Nurse Licensure Compact

On June 7, 2021, the Governor signed the Vermont Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) (Act 64) into law. Based on the NLC 2019 Multi-State Nurse Licensure Compact Survey, a majority of Vermont nurses are in favor of the NLC. The NLC enables RNs and LPNs, whose primary state of residence is Vermont, to apply for a multi-state license which can be used to practice nursing in any other Compact State in the US. It also allows RNs and LPNs from other Compact States to practice in Vermont.

As of February 1, 2022, Vermont is part of the NLC! To practice in Vermont, a nurse must possess either an active Vermont license or multistate license. If you hold an active multistate license in another state, no action is needed to practice in Vermont.

If you currently hold an active Vermont LPN or RN license and you want to apply for a Compact License you need to log into your profile and add the multistate specialty to your license.

New applicants who would like to apply for a compact license as part of their initial VT license, will complete the initial application for LPN and RN licensure. You will have the ability to apply for the single state or multi state specialty.

Provisional Licensing - Single State Only

Act 107 (2022), gives OPR the authority to issue provisional licenses which allows initial applicants to receive a 90-day license providing the only pending application information is verification(s) of licensure, a federal background check or for military service members and spouses.

Provisional licensing is only available for single state applicants. If you plan to apply for a compact license but have a need to get to work prior to the CBC or verification being received, we recommend you apply for a single state license first and once that is active in Vermont, you can begin the process for a compact license.

Full application instructions are here.

Nursing FAQs are here.

Statutes & Rules

Vermont Nurse Licensure Compact (as enacted)
Nurse Licensure Compact Rules

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Vermont-issued MSL, licensees must meet the following criteria:

Provide proof of residency in the State of Vermont.
Hold or obtain an unencumbered Vermont single-state license;
For applicants whose programs were conducted in languages other than English, or who are not native English speakers, achieve a passing score on the TOEFL or a similar language-proficiency assessment;
Achieve a passing score on the NCLEX-RN or -PN;
Submit a fingerprint-supported criminal background check;
Have no felony conviction;
Have no misdemeanor conviction for an offense related to the practice of nursing, as determined on a case-by-case basis;
Not be enrolled in an alternative program in any jurisdiction;
Agree to self-disclose alternative-program participation; and
Possess a valid United States Social Security Number.