Licensure compacts allow nurses to have one multistate license, with the ability to practice in their home state and other compact states. The Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact ( eNLC) was recently implemented and allows nurses to practice in person, or via telehealth, across states that are a part of the compact. The eNLC covers registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and vocational nurses. The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) is intended to increase access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the eNLC, nurses are able to provide care to patients in other eNLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. Nurses with an original NLC multistate license will be grandfathered into the eNLC. New applicants residing in compact states will need to meet the uniform license requirements for a multistate license.
Advanced practice nurses are covered by the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse ("APRN") Compact. The APRN Compact, approved May 4, 2015, allows an advanced practice registered nurse to hold one multistate license with a privilege to practice in other compact states. The APRN Compact will be implemented when 10 states have enacted the legislation. So far, fewer than 10 states have enacted the APRN Compact. Hopefully, eNLC implementation and the expansion of telehealth will spur additional states to enact the APRN Compact.
With the implementation of the eNLC, a licensed nurse residing in compact states may treat a patient located in any of the compact states under one multistate license. Nurses are further enabled to provide services via telehealth with the added protection and standards of the eNLC. Reimbursement remains a concern.
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