Kansas Becomes 31st State to Implement Nurse Licensure Compact

Sunflower State made it official on July 1

On July 1, 2019, Kansas joined 30 other states in implementing the nurse licensure compact (NLC), which allows for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to have one multistate license, with the ability to practice in person or via telehealth in both their home state and other NLC states.

“The Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) is extremely excited to announce the implementation of the Nurse Licensure Compact in Kansas,” said Carol Moreland, MSN, RN, executive administrator of the Kansas State Board of Nursing. 

“The implementation of the NLC legislation, allows the citizens of Kansas to have increased access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. KSBN is committed to remaining at the forefront of reducing the regulatory burden to our licensees, while creating better access to care for those we serve.”

 Licensing standards are aligned in NLC states, so all nurses applying for a multistate license are required to meet the same standards, including a federal and state criminal background check that will be conducted for all applicants for multistate licensure. Many believe it is realistic to see all 50 states implement the NLC in the next ten years.

 The NLC also enables nurses to provide telehealth nursing services to patients located across the country without having to obtain additional licenses. In the event of a disaster, nurses from multiple states can easily respond to supply vital services.