National Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

The National Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between participating U.S. states that allows registered nurses (RNs) to practice across state lines with a single license. For nurses, this means they can work in multiple states without needing to obtain new licenses for each one, provided the states are part of the compact. This system simplifies the licensing process, facilitating healthcare delivery and addressing nurse shortages in various regions. It promotes flexibility for nurses while ensuring they adhere to the practice standards of the compact states.