Is Puerto Rico a nursing compact state?
No. Puerto Rico is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Nurses whose primary state of residence is Puerto Rico generally cannot obtain a Puerto Rico-issued multistate nursing license, and a compact license from another state does not authorize practice in Puerto Rico.
What nurses need to know
Because Puerto Rico has not joined the compact, there is no Puerto Rico multistate license. Puerto Rico residents hold a single-state license that is valid only in Puerto Rico.
To work in Puerto Rico with an out-of-state license, you generally apply for licensure by endorsement directly with the Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners. A compact license from another state does not cover you in Puerto Rico.
If you move your primary residence to a compact state later, you may then become eligible for a multistate license through that state.
If you live in Puerto Rico
If you live in Puerto Rico, your license is single-state — valid in Puerto Rico only. Puerto Rico residents can’t get a multistate license unless Puerto Rico joins the compact. To work in another state, you’d apply there.
If you want to work in Puerto Rico
You’ll need a Puerto Rico license — usually by endorsement — even if you hold a compact license elsewhere. Compact privilege doesn’t reach Puerto Rico.
Does the compact cover RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and APRNs?
The compact covers RNs and LPNs/LVNs. It does not, on its own, cover APRNs — nurse practitioners, CRNAs, CNSs, and CNMs generally need separate APRN authorization in each state. See the APRN guide for details, and confirm specifics with the Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners.
Planning a move or a telehealth role? For telehealth you’re generally licensed where the patient is. Run your exact situation through the compact state checker.
Check where you can practice from Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico compact questions
Related questions
Why we point you to Nursys
CompactStates explains the state rules. Nursys confirms your individual license. Nursys QuickConfirm is the official, free service where nurses can look up whether their own license is single-state or multistate. We’re an independent guide; Nursys and your board are where personal license status is verified.
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Sources reviewed
- NLC member states map & status— NCSBN / NurseCompact (nursecompact.com)
Identifies full members, partial implementation (Guam), and enacted/awaiting implementation (Massachusetts, U.S. Virgin Islands).
- NLC frequently asked questions— NCSBN / NurseCompact (nursecompact.com)
Covers multistate licenses, primary state of residence, the 60-day rule, telehealth, and license type coverage.
- Nursys QuickConfirm license verification— NCSBN / Nursys (nursys.com)
Recommended destination to verify whether a license is single-state or multistate.
Facts on this page were last reviewed against official sources on 2026-06-17. Compact law changes — always verify with your state board of nursing.
This page is a practical guide, not a licensing decision. Always confirm your situation with your board of nursing.