APRN Compact
One multistate license for Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives, CRNAs, and Clinical Nurse Specialists. Practice across state lines when the compact activates.
What is the APRN Compact?
The APRN Compact (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact) is an interstate agreement that will allow APRNs to have one multistate license with the privilege to practice in their home state and other APRN Compact member states.
Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the compact covers all four APRN roles: Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs).
Current Status: The APRN Compact requires 7 states to enact it before becoming operational. Currently, 5 states have enacted: Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Two more states are needed to activate the compact.
APRN Compact vs. NLC: The APRN Compact is separate from the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which covers RNs and LPN/VNs. APRNs can hold both an NLC multistate RN license and an APRN Compact multistate APRN license.
Benefits of the APRN Compact
Telehealth Expansion
Provide telehealth services to patients across member states
🗺️Multi-State Practice
Work as an NP, CNM, CRNA, or CNS in any compact state
💰Cost Savings
Eliminate fees for multiple state APRN licenses
🔄Career Mobility
Relocate or take travel assignments without licensing delays
🚑Disaster Response
Respond to healthcare emergencies across state lines
📋Admin Simplification
One license renewal instead of managing multiple states
Eligibility Requirements
When the APRN Compact becomes operational, you'll need to meet these requirements to obtain a multistate APRN license:
- 1 Hold an active, unencumbered APRN license in home state
- 2 Home state must be a member of the APRN Compact
- 3 Meet all uniform licensure requirements
- 4 Pass required national certification examination
Important: Each state retains authority over prescriptive authority requirements. When practicing in a remote state under the APRN Compact, you must follow that state's prescriptive authority rules.
APRN Compact State Status
5 of 7 states needed to activate the compact
Enacted (5)
These states have enacted the APRN Compact. Implementation will begin once 2 more states join.
Pending Legislation (1)
Active legislation in progress. Contact your legislators to support the APRN Compact.
Not Yet Enacted (44)
View all states to see full compact status.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the APRN Compact go into effect?
The APRN Compact needs 7 states to enact it before becoming operational. Currently 5 states have enacted it (Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming). Once 2 more states enact the compact, implementation can begin—likely in late 2026 or 2027.
Is the APRN Compact the same as the NLC?
No, they are separate compacts. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) covers RNs and LPN/VNs. The APRN Compact is specifically for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses—NPs, CNMs, CRNAs, and CNSs. You can hold both a multistate RN license under NLC and a multistate APRN license under the APRN Compact.
Which APRN roles are covered by the compact?
The APRN Compact covers all four APRN roles: Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs).
Does the APRN Compact standardize prescriptive authority?
No. Each state retains its own prescriptive authority rules. When practicing in a remote state under the compact, you must follow that state's prescriptive authority requirements, which may differ from your home state.
How do I prepare for the APRN Compact now?
Stay informed by following NCSBN updates. Ensure your APRN license is current and unencumbered. If your state hasn't enacted the compact yet, consider contacting your state legislators to express support for APRN Compact legislation.
Track APRN Compact Progress
Stay updated on APRN Compact developments and see which states are closest to joining.