Nursing licenses are not automatically transferred when a nurse moves across state lines. Instead, specific legal processes are required to ensure public protection and regulatory compliance. The two main pathways for authorization to practice in a new jurisdiction are the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) or Licensure by Endorsement. Each state’s Board of Nursing (BON) governs these processes, so verifying the exact rules of the destination state is necessary.
Understanding the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate agreement allowing registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs/LVNs) to hold one multi-state license (MSL) and practice in all participating member states, physically or electronically. This system uses a mutual recognition model: the license is issued by the nurse’s Primary State of Residence (PSOR) but is recognized by all other compact states. Managed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the NLC standardizes requirements for multi-state practice.
This compact simplifies the process for travel nurses or those living near state borders by eliminating the need for separate licenses in every state. Nurses with an MSL are granted a “privilege to practice” in remote compact states, but they must adhere to the nurse practice act and regulations of the state where the patient is located.
Determining Your NLC Eligibility
Eligibility for a multi-state license is strictly tied to the nurse’s Primary State of Residence (PSOR), which must be a compact state. The PSOR is defined as the state where the nurse legally resides, regardless of property ownership. Proof of PSOR is established through documentation such as a current driver’s license, voter registration card, or the state declared on one’s federal income tax return. A nurse can only claim one state as their legal residence for NLC purposes.
If a nurse resides in a compact state and meets all uniform licensure requirements, they are eligible for the multi-state license. If the nurse’s PSOR is a non-compact state, they are ineligible for an MSL and can only hold a single-state license issued by the compact state where they practice. When a nurse with an MSL moves their legal residence from one compact state to another, they must apply for a new multi-state license by endorsement in the new home state within 60 days. The former MSL converts to a single-state license in the previous state once the new MSL is issued.
The Process of Licensure by Endorsement
Licensure by Endorsement is the pathway used when a nurse moves to or between non-compact states, or when moving from a non-compact state to a compact state. This process requires the nurse to apply for a single-state license in the destination state based on credentials earned in their original state of licensure. Endorsement acknowledges that the nurse has already completed an approved nursing program and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), eliminating the need to retake the exam.
The process involves submitting a formal application and paying required fees to the destination state’s Board of Nursing. The new jurisdiction verifies that the applicant meets the same standards as its own nurses. This often includes requesting verification of the existing license and providing proof of educational credentials. Successfully completing this process results in a single-state license valid only within that specific state’s borders.
Key Requirements for Endorsement Applications
Endorsement applications require specific documentation to satisfy the destination state’s Board of Nursing requirements. A necessary step is the Verification of Licensure (VOS) from the original state and any other state where the nurse has held a license. Many state boards participate in the Nursys database, which allows for electronic verification of licensure status.
Applicants must meet several key requirements:
- Undergo a criminal background check, which mandates fingerprinting through a state-approved vendor.
- Provide transcripts to verify the completion of an approved nursing education program.
- Show proof of having met state-specific continuing education (CE) units.
- Meet requirements regarding recent clinical practice, such as proof of practice hours within the last few years.
- Complete a jurisprudence exam, which tests knowledge of the state’s specific laws governing nursing practice (required by certain jurisdictions).
Special Considerations for Temporary and Advanced Practice
Temporary Permits
Nurses seeking to begin work quickly while their full endorsement application is processed may be eligible for a temporary permit. These permits are issued for a limited timeframe, typically a few months, allowing the nurse to practice under supervision until the permanent license is granted. A temporary permit is a one-time allowance that cannot be renewed or extended. The applicant must hold an active single-state license in the state of practice for the permit to be issued.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
Transferring an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license requires separate endorsement, as the NLC only applies to RN and LPN licenses. APRNs, such as Nurse Practitioners, must pursue endorsement for their advanced license in the new state. This process involves additional credentialing requirements and a review of the APRN’s specific role and population focus area. Prescriptive authority is highly variable by state; the APRN must apply for this separately, often requiring proof of advanced pharmacology coursework or a supervised practice agreement.
Maintaining Compliance Across Jurisdictions
Once a new license is secured, the nurse must maintain compliance with the specific regulations of that jurisdiction. This includes understanding the unique license renewal cycle and any state-specific continuing education (CE) requirements. Some CE requirements are specialized, such as mandated courses on child abuse recognition or specific hours in pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs. Failure to meet these renewal standards can result in the license lapsing or becoming inactive.
Nurses must report disciplinary action or criminal convictions taken in one state to all other state Boards of Nursing where they hold a license. The nurse must ensure that any license held remains unencumbered, meaning it is not subject to disciplinary action. This mandate ensures public safety and is required for maintaining professional licensure across multiple jurisdictions.