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Nursing · RI

Can a Registered Nurse transfer a license to Rhode Island as a military spouse?

Data as of May 2026|Source: Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) commission + DOJ Servicemembers Initiative
Published by the Honest MOS Editorial DeskVerified against DoD/.gov sourcesUpdated May 2026Editorial standards
⚠ VAEIA federal backstop

Not through the compact — Rhode Island is not currently a Nursing compact member. A military-spouse Registered Nurse relies on VAEIA 2022 / 50 U.S.C. § 4025a, which requires Rhode Island to recognize a valid out-of-state license upon relocation for military orders.

Your nursing board in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=231401-222-5700
Rhode Island military-spouse provision

We haven't verified a RI-specific nursing spouse provision beyond the federal VAEIA 2022 backstop. The Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education processes endorsement and temporary-license applications — call to confirm the current military-spouse timeline before you move.

About the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)

Allows an RN or LPN/VN with a multistate license to practice in any other compact-member state without re-licensing. Largest compact in the country.

Official compact site ↗

All Nursing member states

40 jurisdictions. Tap any to check that destination for this profession.

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All compacts for Rhode IslandNursing portability — all states →License portability checker →MyCAA: $4,000 for relicensing →
Published by the Honest MOS Editorial DeskVerified against DoD/.gov sourcesUpdated May 2026Editorial standards