March 17, 2021

Action Briefs

Licensure Compact

The Nurse Licensure Compact

The Nurse Licensure Compact

Compact Description

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate compact among participating states that enables nurses to practice in-person or providing telenursing services to patients located across the country without having to obtain additional licensing through mutual recognition.
This allows nurses to quickly cross state borders and provide vital services in the event of a disaster.
This removes a burdensome expense for organizations that employ nurses and may share the cost of multiple licenses and makes practicing across state boarders affordable and convenient

What professions are included?

Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LP/VNs)

Compact States

As of Jan. 1, 2021, there are 34 states in the NLC.

Regulatory body for the occupation

The Compact is an agreement among states, with the Nurse Licensure Compact Commission serving as the coordinating organization. The Commission is made up of representatives from each participating state.

Link to compact language

Compact status: Live as of January 19, 2018

Compact contact information
Jim Puente
Director, Nurse Licensure Compact, NCSBN
Email: jpuente@ncsbn.org
Phone: 312-525-3601

Download PDF of details.

Related Resources

State of Compacts

The US map below lays out the different licensure compacts within each state.

Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT)

March 17, 2021
Licensure Compacts

The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) Compact Description The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) is an interstate agreement designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries.

Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact

March 17, 2021
Licensure Compacts

Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Compact Description Mutual recognition model compacts allow a practitioner to practice in the compact member states either using a multistate license or by obtaining a “compact privilege”.