Compact nursing states refer to the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), which is an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one compact state nursing license that gives them the ability to practice in other states that are part of the agreement.
Originally developed in 2000, by 2015, the license had grown to include 25 states. Maryland, the first state to sign into law, saw an immediate need for nurses and looked to nurses in neighboring states to help fill the gaps.
To help streamline the process for nurses, the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) was implemented in 2018 and included standards for licensure, which the original compact license lacked.
For example, the NLC did not require applicants to undergo state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks, whereas the new eNLC does.
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As of June 2024, there are currently 42 jurisdictions part of the eNLC. Here’s a comprehensive list of all of the states that have enacted multi-state compact licensing, either fully or partially, or are awaiting legislation:
Currently, nurses who hold an active compact license may practice in the following states: Guam, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, nurses who reside in the aforementioned states may not apply for a compact license quite yet. Guam, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have yet to determine a date for this.
Seven additional states, as well as the District of Columbia, have pending legislation waiting for approval before joining the eNLC.
For many states, the COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the need to lessen regulatory burdens on nursing licensure. Because of this, many states were able to start legislation toward implementation. Furthermore, some state nursing associations have supported bills that previously they were against.
Since the last update, several key states have put out legislation to implement the eNLC. Alaska and Hawaii both have legislation pending. This is monumental as both are key states for travel nurses. With the implementation of the eNLC, Alaska will be able to easily get much-needed staff, especially in remote communities. The Alaska Board of Nursing, at one point, did not favor the compact license; however, after overwhelming support from nurses within the state - the board now supports the legislation. Alaska specifically has had pending legislation for years, but it has never successfully passed and been implemented.
Hawaii has never had concerns with finding nurses, as it is highly desirable for travel nurses, so the implementation of the eNLC might make it more difficult to secure nursing positions in Hawaii.
According to a survey conducted in 2019 by the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing, 89% of Alaskan resident nurses are in favor of joining the compact license, and 87% would apply for a compact nurse license if available. Alaska most recently sent a new survey to all nurses licensed in Alaska in October 2023, and new survey results are pending.
Executive Director of Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission Paula R. Meyer MSN, RN, FRE, said, “The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission has supported the NLC for more than 25 years. The passage of the bill further protects the public through the coordination of all boards of nursing in the compact working together to protect the public. The public protection measures in the compact include FBI background checks on all nurses who receive a multistate license and sharing of significant investigative information.”
Goals were developed for every state to become a member of the NLC, but there has been ongoing resistance from some states regarding the requirements for licensure. While the eNLC continues to grow, there are still states that still do not want to be included in the license. Even in states that have legislation pending, there is some pushback from the state nursing association.
The eNLC will continue to increase access to health care, reduce overall costs to insurance companies, hospitals, and individual patients, and support efficient and strong health care delivery.
The eNLC became effective on July 20, 2017, which allowed the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administration to begin drafting appropriate rules and regulations for the new licensure.
In January 2018, new multi-state licenses were issued to all nurses who applied to transition from the old license. New nurses getting their first license in an eNLC state will be able to practice in all eNLC states without delay. This option is highly effective for travelers who do not wish to waste time between contracts. Furthermore, it helps reduce costs on application fees and license renewals. Unfortunately, Hawaii is not currently part of the eNLC and does not have any pending legislation. Hawaii is one of the most desirable states for travel nurses in the U.S.
Each eNLC state is responsible for notifying nurses by mail of the changes to the license and the process to obtain an enhanced compact license. As more states continue to join the eNLC, additional nurses will have the option to streamline if they hold multiple licenses.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
