Alaska specifically has had pending legislation for years, but it has never successfully passed and been implemented.
The Alaska Board of Nursing, at one point, did not favor the compact license however, after overwhelming support from nurses within the state - the board now supports the legislation. With the implementation of the eNLC, Alaska will be able to easily get much-needed staff, especially in remote communities. This is monumental as both are key states for travel nurses. Alaska and Hawaii both have legislation pending. Since the last update, several key states have put out legislation to implement the eNLC. Furthermore, some state nursing associations have supported bills that previously they were against. Because of this, many states were able to start legislation toward implementation. Seven additional states, as well as the District of Columbia, have pending legislation waiting for approval before joining the eNLC.įor many states, the COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the need to lessen regulatory burdens on nursing licensure. Rhode Island is set for a January 8th, 2024 implementation while Washington is listed as January 31st, 2024. Virgin Islands have yet to determine a date for this. However, nurses who reside in the aforementioned states may not apply for a compact license quite yet. West Virginia (Registered Nurse and Practical Nurse)Ĭurrently, nurses who hold an active compact license may practice in the following states: Guam, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, U.S.Virgin Islands (eNLC enacted, awaiting implementation).Louisiana (Registered Nurse and Practical Nurse).