In the US, nurses are licensed by individual states, not by one national council. The Nurse Licensure Compact lets nurses in member states practise across state lines with one multistate licence.
Imagine a nurse in Texas who wants to take a travel contract in Arizona, then provide telehealth to patients in Tennessee. Without the compact, she might need three separate licences.
What the compact is
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between US states, administered with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). More than 40 states take part, and the list keeps changing, so always check the official NLC map.
Who can get a multistate licence
- Registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses
- Your primary state of residence must be a compact state
- You must meet uniform licensure requirements, including passing the NCLEX and a criminal background check
- Advanced practice registered nurses have a separate compact, which is not yet in force
If you move
- Moving to another compact state: apply for a licence there once you establish residence there
- Moving to a non-compact state: your multistate licence changes to a single-state licence
- Keep your primary state of residence accurate
Why it matters
- Makes travel nursing and telehealth easier
- Helps states respond faster in disasters
- Reduces duplicate fees and paperwork
Frequently asked questions
Do I still follow each state’s laws?
Yes. You must follow the nurse practice act of the state where the patient is located.
Can international nurses get a compact licence?
Yes, if they are licensed in a compact state that is their primary state of residence and meet the requirements.
But if I live in a non-compact state, can I still travel?
Yes, but you need a separate licence for each state where you work.
Your next step: Check the official NLC map before accepting a contract in another state.
Sources: National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Nurse Licensure Compact official website, state boards of nursing.
Leave a Reply