Is New Mexico A Compact Nursing State? Yes, New Mexico is a vibrant member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), also known as the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), enabling nurses to practice in other compact states with a single license. For LGBTQ+ nurses considering practice in or travel through New Mexico, this simplifies professional mobility and expands opportunities. To make your travel more interesting with the proper information about gay travel and Mexico, visit gaymexico.net for comprehensive travel guides, local insights, and community connections.
1. What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), now largely known as the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), is an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one multistate nursing license. This license grants them the ability to practice in any other state that is part of the agreement. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the NLC increases access to care while maintaining public protection.
- Original Development: First developed in 2000, the compact had grown to include 25 states by 2015. Maryland was the first state to sign it into law, recognizing the immediate need for nurses and leveraging the availability of nurses in neighboring states to fill critical gaps.
- Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC): Implemented in 2018, the eNLC streamlined the process for nurses by including comprehensive licensure standards that the original compact license lacked.
- Key Improvements: The eNLC requires applicants to undergo state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks, enhancing safety and accountability. This was a notable upgrade from the original NLC.
2. Is New Mexico Part of the eNLC?
Yes, New Mexico is a participating state in the eNLC.
- Benefits for Nurses: Nurses holding a valid, active multistate license issued by New Mexico can practice in any other eNLC state without needing to apply for additional licenses.
- Telehealth Expansion: The eNLC supports the growth of telehealth, allowing New Mexico-based nurses to provide care to patients in other eNLC states remotely. This is especially beneficial for rural and underserved communities.
- Disaster Response: During national disasters or emergencies, nurses with a compact license can quickly respond to staffing shortages in other eNLC states, providing crucial assistance where needed.
An aerial view of the Bisti Badlands landscape in New Mexico, illustrating the expansive and unique terrains where travel nurses might find opportunities within the state’s healthcare system.
3. Which States Are Compact Nursing States (eNLC Members)?
As of late 2025, there are 41 jurisdictions that are part of the eNLC. Here’s a comprehensive list of all the states that have enacted multistate compact licensing, either fully or partially, or are awaiting legislation:
Table of eNLC States (as of Late 2025)
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Full |
| Arizona | Full |
| Arkansas | Full |
| Colorado | Full |
| Delaware | Full |
| Florida | Full |
| Georgia | Full |
| Idaho | Full |
| Indiana | Full |
| Iowa | Full |
| Kansas | Full |
| Kentucky | Full |
| Louisiana | Full |
| Maine | Full |
| Maryland | Full |
| Mississippi | Full |
| Missouri | Full |
| Montana | Full |
| Nebraska | Full |
| New Hampshire | Full |
| New Jersey | Full |
| New Mexico | Full |
| North Carolina | Full |
| North Dakota | Full |
| Ohio | Full |
| Oklahoma | Full |
| Pennsylvania | Full |
| Rhode Island | Full |
| South Carolina | Full |
| South Dakota | Full |
| Tennessee | Full |
| Texas | Full |
| Utah | Full |
| Vermont | Full |
| Virginia | Full |
| Washington | Full |
| West Virginia | Full |
| Wisconsin | Full |
| Wyoming | Full |
| Guam | Full |
| Pennsylvania | Partial |
Important Notes:
- Nurses who hold an active compact license may practice in Guam and Pennsylvania. However, nurses who reside in these states may not yet apply for a compact license.
- Nurses who hold an active compact license may NOT practice in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, despite pending eNLC legislation.
4. States With Pending NLC Legislation
Several states and the District of Columbia have pending legislation awaiting approval before joining the eNLC.
- Alaska – HB 131, SB 124
- District of Columbia – B430
- Michigan – HB4935
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to reduce regulatory burdens on nursing licensure, accelerating legislative efforts in many states. Some state nursing associations have also shifted their positions to support bills they previously opposed.
Recent Updates:
- Massachusetts: Governor Maura Healey recently signed the state’s economic development bill, including a measure to join the Nurse Licensure Compact.
- Alaska: Governor Mike Dunleavy has introduced legislation (HB 131, SB 124) to enter Alaska into the eNLC, aiming to alleviate staffing shortages, especially in remote communities. A 2023 survey by the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing indicated that 89% of Alaskan resident nurses support joining the compact license.
5. Why Are the Nursing Compact States Important?
Goals were developed for every state to become a member of the NLC, but there has been ongoing resistance from some states regarding the requirements for licensure. While the eNLC continues to grow, there are still states that still do not want to be included in the license. Even in states that have legislation pending, there is some pushback from the state nursing association.
- Increased Access to Healthcare: The eNLC continues to increase access to healthcare, particularly in underserved areas.
- Reduced Costs: It reduces overall costs for insurance companies, hospitals, and individual patients by streamlining the licensing process.
- Efficient Healthcare Delivery: It supports efficient and strong healthcare delivery across state lines.
- Effective Date: The eNLC became effective on July 20, 2017, allowing the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administration to begin drafting appropriate rules and regulations for the new licensure.
- New Multi-State Licenses: In January 2018, new multi-state licenses were issued to all nurses who applied to transition from the old license. New nurses getting their first license in an eNLC state can practice in all eNLC states without delay.
- Benefits for Travelers: This option is highly effective for travel nurses who do not want to waste time between contracts. It also helps reduce costs on application fees and license renewals.
6. What Do Nursing Compact States Mean For Nurses?
So what does this mean for nurses? Nurses who currently practice in states with pending legislation do not have to do anything until the bill(s) are passed. Once the state becomes a part of the eNLC, the state board will reach out to all nurses registered with the state. Nurses then will be required to ensure their permanent address is up to date with the state board to determine compact license eligibility.
- License Renewal: Nurses who are NOT due for license renewal will not be required to pay an additional fee to transition to the eNLC. A new license will be issued to all nurses that meet the requirements for the eNLC.
- Residency Requirement: It is important to note that you must claim residency in an eNLC state to apply for a compact license. As a non-resident of an eNLC state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement for the state but will only be issued a single-state license instead of the compact license. Nurses can hold multiple single-state licenses.
- Application Process: Newly licensed nurses will still need to apply for a license via the state website. Applicants will then have the option to apply for the eNLC with their permanent address or apply for a single-state license.
- Address Changes: If at any time your permanent address moves to a non-eNLC, you are required to submit this to the state nursing board, and your eNLC could potentially be revoked.
- Nursys e-Notify System: Nurses are highly encouraged to sign up for the Nursys e-Notify system, which delivers real-time notifications about updates to the eNLC. It also will deliver information regarding expirations, renewals, and disciplinary actions. This service is free of charge and is a patient safety initiative that is supported by the U.S. Board of Nurses and NCSBN. More information can be found at www.nursys.com.
- Continuing Education (CE): In terms of continuing education (CE) requirements, a nurse holding an eNLC must meet the CE requirements for his or her own state. Each state, regardless of the eNLC, requires specific CE courses and a specific number of hours. Renewal requirements are only related to the state that issued the eNLC, not the state in which the nurse practices.
- Exemptions: Interestingly, nurses who are federal, Veterans Administration, military, and Indian Health Services nurses are exempt from licensure in the state of practice when they hold an active nurse license in any state. This does not apply to those who work in civilian facilities in a non-federal role.
7. States without Legislation for the eNLC
- Alaska
- American Samoa
- California
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Mariana Islands
- Minnesota
- New York
- Nevada
- Oregon
A map visually outlining the Nurse Licensure Compact states, allowing nurses to quickly identify areas where their license is valid, crucial for travel nursing and quick response to healthcare needs.
8. Requirements for Nursing Compact eNLC States
The Commission has developed 11 uniform licensure requirements for a multistate license.
- Meets the requirements for licensure in their state of residency
- Has graduated from a board-approved education program OR 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 exam (applies to graduates of an international education program not taught 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
- 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
- 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.
An applicant must meet each of the aforementioned requirements to apply for the eNLC. These requirements are specific only to the eNLC and were developed in hopes that all states would eventually join the eNLC.
The Board carefully reviewed each state’s requirements for licensure and included specifics to increase eNLC participation.
9. Organizations Supporting the NLC and eNLC
The NLC and eNLC are supported by many organizations throughout the country. A few of these include:
- American Association of Colleges of Nurses
- American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
- American Association of Occupational Health Nurses
- American Association of Poison Control Centers
- Association of Camp Nurses
- Association for Vascular Access
- Commission for Case Manager Certification
- Cross Country Healthcare
- Emergency Nurses Association
- Hospital Corporation of American Healthcare
- National Governors Association Center for Best Practices
- National League for Nursing
- National Military Family Association
- National Patient Safety Foundation
- National Student Nurses Association
- Organization for Associate Degree Nursing
- Oncology Nursing Society
- Population Health Alliance
- Telehealth leadership Council
- U.S. Department of Commerce
10. Concerns and Hesitations
Unfortunately, some states and organizations do not support eNLC. Interestingly, a study conducted in 2014 indicated 70% of nurses were in favor of their state joining the compact license.
Major concerns from states unwilling to join the eNLC at this time are:
- Disciplinary actions under the eNLC
- Growth of Telemedicine and telenursing
- Loss of state revenue for new single-state licensees
- Privacy of patients
While some states are hesitant to enact the eNLC, according to the NCSBN there are over 2 million nurses currently residing in eNLC states that have the opportunity to practice in other compact states. Nurses holding compact licenses are more desirable as they can take immediate job vacancies without waiting for licensure. The NCSBN also stresses that nurses with a compact license can:
- Practice via telenursing in other eNLC states
- Respond to national disasters and staffing shortages in other eNLC states
- Educators can teach via distance learning in other eNLC states
11. LGBTQ+ Nurses and the eNLC in New Mexico
For LGBTQ+ nurses, the eNLC can be particularly beneficial. New Mexico has a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, and the eNLC allows nurses to move freely between compact states, providing more job opportunities and the ability to practice in diverse settings.
- Professional Mobility: LGBTQ+ nurses can easily accept travel nursing positions or permanent roles in other eNLC states without the hassle of obtaining additional licenses.
- Access to Supportive Communities: The eNLC allows nurses to find communities and healthcare settings that are inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Telehealth Opportunities: The growth of telehealth provides new avenues for LGBTQ+ nurses to provide care remotely, reaching patients in need across state lines.
A vibrant LGBTQ+ Pride Parade in New Mexico, reflecting the state’s inclusive atmosphere and support for LGBTQ+ rights, which is beneficial for LGBTQ+ nurses considering practicing there.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which state is easiest to get an RN license?
- The ease of obtaining an RN license varies, but states within the eNLC generally offer a streamlined process for nurses already licensed in another compact state.
- Can California nurses get a compact license?
- California is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses licensed in CA must apply for individual nursing state licenses in any other state they wish to work.
- What state has the hardest nursing boards?
- All RNs must pass the NCLEX, which is a national test. The test does not differ from state to state.
- What states have unlimited NCLEX attempts?
- The NCSBN retake policy allows potential nurses to take the NCLEX up to 8 times per year, with a minimum 45-day waiting period in between attempts.
- How do I transfer my RN license to California from another state?
- If you are an RN from another state who wants to work in California, you will need to apply for a CA nursing license through the California Board of Registered Nursing.
13. Additional Resources and Support for LGBTQ+ Nurses
For LGBTQ+ nurses considering practice in New Mexico or other eNLC states, several resources can provide additional support and information.
- Professional Organizations:
- National Association of Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (NAGLMA)
- Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA)
- Advocacy Groups:
- Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
- The Trevor Project
- Travel Resources:
- gaymexico.net: Offers travel guides and insights for LGBTQ+ individuals visiting Mexico, ensuring safe and welcoming experiences.
- Local LGBTQ+ Centers: Provide community support and resources in various cities and states.
14. Stay Informed
If you reside in any of the states affected, you should stay updated on the latest developments as individual state boards begin the transition.
Here are a few helpful resources:
- Official Website of the Nurse Licensure Compact
- Twitter – @NurseCompact
- NCSBN website
- Nursys e-Notify
By understanding the benefits and requirements of the eNLC, nurses can take full advantage of the opportunities it offers, ensuring they can provide quality care wherever they are needed.
For LGBTQ+ nurses looking to explore travel and community options in Mexico, visit gaymexico.net for the latest information and resources. Discover safe and welcoming destinations that celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Ready to explore the possibilities?
- Discover LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in Mexico.
- Connect with local communities and events.
- Find resources for safe and inclusive travel.
Visit gaymexico.net today and start planning your next adventure.
