Is American Samoa a nursing compact state?
No. American Samoa is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Nurses whose primary state of residence is American Samoa generally cannot obtain a American Samoa-issued multistate nursing license, and a compact license from another state does not authorize practice in American Samoa.
What nurses need to know
Because American Samoa has not joined the compact, there is no American Samoa multistate license. American Samoa residents hold a single-state license that is valid only in American Samoa.
To work in American Samoa with an out-of-state license, you generally apply for licensure by endorsement directly with the American Samoa Health Services Regulatory Board. A compact license from another state does not cover you in American Samoa.
If you move your primary residence to a compact state later, you may then become eligible for a multistate license through that state.
If you live in American Samoa
If you live in American Samoa, your license is single-state — valid in American Samoa only. American Samoa residents can’t get a multistate license unless American Samoa joins the compact. To work in another state, you’d apply there.
If you want to work in American Samoa
You’ll need a American Samoa license — usually by endorsement — even if you hold a compact license elsewhere. Compact privilege doesn’t reach American Samoa.
Does the compact cover RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and APRNs?
The compact covers RNs and LPNs/LVNs. It does not, on its own, cover APRNs — nurse practitioners, CRNAs, CNSs, and CNMs generally need separate APRN authorization in each state. See the APRN guide for details, and confirm specifics with the American Samoa Health Services Regulatory Board.
Planning a move or a telehealth role? For telehealth you’re generally licensed where the patient is. Run your exact situation through the compact state checker.
American Samoa compact questions
Related questions
Why we point you to Nursys
CompactStates explains the state rules. Nursys confirms your individual license. Nursys QuickConfirm is the official, free service where nurses can look up whether their own license is single-state or multistate. We’re an independent guide; Nursys and your board are where personal license status is verified.
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Sources reviewed
- NLC member states map & status— NCSBN / NurseCompact (nursecompact.com)
Identifies full members, partial implementation (Guam), and enacted/awaiting implementation (Massachusetts, U.S. Virgin Islands).
- NLC frequently asked questions— NCSBN / NurseCompact (nursecompact.com)
Covers multistate licenses, primary state of residence, the 60-day rule, telehealth, and license type coverage.
- Nursys QuickConfirm license verification— NCSBN / Nursys (nursys.com)
Recommended destination to verify whether a license is single-state or multistate.
Facts on this page were last reviewed against official sources on 2026-06-17. Compact law changes — always verify with your state board of nursing.
This page is a practical guide, not a licensing decision. Always confirm your situation with your board of nursing.