The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact was implemented in 29 member states Jan. 19 after governors of Colorado and New Mexico signed their legislation enacting the agreement the evening before.
The eNLC allows for registered nurses and licensed practical or vocational nurses to hold one multistate license and be able to practice in person or via telehealth in their home state or other eNLC states.
Since licensing standards are aligned with eNLC states, nurses applying for a multistate license must meet the same standards, including a federal and state criminal background check.
"This opens a new and exciting era for nursing licensure," said Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators Chairwoman Sue Tedford, RN. "The eNLC not only benefits nurses with increased mobility to practice, it also increases access to care for patients."
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