

Avoid threats to your nursing license
Mind your mandatory CE credits to stay in good standing with the board


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By Nancy J. Brent
MS, JD, RN

To obtain an initial license to practice nursing, or to renew a license to practice nursing, a nurse licensee must attest that she or he has met the requirements as set forth by the
state board of nursing
. If a nurse does not meet these standards, she or he can face disciplinary action.
Lying about meeting CE requirements
- Denial of the application or renewal, a fine, a censure or reprimand of the nurse licensee.
- Being placed on probation for a period of time.
The unfortunate ‘unapproved course’ mishap
A shortcoming in required topics
National Practitioner Data Bank
and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s NURSYS database
.
Keep in mind the board of nursing can become aware of non-compliance with nursing continuing education requirements through a complaint made to the board or through their power to audit licensees’ records of their contact hours.
These scenarios have serious ramifications for nurses practicing in states requiring continuing education, so keep the following nine tips in mind:Know your state nurse practice act and rules requirements for continuing nursing education requirements and adhere to them.
Remember you and only you are accountable for complying with your state’s continuing nursing education requirements.
If you are unsure if a program or course is consistent with your state board of nursing requirements, obtain a written statement from the program sponsor as to its approval.
Never falsify any information on an application for initial licensure or renewal of an existing license.
Select programs or courses that not only meet your licensing obligations but also increase your competency in your practice area.
Never offer to provide a continuing nursing education program without adhering to your state board of nursing’s requirements.
Keep all certificates awarded to you by a continuing nursing education program.
Never practice with a license that is not valid and current.
Retain a nurse attorney or attorney to represent you in any board proceedings concerning your non-compliance with continuing nursing education contact hours to obtain or renew your nursing license.
Board of nursing requirements
Find out which states require contact hours
Learn More
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Nancy J. Brent, MS, JD, RN, Nurse.com's legal information columnist, received her Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and concentrates her solo law practice in health law and legal representation, consultation and education for healthcare professionals, school of nursing faculty and healthcare delivery facilities. Brent has conducted many seminars on legal issues in nursing and healthcare delivery across the country and has published extensively in the area of law and nursing practice. She brings more than 30 years of experience to her role of legal information columnist.BACK TO TOP
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