Military Multistate License (MSL) Information
Washington state has joined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) effective July 24, 2023.
Phase 1 of NLC implementation started July 24, 2023.
This allows nurses with an active RN or LPN multistate license (MSL) from another state to practice in Washington state.
For more information about Phase 1 and Phase 2:
Military RN, LPN, and Spouse Information
Nurses with an active MSL from another state may begin working in Washington state as of July 24, 2023.
To work for a mandatory employer in Washington state, you must:
- Let your employer know you have an active MSL.
- Work with your employer to meet employment requirements such as:
- Complete the Suicide Prevention Training.
- Complete the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) MSL demographic survey.
Washington State Multistate License (MLS)
We haven't begun issuing Washington state multistate licenses (MSL). This will start during Phase 2.
- If you have a current Washington state RN or LPN license, you will be able to convert to a MSL during Phase 2.
ARNP Information
The NLC is only available for RN and LPN licenses. (An ARNP Licensure Compact may be available in the future.)
If you have a Washington state ARNP license and an active MSL RN license in another state:
- You won't need to renew your Washington state RN license after July 24, 2023.
- You must notify us of this transition when you renew your ARNP license by emailing nursing@doh.wa.gov.
- You can't do this via the online renewal portal, you must email us.
NLC Military Resources
- NLC Military Family Fact Sheet (PDF)
- How does the NLC work for military and military spouses (Webinar Recording)
NLC Resources
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
- NLC States Map (PDF)
- NLC: DL Comparision (PDF)
- NLC: Travel Nurse FAQ (PDF)
- NLC: Moving to Another State (PDF)
More Information
Questions?
For questions relating to the NLC implementation please email nursing@doh.wa.gov.