The formal or informal agreement between state licensing boards to recognize nurse licenses from another state is called:

• A. Accreditation
• B. Licensure
• C. Certification
• D. Reciprocity

Answer: (D)

Reciprocity is the formal or informal recognition by one state's board of nursing of a license issued by another state. When this recognition is in place, a nurse licensed elsewhere can practice in the receiving state without reapplying for a full license, typically after license verification and ensuring compliance with that state's rules and renewal requirements. This concept differs from licensure, which is the initial authorization to practice in a given state after meeting that state's requirements; certification, which is a credential from a separate certifying body to demonstrate expertise in a specialty; and accreditation, which concerns approving educational programs or facilities rather than individual licenses. In nursing, mechanisms like the Nurse Licensure Compact illustrate reciprocity by allowing a multistate license in participating states, though not all states participate.