If you often hear the words “compact state” and “compact licensure” tossed around but you aren’t sure what they mean, you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look at these concepts, along with what they mean for you as a travel nurse.
What is Compact Licensure?
Initiated by The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) in the hopes of expanding nurse mobility and enhancing the country’s health care delivery system, the National Licensure Compact (NLC) enables nurses to hold a single multistate license with the privilege to practice in their own home states as well as in 24 other compact states. Seven additional states are currently pending legislation and implementation of compact licensure.
Under a mutual recognition model, nurses are permitted to practice both physically and electronically across state lines without having to obtain additional licensure for each state. While working remotely, nurses are held to the rules and regulations in the state where the practice or patient is located.
Are You Eligible for Compact Licensure?
According to the NCSBN, you are eligible for compact licensure if you meet the following qualifications:
You reside in an NLC member state or “compact state.”
You are licensed and in good standing as an RN or LPN/VN.
An NLC state is your primary state of residency.
You have met your home state’s licensure requirements.
Primary state of residence is defined as “the state of a person’s declared fixed permanent and principal home or domicile for legal purposes.” If you do not reside in a compact state, you must apply for a single-state license with the appropriate board of nursing in each state where you plan to practice.
Note that while APRNs are not included in the NLC, the NCSBN also offers the APRN Compact, which affords the same privilege to APRNs to practice in compact states.
Applying for Compact Licensure
If you reside in a compact state, no additional applications or fees are required: the license issued by your home state is automatically accepted by all other compact states. If you are relocating from one contact state to another, meanwhile, you have between 30 and 90 days — depending on the requirements of your former residency state — to apply for licensure by endorsement, pay any relevant fees, and complete a declaration of primary state of residency in your new home state.
If you are moving from a non-compact to a compact state, apply for licensure in your new state of residency, although your current licensure in the non-compact state will remain active. If you are moving from a compact to a non-compact state, you must apply for licensure by endorsement in your new state of residency, and your compact license will switch to a single-state license.
In each case, you must notify the Board of Nursing (BON) of your move. Also, keep in mind that licensure renewal cycles vary depending on the state so be sure to determine the requirements for your primary state.
Ultimately, compact licensure affords both nurses and patients advantages which benefit the comprehensive healthcare system. If you still require clarity or have any questions about compact licensure, check with your travel recruiter, who can be a valuable source of information.
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