As citizens of the United States, we have the ability to move to any state our heart desires. Despite this freedom, the process of becoming a citizen of a new state is not without its complications. New residents need to re-register their car, purchase new license plates, and update their driver’s license typically within the first month.
Nurses especially have an unenviable hoop to jump through. They need to ensure that they can legally utilize their registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or nurse practitioner (NP) license in the state they move to. It’s a complicated and important process that can differ based on the state.
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Nursing License and Moving
Before 2000, the process of receiving a license to practice in a new state was far less uniform. In order to transfer their licenses, all professionals would need to look into the individual requirements set by the state’s board of registered nursing.
By the late 1997’s, technology had reached a point where telemedicine and interstate practice was gradually becoming a reality. In order to facilitate the ability of nurses to practice across state lines the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) was introduced.
An NLC multi-state license allows RNs and LPNs who live in a NLC state to practice in any other NLC state. In 2000, when the legislation was first introduced only three states (Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin) adopted the compact. Right now 25 states are a part of the NLC network.
The creation of the NLC has created three different paths that can be utilized to obtain a license in a new home state:
1. Single-State License to Single-State License
When you move between single license states, you will need to check the state website for any requirements.
Usually the process involves:
– Filling out various forms outlining education and licensure information. Depending on the state this will either be a paper or online process.
– A licensure fee.
– Verification of a license in another state. This is either accomplished utilizing Nursys (a licensure database used by some states) or submitting another form.
This entire process can take a bit, so its best if you start the application process a month or two before you move. Failure to start early could lead to an inability to practice medicine until the license is approved.
2. NLC State to Single-State License
The NLC state to single-state license much is the same as the single-state to single-state license process. When the new state certification is approved, you will no longer have a multi-state license. You will need to report to the board of nursing that you now have a single-state license.
3. NLC State to NLC State
Individuals moving between NLC states have a far easier time. Individuals can practice in their new states anywhere from 30 to 90 days (depending on the state) before a license in that new ‘home’ state is required.
Although they can temporarily work, new residents will need to apply for licensure by endorsement for RN certification in their new home state. If a new license is not granted by the end of the 30 to 90 day period, their multi-state license will no longer be valid. Licensure can sometimes take more than 30 days, so it’s recommended you at least start the application process a month or two in advance.
In order to apply compact state RNs or LPNs should go to their new state’s board of nursing website. Information on how to apply, any fees that will be required, and how to declare the compact state their primary state of residency will be found there.
What About NPs?
Nurse practitioners don’t have it as easy. No NP compact currently exists. This is partly due to the fact that Nurse Practitioner autonomy varies significantly from state to state. In 22 states, nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat patients, and prescribe medicine without a doctor’s permission or oversight. The remaining states either have partial autonomy or no autonomy at all. The variation, plus variation in how often NPs need to re-apply for their license, makes a one-size fits all multi-state license hard.
NPs who plan to move to a new state should first double check the legal restrictions that NPs have in their new state. This could change the pool of potential jobs available to you.
Once you have that settled, you will need to consult the licensure requirements set by the state’s board of nursing. Some states, like New York, require NPs apply for RN and NP certifications. Others, like Maine, have streamlined the process by only requiring professionals be NP certified.
Like transferring your RN credentials, a NPs best bet will to begin the certification process a month or two before the planned move to a new state.
The need to transfer nursing credentials from one state to another makes the relocation process between states complicated. Nurses should, if they can, start planning their move months in advance. This is especially true for NPs or LPNs and RNs who aren’t moving between compact states. Licensure and certification processes, while complicated, can be easily navigated if nurses have the foresight to grant themselves enough time.