The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate agreement designed to streamline the process for nurses to practice across state borders. This framework allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to hold a single multi-state license, which is recognized in all other member jurisdictions. Michigan is currently not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This status means all nurses practicing in the state are subject to Michigan’s single-state licensing requirements.
The Current Status of Michigan and the NLC
Michigan operates under a single-state licensing model, which requires any nurse practicing within its geographic borders to hold a license issued by the Michigan Board of Nursing. The state is one of a small number of jurisdictions that has not yet joined the NLC, despite the compact’s broad national adoption.
This regulatory position dictates that a multi-state license issued by an NLC member state is not sufficient for a nurse to legally practice in Michigan. Any nurse with a multi-state compact license must first apply for and be granted a specific, single-state Michigan license. Conversely, a license issued by the Michigan Board of Nursing only grants the authority to practice within the boundaries of Michigan, necessitating separate licensing procedures for Michigan-licensed nurses who wish to work elsewhere.
Understanding the Nurse Licensure Compact
The Nurse Licensure Compact facilitates professional mobility by allowing a nurse to practice in any NLC member state using a license issued by their primary state of residence (PSOR). The core benefit is that the nurse only needs to maintain one license, which significantly reduces the administrative burden and cost associated with obtaining multiple state licenses.
Eligibility for a multi-state compact license is tied directly to the nurse’s primary state of residence, defined as the state where the nurse holds a driver’s license, votes, or pays federal income tax. A nurse must permanently reside in an NLC state to be eligible for a multi-state license. All member states agree to a common set of safety and competency standards, which includes a federal background check for all applicants.
Licensing for Out-of-State Nurses Moving to Michigan
Because Michigan is not a compact state, nurses moving into the state must seek licensure by endorsement, which is a formal application process. This process confirms the applicant’s existing license and credentials meet the standards set forth in Michigan’s Public Health Code. The process begins with submitting an application and paying the required fee to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Applicants must arrange for the verification of their original nursing license from the state where they first passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This verification is often submitted electronically through the Nursys national database or directly from the licensing board. A mandatory component of the application process is a criminal background check, requiring the applicant to submit fingerprints for review.
The Michigan Board of Nursing also requires nurses to affirm completion of certain state-specific training requirements. Applicants must attest to having completed training in pain and symptom management, implicit bias, and human trafficking awareness. The endorsement process ensures all educational and experience prerequisites for a Michigan-issued license have been satisfied.
Licensing for Michigan Nurses Practicing in Other States
A nurse whose primary state of residence is Michigan holds a single-state license, meaning they do not qualify for a multi-state compact license. If a Michigan-licensed nurse wishes to practice in another state, they must follow that state’s specific requirements for out-of-state applicants.
For NLC member states, the Michigan nurse must still apply for a single-state license through the licensure by endorsement process in the new state. They cannot be issued a multi-state license. The nurse will be subject to all endorsement requirements of the new state, including fees, background checks, and verification of their Michigan license.
If the Michigan nurse is moving to another non-compact state, the process is similar; they must apply for licensure by endorsement in that state. This results in the nurse holding multiple single-state licenses, each allowing practice only within the borders of the issuing state. The need to pursue individual licenses for each state highlights the administrative friction the NLC was designed to eliminate.
The Future of NLC Legislation in Michigan
Michigan legislators have introduced measures aimed at joining the Nurse Licensure Compact in recent sessions, demonstrating an ongoing effort to align the state with the national trend. Specific bills have advanced through the legislative process, indicating serious consideration of the compact model. Previous attempts to join the NLC were met with resistance, including a veto in 2020 over concerns about potential loss of state control over licensing standards.
Advocates for the NLC argue that membership would help alleviate projected nursing shortages and improve patient access, particularly through telehealth services. The process of passing the bill, having it signed into law, and completing the required administrative implementation can take a substantial amount of time. Nurses and healthcare employers must continue to plan their professional and workforce strategies based on Michigan’s current single-state licensing model until the legislation is fully enacted.