Which term describes mutual recognition of licensure between states with agreements?

• A. Law
• B. Interstate Endorsement
• C. Living Will
• D. Multistate Licensure

Answer: (D)

Mutual recognition of licensure across member states is multistate licensure, typically through a nurse licensure compact. In this arrangement, a nurse holds a single license issued by the home state that also grants the privilege to practice in other compact states without applying for separate licenses, as long as the nurse remains in compliance with the compact’s rules. This setup relies on formal agreements between states to recognize each other’s licenses, making cross-state practice smoother and more predictable.

Interstate endorsement, by contrast, is the process of obtaining licensure in another state based on an existing license in a different state, which is related but not the broad, ongoing recognition system created by the multistate licensure model. The other options—law in general and a living will—do not describe this cross-state recognition arrangement.