What You Should Know About Illinois and the Nursing Compact?

In 2025, over 60% of nurses say a multistate license makes their job easier, especially for travel and telehealth roles. For those pursuing nursing degrees in Illinois, understanding the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is important because it allows one license for multiple states.

However, Illinois still requires its license. As demand for flexible nursing grows, Illinois’ decision on the NLC will impact how nurses work and how patients get care across state lines.

What You Should Know About Illinois and the Nursing Compact?

If you’re a nurse in Illinois or thinking about working here, understanding the Nursing Compact is a must. Many states have joined this agreement to make it easier for nurses to work across borders, but is Illinois a compact state for nursing? The answer is no, not yet.

Whether you’re enrolled in practical nursing programs in Illinois or already licensed, it’s important to know where Illinois stands, why it matters for your career, and what you need to know moving forward.

Illinois’ Current Status: Not a Compact State, For Now

As of 2025, Illinois is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). While legislation has been introduced several times, none have made it through both chambers of the state legislature.

Nurses in Illinois are required to have a license issued by the state to legally practice there.
Similarly, nurses holding multistate licenses from other compact states cannot work in Illinois without obtaining an Illinois license.

Many ask, “Is Illinois a compact state for nursing?; and the clear answer remains no, as the state continues its licensing process.

Why Illinois Hasn’t Joined Yet

Some lawmakers and nursing boards in Illinois have raised concerns about giving up control over state licensing standards. Others worry about ensuring proper oversight of nurses from other states.

These debates have slowed progress, even as more states around Illinois (like Iowa and Missouri) have already joined the NLC.

Why the Compact Matters for You

The NLC enables nurses to work across more than 40 states with a single license. For Illinois nurses, not being in the compact means:

Extra paperwork to get licensed in other states
Delays when applying for travel or telehealth jobs
Missed job opportunities in states that honor compact licenses

Nurses in compact states, on the other hand, can move and work more freely. They can also take telehealth roles or help during emergencies across state lines without new licenses.

How to Report a Nursing Home to the State of Illinois: A Step-by-Step Guide

What Out-of-State Nurses Should Know

If you’re licensed in an NLC state and want to work in Illinois, you’ll need to apply separately for an Illinois license. This includes background checks, fees, and processing time.

This is a key reason some nurses skip over Illinois for faster-to-access states.

What’s Next for Illinois?

As of mid-2025, there is growing support for the NLC among healthcare employers and professional groups. However, no official timeline has been set for adoption.

Nurses should follow updates from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and local lawmakers to stay informed about whether Illinois will become a compact state for nursing shortly.

Conclusion

As of 2025, Illinois is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses, including those from licensed practical nursing programs, need a separate license to work here. To support change, contact local lawmakers and stay informed through nursing board updates and legislative news. Staying updated helps you prepare for future opportunities and advocate for compact adoption.