How The Multistate Licensure Model Works

The model is very similar to the current driver’s license model. Someone holding a driver’s license in his/her home state is allowed by law to drive in other states without applying for a driver’s license in each state they drive through. Although requirements to obtain a driver’s license are very similar in each state, any individual state may determine and vary its licensure requirements.

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is similar because it allows a travel nurse (or any nurse for that matter) licensed in one “home” compact state to practice in other compact states without seeking additional nursing licenses. Another similarity to the driver’s license model is that the Nurse Licensure Compact works through laws that have been passed by the legislature of each participating state. The ‘meat’ of any state Compact law must permit the nursing board of that state to recognize travel nurses who are licensed as nurses from other participating compact states.

In order to make use of the multi-state licensure privilege, the NLC requires that the travel nurse be licensed in the state where they permanently reside. This license is known as a “home state license.” The travel nurse must meet the licensure criteria of their home state in order to receive and keep multi-state licensure recognition (MSR) privileges on their home state nursing license.

Other states that belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact are known as “Party” states because their governments have agreed to recognize nurses who are licensed in other compact-member states. This license recognition allows travel nurses to practice in a party state on their home state license. A nurse practicing in another party state pursuant to the multi-state privilege must comply with the state practice laws of the state in which the patient is located at the time care is given.