The United States Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators (ICNLCA) serves as the governing body of the nurse licensure compact (NLC). It is a framework designed to enable nurses to practice across state lines while ensuring public health safety. This commission consists of one commissioner from each participating jurisdiction. These commissioners collaborate to look out for the police, operations, and uphold the mission of this organization.
The core purpose of the ICNLCA is to facilitate interstate nursing practice in a way that promotes and maintains the protection of pubic. It focuses on cross-border nursing practice through a nationally recognized multistate license. This allows qualified nurses to deliver quality healthcare in multiple jurisdictions without requiring separate licenses in each state.
Currently, a total of 43 jurisdictions participate in the NLC legal agreement (interstate compact), which reflects a broad commitment to enhance workforce mobility and access to healthcare. U.S. states that are not yet members are encouraged to explore pathways to join this compact and contribute to this nationwide initiative.
A critical regulation within the NLC is the 60-day rule. Nurses who move from one compact state to another state must apply for licensure in their primary state of residence within 60 days. Vocational nurses (VNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) residing in the compact states may qualify for a multistate license if they meet uniform licensure requirements. Applications regarding multistate licensure are processed using the relevant board of nursing (BON). This includes the different types of pathways, such as licensure for internationally educated nurses, licensure by endorsement for nurses seeking to practice in another state, conversion from a single state to a multistate license, and licensure by examination for graduates.
To obtain a multistate license under the enhanced NLC, applicants must meet many uniform licensure requirements (ULRs). These include fulfilling the licensure criteria of their home state, graduating from an approved nursing education program or an internationally accredited program that was verified by a credential’s agency. And demonstrating English language proficiency if applicable. Candidates must pass the NCLEX-PN® or NCLEX-RN® examination (or its predecessor), hold an active or unencumbered license, and must undergo federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background checks. Additional requirements include having no practice-related misdemeanors (subject to case-by-case review) and not participating in any alternative disciplinary programs unless they were disclosed, and no felony convictions. A valid U.S. Social Security number is also mandatory.
When relocating, nurses must follow the specific rules and regulations based on their designation. If moving to another NLC state, they must apply for licensure by endorsement in their primary state of residence within a timeline of 60 days. They may continue practicing nursing under their former multistate license until the new one is issued, after which, the previous license is deactivated. If relocation to a non-compact state, their multistate license is converted into a single-state license. They must obtain licensure in the new state while notifying their former BON. In all cases, nurses must maintain an active license in the state where they practice and provide proof of residency when necessary.
Reference: Nurse Licensure Compact. Applying for Licensure. 2026.
Applying For Licensure | NURSECOMPACT
