The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs) to hold a multistate license, enabling them to practice in any member state without obtaining individual state licenses. By allowing nursing compact states there is greater mobility for nurses, less workforce shortages, and it enhances healthcare access across the United States! It also helps travel nurses explore the country more freely. As of 2025, these are the updates for all the states in regards to the NLC.
Current Status of the NLC
As of January 2025, there are 43 nursing compact states, with varying degrees of implementation:
Fully Implemented States:
These states have fully operational NLC processes, allowing nurses with a multistate license to practice without additional licensure. States include 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, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Partially Implemented:
Guam: Nurses with active, unencumbered multistate licenses from other compact states can practice in Guam. However, nurses residing in Guam cannot obtain a multistate license until full implementation is achieved.
Pennsylvania: As of September 5, 2023, nurses holding an active multistate license from another compact state can practice in Pennsylvania. However, Pennsylvania residents cannot yet apply for a multistate license until full implementation is complete, with a tentative full implementation date hopefully coming in 2025.
Enacted but Awaiting Implementation:
Connecticut: Legislation was signed into law on May 30, 2024, with an effective date of October 1, 2025. The state is currently in the process of implementation, which can take 1 to 2 years.
Massachusetts: Governor Healey signed the NLC into law on November 20, 2024. The state is now working towards implementation, with the process expected to take 1 to 2 years.
U.S. Virgin Islands: The NLC was enacted on December 6, 2021, but is awaiting implementation pending the establishment of necessary processes, including criminal background checks.
Other State Updates
Several states have introduced legislation to become nursing compact states but have not yet enacted it:
Alaska: Senate Bill 130 and House Bill 149 were introduced in 33rd Legislative Session, but it did not make it to the finish line. There is hope that a bill will be reintroduced in the 34th Session, in fact, 89% of Alaskan resident nurses are in favor of joining the compact license.
California: Assembly Bill 3232 was introduced on February 16, 2024, but failed to go any further.
Hawaii: House Bill 667 and Senate Bill 670 were introduced in 2023 and carried over to the 2024 Regular Session. There is no new legislation for 2025.
Illinois: There is currently no legislation in Illinois to enact the NLC.
Michigan: House Bill 4935 was introduced on August 24, 2023, and referred to the Committee on Health Policy. As of April 25, 2024, it was still in committee.
Minnesota: House File 1005 and Senate File 3281 were introduced in 2023 but did not make it out of the Health and Human Services Committee.
New York: Assembly Bill 3391 and Senate Bill 6873 were introduced in 2023 and are currently with the respective committees.
Nevada: There is currently no legislation in Nevada to enact the NLC.
Oregon: There is currently no legislation in Oregon to enact the NLC.
Benefits of the NLC
The NLC offers several advantages:
- Increased Access to Care: By allowing nurses to practice across state lines, the NLC helps address nursing shortages and improves patient access to healthcare services.
- Enhanced Nurse Mobility: Nurses can more easily relocate or take temporary assignments in other compact states without the administrative burden of obtaining multiple licenses.
- Streamlined Emergency Response: In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or pandemics, the NLC enables a more efficient deployment of nursing resources across state boundaries.
Considerations for Nurses
Nurses residing in compact states can apply for a multistate license if they meet the uniform licensure requirements. However, it is important to note that if you do not reside in a compact state, you cannot apply for a multi-state license, even when finding an assignment in a compact state.
Travel with Ventura MedStaff
The Nurse Licensure Compact continues to expand, promoting greater flexibility and responsiveness within the nursing workforce. If are interested in learning more about a compact license or pursuing travel assignments in compact states, contact one of our recruiters! We’d love to answer any of your questions and help get you started on your next adventure.
