Non-compact nursing states
Which states are not nursing compact states?
The following jurisdictions are not currently compact states: a multistate license is not available to their residents, and a compact license from another state does not authorize practice there. A few additional jurisdictions have enacted the compact but haven’t implemented it yet, or are in partial implementation — treat those as non-compact for now too.
Non-compact jurisdictions
Enacted but not yet implemented
These have passed compact legislation but aren’t issuing multistate licenses yet. Plan as if they were non-compact until an implementation date is announced.
Partial implementation
- Guam — Guam has partial implementation of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses who hold an active multistate license from another compact state may practice in Guam under privilege, but nurses whose primary state of residence is Guam generally cannot obtain a Guam-issued multistate license until full implementation is complete.
How to work in a non-compact state
You generally apply for a single-state license or a license by endorsement directly with that state’s board of nursing. If you’re moving there permanently, that state becomes your primary state of residence, and you’d hold a single-state license. Check any specific move with the compact state checker.