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Nurse Licensure Compact

Logo for Nurse Licensure CompactWhat is New?

 

 

The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level.

The eNLC has specific licensure requirements referred to as “Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs).” Under the eNLC, in order to receive a license with multi-state privilege, applicants must meet all UULRs in accordance with Virginia Code § 54.1-3040.3 C. Applicants must attest the having met these requirements at the time of initial application and renewal.

The eNLC is a modern licensure solution for the 21st century, allowing for nurses living in compact states to practice in all other compact states with a single multistate license. The states that participate in the eNLC are not exactly the same as the original NLC. In states that are new to the eNLC, existing licenses did not automatically convert to multi-state privilege license and licensees must apply for a multi-state privilege license.

Learn more about the eNLC here

Implementation Map

New states are in the process of implementing the eNLC. The Implementation Map has up-to-date membership information.

eNLC Map

Transitioning to the eNLC

There are some important changes coming as states transition to the eNLC. This Video explains the changes and benefits for nurses, employers and educators.

eNLC Video

Participation

States participating in the eNLC will not be the same states participating in the original NLC. If you have an eNLC multi-state license, you may only practice in eNLC participating states.

Implications

The eNLC has the same purpose and function as the original NLC with enhancements which include additional member states and uniform licensure requirements (ULRs).

Nurses with an original NLC multistate license will be grandfathered into the eNLC. New applicants residing in compact states will need to meet the 11 Uniform Licensure Requirements.

The NLC authorizes Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses (licensed) and residing in a compact state to practice in other compact states without the necessity of obtaining an additional license.  The NLC facilitates nursing practice among the compact states by requiring the nurse to maintain a license in his/her Primary State of Residence which grants “multi-state privilege” to practice in other compact states.

The privilege to practice in compact states requires that the nurse practice according to the laws and regulations of each state in which the nurse practices or provides care (i.e., the state in which the patient is located at the time care is rendered), either physically or electronically.  Nursing practice is not limited to patient care, and includes all nursing practice as defined by each compact state’s practice laws.  Click here to read Virginia Laws and Regulations governing the practice of Nursing.

Exceptions (Federal Government/Military Staff)

Nurse Licensure Compact Resources

 

If you would like additional information concerning the Nurse Licensure Compact, please click here to view the NLC Toolkit on NCSBN's website.

To view any of the above PDF documents, you'll need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Virginia Board of Nursing
Jay P. Douglas, MSM, RN, CSAC, FRE, Executive Director
Cynthia M. Swineford, MSN, RN, CNE, President