Nursing Compact Facts Sheet | Board of Nursing

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

• An interstate compact – a statutory agreement between two or more states. (The NLC consisted of 25 states)

• Allows nurses to have a multistate license that permits them to practice in other member states, subject to each state’s practice laws. (All licenses are multistate licenses unless disciplinary action precludes)

• Reduces regulatory requirements by eliminating the necessity to obtain a license in each state.

• Removes burdensome expenses for both nurses and the organizations that employ them.

• Increases access to care while maintaining public protection.

• Allows nurses to practice, both physically and electronically (telehealth), in multiple states.

• Allows nurses to quickly cross state borders and provide vital services in the event of an emergency.

• NLC has been operational and successful for 17 years.

• Wisconsin has been a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact since 2000.

What is the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)?

• The eNLC is an updated version of the NLC. Continues the benefits of the NLC.

• Provides option to have a single state or multistate license.

• Multistate nurses meet uniform licensure requirements (ULR)¹ for all states. The ULR are:

  Meets licensure requirements in the state of residency.

  • Graduates from a qualifying education program.

  • Passed the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam or predecessor exam.

  • Have no active discipline on a license.

  • Submits to a fingerprint criminal background check and has no state or federal felony conviction.

  • Not currently enrolled in an alternative program.

  • Has a valid social security number.

• Grandfathers all nurses holding a NLC multistate license on July 20, 2017.

• Administration of compact changes from Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators (NLCA) to Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators (Interstate Commission)

• Creates Rulemaking efficiency. NLCA had the authority to develop compact rules (without the public’s

  ability to comment or a public hearing) which the NLC required each state to adopt as developed. Under the eNLC, the Interstate Commission will promulgate rules.

  • Notice of proposed rulemaking will be published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register

  • Comments may be submitted and public hearing held on proposed rules.

What is the impact on Wisconsin?

• States² which adopted the eNLC will be withdrawing from the NLC on January 19, 2018. After January 18, 2018:

  • Wisconsin nurses will no longer be able to practice, physically or electronically, in these states without obtaining a license in that state.

  • Nurses from these states will no longer be able to practice, physically or electronically, in

  • Wisconsin without obtaining a Wisconsin license.

• After January 18, 2018 the only states remaining in the NLC will be Colorado, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

• If Wisconsin enacts the eNLC prior to January 19, 2018, there is a seamless transition for all

  grandfathered nurses (not required to obtain additional licenses).

¹Nurses not meeting the uniform licensure requirements can be issued a single state license to practice in Wisconsin.

²Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Division of Policy Development
1400 East Washington Avenue
Madison WI 53707

Phone: 608-266-2112

Web: http://dsps.wi.gov
Email: dsps@wisconsin.gov

Scott Walker, Governor
Laura Gutiérrez, Secretary

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Wisconsin Act 17

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On September 1, 2026, the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and DSPS began issuing Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licenses. All existing Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber (APNP) licenses will be converted to APRN licenses on this date, as well.

Click here to view the Nursing Board's emergency rules to guide the transition from APNP certification to APRN license.

The new APRN license will require one of four designated “Recognized Roles". They are: Nurse Practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Certified Nurse Midwife.

We sent an email to APNP license holders noting the current recognized role attached to their credential. If your recognized role information is missing or incorrect, check the email for instructions on how to submit Recognized Role documentation. Adding or correcting Recognized Role information as soon as possible helps avoid confusion or corrections when licenses convert on September 1, 2026.