Is Massachusetts a compact nursing state? Is Connecticut a compact state? What other states may join in 2026? Here's what you should know about which states are currently in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and what to expect if you're a nurse or nurse traveler living or working in Connecticut or Massachusetts.
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Massachusetts & Connecticut: 2026 NLC Updates
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement among American states and territories to let RNs, LPNs, and LVNs work within their borders with just one single, multistate license, instead of having to get a new license for each state.
- Did you know? Before the NLC, nurses had to get a new license for each state they worked in. But with the NLC, you can work in 40 states with just a single license. Learn more about the NLC, including how to apply.
Obviously, the NLC is a great option for travel nurses, letting them easily move from state to state to pursue the best career opportunities. It's also great for those who provide services across state borders (e.g., telehealth or disaster relief), or who move a lot, from having a military spouse or any other reason.
And with 40 states now on the list — as well as a handful of other jurisdictions — the NLC is getting closer to including every part of the U.S.A. As we enter 2026, that list is bigger than ever, with Connecticut the latest state to fully join the compact, and Massachusetts set to become a full member in the weeks to come.
- Get the list: See a full list of nursing compact states here
Is Connecticut a compact state for nursing?
- Is Connecticut a nursing compact member state? Yes!
Connecticut fully implemented the NLC in October 2025, making it the 40th state to become a full member, following Pennsylvania just a few months earlier.
The state's NLC membership makes it easier for nurses who live in other compact states — which includes most of New England — to work in Connecticut. And it means that nurses who live in Connecticut can now apply for a multistate license that lets them work in those other states.
Even better? There's no fee to convert your license to a new multistate license, and you don't have to wait until your next renewal period. And it's convenient, too, with the state offering an online portal where you can start the process.
However, there are other requirements. You must be eligible for a normal state license, which means graduating from a board-approved program and a passing grade on the NCLEX-RN, NCLEX-PN, or SBTPE exam. You must also have proof that Connecticut is your primary state of residence, a valid social security number, and a clean criminal record. Learn more here.
- Good to know: Connecticut calls it an MSL, for multi-state license
is Massachusetts a compact nursing state?
Is Massachusetts a nursing compact state? Yes — but not completely.
With some observers calling it a delay, Massachusetts has so far failed to meet its deadline to fully implement its NLC membership, originally set for eight to 12 months after November, 2024.
Instead, the state is still going through the process of implementation, according to its Board of Registration in Nursing. And that timeframe doesn't include "the time it will take to obtain FBI approval for federal background checks,” which could mean that nurses may have to wait an additional period after implementation before they can get a multistate license from Massachusetts.
While nurses from other NLC states can’t practice in Massachusetts with an NLC license yet, nurses can still apply for "conditional approval" now to speed up the process when implementation finally kicks in. Learn more here.
Which states will be next to join the NLC?
With its compact states and close borders, nursing compact membership is truly a game changer in New England. And among its closest neighbors, Pennsylvania has been a full member since July 2025, and New York lawmakers continue to push for that state to join.
And those aren't the only states moving towards NLC membership. In 2025, Alaska, D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Oregon also introduced bills to join the nursing compact — efforts that are expected to be renewed in 2026. As always, you can get all the updates here at the Engage blog.
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