NEWS on NCLEX and US Healthcare Practioners
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July 2021
If you did NOT renew your Hawaii nurse license by midnight HST (Hawaiian Standard Time), June 30, 2021, your Hawaii nurse license expired and is forfeited. You may NOT practice nursing under this license until it is restored.
RNs and LPNs have until June 30, 2023 to restore your license.
APRNs have until December 31, 2021 to restore your license.
Link/Reference: https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/
RN & LPN by Exam - Currently reviewing applications for issuance of a temporary practice permit (if applicable) or a permanent license for NCLEX test dates of: July 6, 2021 - current date
RN or LPN by Endorsement - Currently reviewing complete applications for issuance of a temporary practice or permanent license received between: June 25, 2021 - current date
*If an application is deficient of requirements, this will add a delay to the processing timeline. Applicants are notified via email of all deficiencies.
RN, LPN & ARNP Reactivations - Currently reviewing complete applications for issuance received between: July 2, 2021 - current date
*If an application is deficient of requirements, this will add a delay to the processing timeline. Applicants are notified via email of all deficiencies.
Link/Reference: https://www.doh.wa.gov/licensespermitsandcertificates/nursingcommission/nurselicensing#heading61743
On July 1, 2021, Gov. Tom Wolf signed SB 115 into law, which will begin the process of adding Pennsylvania to the Nurse License Compact (NLC). The NLC allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to have one multistate license, with the ability to practice in person or via telehealth, in both the primary state of residence and other NLC jurisdictions.
Now that the NLC has been enacted, the next step is for the legislation to be implemented. Pennsylvania residents will not be able to apply for a multistate license, and nurses in other NLC states who hold a multistate license will not be able to practice in Pennsylvania, until after the implementation process has been completed. That process takes many months. An implementation date will be posted on the Board's website once it is determined.
Link/Reference: https://nursecompact.com/stay-informed.htm
June 2021
Effective Monday, June 14, 2021, the District of Columbia Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) will no longer accept paper applications for a health professional license. Any application received after this date will be returned to the applicant, along with any attached payment. Any healthcare provider applying for a new health professional license, or to renew1, reinstate, or reactivate an existing license, must do so by going to the below link and submitting an online application. All users are strongly encouraged to review the instructions prior to beginning the process. The way information is submitted within the application is how your certificate of registration will read. The applicant will receive the license via the email address provided at registration. All applicants must complete every section of the application and submit all required supporting documents. Failure to provide relevant information will delay the application processing time. You must upload your documents during the application process. For Non-SSN Applicants\ Non-SSN Applicants will have to submit a Notarized Affidavit along with the application. The applicant has to provide SSN within 90 days to the board. Applicants may not be able to renew their license until they have provided valid Social Security Number to the board. For the renewal, the applicant will need to first register in the new licensure system. The Child Support and Welfare Reform Compliance Act of 2000, Act 13-559, requires that the Department of Health now collect and maintain Social Security Numbers for all licensees. The SSN will not be made available to the public, but if not provided, the application will be placed on hold. Link/Reference: https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/149382
The agency is aware that temporary nursing permits issued under the COVID-19 state of emergency have been improperly lapsed. The state of emergency was scheduled to end on May 30, 2021. On May 28, 2021, Governor Kemp signed an executive order extending the state of emergency to June 29, 2021. Unfortunately, due to the late notice of the renewal of the state of emergency and the Memorial Day holiday closures, the notice to extend the permit dates was not received by NURSYS in time to prevent the automated lapse within the system.
We regret any inconvenience this has caused Georgia nurses and nurse employers and would like to clarify that in the eyes of the State, nurses that held a temporary permit issued due to the state of emergency, which was incorrectly lapsed due to the late renewal of the executive order, are still permitted to work within the state while the permits are put back in place within the system.
The Office of Secretary of State
Link/Reference: https://sos.ga.gov/
The LSBN office is now fully open to the public. Masks are only required if a person has not been fully vaccinated.
Link/Reference: http://www.lsbn.state.la.us/About/NewsEvents/tabid/114/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/355/LSBN-Office-Is-Fully-Open-to-The-Public.aspx
Application documents received prior to the date noted below are currently in the initial stage of processing. The timeframe for the review and evaluation of these materials varies. Applications with education from outside the U.S. usually require a lengthier review process. All applicants should allow an additional 6-8 weeks for review after this date before submitting a Contact Us Form to request a status update, as contacting us earlier will delay processing. We cannot provide the status of a licensure application by phone. We thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Link/Reference: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/
Ohio will lift its health orders on June 2, 2021, but the Governor’s declared State of Emergency in Ohio is not expected to be terminated on that date. When both Ohio and the federal government declare the emergency over, then the ORC 4723.32(G)(7) exemption will no longer be applicable.
For the duration of the state or federal declaration of emergency, the Ohio Board of Nursing will continue to recognize ORC Section 4723.32(G)(7) as in effect for purposes of authorizing nurses who hold an active, valid license in another state to practice in Ohio without an Ohio nursing license for the duration of any declared disaster of this type for the duration of the current COVID-19 declared emergency. The Board further considers this statute to be applicable only to nurses who do not hold licensure in Ohio, whether that nursing license be active or inactive.
Link/Reference: https://nursing.ohio.gov/
In anticipation of the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) facilities fully opening sometime in July of 2021, the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) will OPEN to serve its constituents beginning June 14th with limited in-person hours of operational and services to the public.
TEMPORARY CONSTRAINTS:
OPEN to the Public on...…..………..………………………….June 14, 2021
Work DAYS….………………….…..…….……………………..Monday through Thursday
Hours of Operations…………………………………………….09:00 am – 04:00 pm
Link/Reference: https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Application documents received prior to the date noted below are currently in the initial stage of processing. The timeframe for the review and evaluation of these materials varies. Applications with education from outside the U.S. usually require a lengthier review process. All applicants should allow an additional 6-8 weeks for review after this date before submitting a Contact Us Form to request a status update, as contacting us earlier will delay processing. We cannot provide the status of a licensure application by phone. We thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Link/Reference: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof
CHICAGO – Gov. Phil Scott signed the NLC into law in the state of Vermont on June 7, 2021. The compact allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to have one multistate license, with the ability to practice in person or via telehealth, in both the primary state of residence and other NLC jurisdictions.
Vermont is the 36th jurisdiction to have enacted the NLC. The NLC will be implemented in Vermont on Feb. 1, 2022. Starting on this date, Vermont residents will be able to apply for a multistate license and nurses residing in other states who hold a multistate license will be able to begin practicing in Vermont.
“
The Office of Professional Regulation is grateful to the Vermont legislators and Governor Scott for their support and passage of the Nursing Licensure Compact bill. We are appreciative of the involvement and endorsement of the Board of Nursing, Vermont Professional Nursing Organizations and nursing leaders that resulted in this achievement,” commented Lauren Hibbert, JD, director of the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation.
Shiela Boni, MSN, RN, executive officer of the Vermont State Board of Nursing, adds, “We look forward to partnering with the other compact states in our shared mission to protect public safety while providing mobility to Vermont nurses, as well as nurses across the nation, who are seeking the lifestyle and collaborative practice environment that Vermont offers.”
Licensure requirements are uniform across NLC states, so nurses who are issued a multistate license have met the same requirements, which include a federal and state criminal background check.
The NLC also enables nurses to provide telehealth nursing services to patients located in other NLC jurisdictions without having to obtain additional licenses. In the event of a disaster, nurses from compact states can easily respond to supply vital services. Additionally, many nurses, including primary care nurses, case managers, transport nurses, school and hospice nurses, among many others, needs to routinely cross state boundaries to provide the public with access to nursing services, and a multistate license facilitates this process.
Link/Reference: https://www.ncsbn.org/
Please note that as per a revised Executive Order issued by the Governor on June 15, 2021: Effective immediately, all licenses and certificates that would otherwise expire prior to August 15, 2021 are extended until 11:59 p.m. on August 15, 2021, after which time the license or certificate will expire unless renewed prior to that date.
To accommodate the anticipated volume of additional renewal applications by those who have postponed renewing their licenses and certificates, the Board will permit licensees and certificate holders to submit their renewal applications electronically, even if you are submitting your renewal application more than 30 days after it was originally scheduled to expire.
If you have elected to postpone renewing your license or certificate in accordance with the Governor's previous temporary extension, then you are strongly encouraged to submit a renewal application online as soon as possible, and, at a minimum, at least 30 days prior to the August 15, 2021 deadline.
Link/Reference: https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
The NH COVID-19 State of Emergency expires on June 12, 2021 at 12:01 AM. The OPLC is no longer accepting applications for COVID-19 Emergency Licenses. All COVID-19 Emergency Licenses issued prior to June 12, 2021 will expire with the expiration of the COVID-State of Emergency. All healthcare COVID-19 emergency licenses will be converted to a temporary license that will be valid for a period not to exceed 120 days (October 20, 2021) from June 12, 2021.
Link/Reference: https://www.oplc.nh.gov/professional-licensing
The NH COVID-19 State of Emergency expires on June 12, 2021 at 12:01 AM. The OPLC is no longer accepting applications for COVID-19 Emergency Licenses. All COVID-19 Emergency Licenses issued prior to June 12, 2021 will expire with the expiration of the COVID-State of Emergency. All healthcare COVID-19 emergency licenses will be converted to a temporary license that will be valid for a period not to exceed 120 days (October 20, 2021) from June 12, 2021.
Link/Reference: https://www.oplc.nh.gov/professional-licensing
The NH COVID-19 State of Emergency expires on June 12, 2021 at 12:01 AM. The OPLC is no longer accepting applications for COVID-19 Emergency Licenses. All COVID-19 Emergency Licenses issued prior to June 12, 2021 will expire with the expiration of the COVID-State of Emergency. All healthcare COVID-19 emergency licenses will be converted to a temporary license that will be valid for a period not to exceed 120 days (October 20, 2021) from June 12, 2021.
Link/Reference: https://www.oplc.nh.gov/professional-licensing
May 2021
(1) RN and LPN by Exam - Currently reviewing applications for issuance of a temporary practice permit (if applicable) or a permanent license for NCLEX test dates of: May 7, 2021 - current date.
(2) RN or LPN by Endorsement - Currently reviewing complete applications for issuance of a temporary practice or permanent license received between: May 5, 2021 - current date
(3) RN, LPN and ARNP Reactivation - Currently reviewing complete applications for issuance received between: May 7, 2021 - current date
*If an application is deficient in requirements, this will add a delay to the processing timeline. Applicants are notified via email of all deficiencies.
5/19/2021
April 2021
Due to scheduled maintenance, the online licensing service of Maine State Board of Nursing will be unavailable for two hours on April 17 starting at 10PM.
SOURCE: https://bit.ly/3sfM7z0
4/17/2021
As part of the response efforts to the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID- 19), State Surgeon General Dr. Scott A. Rivkees issued Emergency Order 21-001 extending the licensure renewal expiration date until June 30, 2021 for any professional license issued by the Department with upcoming licensure renewal deadlines.
(1) The license expiration date for Autonomous Advanced Practice Registered Nurses expiring April 30, 2021 is extended to June 30, 2021.
(2) The license expiration date for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses expiring April 30, 2021 is extended to June 30, 2021.
(3) The license expiration date for Registered Nurses expiring April 30, 2021 is extended to June 30, 2021.
(4) The license expiration date for Certified Nurse Assistants expiring May 31, 2021 is extended to June 30, 2021.
SOURCE: https://bit.ly/3mINmFA
4/16/2021
March 2021
Gov. Lourdes "Lou" Leon Guerrero signed the NLC into law on March 5, 2021, making Guam the first U.S. territory to enact the NLC. The compact allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to have one multistate license, with the ability to practice in person or via telehealth, in both their home territory/state and other NLC states. There are currently 35 states that have enacted the NLC.
Guam’s entry into the NLC will enable nurses holding an active, unencumbered multistate license to practice in Guam to assist with the nursing shortage. Residents of Guam will not be able to obtain a multistate license until the NLC is fully implemented in 2022.
The governor has issued an order modifying the previous order regarding the extension of licenses, permits, and certifications. According to this new order, the temporary extension of licenses, permits, and certifications as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will now end on June 30, 2021.
All licenses and certificate holders who have not yet renewed their licenses or certificates based on the previous executive order should do so at their earliest convenience and, at a minimum, at least 30 days before June 30, 2021 deadline, so that there is sufficient time to process the renewals.
The Kansas State Board of Nursing announced the Nurse License Renewal Schedule from March 31, 2021 to August 31, 2021.
Some services on www.idfpr.com will be unavailable during a major systems update from Friday March 26, 2021 at 2:00 PM until Monday March 29, 2021 at 8:30 AM.
RN or LPN by Exam - Currently reviewing applications for issuance of a temporary practice permit (if applicable) or a permanent license for NCLEX test dates of March 9, 2021 - current date
RN or LPN Endorsement - Currently reviewing complete applications for issuance of a temporary practice or permanent license received between: March 5, 2021 - current date
If an application is deficient of requirements, this will add a delay to the processing timeline. Applicants are notified via email of all deficiencies.
RN, LPN and ARNP Reactivation - Currently reviewing complete applications for issuance received between March 5, 2021 - current date
*If an application is deficient of requirements, this will add a delay to the processing timeline. Applicants are notified via email of all deficiencies.
Renewal applications are typically opened 30-60 days prior to expiration dates. Please make sure to allow enough time for processing
Starting March 2, 2021, the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) will be upgrading to a new phone system for the BRN Main Line. Please be patient as these upgrades may cause increased wait times, and as a result call volumes may increase. Upon completion of this phase of the project, the BRN main phone system will have many enhancements and key features that will improve the experience for the end user.
To continue to practice nursing, a nurse is required to renew his/her license before April 1 in the year in which their license expires. Nurses who renew their licenses before April 2 (by April 1) deadline may continue to practice nursing while awaiting the issuance of a new license by the Board.
If a licensee does not renew the license on or before May 1, the licensee shall pay an additional fee for late renewal but may continue to work until his/her license expires or licensed is renewed.
If a nurse fails to renew before August 1 of the year the license expires, the nurse shall not practice nursing after August 1 until the Board issues a renewal license. An administrative penalty is issued if a nurse works on an expired license.
RN & LPN Exam - Currently reviewing applications for issuance of a temporary practice permit (if applicable) or a permanent license for NCLEX test dates of: February 26, 2021 - current date.
RN & LPN by Endorsement - Currently reviewing complete applications for issuance of a temporary practice or permanent license received between: February 23, 2021 - current date
*If an application is deficient of requirements, this will add a delay to the processing timeline. Applicants are notified via email of all deficiencies.
RN, LPN & ARNP REACTIVATIONS - Currently reviewing complete applications for issuance received between: February 23, 2021 - current date
*If an application is deficient of requirements, this will add a delay to the processing timeline. Applicants are notified via email of all deficiencies.
RN license renewals ended on 2/28/2021. If you did not renew, you are now required to reinstate your RN license. If you submit your reinstatement application on or before April 29, 2021 there is no late fee penalty.
LPN license renewals ended on September 30, 2020. If you did not renew, you are now required to reinstate your LPN license. If you submit your reinstatement application on or before November 30, 2020 there is no late fee penalty.
February 2021
Registrants have just six days left to complete their 2021 annual renewal, with this Sunday’s deadline (28 February) fast approaching.
-RN & LPN BY EXAM - Currently reviewing applications for issuance of a temporary practice permit (if applicable) or a permanent license for NCLEX test dates of February 18, 2021 - Current
-RN & LPN BY ENDORSEMENT - Currently reviewing complete applications for issuance of a temporary practice or permanent license received between February 15, 2021 - Current date. If an application is deficient of requirements, this will add a delay to the processing timeline. Applicants are notified via email of all deficiencies.
-RN, LPN & ARNP REACTIVATION - Currently reviewing complete applications for issuance received between - Current date. *If an application is deficient of requirements, this will add a delay to the processing timeline. Applicants are notified via email of all deficiencies.
Due to the inclement weather in Central Texas, the TX BON is experiencing power outages which impedes our ability to answer phone lines and emails. As power is restored, the Board will attempt to answer as many calls and emails as possible.
Renewal applications are typically opened 30-60 days prior to expiration dates. Candidates must make sure to allow enough time for processing their license renewal.
RN and APRN renewals for licensure in Alaska will end on February 28, 2021. Failure to renew prior to this date will require reinstatement of your license.
It is illegal to work as an RN or ARPN after 2/28/2021 if your license has not been renewed.
The Washington Board of Nursing announced the following:
1. Currently reviewing applications for issuance of a temporary practice permit (if applicable) or a permanent license for NCLEX test dates of: February 9, 2021 - current date
2. Currently reviewing complete applications for issuance of a temporary practice or permanent license received between: February 9, 2021 - current date
*If an application is deficient in requirements, this will add a delay to the processing timeline. Applicants are notified via email of all deficiencies.
The Washington Board of Nursing announced the following:
On February 15, 2021, between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., the ABN servers will undergo scheduled maintenance. ABN online applications may not be accessible during this time. The Board apologizes for any inconvenience and promises to have the system back up as soon as possible.
The Kansas State Board of Nursing announced the Nurse License Renewal Schedule from December 31, 2020 to May 31, 2021.
are currently reviewing documents received during the dates noted below.
NOTE: Applications with education from outside the U.S. usually require a lengthier review process.