Illinois prescribing APRNs have specific continuing education requirements for safe opioid prescribing practices. This FAQ addresses the most common questions about meeting these state-mandated training requirements for your license renewal.
How many hours of Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Continuing Education (CE) are required in Illinois?
Illinois requires 3 contact hours of continuing education focused on safe opioid prescribing practices for each license renewal cycle. This requirement applies specifically to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who are prescribers under the Controlled Substances Act and maintain a Controlled Substance Registration. The 3-hour requirement is separate from and in addition to your other continuing education requirements for APRN license renewal.
Who must complete this training?
This training requirement applies to all Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in Illinois who prescribe controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and hold a Controlled Substance Registration. This includes Certified Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists who have prescriptive authority for controlled substances. If you do not prescribe controlled substances or do not hold a Controlled Substance Registration, you should verify your individual requirements with the Illinois Board of Nursing to determine if this specific training applies to your practice.
Complete Your Required Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Continuing Education (CE) Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.
When is the Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Continuing Education (CE) training due?
The 3-hour Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices CE must be completed during each license renewal cycle. For most Illinois APRNs, the license renewal cycle occurs every two years. You should complete this training before your license expiration date to ensure continuous compliance. The training must be current for each renewal period, so you will need to complete a new 3-hour course with each renewal cycle rather than carrying over previous training from earlier years.
What topics does the training cover?
The Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices training provides comprehensive instruction on responsible opioid prescribing, patient assessment, risk identification, and evidence-based pain management strategies. Course content addresses the current opioid crisis and the prescriber’s role in reducing harm, appropriate patient selection and screening before initiating opioid therapy, safe prescribing protocols including dosing and monitoring guidelines, recognition of substance use disorders and diversion risks, effective use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, and alternative approaches to pain management. The training equips prescribing APRNs with the clinical knowledge and regulatory understanding necessary for safe, ethical opioid prescribing in compliance with Illinois law.
Complete Your Required Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Continuing Education (CE) Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.
Can I take the course online?
Yes, online courses are fully accepted for meeting the Illinois Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices CE requirement. Online training offers the convenience of completing your requirement on your own schedule from any location with internet access. When selecting an online course, ensure the provider is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. ANCC-accredited providers are recognized for continuing education in Illinois, and courses from these providers will satisfy your state requirement. Online courses typically provide immediate certificate access upon completion, allowing you to document your compliance without delay.
Which CE providers are approved?
Continuing education providers approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation are recognized for Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices training. Providers accredited by national nursing organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center are accepted for Illinois APRN continuing education requirements. When selecting a course, verify that the provider explicitly states the course meets Illinois requirements for prescribing APRNs and that the training covers safe opioid prescribing practices as mandated by state law. Reputable providers will clearly indicate their accreditation status and state approval on their course descriptions.
How do I get my certificate?
Upon completing your Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices CE course, you will receive a certificate of completion from your continuing education provider. Most online courses provide instant digital certificate access immediately after you finish the course materials and pass any required assessments. You should download and save your certificate in both digital and printed formats for your records. The certificate serves as documentation of your compliance with the Illinois requirement and should be maintained with your other continuing education records in case of audit by the Illinois Board of Nursing during the renewal process or thereafter.
Complete Your Required Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Continuing Education (CE) Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.
