Updated 11/30/22
As a travel nurse, the NLC is an amazing resource that allows you to practice in other states without acquiring additional licensing. Keeping up with these states is a different story, compact state legislations change quite quickly!
It’s important to stay up to date on the latest compact state changes so you know what options are available to you.
The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC or NLC) allows nurses to have one multistate license with the ability to practice in their home state and all other compact states.
This legislation was created by the National Council of the State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to increase access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Applicants of the NLC must meet several license requirements across compact states.
You can learn more about the requirements and apply for an NLC License here.
New states are joining the NLC at a rapid pace. Vermont and New Jersey were added to the list in the past year, with several states soon to follow. Here is the most recently updated list of compact states in 2022.
| State | NLC Status |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Compact State |
| Alaska | Pending NLC Legislation |
| Arizona | Compact State |
| Arkansas | Compact State |
| California | No Action |
| Colorado | Compact State |
| Connecticut | No Action |
| Delaware | Compact State |
| Florida | Compact State |
| Georgia | Compact State |
| Hawaii | No Action |
| Idaho | Compact State |
| Illinois | Pending NLC Legislation |
| Indiana | Compact State |
| Iowa | Compact State |
| Kansas | Compact State |
| Kentucky | Compact State |
| Louisiana | Compact State |
| Maine | Compact State |
| Maryland | Compact State |
| Massachusetts | Pending NLC Legislation |
| Michigan | Pending NLC Legislation |
| Minnesota | No Action |
| Mississippi | Compact State |
| Missouri | Compact State |
| Montana | Compact State |
| Nebraska | Compact State |
| Nevada | No Action |
| New Hampshire | Compact State |
| New Jersey | Compact State |
| New Mexico | Compact State |
| New York | Pending Legislation |
| North Carolina | Compact State |
| North Dakota | Compact State |
| Ohio | NLC Legislation Passed – Waiting Implementation/Enactment date set for 1/1/2023 |
| Oklahoma | Compact State |
| Oregon | No Action |
| Pennsylvania | NLC Legislation Passed – Waiting Implementation |
| Rhode Island | Pending NLC Legislation |
| South Carolina | Compact State |
| South Dakota | Compact State |
| Tennessee | Compact State |
| Texas | Compact State |
| Utah | Compact State |
| Vermont | Compact State |
| Virginia | Compact State |
| Washington | No Action |
| West Virginia | Compact State |
| Wisconsin | Compact State |
| Wyoming | Compact State |
Compact states are ever-changing; there’s no telling when a state will officially implement NLC legislation if it is pending.
You can always check on state status here on the NCSBN website. Your recruiter will also keep you up to date on your home or travel state’s status.
Eligibility
If your primary residence is in a compact state, you can travel to other compact states without requiring additional licensing.
As a travel nurse, this allows you to work in 39 states without additional applications or fees.
Compact licenses can make your credentialing process quicker, in return, allowing you to work in another state faster and easier.
Unfortunately, if your primary residence is in a non-compact state, you will still need to apply for the individual state license of where you wish to travel.
Also, to be eligible for a compact license, you must meet a few additional requirements including, graduation from a board-approved education program, undergoing a state and federal background check, and more.
You can view a complete list of rules here.
Most Recent Changes
New Pending NLC Legislations
Alaska, New York, and Minnesota are now pending NLC legislation. This will add 3 more states to the list of compact states!
Pennsylvania & Ohio
Both Pennsylvania and Ohio have passed NLC legislation but are currently waiting for the legislation to be enacted.
Ohio’s NLC legislation is set to be enacted on 1/1/2023.
Currently, there is no set date for when the legislation will go into effect in Pennsylvania. Until then, you still need each state’s respective individual nursing license whether you reside in or are planning to travel to Pennsylvania or Ohio.
Vermont
As of 2/2/2022, Vermont is officially a compact state! If you reside in Vermont, you can now apply for a multistate license. Instructions on how to do so can be found here. If you have a compact state license, you can now work in Vermont without acquiring additional licensing.
Additional Resources
You can stay up-to-date on the latest compact states, view resources, and FAQs on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website. Your recruiter and our licensing team can always help you with additional questions as well!
Ready to start your travel nurse journey at ARMStaffing? Search our open jobs and apply today!
