{"id":4663,"date":"2025-02-26T18:00:55","date_gmt":"2025-02-26T18:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=4663"},"modified":"2025-10-23T18:55:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T18:55:38","slug":"nurse-licensure-compact-states","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/nurse-licensure-compact-states\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Nurse Licensure Compact States? (Updated October 2025)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nursecompact.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">eNLC<\/a>) began on January 19, 2018, but most nurses simply refer to it as the Compact. Under the eNLC, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/salary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">registered nurses<\/a> (RNs) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/lpn-lvn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">licensed practical\/vocational nurses<\/a> (LPN\/LVNs) living in states that have joined the Compact can apply for one multistate license and practice in person or via telehealth in any state that\u2019s also part of the Compact.<\/p>\n<h6 id=\"back-to-top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), 41 U.S. states and 2 territories have enacted legislation to join the eNLC as of February 2025.<\/span><\/h6>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #3c3b3d;color:#3c3b3d\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #3c3b3d;color:#3c3b3d\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/nurse-licensure-compact-states\/#which_states_are_in_the_enlc\" >Which States Are in the eNLC?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/nurse-licensure-compact-states\/#states_with_pending_legislation\" >States with Pending Legislation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/nurse-licensure-compact-states\/#where_do_the_rest_of_the_states_and_territories_stand\" >Where Do the Rest of the States and Territories Stand?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/nurse-licensure-compact-states\/#how_do_nurses_qualify_for_a_compact_license\" >How Do Nurses Qualify for a Compact License?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/nurse-licensure-compact-states\/#licensure_in_compact_and_non-compact_states\" >Licensure In Compact and Non-Compact States<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/nurse-licensure-compact-states\/#what_about_the_aprn_compact\" >What About the APRN Compact?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/nurse-licensure-compact-states\/#benefits_of_the_nurse_licensure_compact\" >Benefits of the Nurse Licensure Compact<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"which_states_are_in_the_enlc\"><\/span><b>Which States Are in the eNLC?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;font-style: normal;font-weight: 400\">Nurse graduates and current RNs or LPN\/LVNs must apply with the State Board of Nursing in their primary state of residence (PSOR) to obtain <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a Compact license, also called a multistate license. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nurses who obtain or already have a multistate license can practice in any of the following states that have fully implemented the eNLC on a single license.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<table dir=\"ltr\" border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-baot=\"1\">\n<colgroup>\n<col width=\"100\" \/>\n<col width=\"100\" \/>\n<col width=\"100\" \/><\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.abn.alabama.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alabama<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/boardofnursing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/agencies\/dos\/department-and-offices\/bpoa\/boards-commissions\/nursing#.VTEYxCFVhBd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pennsylvania<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.azbn.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arizona<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/mbon.maryland.gov\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maryland<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/health.ri.gov\/licenses\/detail.php?id=231\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rhode Island<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/healthy.arkansas.gov\/programs-services\/topics\/arkansas-board-of-nursing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arkansas<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.msbn.ms.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mississippi<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/llr.sc.gov\/nurse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Carolina<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/portal.ct.gov\/dph\/practitioner-licensing--investigations\/plis\/practitioner-licensing--investigations-section?language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Connecticut<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pr.mo.gov\/nursing.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Missouri<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/doh.sd.gov\/boards\/nursing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Dakota<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/dpo.colorado.gov\/Nursing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Colorado<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov\/nursing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Montana<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/health\/health-program-areas\/health-professional-boards\/nursing-board.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tennessee<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/dpr.delaware.gov\/boards\/nursing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Delaware<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/dhhs.ne.gov\/licensure\/Pages\/Nurse-Licensing.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nebraska<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bon.texas.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Texas<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/floridasnursing.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oplc.nh.gov\/new-hampshire-board-nursing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Hampshire<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/dopl.utah.gov\/nurse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Utah<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/sos.ga.gov\/georgia-board-nursing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Georgia<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.njconsumeraffairs.gov\/nur\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Jersey<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/sos.vermont.gov\/nursing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vermont<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/ibn.idaho.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Idaho<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bon.nm.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Mexico<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dhp.virginia.gov\/Boards\/Nursing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Virginia<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.in.gov\/pla\/professions\/nursing-home\/nursing-licensing-information\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indiana<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbon.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">North Carolina<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nursing.wa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Washington<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nursing.iowa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Iowa<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ndbon.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">North Dakota<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wvrnboard.wv.gov\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">West Virginia<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/ksbn.kansas.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kansas<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nursing.ohio.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ohio<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/dsps.wi.gov\/Pages\/BoardsCouncils\/Nursing\/Default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wisconsin<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/kbn.ky.gov\/Pages\/index.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kentucky<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nursing.ok.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oklahoma<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wsbn.wyo.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wyoming<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.lsbn.state.la.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Louisiana<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9336 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-10-23-at-2.44.01-PM.png\" alt=\"map of nurse compact states\" width=\"739\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-10-23-at-2.44.01-PM.png 739w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-10-23-at-2.44.01-PM-300x182.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-10-23-at-2.44.01-PM-610x370.png 610w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 739px) 100vw, 739px\" \/><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: right\"><em><small><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsbn.org\/compacts\/nurse-licensure-compact.page\" rel=\"noopener\">NCSBN<\/a> (2\/26\/2025)<\/small><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Of the remaining jurisdictions, Pennsylvania and Guam have enacted legislation to join the Compact and partially implemented the eNLC. Connecticut, Massachusetts and the U.S. Virgin Islands have enacted legislation to join the Compact but are awaiting implementation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/guamhplo.org\/gbne\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Guam<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Governor of Guam signed the NLC into law on 3\/5\/2021, making it the first U.S. territory to enact the eNLC. The territory partially implemented the eNLC, allowing nurses with multistate licenses from any Compact state to practice in Guam. However, nurses residing in Guam can\u2019t obtain a multistate license until it fully implements the eNLC. Full implementation was tentatively scheduled to occur in 2022. As of April 2024, Guam remains listed as partially implemented, with an implementation date unknown at this time. <\/span><\/span>The Guam Board of Nurse Examiners will post or publicize this date when it becomes available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/orgs\/board-of-registration-in-nursing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Massachusetts<\/a><\/strong>:\u00a0<span style=\"color: #333333;font-style: normal;font-weight: 300\">After Connecticut&#8217;s Governor signed legislation to join the compact in May 2024, Massachusetts became the lone holdout among the New England states.<\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;font-style: normal;font-weight: 300\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">The Governor of Massachusetts signed the NLC into law on November 20, 2024, making Massachusetts the 43rd jurisdiction to enact the Compact. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (Board) expects the implementation process to take about 12 months, but a prospective implementation date hasn&#8217;t been set yet. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Until full implementation occurs, nurses holding a multistate license in another Compact must obtain an endorsement from the Board before practicing. However, nurses applying for reciprocity can take advantage of the state&#8217;s expedited conditional approval process. Nurses licensed in the state can&#8217;t apply for a multistate license yet.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vibnl.vi.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>U.S. Virgin Islands<\/b><\/a>: The Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) signed the NLC into law on 12\/6\/2021. It\u2019s currently awaiting implementation of criminal background checks through the FBI. The USVI Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) hasn&#8217;t announced an implementation date at this time. Until then, nurses holding a multistate license can\u2019t <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/travel-nursing\/u-s-virgin-islands-travel-nurse-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">practice in the U.S. Virgin Islands<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> without obtaining an endorsement through the VIBNL. Plus, nurses residing in the USVI can\u2019t apply for multistate licenses until full implementation goes into effect. VIBNL will post or publicize an implementation date when one becomes available.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><a style=\"color: #006400\" href=\"#back-to-top\">Back to Top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"states_with_pending_legislation\"><\/span><b>States with Pending Legislation<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As of February 2025, the following nine states and Washington, D.C. had legislation in play regarding the enactment of the eNLC:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px\">\n<li><strong>Hawaii:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitol.hawaii.gov\/session\/measure_indiv.aspx?billnumber=667&amp;billtype=HB\" rel=\"noopener\">House Bill 897<\/a><\/span> was introduced on 1\/21\/2025 and referred to the House Committees on Health\/Labor, Consumer Protection &amp; Commerce and Finance on 1\/23\/2025.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px\">\n<li><b>Illinois<\/b><strong>:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilga.gov\/legislation\/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1706&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=158813&amp;SessionID=114&amp;GA=104\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">House Bill 1706<\/a><\/span> was introduced on 1\/24\/2025, referred to the Rules Committee on 1\/28\/2025 and assigned to the Health Care Licenses Committee on 2\/18\/2025. Between 2\/19\/2 and 2\/26\/25, the House has added several co-sponsors and chief co-sponsors to the bill. A Health Care Licenses Committee Hearing was held on 2\/26\/2025. The corresponding <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilga.gov\/legislation\/billstatus.asp?DocNum=102&amp;GAID=18&amp;GA=104&amp;DocTypeID=SB&amp;LegID=157234&amp;SessionID=114\" rel=\"noopener\">Senate Bill 0102<\/a><\/span> was introduced on 1\/17\/2025, referred to the Assignments and assigned to the Licensed Activities on 1\/23\/2025. A chief co-sponsor was added to the bill on 1\/25\/2025.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px\">\n<li><strong>Nevada:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.nv.us\/App\/NELIS\/REL\/83rd2025\/Bill\/11805\/Overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Senate Bill 34<\/a><\/span> was pre-filed on 11\/15\/2024 and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Labor. It was read for the first time on 2\/3\/2025. Besides enacting the Nurse Licensure Compact, this particular bill would also enact the\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/allied-health\/preparing-for-the-audiology-and-speech-language-pathology-interstate-compact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact<\/a><\/span>,\u00a0PA Licensure Compact, <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/allied-health\/physical-therapy-licensure-compact-for-pts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Physical Therapy Licensure Compact<\/a><\/span> and <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/allied-health\/what-the-occupational-therapy-licensure-compact-means-for-ots\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact<\/a><\/span> in one swoop.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px\">\n<li><b>New York<\/b><strong>:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/assembly.state.ny.us\/leg\/?default_fld=&amp;leg_video=&amp;bn=A03007&amp;term=&amp;Summary=Y&amp;Actions=Y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Assembly Bill 03007<\/a><\/span> was introduced on 2\/22\/2025 and referred to ways and means. It would enact the Nurse Licensure Compact in Part 5 of the bill enacting legislation necessary to implement the state&#8217;s health and mental hygiene budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The corresponding <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/assembly.state.ny.us\/leg\/?default_fld=&amp;leg_video=&amp;bn=S03007&amp;term=2025&amp;Summary=Y&amp;Actions=Y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Senate Bill 03007<\/a><\/span> was introduced on 2\/21\/2025 and referred to finance. It would also adopt the Nurse Licensure Compact as part of the health and mental hygiene budget bill. <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nysenate.gov\/legislation\/bills\/2025\/S3916\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Senate Bill S3916<\/a><\/span> separates the issues and would enact the Nurse Licensure Compact and the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Compact simultaneously. This bill was referred to the Higher Education Committee on 1\/30\/2025. The corresponding <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nysenate.gov\/legislation\/bills\/2025\/A4524\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Assembly Bill A4524<\/a><\/span> was referred to the Higher Education Committee on 2\/4\/2025. Various versions of these bills have been introduced every session since 2009.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px\">\n<li><strong>Oregon: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/olis.oregonlegislature.gov\/liz\/2025R1\/Measures\/Overview\/SB966\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Senate Bill 966<\/a><\/span> introduced and first read on 1\/30\/2025 would enact the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact and prescribe an effective date (the 91st day following adjournment sine die or when the senate adjourns without setting a date to reconvene). This bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health Care.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px\">\n<li><strong>Washington, D.C.:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lims.dccouncil.gov\/Legislation\/B26-0069\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Council Bill 26-0069<\/a><\/span> would authorize the Mayor to enter into the Nurse Licensure Compact on behalf of the District of Columbia. Previously, the District of Columbia Nurse Licensure Compact Authorization Act of 2023 (<span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lims.dccouncil.gov\/Legislation\/B25-0430\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Council Bill 25-0430<\/a><\/span>) was introduced on 7\/13\/2023 and referred to the Committee of the Whole on 9\/19\/2023, with comments from the Committee on Health, then re-referred to the Committee on Health and Committee of the Whole. The re-referral was published on 9\/22\/2023, but the bill stalled. The District of Columbia has been hesitant to adopt the eNLC due to fears of <span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dchealth.dc.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/dc\/sites\/doh\/release_content\/attachments\/DC%20NURSE%20-%20JUNE%202017%20ISSUE_0.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">losing much of its licensure fees<\/a><\/span>, but the acute nursing shortage in the District, poor patient outcomes and the large number of states already part of Compact have prompted a change of heart among some Council Members. However, it hasn&#8217;t managed to pass the appropriate legislation yet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><a style=\"color: #006400\" href=\"#back-to-top\">Back to Top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"where_do_the_rest_of_the_states_and_territories_stand\"><\/span><b style=\"color: #000000\">Where Do the Rest of the States and Territories Stand?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7351\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/Travel-Map-Resized-scaled-e1714097723344.jpg\" alt=\"Nurse practitioner licensure by state\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some states hesitate to join the eNLC because it could lead to budget gaps for its nursing board, especially if it\u2019s self-funded. These gaps might occur because out-of-state nurses currently paying for a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">sin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">g<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">le state license<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to practice in the non-Compact state could utilize their Compact license if the state joined the eNLC. Some states could potentially lose the funds from thousands of licenses issued to non-resident nurses. There are also concerns over the cost of joining the Compact and the potentially high cost of implementing necessary technology changes. However, the number of states still holding out has significantly dwindled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As of February 2025, only four states and two U.S. territories had no pending legislation regarding the eNLC. However, all four states have previously tried and failed to pass legislation to join the Compact. American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands haven&#8217;t initiated any legislation regarding the eNLC. <\/span>Unlike the other U.S. territories, Puerto Rico is only an associate member of the NCSBN and isn\u2019t an eNLC jurisdiction, so it can&#8217;t join the Compact.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"color: #006400\" href=\"#back-to-top\">Back to Top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_do_nurses_qualify_for_a_compact_license\"><\/span><b style=\"color: #000000\">How Do Nurses Qualify for a Compact License?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Eligibility for a Compact license begins with living in a Compact state, and according to the NCSBN, more than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsbn.org\/public-files\/NLC_Fast_Facts.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">2 million nurses<\/a> do. You can\u2019t apply for a multistate license if your declared PSOR isn\u2019t part of the eNLC. Your PSOR is where you have legal resident status, which is the state where you obtain your driver\u2019s license, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/travel-nursing\/voting-as-a-travel-nurse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">register to vote<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/money-taxes\/understanding-travel-nursing-tax-rules\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">pay income taxes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Meeting the requirements for licensure in your home state is one of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsbn.org\/public-files\/NLC_ULRs.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">11 uniform licensure requirements of obtaining a Compact license<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Other requirements include graduating from a board-approved education program, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/healthcare-education\/nclex-tips-to-help-you-pass\/\">passing the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN<\/a> and passing an English proficiency exam if your nursing program didn\u2019t teach classes and use books in the English language.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You must also be eligible for or have an unencumbered nursing license, submit state and federal background checks and have a valid Social Security number. You can\u2019t have any felony convictions or any nursing-related misdemeanor convictions, and you can\u2019t be currently participating in an alternative program. RNs and LPN\/LVNs who don\u2019t meet the uniform licensure requirements may still be eligible for a single-state license, depending on their state\u2019s rules.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><a style=\"color: #006400\" href=\"#back-to-top\">Back to Top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"licensure_in_compact_and_non-compact_states\"><\/span><b>Licensure In Compact and Non-Compact States<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If your PSOR is a non-Compact state, you must apply for a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">single-state license<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/travel-nursing\/travel-nursing-and-single-state-licenses\/\">Travel nurses with a single-state license<\/a> must apply for licensure by endorsement if they take a temporary job in another state. If you receive licensure by endorsement in a state that&#8217;s part of the eNLC, your endorsement is still only valid in that state. You can\u2019t use an endorsement from a Compact state as a multistate license even though an eNLC state issued it because that state isn&#8217;t your PSOR. You also can\u2019t apply for a multistate license in a state that\u2019s not your PSOR, but you can have as many single-state licenses as you want.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If your PSOR is a Compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in any other Compact state without further licensure. However, if you\u2019re taking a temporary job in a non-Compact state, you must apply for licensure by endorsement to the non-Compact state\u2019s board of nursing. You receive a single-state license that\u2019s good to practice in that state only. Your multistate license remains valid and usable in any other Compact state as long as you keep it current and don\u2019t do anything to inadvertently change your residency status, such as renewing your driver\u2019s license or registering to vote in a state that\u2019s not your PSOR. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As of January 2, 2024, Nurses who permanently move from one Compact state to another must <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nursecompact.com\/files\/nlc_rules_2024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">apply for licensure in their new PSOR within 60 days<\/a>. T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">his change to eNLC rules prompted numerous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nursecompact.com\/files\/60_day_rule_faqs.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">frequently asked<\/a><\/span> questions. Here are two things to keep in mind regarding the 60-day rule:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px\">\n<li>You must apply for your license within 60 days of relocating, but it doesn&#8217;t have to be issued. You can continue to practice using your multistate license from your PSOR until you receive your new license. Since it could take some time to obtain your new license, be sure your previous license isn\u2019t about to expire before you move as you won\u2019t be able to renew it once you\u2019ve established your new PSOR.<\/li>\n<li>This rule doesn\u2019t apply to travel nurses who take temporary assignments lasting longer than 60 days. Travel nurses who maintain their current PSOR and don\u2019t inadvertently change their legal state of residence to the state they\u2019re temporarily working in can practice in any Compact state using the multistate license issued by their home state without obtaining any new licensure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/travel-nursing\/travel-nurse-residency-rules\/\"><strong>Understanding Travel Nurse Residency Rules<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_about_the_aprn_compact\"><\/span><b>What About the APRN Compact?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9128\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/04\/2-26-2025-APRN-Map.jpg\" alt=\"2-26-2025 APRN Compact Map\" width=\"999\" height=\"581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/04\/2-26-2025-APRN-Map.jpg 999w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/04\/2-26-2025-APRN-Map-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/04\/2-26-2025-APRN-Map-768x447.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/04\/2-26-2025-APRN-Map-636x370.jpg 636w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right\"><em><small><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aprncompact.com\/about.page#map\" rel=\"noopener\">NCSBN<\/a> (02\/26\/2025)<\/small><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Advanced practice nurses may have the same ability to travel between states like RNs and LPN\/LVNs someday, but the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsbn.org\/compacts\/aprn-compact.page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact<\/a> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">has gotten off to an extremely slow start and now seems to be going backward regarding support. Without the APRN Compact, certified <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nurse-practitioner\/\">nurse practitioners<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nurse-practitioner\/clinical-nurse-specialist\/\">clinical nurse specialists<\/a>, certified <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nurse-practitioner\/midwife\/\">nurse midwives<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/certified-registered-nurse-anesthetist\/\">certified registered nurse anesthetists<\/a> must hold individual licenses in every state where they practice because they can&#8217;t practice as an APRN on an eNLC license.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/compare-enlc-and-aprn-licensure-compacts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What\u2019s the Difference Between the eNLC and the APRN Licensure Compacts?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The NCSBN developed a model for states to enact the APRN,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> adopted on August 12, 2020, that works similarly to the eNLC. However, the APRN Compact can\u2019t be implemented until seven states have enacted legislation. As of February 2025, only these four states have adopted the APRN Compact:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">North Dakota (adopted on 8\/12\/2020)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Delaware (signed into law on 8\/4\/2021)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Utah (signed into law on 3\/24\/2022)<\/span><\/li>\n<li>South Dakota (signed into law on 2\/5\/2024)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As of February 2025, only the following five states <span style=\"color: #333333;font-style: normal;font-weight: 300\">had pending legislation to join the APRN Compact:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px\">\n<li>Arizona (<span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.azleg.gov\/BillStatus\/BillOverview\/82079\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HB2310<\/a><\/span>) &#8211; Discussion held 1\/27\/2025 &#8211; No vote taken<\/li>\n<li>Arkansas (<span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/arkleg.state.ar.us\/Bills\/Detail?id=hb1134&amp;ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HB1134<\/a><\/span>) &#8211; Withdrawn by author 2\/13\/2025<\/li>\n<li>Kansas (<span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kslegislature.gov\/li\/b2025_26\/measures\/hb2266\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HB2266<\/a><\/span>) &#8211; House hearing scheduled 2\/13\/2025 &#8211; Canceled<\/li>\n<li>Montana (<span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bills.legmt.gov\/#\/laws\/bill\/2\/LC2071\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HB526<\/a><\/span>) &#8211; Current status &#8211; Fiscal note unsigned 2\/24\/2025<\/li>\n<li>New York (<span style=\"font-weight: 600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nysenate.gov\/legislation\/bills\/2025\/S3916\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">S3916<\/a><\/span>\u00a0\/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nysenate.gov\/legislation\/bills\/2025\/A4566\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A4524<\/a>) &#8211; Referred to the Higher Education Committee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><a style=\"color: #006400\" href=\"#back-to-top\">Back to Top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"benefits_of_the_nurse_licensure_compact\"><\/span><b>Benefits of the Nurse Licensure Compact<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The eNLC creates the possibility for an increased workforce, enables the continuation of patient care across state lines and resolves telehealth issues. It allows nurses to work in multiple states with one license, promoting greater nurse mobility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this mobility greatly benefited states needing additional bedside nurses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nurses benefit from having more freedom to move around without the expense of paying for separate licenses, making it easier for them to go where they\u2019re needed most. In the event of catastrophic natural or manmade disasters or public health crises, nurses from multiple states can quickly and efficiently respond.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s also beneficial to state nursing boards because they can more easily share information, including complaints and investigations. Multistate licensing also reduces the administrative tasks of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/travel-nursing\/travel-nursing-and-licensing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">licensing traveling nurses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, making it quicker and easier to take on new nurses who already hold a multistate license.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Complete your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/vivian-updates\/introducing-universal-profile-your-passport\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reusable Profile<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (previously called a Universal Profile) to access 1,000s of healthcare jobs on Vivian&#8217;s jobs marketplace at <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">top locations<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> around the nation. We make locating healthcare jobs faster and easier than ever, with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/money-taxes\/the-state-of-salary-transparency-in-healthcare\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">transparent salary information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to help make job comparisons straightforward and promote fairness and equity in the workplace. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/browse-jobs\/landing\">Find your next nursing or allied health job<\/a> on Vivian Health today.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"background-color: #124e3b;color: #fdfeff;font-size: 20px;border-radius: 10px;padding: 15px;min-height: 30px;min-width: 120px\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/browse-jobs\/landing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Browse Jobs<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The eNLC lets nurses practice in multiple states with a single license. Learn which states participate and how to qualify.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":9130,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,118,12],"tags":[373,147,366,367,362,385,331,123,303,125,75,426,90],"class_list":["post-4663","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-resources","category-travel-guides","category-travel-nursing","tag-advanced-practice-registered-nurse","tag-aprn","tag-licensed-practical-nurse","tag-licensed-vocational-nurse","tag-lpn-lvn","tag-np","tag-nurse-practitioner","tag-nursing","tag-permanent","tag-registered-nurse","tag-rn","tag-staff","tag-travel"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/Travel-nursing-with-the-nurse-licensure-compact.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4663","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4663"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4663\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9130"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4663"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4663"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}