Nurse Licensure Compact

All states in blue represent compact states.

The mutual recognition model of nurse licensure allows a nurse to have one license (in his or her state of residency) and to practice in other states, subject to each state's practice law and regulation. Under mutual recognition, a nurse may practice across state lines unless otherwise restricted.

In order to achieve mutual recognition, each state must enact legislation or regulation authorizing the Nurse Licensure Compact. The following map indicates which states have enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Please note that although Rhode Island has enacted the NLC, they have not yet implemented it.