NLC Frequently Asked Questions for Indiana

Which states are currently participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
The most current information may be found at the link below, including a color coded map identifying non-Compact states, NLC states, states with pending NLC legislation, and states awaiting implementation: https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-Compact.htm. 
 
What can prevent a nurse from obtaining their compact license?
If one or more of the following apply the applicant does not qualify  for a compact license but may continue the application process for a single state license:

• Primary State of Residence (PSOR) outside of Indiana - Nurses who wish to have a compact license must reside in a state that is part of the NLC.
• Active discipline on their license
• Currently enrolled in an alternative program (a program designed to be used in lieu of disciplinary action) – Practitioners are required to disclose current participation in alternative program to any party state upon initial application or within 10 calendar days of their enrollment in the program.
• Have a misdemeanor conviction related to the practice of nursing (determined on a case by case basis)
• Have a felony conviction on the state or federal level.

 
How is Primary State of Residence (PSOR) defined?
The PSOR (primary state of residence) is the state where the applicant can prove legal residence, which can be verified by submitting one of the following:

• Driver’s license with home address
• Voter registration card with home address

Can a nurse hold a compact license if their PSOR is not in a compact state?
No, a nurse must have a primary state of residence in a NLC participating state to hold a compact license.  If a nurse wishes to work in a NLC participating state and does not have a compact license, they may apply for a single state license. 
In Indiana, we have a temporary permit available to nurses that hold an active license in another state or U.S. territory. The nurse may request it with the initial licensure application by endorsement and it would be issued once the requirements have been met.  An individual may practice nursing in Indiana after the temporary permit is issued or after the full license is issued. 

• The information page to apply by examination (not already licensed in another state or U.S. territory or needing to take the NCLEX in English) is https://www.in.gov/pla/4070.htm. Please note that this method does NOT have a temporary permit available.
• The information page to apply by endorsement (already licensed in another state or U.S. territory or already passed the NCLEX in English) is https://www.in.gov/pla/4069.htm.

 
What are the processes for moving a license to a Compact state?
    Moving from a non-Compact state to a Compact state:

• The practitioner would apply for licensure and request the compact license.  A new compact license will not be issued until the applicant meets all requirements and provides a Declaration of Primary State of Residence or proof of residence. Applicants coming in by endorsement may apply for a temporary permit that would enable the practitioner to practice before the permanent license is issued. 

    Moving from one Compact state to another Compact state:

• A practitioner may practice on the former home state license until their license in the new state is issued.  Upon moving to a new compact state, they will be required to apply for licensure by endorsement.  Proof of residency may be required.  They will be issued a new compact license and the former compact license would then be made inactive (may have only one multi-state license at a time). The practitioner must notify the Board of Nursing in the former state of their new address.

    Moving from a Compact state to a non-Compact state:

• The practitioner would apply for licensure by endorsement in the new state of residency.  The compact license would be changed to a single state license only valid in that state. The practitioner must notify the Board of Nursing of the Compact state of their new address.

A nurse may practice in any NLC state with their Compact license issued from their PSOR.
 
What if the applicant obtained their education in another country and is applying for the Compact license in Indiana?

• Applying by Examination – If the applicant is applying to Indiana and is not licensed in another state, they would need to meet the established education requirements for Indiana.
• Applying by Endorsement without an Active Compact License – If the applicant is applying to Indiana by endorsement and does not currently have an active Compact license in another state, they would need to meet the established education requirements for Indiana.
• Applying by Endorsement with an Active Compact License – If the applicant is applying to Indiana by endorsement with an active Compact license in another state, the education accepted by the Compact state will be accepted by Indiana if they are applying for the Compact in Indiana.

 
What happens if a nurse requires discipline with a compact license?
A remote state, a compact state which is not the PSOR, may take adverse action against the licensee’s Privilege to Practice within that remote state. The PSOR may also take action against the license. The PSOR has the authority to remove all Compact privileges. The license becomes a single state license and may be disciplined.
 
What is a Disqualifying Event?
A Disqualifying Event is an incident, which results in a person becoming disqualified or ineligible to retain or renew a compact license.  Included but not limited to:

• Any adverse action on a nursing license or privileges
• Current participation in an alternative program
• A misdemeanor offense related to the practice of nursing (which includes, but is not limited to, an agreed disposition)
• A felony offense (which includes, but is not limited to, an agreed disposition)

 
What will a Nurse-Midwife need to practice in Indiana with a compact license from another state?
The Nurse-Midwife will need to apply for licensure, hold an active and unrestricted compact-RN license in another state, and meet the remaining requirements detailed at https://www.in.gov/pla/3720.htm.   When issued, the expiration date must match the expiration date of the Compact – RN license in the other state.

What will an advanced practice nurse need to obtain their APRN Prescriptive Authority license?
The practitioner would need to apply for licensure, hold an active and unrestricted compact-RN license in another state, and meet the remaining requirements detailed at https://www.in.gov/pla/3722.htm.   When issued, the expiration date must match the expiration date of the Compact – RN license in the other state.