UPDATE: Governors in New Mexico and Colorado signed legislation to join the eNLC just ahead of the implementation deadline.

The eNLC implementation launches January 19, 2018, bringing a number of changes to the multi-state licensure compact. Although some changes may seem minimal, many nurses may be disrupted.

While the reason for these changes is interesting, most travelers just want to know, “How does this affect me?”

If you currently hold a compact nursing license, life won’t change. Otherwise, be prepared for several new requirements.

Because of the confusion and uncertainty, we’ve created a breakdown of commonly asked questions to clear up concerns.

Which states are part of the eNLC?

Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Which of the original NLC states are NOT part of the eNLC?

Colorado, New Mexico and Rhode Island.

What does the eNLC implementation mean for my license?

If you are licensed in an NLC state PRIOR TO the July 20, 2017 eNLC effective date, not much will change. You are automatically included and may practice in five new states: Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

If you are licensed in one of the original NLC states AFTER the July 20, 2017 eNLC effective date and your current license does not meet the new requirements, you must reapply for a multi-state license.

To determine if your current license is eligible, you must meet these requirements:

1. Qualify for licensure within the home state (state of residency)

2. Be a Graduate from a board-approved education program, or be a graduate from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credentials review agency)

3. Pass 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. Pass an NCLEX-RN® or NCLEX-PN® Examination or predecessor exam

5. Eligible for or hold an active, unencumbered license (i.e., without active discipline)

6. Submit to state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks

7. No state or federal felony convictions

8. No misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing (determined on a case-by-case basis)

9. No participation in an alternative program, or self-disclose current participation in an alternative program

10. Hold a valid United States Social Security number

If you hold a state license NEW to the eNLC, you must apply for a multi-state license before practicing outside your home state. If you hold a state license from the original NLC that opted NOT to be part of the new eNLC (Colorado, New Mexico, and Rhode Island) you may only practice in that state.

Colorado, New Mexico and Rhode Island are now part of a smaller NLC that could be disbanded if any two decide to opt out.

What if I’m a traveler with a license from an eNLC state, but currently work in a state that hasn’t adopted eNLC?

As a result of the of January 19 implementation, you do not have authority to practice in that state any longer. However you may continue practicing once you’ve applied and been approved for an individual license in that state.

What if I’m a traveler with a license from a NLC state, but currently work in a state that has adopted eNLC?

As a result of the of January 19 implementation, you do not have authority to practice in that state any longer. However you may continue practicing once you’ve applied and been approved for an individual license in that state.

Is there any kind of emergency license available that allows me to continue practicing if I’m in a wrong state?

Although there is not an actual emergency license, some states provide temporary licenses while processing a permanent license. However, processing times for a temporary license vary by state. Some states, like New Mexico, process a temporary license in about two weeks. While others, like Colorado, take from six to eight weeks.

How can my recruiter help if I’m stuck in a state where I can’t practice?

Even though your recruiter is probably working on a solution, communicate this issue immediately. A recruiter helps you navigate the licensing process and find a new assignment where you may legally practice.

Visit the National Board of Nursing’s website for more information.

Stay tuned to Healthcare Traveler Today for more breaking news.