Final answer:
A nurse must declare primary residence in a compact state and possess an unencumbered active RN or LPN license to be eligible for a compact license, which allows for multi-state practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order for a nurse to have a compact license, he/she must declare his/her primary residence in a state that is a member of the compact and have an unencumbered active RN or LPN license.
A compact nursing license allows a nurse to practice in multiple states without having to obtain additional licenses for each state. This is particularly beneficial for nurses who live near state borders, travel nurses, telehealth nurses, and those who may move frequently. To be eligible for a compact nursing license, the nurse must adhere to the licensure requirements of their home state which is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). An unencumbered license means there are no regulatory decisions made by a nursing regulatory body which would prevent a licensure transaction, including denial, revocation, suspension, and voluntary surrender, among others.