Washington recently enacted legislation to join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), an agreement allowing registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to practice in multiple states using a single license. The state is now fully operational within the compact, streamlining the process for nurses who practice across state lines or utilize telehealth services. Understanding the timeline and current requirements is necessary for any nurse whose primary residence is in Washington or who intends to practice there.
Washington’s Current Status Regarding the NLC
Washington officially became a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) on July 24, 2023, following the signing of Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5499 by Governor Jay Inslee in April 2023. This legislative action made Washington the 40th jurisdiction to enact the compact, initiating a multi-phase implementation process. The state’s entry into the NLC was structured to ensure a smooth transition for both incoming and resident nurses, reflecting a commitment to increasing healthcare access and workforce mobility.
The implementation was divided into two distinct phases. Phase 1 began immediately on July 24, 2023, and allowed nurses holding an active multistate license (MSL) from any other compact state to begin practicing in Washington. This meant nurses from other NLC states could work immediately in Washington, either in person or via telehealth, without needing a separate Washington license.
Phase 2 involved the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) issuing multistate licenses to nurses whose primary state of residence (PSOR) is Washington. This final step of full implementation began on January 31, 2024. Since that date, Washington nurses have been able to apply for the MSL, officially making the state a fully compact jurisdiction.
What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact?
The Nurse Licensure Compact is a legal agreement between states that allows a nurse to hold one license but have the privilege to practice in all participating NLC states. The purpose of the NLC is twofold: to promote greater mobility for nurses and to enhance public protection by requiring all nurses to meet a uniform set of licensure standards. This framework removes the administrative burden of applying for multiple single-state licenses for practice across state lines.
The NLC operates on the principle of the Primary State of Residence (PSOR), which is the state where the nurse permanently resides and holds a driver’s license, votes, and pays federal taxes. The PSOR is the state that issues the multistate license, and that license is then recognized by all other compact states. This system ensures that the nurse is subject to the licensing laws and disciplinary authority of their home state, simplifying regulatory oversight.
The compact currently covers both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The uniform standards for licensure include submitting to a federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background check. By standardizing the requirements and allowing a single license to grant a “privilege to practice” in multiple states, the NLC facilitates a more flexible and responsive healthcare workforce.
Benefits of a Multistate Nursing License
A multistate nursing license offers significant advantages for professional nurses, primarily by eliminating the administrative hurdles associated with practicing in multiple jurisdictions. For travel nurses, the MSL provides immediate access to job opportunities in other compact states, allowing them to accept new contracts quickly without waiting for a new license application to be processed. This increased mobility supports a more flexible career path and allows nurses to respond rapidly to shifting workforce demands.
The compact license also greatly expands opportunities for nurses who utilize technology in their practice, particularly in telehealth. Nurses can provide services to patients located in any NLC state from their home state, which is especially important for case managers, triage nurses, and those working in specialized remote care. This ability to work across state lines without obtaining additional licenses reduces costs and bureaucratic delays.
For military spouses, who often relocate every few years, the MSL offers a practical solution to maintaining their career continuity. Instead of repeatedly applying for a new license in each state, they can seamlessly transition their practice to the new compact jurisdiction. This convenience reduces career interruptions and supports the retention of experienced nurses in the workforce.
What Washington Nurses Must Do to Practice in Other States
Before Washington’s full NLC implementation on January 31, 2024, and currently for practice in any non-compact state, Washington nurses have had to rely on the process of Licensure by Endorsement. This process requires a nurse to apply for a single-state license in a new jurisdiction, even if they hold an active license in Washington. The endorsement process is a lengthy application that involves submitting proof of a current license, verification of education, and payment of significant fees to the receiving state.
A nurse applying for endorsement must often provide official transcripts from their nursing program and verification of their original licensing exam, such as the NCLEX. The receiving state’s board of nursing then reviews the application to ensure the nurse’s qualifications meet their local requirements, which can include state-specific training or jurisprudence exams. This method remains the only path for nurses who wish to practice in states that have not yet joined the NLC.
Nurses moving into Washington from a non-compact state, or those who moved to Washington before the January 2024 full implementation, also had to use the endorsement process to obtain a single-state Washington license. This involved a detailed application to the Washington State Board of Nursing, often including a federal background check and the completion of state-mandated training, such as the Suicide Prevention Training. The endorsement route is characterized by a high degree of administrative overhead and variable processing times across different states.
Preparing for Washington’s Full NLC Implementation
Since Washington is now fully operational within the NLC, current single-state licensees whose primary state of residence is Washington can apply to upgrade their license to a multistate license. This transition process requires the nurse to submit an application to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON), which verifies their eligibility against the uniform compact standards. A key requirement for obtaining a multistate license is that the nurse must not have any current disciplinary action on their license.
The application for the MSL also mandates that the nurse pass a federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background check. Furthermore, the nurse must meet the standard NLC eligibility criteria, including having passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) or its predecessor. Nurses transitioning their single-state license to an MSL will incur a one-time conversion fee of $65, in addition to the standard license fees and annual renewal fees.
Washington nurses should utilize the online portal provided by WABON to initiate the application for the MSL. The board works to process these applications efficiently, with a review process that typically takes a few weeks. Successful completion of this process grants the nurse the privilege to practice in all other NLC member states and territories.
Monitoring the NLC Implementation
Washington’s transition to full NLC participation allows Washington resident nurses to now apply for and utilize the multistate license. Nurses are encouraged to monitor the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington State Board of Nursing websites for any further updates regarding fees, application procedures, or changes to the compact status.