Louisiana implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) July 1, 2019.

The NLC increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses.

See the headings below for further details and information.

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

 

Louisiana is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC allows a registered nurse licensed in a Compact state to practice across state lines in another Compact state without having to obtain a license in the other state. It is important to remember that the NLC requires nurses to adhere to the nursing practice laws and rules of the state in which he/she practices under his/her Compact license. If a nurse moves from one state to another and establishes residency, the nurse must apply for licensure in that state. Nurses are required to be licensed in the state where the recipient of nursing practice is located at the time service is provided. A multistate license allows the nurse to practice in the home state and all compact states with one license issued by the home state.

Removing barriers to cross-border practice, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate agreement allowing a nurse to have one license and the privilege to practice in other compact states. The NLC fosters public protection and access to care through the mutual recognition of one state-based license that is enforced locally and recognized nationally. Along with a majority of state nurses associations, hospital associations and health care facilities in every state overwhelmingly support the NLC. The NLC includes important patient safety features such as facilitation of the sharing of licensure, investigative and disciplinary action information among member states. Since the NLC’s initial launch, advances in technology and an increasingly mobile nursing workforce and patient population have created the need to break down barriers to interstate practice. Access to care has expanded and telehealth has transformed care delivery and erased geographic boundaries. The NLC has the ability to remove the licensure barrier to telehealth practice for more than 4 million nurses.

 

Am I eligible for the multistate license?

 

An applicant for licensure in a state that is part of the NLC must meet the following uniform licensure requirements:

  1. Meets the requirements for licensure in the home state (primary state of residency);
  2. A. Has graduated from a board-approved education program; or B. Has graduated from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credentials review agency);
  3. Has passed an English proficiency examination (applies to graduates of an international education program not taught in English or if English is not the individual’s native language);
  4. Has passed an NCLEX-RN® or NCLEX-PN® Examination or predecessor exam;
  5. Is eligible for or holds an active, unencumbered license (i.e., without active discipline);
  6. Has submitted to state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks;
  7. Has no state or federal felony convictions;
  8. Has no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing (determined on a case-by-case basis);
  9. Is not currently a participant in an alternative program;
  10. Is required to self-disclose current participation in an alternative program;

I am currently licensed as a RN in Louisiana. Do I have to obtain a multistate license?

 

As a RN currently licensed in Louisiana, you can continue to hold your single-state license if you wish. There is nothing you have to do if you wish to continue with a single-state license. You will renew your license biennially before the expiration date to maintain active licensure in Louisiana. If your circumstances change and you wish to practice in other compact states while maintaining residency in Louisiana, you may apply to convert the Louisiana single state license to a multistate license at any time after July 1, 2019.

What is my primary state of residence?

 

Your primary state of residence (PSOR) refers to your legal state of residency and refers to your declared fixed permanent and principal home for legal purposes; domicile. You are not required to own property in order for a state to be considered your PSOR. Proof of primary residence includes:

  • current, unexpired driver’s license with a home address;
  • federal income tax return with a primary state of residence declaration; or
  • military form no. 2058 (state of legal residence certificate).

How do I apply for the multistate license if I currently have a single state RN license in Louisiana?

 

If you reside in Louisiana and plan to practice in another compact state, you must submit a conversion application for conversion of your current single state license to a compact/multistate license. Your RN license will not automatically convert to a compact/multistate license. Log into your Louisiana Nurse Portal account and select “Other Applications” from the dashboard which appears immediately after you log into your account. Select the Conversion application. The Conversion application requires an updated criminal background history and a fee of $89.25 (which includes the application fee of $50 and the background check fee of $39.25). If you previously submitted a background check for which results were received more than 60 days prior to submission of the application, an additional background check is required. Please allow up to 60 days for processing once a complete application is submitted.

Do I need to get my fingerprints done to apply for the conversion application?

 

The Board of Nursing will accept background history reports completed by LSBN within the previous 60 days of applying for the conversion. If you have not had your fingerprints done and sent to the Board in the last 60 days, you must submit fingerprints as required by the NLC statute.

If I have a multistate license from another compact state, when should I apply for licensure by endorsement?

 

When moving and changing primary state of legal residence to a new NLC state, it is your responsibility to apply for licensure by endorsement. This should be completed upon moving and you should not delay. There is no grace period. Do not wait until the former license expires to apply for licensure in the new state of legal residency. You may practice on the former home state license only until the multistate license in the new NLC home state is issued. Proof of residency is required in Louisiana. Upon issuance of a new multistate license, the former license is inactivated.

NLC Memo to Employers

 

This memo informs employers about the requirements of the Nurse Licensure Compact: https://www.nursecompact.com/files/Legalmemotoemployers2018.pdf.

How do I apply for an APRN license if I have a Multistate Compact RN license in another state?

 

The NLC pertains to RN and LPN licenses only. An APRN must hold an individual state license as an APRN in each state of APRN practice. Any nurse desiring to be licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse must apply to LSBN and indicate that you hold a current RN license in Louisiana or holds an active multistate license RN license in another compact state.

In which other states am I authorized to practice with a Multistate License (MSL)?

 

You can see a map of the states, including NLC states, at https://www.nursecompact.com/. The multistate license will provide nurses with the “privilege to practice” in any compact state whether they are going to that state in-person or practicing via telehealth from Louisiana with a patient located in another compact state. The multistate license does not provide nurses with the privilege to practice in any non-compact state.

When I renew, will I receive the multistate license automatically?

 

No. The multistate license application is separate from your renewal and has a one-time application fee of $50 plus the criminal background check fee ($39.25). This application can be completed online. Once the application is complete and approved, your current license will have the indicator that it is a multistate license. Your license number will not change. You are then eligible to work anywhere within the NLC member states. The application review process may take up to 60 days. It is not mandatory that you obtain a multistate license and completing this application will not renew and update the expiration date on your license. A licensee renews the single state or multistate license which is held at the time of a biennial renewal.

What statute/law in Louisiana talks about the Nurse Licensure Compact?

 

The NLC is part of Louisiana laws in Part V, Chapter 11 of Title 37, section 1018 through 1020. The Act that was signed by the governor approving the NLC is available to be viewed at http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1102938.

What are the requirements to be eligible for a multistate license?

 

An applicant for licensure in a state that is part of the NLC must meet the following uniform licensure requirements:

  1. Meets the requirements for licensure in the home state (i.e. Louisiana);
  2. A. Has graduated from a board-approved education program; or B. Has graduated from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credentials review agency);
  3. Has passed an English proficiency examination (applies to graduates of an international education program not taught in English or if English is not the individual’s native language);
  4. Has passed an NCLEX-RN® or NCLEX-PN® Examination or predecessor exam;
  5. Is eligible for or holds an active, unencumbered license (i.e., without active discipline);
  6. Has submitted to state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks;
  7. Has no state or federal felony convictions;
  8. Has no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing (determined on a case-by-case basis);
  9. Is not currently a participant in an alternative program;
  10. Is required to self-disclose current participation in an alternative program; and
  11. Has a valid United States Social Security number; and
  12. Declare Louisiana as your primary state of residence if you request to be issued a multistate license from Louisiana.

What do the terms “party state”, “remote state”, and “home state” mean?

 

Party state refers to any state that has adopted this compact.

Home state refers to the party state which is the nurse’s primary state of residence.

Remote state refers to a party state other than the home state.

What does Multistate License mean?

 

For individuals declaring Louisiana as their primary state of residence, “multistate license” means a license issued by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in all Nurse Licensure Compact states under a multistate licensure privilege to practice.

You can look up your license in NURSYS by using this link: https://www.nursys.com/LQC/LQCTerms.aspx. Nurses are eligible to work in Louisiana when they hold a valid multistate license from another Compact State.

If you are a nurse practicing in Louisiana under the privilege of a different party state license, you are not required to pay any fees or complete continuing education requirements for the State of Louisiana. Please refer to the requirements for the state that has issued the license.

What does Single State License mean?

 

A single state license only authorizes the nurse to practice in the state that issued the license.

For individuals issued a single state license in Louisiana, “single-state license” means a license issued by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing to practice as a registered nurse (RN) within the state of Louisiana and which does not include a multistate licensure privilege to practice in any other state.

You can look up your license in NURSYS by using this link: https://www.nursys.com/LQC/LQCTerms.aspx. Nurses are eligible to work in Louisiana when they hold a valid multistate license from another Compact State.

If you are a nurse practicing in Louisiana under a single state license, you are required to renew your license to retain an active license, pay any renewal fees, and complete continuing education requirements for the State of Louisiana. Please refer to the requirements for the state that has issued any other single state license to you.

I graduated from a nursing program outside of the United States. How do I qualify for multistate licensure?

 

In order to qualify for multistate licensure, applicants who are internationally educated will be required to complete an English proficiency exam approved by the board and have their education evaluated in addition to the other requirements for licensure. Please review the instructions for licensure by examination or endorsement which are available on LSBN’s website for further information for applicants educated outside of the United States.

Why was my license deactivated?

 

Compact rules do not allow a license to be maintained or renewed if the nurse has a license in another party/compact state that allows them to practice in Louisiana. The multistate license issued by the prior home state must be deactivated in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the Interstate Commission which governs the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Your Louisiana license will be deactivated if you hold a single state license in Louisiana and hold a multistate license in another Compact state or you hold a multistate license in Louisiana and also another multistate license in another compact party state.

When will Louisiana begin issuing multistate licenses?

 

Beginning July 1, 2019, Louisiana will issue a multistate license to new applicants if all requirements for compact licensure are met. Existing Louisiana RNs a will have the option to apply to convert their current licenses to multistate licenses as of July 1st as well.

What does the NLC mean for employers?

 

Once the NLC is effective, nurses will be able to practice (in person or by telehealth) in other NLC states with just one multistate license obtained in their state of residence. Faculty and military spouses will just need one license to teach or practice across states in the NLC. The NLC is only for registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs), not for advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs).

For more information provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing about the NLC click https://www.nursecompact.com/FAQs.page.

 

What are the benefits of being part of the NLC?

 

The compact gives nurses the ability to practice in multiple states with one license and reduces regulatory requirements by removing the necessity for obtaining a license in each of the compact states.

What if I was licensed in Louisiana before Louisiana joined the NLC?

 

Louisiana RNs will be able to start applying on July 1, 2019 to convert to a multistate license and must meet the following requirements.

  • Have a current, clear/unencumbered, active license;
  • Graduated from a qualifying education program (or graduated from a foreign program verified by independent credentials review agency);
  • Passed an English proficiency exam if educated outside of the United States;
  • Pass the NCLEX exam or approved predecessor exam;
  • Submit to a federal criminal background check;
  • Have no felony conviction or misdemeanor conviction that impacts the practice of nursing as determined by the board;
  • Not currently enrolled in an alternative to discipline program (i.e. recovering nurse program);
  • Disclose to the board if the licensee becomes a participant in an alternative to discipline program;
  • Have a valid U. S. Social Security number.

 

What if I move to another state?

 

An RN who changes his or her primary state of residence by moving from a party state to another party state must apply for licensure in the new home state. The multistate license issued by the prior home state must be deactivated in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the Interstate Commission which governs the Nurse Licensure Compact.

  • If you are moving between 2 compact party states- obtain license from the new home state; license from the former home state is no longer valid.
  • If you are moving from a nonparty state to a party state- obtain license from the new home state; license from the non-compact state is not affected and remains in full force.
  • If you are moving from a party state to a nonparty state- license issued by the prior home state converts to a single state license “valid only in___”.

 

What is a disqualifying event?

 

Disqualifying events result in a nurse becoming disqualified from or ineligible to retain or renew a multistate license which include but are not limited to:

  • Adverse actions that result in an encumbrance (i.e. suspension or probation of a license);
  • Participation in an alternative program;
  • Misdemeanor offense, including an agreed disposition, related to the practice of nursing as determined by the board;
  • Felony offense, including an agreed disposition.

The Board office must be notified in writing of anything that changes or affects a response given in your application including the occurrence of a disqualifying event during the time you hold a multistate license issued by LSBN.

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