RNs Must Have Continuing Education for Licensure Renewal
Beginning with the next license renewal cycle, registered nurses (RNs) will need 30 hours of Board-approved continuing education (CE) activities to fulfill the requirements of Act 58 of 2006 and regulations approved by the State Board of Nursing. The CE requirement begins with nursing license renewals for those who renew Oct. 31, 2010, or April 30, 2011.
Applicants for initial licensure in Pennsylvania are exempt from the CE requirement on the first renewal immediately following licensure if they completed a nursing education program within two years of the date of initial application.
Applicants may request a waiver because of serious illness, military service, or other demonstrated hardship. A request for waiver must be submitted in writing to the board at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the individual’s license. Determination will be made by the board on a case-by-case basis.
Certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs) renewing their certificates and who also have prescriptive authority must complete a minimum of 16 of the required 30 CE hours in pharmacology.
To determine compliance with the CE requirement, the board will audit some RN licensees.
Nurses should retain completion of CE documentation—for example, certificates of attendance, official transcripts from academic courses, or a copy of the published item--for at least five years as evidence in case of an audit.
Additional information can be found in the July 12, 2008, “Pennsylvania Bulletin.” Periodic updates and frequently asked questions will be available on the State Board of Nursing’s website soon.
Last Updated: 8/13/2008