Policy in Progress: The Growing Reach of the Nurse Licensure Compact
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) continues to transform nursing mobility across the U.S.—and as of August 2025, it’s more accessible than ever.
What’s Happening
– 41 U.S. states have fully enacted NLC legislation. Nurses with a multistate license issued in their Primary State of Residence (PSOR) can now practice across all participating states without needing additional licensure.
– Pennsylvania officially implemented the NLC on July 7, 2025, allowing its residents to finally apply for multistate licenses and begin practicing across compact states.
Full Member States (as of August 2025):
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
States and Territories with Partial or Pending Implementation:
– Guam: Nurses with existing multistate licenses from compact states can practice there, but Guam residents still cannot yet apply for such licenses.
– Connecticut: Enacted NLC law, with implementation scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025.
– Massachusetts: Signed into law in late 2024; still in the process of implementation.
– U.S. Virgin Islands: NLC law enacted, but full implementation is pending necessary processes like background checks.
States Exploring or Pending NLC Legislation:
Alaska, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, and Oregon are considering joining but have not yet enacted legislation.
Why It Matters
– Practice flexibility: If your PSOR is in a compact state, you can now work, travel, or relocate with the security of maintaining a valid license.
– Faster contracting: For independent nurse contractors, this eliminates one of the biggest hurdles to accepting out-of-state assignments.
– Telehealth opportunities: Multistate licensing simplifies cross-border care delivery, making remote and virtual practice easier.
– Staffing solutions: The NLC helps fill critical staffing gaps quickly during emergencies or seasonal surges.
Final Thoughts
The Nurse Licensure Compact is more than policy—it’s a career enabler. Whether you’re a travel nurse, per diem professional, or considering relocation, the growing compact states offer unprecedented flexibility.
Take a moment to check:
– Is your Primary State of Residence a compact state? If so, are you eligible for a multistate license?
– Is your state scheduled to implement the NLC soon?
– Does your state have pending legislation? Your advocacy can make a difference.
Nurse Mosaic is here to guide you through understanding the compact, navigating application requirements, and using it to expand your opportunities. Whether you’re a nurse or CNA, our resources are designed to help you plan your next career move with confidence.
Sources & Resources
– NLC Participating States List – National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
– Pennsylvania Department of State – NLC Implementation Update
– Ventura MedStaff – 2025 NLC State Update
– Vivian Health – Nurse Licensure Compact Overview
– Remote Nurse Connection – Compact Nursing License Map
– Times Union – Opinion: Joining the NLC Will Ease the Healthcare Staffing Crisis
– Axios – How Compacts Help Fill Critical Staffing Gaps
