-of-state nurse wishes to work in a state that is not part of the eNLC, then that nurse has to go through the state’s licensing procedure which includes additional fees, background checks, and other application processes.

Meanwhile, in compact nursing states, the out-of-state nurse can immediately begin work as long as their current residence is a compact nursing state and the nurse has a compact nursing license. This is particularly effective for traveling nurses who wish to avoid the headaches of reapplying for licenses in states that are not compact nursing states.

What Are the Requirements for a Compact Nursing License?

To get a compact nursing license, you must be an active registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, or a licensed vocational nurse, and you must live in an NLC state. If you move to a new state that is also a compact license state, you must change your residence to the new state, and you must still meet that state’s licensing requirements.

Compact license nurses must have graduated from a board-approved education program, have a valid Social Security Number, and be proficient in English. They must have passed an NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam or one of similar stature.

Background checks are also important. A compact licensed nurse, just like most other nursing licenses, has to submit a fingerprint-based criminal background check at the state and federal levels. They must have no state or federal felony convictions or nursing-related misdemeanor convictions and cannot simultaneously participate in a different license program.

States that are Compact Nursing States (eNLC Members)

39 states and territories in the United States are part of the compact licensing agreement. The following are fully enacted eNLC members:

• 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

• South Carolina

• South Dakota

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Utah

• Vermont

• Virginia

• West Virginia

• Wisconsin

• Wyoming

States with Partial Enactment of eNLC

Two states and two territories are currently in the process of becoming compact nursing states. They are:

• Guam.

• Pennsylvania.

• Ohio.

• Virgin Islands.

States with Pending NLC/eNLC Legislation

Several states have pending legislation in their governments to become compact nursing states. However, they have yet to be approved and implemented. Each state is at a different stage for different reasons. The states with pending NLC/eNLC legislation are:

• Alaska

• Illinois

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• New York

• Rhode Island

• Washington

States without Legislation for the eNLC or NLC

Four states do not even have pending legislation to become compact nursing states. They are:

• California

• Nevada

• Oregon

• Connecticut

What Compact Nursing States Means for Nurses

Compact nursing states open more opportunities for nursing, particularly traveling nurses, because they make it easier for nurses to change jobs between states without reapplying for a new license each time. As long as the nurse fulfills the requirements of the eNLC, they are eligible for a compact nursing license.

It should be noted that the eNLC is optional. Nurses that live in compact nursing states do not necessarily have to get a compact nursing license; instead, they can apply for a single state nursing license. Regardless, a nurse in a compact nursing state still needs to meet the requirements of their state, including continuing education and renewal requirements.

If a nurse from a compact nursing state moves to a state that is not part of the compact, then they must apply for a new license. If a nurse moves between two compact states, they do not need to get a new license; however, they need to get an endorsement from that state.

The eNLC is helpful for the career development of nurses by providing flexibility. It allows nurses to seek jobs in other compact states, as well as provides them the ability to partake in telehealth styles of nursing. This, in turn, helps the healthcare industry as a whole because it makes it easier for nurses to fulfill shortages found around the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) and the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC)?

   The Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) is an updated version of the nursing licensure compact (NLC). It was designed to address shortcomings and concerns in the original compact, including patient safety and eligibility requirements.

   To this end, new features were added, including the mandate for nurses to undergo federal and state criminal fingerprint background checks.

2. Why are some states not compact nursing states?

   There are several reasons why states such as California have not joined the eNLC. Compact states can still have different professional development standards for continuing education, as well as different disciplinary standards.

   Some states are also afraid that the national compact undermines the authority of the state nursing board. Finally, there is a loss of revenue when nurses no longer have to pay an application fee to the state.

3. How do I get a compact nursing license?

   To get a compact nursing license, the candidate must first fulfill all the eNLC requirements, including that they have residency in a compact nursing state. If the candidate is eligible, they must receive an endorsement by the board of nursing in their state and upgrade their license.