Compact nursing states

Enacted membership is not the same as a privilege to practice

A state can pass compact legislation long before its board can issue multistate licenses or recognize other states' multistate licenses. Until the official map shows a state as implemented, do not assume a multistate license works there. Even in an implemented state, your own license must be designated multistate.

Primary state of residence (PSOR)

Your multistate license is issued by your primary state of residence — your legal home, shown by documents such as a driver's license or voter registration — not by where you happen to work. If your PSOR is not a compact state, you generally cannot hold a multistate license. Multistate basics.

The 60-day relocation rule

Per NurseCompact.com, a nurse who permanently moves from one compact state to another should apply for licensure in the new home state within 60 days of relocating. You cannot hold two multistate licenses at once. Changing your primary residence.

RN and LPN/VN only — APRNs are separate

The NLC covers registered nurse and licensed practical/vocational nurse licenses. It does not authorize APRN practice or prescribing. The separate APRN Compact has its own membership and status; check aprncompact.com and the destination board.

Travel nursing and telehealth

Nursing practice generally occurs where the patient is located, including telehealth. A multistate privilege can cover assignments in other implemented states; non-compact states require their own license. You must follow the practice laws of the state where the patient is. Travel nurse planning.

Endorsement versus renewal

Getting a license in a new state (endorsement) and renewing the license you already hold are different processes. Your CE requirements follow your home-state license; a multistate privilege does not mean renewing separately in each compact state. Separate single-state licenses you hold still have their own renewal rules.