Virginia is a compact state for nursing, allowing registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to practice across state lines with a single license. Membership in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases career mobility and flexibility for nurses working in multiple member states. This agreement establishes mutual recognition of a nursing license issued by a nurse’s home state, eliminating the need for separate licenses in every jurisdiction.
Understanding the Nurse Licensure Compact
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate agreement designed to facilitate the practice of nursing across state boundaries, improving access to care and reducing regulatory hurdles. The core mechanism is the multi-state license (MSL), which functions as a single credential recognized by all NLC member states.
A nurse must declare one state as their Primary State of Residence (PSOR), defined as their legal state of residence. The nurse obtains their MSL from the board of nursing in their PSOR, granting the privilege to practice in any other NLC member state. This framework ensures nurses meet only the licensing and renewal requirements of their home state. The NLC also establishes Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs) that all MSL holders must meet, promoting a baseline standard of qualification.
Virginia’s Official Compact Status
Virginia became a member of the original Nurse Licensure Compact, but formally adopted the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) several years later. The state’s current participation is under the eNLC, which features strengthened uniform requirements for multi-state licensure. Virginia officially implemented the enhanced compact on January 19, 2018.
This implementation means Virginia’s Board of Nursing operates under the compact’s specific guidelines when issuing or recognizing a multi-state license. Nurses residing in Virginia who meet the necessary criteria can apply to have multi-state privileges attached to their Virginia license.
Practical Implications of Compact Licensure
The implications of Virginia’s compact status vary based on a nurse’s Primary State of Residence (PSOR). Nurses whose legal residence is Virginia must apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing for a multi-state license.
To qualify, they must meet the Uniform Licensure Requirements, including passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and submitting to a federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background check. Once approved, the Virginia-issued MSL allows the nurse to practice in any other NLC member state without seeking additional licensure.
Nurses who hold a multi-state license issued by another NLC member state can immediately practice in Virginia. They do not need a separate Virginia license but must maintain their license and residency in their original compact state. Their practice in Virginia is governed by Virginia’s state practice laws.
Nurses whose PSOR is in a non-compact state cannot obtain an MSL. If a nurse with a single-state license from a non-compact state wishes to practice in Virginia, they must apply for licensure by endorsement with the Virginia Board of Nursing. This process results in a single-state Virginia license, permitting practice only within Virginia’s borders.
Using Nursys to Verify Compact Licensure
Nurses and employers rely on the Nursys system, the national database for verification of nursing licensure, discipline, and practice privileges. This system acts as the official resource for confirming the status of a nurse’s license, including whether it holds multi-state privileges.
Nursys is the central repository for license information provided by participating boards of nursing, including all NLC member states. The platform provides a free service called Licensure QuickConfirm, allowing users to look up a nurse’s license and verify its current status and any disciplinary actions. Healthcare employers in Virginia rely on this official database to ensure all practicing nurses hold valid credentials.
The integration of Virginia into the NLC provides a significant advantage for nurses seeking to expand their professional horizons. Compact status promotes career mobility and a more flexible workforce by reducing the administrative burden of obtaining multiple licenses. Nurses must use official channels, such as the Nursys system, to verify their specific license status and ensure compliance with all compact regulations.