The NLC is an innovative step that opens up new mobility and practice flexibility for licensed nurses. This is the compact which enables Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to work in several states without having to bother about getting a separate license for that specific state.
What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
The Nurse Licensure Compact is an agreement on recognizing nursing licenses across participating states. A nurse holding a compact license can then practice in any compact state without the requirement to hold state-specific licenses. Such a system would be useful for dealing with a workforce shortage, increasing access to care, and improving administrative efficiency.Especially for practical nurses, a compact licensure ensures scope. It is important because it addresses the growing demand for health services today. An LPN must only obtain this license to provide nursing services in several jurisdictions with just a few minor bureaucratic hurdles, such as those affecting bordering states.
Eligibility and requirements for multi state licensure
To qualify for a multistate license under the eNLC, one needs to meet the following requirements:
- Proper declaration of the compact state as the primary state of residence by the nurse.
- Complying with all different uniform licensure eligibility requirements, which include graduating from a board-approved nursing program; passing the NCLEX-PN (for LPNs); having satisfactorily completed state and federal background checks.
- Conviction-free and disciplinary action-free record with regard to any felony.
Benefits of compact for practical nurses
These are many benefits of the NLC for both the practical nurse and the healthcare industry:
Increased mobility: The ability to work across states – ideal for nomadic travel nurses or even those with a position that’s state border-based.
Reduced costs: That compact license is enough for all states; thus, LPNs save costs on license fees and renewal.
Streamlined licensing process: Practical nurses avoid the time-consuming process of applying for and maintaining multiple state licenses.
Access to improved care: The compact is a quicker response-time reaction for LPNs while filling workforce shortages in emergencies such as natural disasters or public health crises.
Enhanced telehealth opportunities: With new compact licenses, LPNs can also work across state lines in telehealth.
List of current compact states for practical nurses
- 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
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
States that are not compact
- Alaska
- California
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New York
- Oregon
Practical considerations for LPNs in compact states
Although the compact provides some useful benefits, it also has some challenges for the practical nurse:
Scope of practice differences: Each state defines its own area of practice for LPNs. Even though they are in the compact, all nurses must be governed by the laws of state in which they are practicing.
Renewal and compliance: Compact licenses will renew as per the home state’s requirements. LPNs will need to ensure compliance with the home state’s regulations to maintain compact privileges.
Temporary practice: LPNs may practice temporarily in non-compact states; however, if they want to stay for a long time, they must apply for a local license.
Future of NLC
The Nurse Licensure Compact keeps growing to include other states that are actively looking to join the state compact. This is an acknowledgment of the compact as a remedy to significant issues affecting the nursing workforce. Policymakers and health system leaders are beginning to appreciate how a more flexible and mobile workforce can meet these increased health care demands. At this point, it makes all the more sense to state that technological advances, including telehealth, weigh in importance on the NLC. As telehealth becomes the norm in the delivery of healthcare, this compact allows LPNs to provide care across state lines without unnecessary regulatory hurdles.
Conclusion
For LPNs the multi-state licensure process is simplified in a cost-effective way. Enhanced mobility, reduced administrative burdens, and improved access to quality care for LPNs who can now work in many states by virtue of just one license offered by the compact. For those LPNs who want a flexible career, the compact must be understood and utilized in the right way. Whether it is to get into one of the new challenges across state lines or to offer telehealth services, this NLC would open doors for a world of possibilities.