The act that defines LPN practice in District of Columbia
The compact decides whether you may practice in District of Columbia. What LPN practice actually means here — scope, titles, what you may do and delegate — is set by District of Columbia’s own nurse practice act, District of Columbia nursing licensure law (Board of Nursing, DC Health), and interpreted by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing. Two states can both recognize your license and still differ on what you may do with it.
How the compact treats LPN licenses
The compact covers LPN/LVN licenses on the same terms as RN licenses — a multistate LPN license carries compact privilege across compact states, while a single-state LPN license is valid only where it was issued. District of Columbia does not currently issue multistate LPN licenses to its residents, so a District of Columbia LPN license is single-state.
LPN and LVN are the same credential
Most states, including District of Columbia, use "licensed practical nurse (LPN)." Texas and California call the same credential an LVN (licensed vocational nurse). The compact covers LPN and LVN identically.
Verifying your District of Columbia LPN license
Nursys QuickConfirm shows whether a LPN license is single-state or multistate, plus its status and expiration. For official requirements, go to the District of Columbia Board of Nursing, or see our District of Columbia verification guide.