Compact states make it easier and more affordable for traveling healthcare professionals to practice in different states. Compact states exist in both the nursing and therapy professions, but they differ slightly in how they operate.
In nursing, compact states allow Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs / LVNs) the ability to apply for a multistate license through their state’s Board of Nursing (BON) if their primary state of residence (PSOR) is a compact state member and they meet uniform licensure requirements.
Direct any application questions to the Board of Nursing (BON) in your state.
Additional resources:
In physical therapy, compact states make it easier for Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) to work in multiple states by granting them a compact privilege to practice/work in compact member states if they have a current and valid license and meet all eligibility requirements.
Compact privileges must be obtained for each state that a traveler wants to practice/work in.
Additional resources:
The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) is an agreement among participating states designed to make it easier for occupational therapy professionals to work across state lines. It allows Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) who hold an active, unencumbered license in a member state to practice in other member states through a “compact privilege,” which functions the same as a license.
Compact privileges must be obtained for each state that a traveler wants to practice/work in.
Additional resources:
The Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact is a formal agreement that allows eligible SLPs to practice in other member states using a “compact privilege,” not a universal license, without getting a separate license. While the compact has many member states, SLPs must have an active, unencumbered license in their home state and their home state must be onboarded to the system to apply for these privileges.
Additional resources:
Click below to toggle between the nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy compact state maps.
