Don’t Let Your Illinois RN License Lapse: Your Guide to CE Requirements & Consequences

Failing to complete the mandatory continuing education (CE) requirements for your Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) license renewal by the May 31, 2026 deadline can lead to severe repercussions, including:
License Expiration and Inability to Practice: If you don’t renew your license, it will expire, rendering you legally unable to practice as an RN in Illinois. Practicing with an expired license can result in fines for your employer and significant disciplinary action against you, including potential suspension or revocation.
Delayed License Renewal and Additional Costs: Incomplete CE before renewal will push your license into a delinquent status. To reactivate it, you’ll need to complete all required CE and incur additional fees. Be aware that late renewal fees of $130 will be added if your license expires before the deadline.
Difficulty Finding or Keeping Employment: Most healthcare employers mandate an active and valid nursing license for all staff. Non-compliance with CE requirements could jeopardize your current position and make securing future employment challenging. Employers may also view a lapse in CE as a sign of unreliability, potentially hindering promotions and career advancement.
Potential for Disciplinary Action: The Illinois Board of Nursing rigorously enforces CE requirements. They can impose penalties such as fines, license suspension, or even revocation for non-compliance. Such disciplinary actions can profoundly impact your career and professional reputation.
Reduced Quality of Patient Care and Increased Legal Risks: Continuing education is vital for nurses to stay updated on the latest treatments, medications, and technologies, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care. A failure to stay current can negatively affect the care you provide, potentially leading to outdated practices and compromising patient safety. Furthermore, nurses who do not maintain current knowledge through CE may expose themselves to increased legal risks in cases of medical errors or patient harm resulting from outdated practices or a lack of current knowledge.
In summary, prioritizing and completing your Illinois RN CE requirements on time is crucial for maintaining your license, securing your employment, upholding your professional reputation, and most importantly, ensuring the delivery of safe and effective patient care

Generally, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) does not grant extensions for CE requirements. The expectation is that all required continuing education is completed within the two-year renewal period prior to the May 31st deadline for RNs. It’s always best to plan ahead and complete your CE well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

Effective January 1, 2025, all Illinois nurses (LPN, RN, and APRN) are required to complete at least a one-hour course in cultural competency as part of their license renewal. Renew Now CE offers a dedicated, state-compliant Illinois Cultural Competency 1-Hour CE Course. This course is designed to meet the new mandate and is included in our comprehensive Illinois RN 20-Hour Renewal Package. Our courses are accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), ensuring they meet the highest standards.

Practicing with an expired nursing license in Illinois can lead to serious legal and professional consequences. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has the authority to:
Issue Fines: You and/or your employer could face significant monetary penalties.
Impose Disciplinary Actions: This can range from public reprimands and probation to license suspension or even permanent revocation.
Refer to Law Enforcement: In some cases of unlicensed activity, the matter may be referred for further legal action.
Order to Cease & Desist: An unlicensed individual found practicing will be ordered to stop immediately.
It is critical to understand that once your license expires, you are no longer legally permitted to practice nursing in Illinois until it is fully reactivated.