The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement among participating U.S. states that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to hold a single multistate license, enabling them to practice in any other compact member state without obtaining additional state-specific licenses, effectively enhancing nurse mobility, improving access to care, and streamlining the licensing process across state lines.

As of 2025, significant updates to the NLC have been implemented. While this expansion offers numerous benefits, it also introduces new challenges, particularly concerning disciplinary actions and compliance across varying state regulations. If you or someone you know is worried about how the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) will affect you, the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team can help. Contact us by phone at 888-535-3686 or by filling out this confidential contact form.

Understanding the 2025 NLC Updates

The 2025 updates to the NLC have further standardized licensure requirements among member states, including mandatory federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background checks, passage of the NCLEX Examination, and a clean disciplinary record. These uniform standards aim to ensure that nurses meet consistent criteria, regardless of the state in which they practice.

Increased Disciplinary Risks Across Jurisdictions

While the NLC facilitates easier cross-state practice, it also means that nurses are subject to the nursing laws and regulations of each state in which they practice. This can lead to increased disciplinary risks due to varying state-specific scopes of practice and regulations.

• 60-Day Rule for Relocation

Nurses who move from one compact state to another are required to apply for a new multistate license in their new primary state of residence within 60 days. This rule ensures that nurses are appropriately licensed in their state of residence and helps maintain accurate records across states.

• Enhanced Disciplinary Reporting

Under the updated NLC provisions, any disciplinary action taken against a nurse in one compact state is now promptly reported to all other compact states via the Nursys system. This ensures that nurses with disciplinary actions cannot evade consequences by moving to another state.

• Variations in Scope of Practice

What is permissible in one state may be a violation in another. For example, certain procedures allowed in one state might be restricted in another, leading to potential disciplinary actions if a nurse unknowingly performs a prohibited task.

• Impact of Disciplinary Actions Across States

A disciplinary action in one state can have a domino effect, impacting a nurse's ability to practice in all compact states. For instance, if a nurse faces disciplinary action in their home state, their multistate privileges can be revoked, limiting their practice to that state or potentially leading to a complete suspension.

Best Practices for Navigating Multi-State Licensure

To mitigate risks and ensure compliance:

• Stay Informed: Regularly review the Nurse Practice Acts of each state you practice in to understand specific regulations and the scope of practice.
• Timely License Updates: If relocating, initiate the application for a new multistate license promptly to adhere to the 60-day rule.
• Maintain Accurate Records: Keep thorough documentation of your practice, including procedures performed and patient interactions, to protect against potential complaints.

The 2025 updates to the Nurse Licensure Compact aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of multi-state nursing practice. However, with these changes come increased responsibilities for nurses to stay informed and compliant with varying state regulations.

By understanding the nuances of each state's requirements and proactively managing licensure obligations, nurses can continue to provide quality care across state lines while safeguarding their professional standing.

If you're worried about how to manage the new changes, the Lento Law Firm Team can help. Contact us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential contact form, and we'll be in touch.