Here in this blog, we will discuss is New York a compact state ? and the network status in the nursing licensing compact and its benefits and drawbacks.
What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
It is the multistate license that allows nurses to work in multiple states in the US without an additional license.
Benefits: The benefit of NLC is that the nurses can travel to different states and work there.it is beneficial for travel nurses who are traveling or moving to different states.
Is New York a compact nursing state or an NLC state?
Is New York a compact state? The answer is NO. It is as if, for now, New York is not a compact state of nursing. This means that nurses from different states can not practice in New York without obtaining a New York license. And the same goes for the nurses in New York as they cannot work in other states with their New York license. They must obtain a license for other states to work there. Currently, 40+ states have enacted the compact.
The demand for travel nurses
The demand for travel nurses is increasing and therefore, the NLC license makes it easy for travel nurses to go and perform their duties in different states. They do not have to worry about getting an additional license to work in other NLC states.
When will New York become a compact state?
If any state wants to join NLC, legislative action is required. Every state has its own time and choice when passing legislation. But as for now, New York is not part of Compact State licensure (NLC). To get more up-to-date information, visit NCSBN.
Benefits of Why New York Should Join the Nurse Licensure Compact
Compact state licensure has many benefits to it. If New York becomes a compact state, then it will have the following benefits:
Multistate practice privileges
Nurses who have NLC can work in 40-plus states or territories without applying for additional licenses. If New York also becomes a compact state for nursing, then the nurses can work in multiple states. They do not have to worry about applying for another state license. Similarly, nurses from another state can also work in New York without getting an additional license.
Reduced paperwork and faster licensing
If nurses want to work in other compact states, they can do so by applying only for one license, which is the compact state nursing license or NLC. This speeds up their process and reduces the paperwork for them.
Reduced costs
As to work in multiple compact states, Nurses can only apply once for NLC. This will reduce the cost for them as they do not have to pay extra for different state licenses. If New York were a part of a compact state, the nurses there could have this advantage too.
Work flexibility
Nurses can work in multiple states and take advantage of the job opportunities provided by other states. This will also help them in their career growth.
Rapid response
Another main advantage of having a compact state nursing license is that in a time of need, the nurse can provide their services without any difficulty. If there is any crisis or shortage of staff, these nurses can work to help the people in need. If New York becomes a compact state, then the nurses there can provide their services in other states in emergencies.
Understanding the Hurdles of New York’s Journey Towards the Nurse Licensure Compact
To make New York a compact state, with the benefits comes along some challenges and hurdles that are discussed below.
- Passing the legislative approval to join the NLC or nurse licensing compact can be challenging.
- Aligning the current New York licensure standard with NLC standards will require a lot of administrative work.
- Technical adjustments and additional sources are required to integrate the state licensing system with NLC, which can be costly.
- The state’s limited budget can also affect the ability to fund the changes needed for compact membership.
- Stakeholder resistance means the concerns of the public, healthcare professionals, and nursing organizations.
- Loss of state control
- Complexity of coordination
- Uncertainty about benefits
How many states have a compact nursing license?
For now, forty-two states and territories have enacted the nursing licensure compact. To learn more details about it, read our blog, Compact State Nursing License.
What states are not in compact or NLC?
Nevada and Oregon are not in eNLC or enhanced nursing licensure compact.
California, Connecticut, Michigan, Illinois, Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, and Rhode Island. These states have pending status.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to answer the question of whether New York is a compact state, NO. If New York becomes part of the nursing licensure compact state, it will have benefits, such as working in multiple states without applying for additional licenses. However, to become part of the NLC state, New York will also face challenges and hurdles.
