Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)

The new enhanced licensure compact, or eNLC, is the licensure model that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) to have one multistate license, with the privilege to practice in the home state and in other eNLC states physically, electronically, and/or telephonically. It replaces the original nurse licensure compact (NLC) and adds extra safeguards that maintain public protection at the state level.

The Old and the New: The Impact to Texas Nurses
Although many states that were enrolled in the original NLC are also in the eNLC, this is not the case with one state from the original NLC. At this time, Rhode Island has not yet passed legislation to join the eNLC. The eNLC was implemented in Texas on January 19, 2018.

On January 20, 2018, Texas nurses with an original NLC multistate license will be grandfathered into the eNLC and no further action is needed.

New applicants residing in compact states must meet 11 uniform licensure requirements listed below. Those who do not meet the new licensure requirements may still be eligible for a single state license.

Uniform Licensure Requirements for a Multistate License

Meets the requirements for licensure in the home state (state of residency);
(a). Has graduated from a board-approved education program; or (b). Has graduated from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credentials review agency);
Has passed an English proficiency examination (applies to graduates of an international education program not taught in English or if English is not the individual’s native language);
Has passed an NCLEX-RN® or NCLEX-PN® Examination or predecessor exam;
Is eligible for or holds an active, unencumbered license (i.e., without active discipline);
Has submitted to state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks;
Has no state or federal felony convictions;
Has no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing (determined on a case-by-case basis);
Is not currently a participant in an alternative program;
Is required to self-disclose current participation in an alternative program;
Has a valid United States Social Security number.

The overall eNLC membership numbers have not diminished from the previous NLC. If anything, numbers are growing! Texas remains a compact state, affording Texas nurses the ability to respond to the challenges of modern health care, and provide borderless nursing services in other eNLC states.

For complete information go to: https://www.ncsbn.org/enhanced-nlc-implementation.htm.

The Texas Board of Nursing offers resources to assist nurses with primary multistate licensure outside of Texas who choose to practice in Texas using compact privilege to understand the Texas Nursing Practice Act. The interactive online course Nursing Regulations for Safe Practice provides an overview of current Texas laws and rules to uphold safe nursing practice. Please visit our Continuing Education Course Catalogue for more information at: http://www.bon.texas.gov/catalog/