Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Practice Exam

What type of license is issued to nurses wishing to provide cross-state practice under the NLC?

1. Single state license

2. Practical Nurse license

3. Multistate license

4. Temporary license

The correct answer is: Multistate license

The multistate license is specifically designed for nurses who wish to engage in cross-state practice under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This compact allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to hold one license that is valid in multiple states that are part of the compact. This facilitates easier mobility for nurses, making it possible for them to provide care in various locations without needing to obtain multiple state licenses. This option enables nurses to practice across state lines as long as they adhere to the regulations set forth by the states they are working in. It is particularly advantageous for professionals who may work in telehealth, travel nursing, or those who relocate frequently. The other types of licenses mentioned do not provide this cross-state practice capability. A single state license is limited to the state that issued it, while a practical nurse license is a category of licensure for LPNs/VNs but does not specifically address multistate practice under the NLC. A temporary license may allow for short-term practice in some situations but does not facilitate the broad and ongoing cross-state practice that the multistate license does.