Below are details about continuing education and license renewal in Louisiana. You can skip to your profession by selecting it from the drop down list above.
The state of Louisiana might be known best for its world-famous jazz music and delicious Cajun food, but in the nursing world, the state became part of something much larger and more universal: The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Louisiana was one of the latest states to implement the NLC, a multi-state license for registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN). This licensure also allows RN’s and LPN’s to practice within the home state, as well as other NLC states physically, electronically, and/or telephonically, according to the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners.
Louisiana enacted the NLC back in May of 2018, but it was wasn’t fully implemented until July 1, 2019, which allowed them to join 30 other states who have implemented this compact deal. One of the larger benefits to having this license, according to the state board, is that it allows nurses to service patients located across the country without having to obtain additional licenses. It also allows for nurses to be readily available to cross states lines and work if there was ever an emergency situation that called for it, such as helping those in need after a natural disaster has occurred.
While Louisiana was one of the latest states to join the 30 other NLC states, three more states (Alabama, Indiana, and New Jersey) have enacted the license and are awaiting implementation, and three other states (Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts) are still pending NLC legislation.
