Understanding Nursing Licensure Compacts

Nursing has become more mobile and more interconnected than ever. With the rise of travel nursing, telehealth, and national healthcare networks, many nurses are asking the same question: How can I practice in more than one state without going through multiple license processes?

The answer often lies in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), an agreement that allows nurses to hold a multistate license. But there are important guidelines to follow.

Here’s what nurses need to know about the compact, how it works, and how continuing education requirements apply across state lines.

What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact?

The Nurse Licensure Compact is an agreement between states that allows RNs and LPNs to practice in other compact states under one license. Instead of applying separately in each state, a multistate license allows a nurse to work across borders, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria.

As of 2025, over 40 states participate in the NLC. States like Florida, Georgia, and Texas are part of the compact, while others like California and New York are not.

Who Is Eligible for a Multistate License?

To qualify for a multistate license, a nurse must:

• Hold a license in their primary state of residence (must be a compact state)
• Meet uniform licensure requirements (background check, education, no disciplinary actions)
• Agree to follow the scope of practice laws in the state of care, not just their home state

APRNs are not covered by the original NLC but are addressed under the APRNs Compact, which is still in progress as of 2025.

How Does It Affect CEU Requirements?

One common misconception is that CEU requirements are uniform across compact states. In reality, nurses must meet the CEU requirements of their primary state of residence, not the states where they temporarily practice.

For example:

• A nurse who lives in Florida and holds a compact license must complete Florida’s CEU requirements, even when practicing in Georgia or South Carolina.
  
• This includes completing Florida CEU packages, human trafficking training, and medical error prevention courses.
  
• If the nurse moves their legal residence to Georgia, they would then need to meet Georgia Board of Nursing CEU requirements.

Why It Matters for Nurses

The compact makes travel nursing and telehealth easier. It reduces paperwork, speeds up onboarding, and supports workforce flexibility. However, it also places a premium on understanding:

• Which CEUs are required for your renewal
  
• The scope of practice laws in each state where you provide care
  
• Which states are included in your multistate license

Not knowing the rules can lead to mistakes and even unintentional violations.

Staying Compliant with Online CEUs

To stay licensed and compliant, most nurses rely on online continuing education courses that meet state board standards. Look for providers that:

• Are approved by the ANCC or your state board of nursing
  
• Automatically report completions to CE Broker (in states like Florida)
  
• Offer state-specific bundles that reflect the latest laws

CE Ready provides ANCC approved CE bundles, Florida CEU packages, and other flexible learning formats that make it easy to stay compliant while managing a multistate career.

Key Takeaways

• A multistate license allows nurses to practice in multiple states with one license
  
• You must meet the CEU and license renewal requirements of your home state
  
• Always follow the scope of practice laws of the state where the patient is located
  
• APRNs are not included in the current NLC (but progress is underway)
  
• Online CEUs make compact compliance much easier
  

References

1. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (2024). Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Facts. www.ncsbn.org
   
2. Florida Board of Nursing (2023). CE Requirements for Multistate License Holders. www.flhealthsource.gov