Compact nursing states in the Midwest
The Midwest is mostly compact, with a few large exceptions that matter for cross-border work. Here is where each Midwest state stands.
Which Midwest states are compact nursing states?
Most of them. As of 2026, the majority of Midwest states are fully implemented compact nursing states — including Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, the Dakotas, Wisconsin, and Ohio. The notable exceptions are Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota, which are not compact states — a detail that trips up nurses working across the region. Confirm current status below.
NLC member states ↗Last reviewed 2026-06-17
Midwest (12)
IllinoisNon-compact stateIndianaFull compact stateIowaFull compact stateKansasFull compact stateMichiganNon-compact stateMinnesotaNon-compact stateMissouriFull compact stateNebraskaFull compact stateNorth DakotaFull compact stateOhioFull compact stateSouth DakotaFull compact stateWisconsinFull compact state
Status shown as of 2026-06-17. Compact law changes — always confirm with the relevant board of nursing.
Frequently asked questions
No. Illinois is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Legislation has been introduced but not enacted, so Illinois residents hold single-state licenses and compact privilege does not apply there.