Hello Dr. Thomas and fellow scholars,
As a registered nurse (RN) who currently holds a nursing license in two states; Massachusetts and Florida, I have chosen to discuss the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Prior to this week’s module I did not thoroughly understand the entire nurse licensure compact process. However, after reviewing this week’s content, in addition to reviewing material on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (2026) website, I have acquired a stronger understanding, and appreciation of the NLC regulatory process. The NLC has 11 distinct Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs) that need to be fulfilled in order for a nurse to obtain a compact nursing license (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2026). Despite previously having resided and practiced in Florida, a compact state, I had no desire to acquire a compact license, so I decided to obtain a single state licensure only, therefore, I was previously unaware of the extent of requirements to obtain a compact license. Nevertheless, with the increasing demand for telehealth RNs, to improve patient access to care, I have begun to realize the importance of holding a compact license (Bulto, 2024). The NLC benefits both patients and nurses, broadening a nurse’s ability to practice contributes to the promotion of equitable access to care through telehealth (Girmay, 2024). As a current resident and practicing nurse in the state of Massachusetts, it was enlightening to learn in 2024, on November 20th, Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts signed legislation into law adopting the state to join the NLC, making it the 43rd jurisdiction to join (Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 2025). Following Governor Healy signing legislation, on January 2, 2025, I received notification / letter via email, from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN / Board) regarding the accomplishment. However, the letter was a very brief summary of what is to come and that updates would be posted on the board website. Unfortunately, as of today March 12, 2026, there has been no new updates on the progress of when nurses in Massachusetts will be able to acquire the nursing compact license. As nursing associations and nurses continue to forge forward in the fight to make all states part of the NLC I hope that the process becomes timelier.
References
Bulto, L. N. (2024). The role of nurse‐led telehealth interventions in bridging healthcare gaps
and expanding access. Nursing Open, 11(1), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.2092
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (2025). Implementation of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2026). Applying For Licensure –
NURSECOMPACT. https://www.nursecompact.com/how-it-works/applying-for-licensure.page
Girmay, M. (2024). Digital Health Divide: Opportunities for Reducing Health Disparities and
Promoting Equitable Care for Maternal and Child Health Populations. International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS, 13, e026. https://doi.org/10.25259/ijma_41_2024“
