Florida Nurse Practitioner – APRN: Major CE Requirements Update

Great news for Florida Nurse Practitioners (APRN)! As of October 1, 2018, Florida certified nurses are exempt from most continuing education courses. Instead of completing 27 hours of CE, APRNs now only need 5 hours to meet renewal requirements. This reduction is part of the Certified Renewal Exemption policy, aligning Florida with national standards for APRN licensing and titles.

Florida ARNP Becomes APRN: What You Need to Know

On October 1, 2018, Florida officially changed the title “Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)” to “Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).” This update was signed into law under House Bill 1337 by Governor Scott. The shift brings Florida closer to the national standard for APRN title usage, licensure, and recognition of all four APRN roles.

Why Was This Change Important?

1. Title Consistency: Updating the title to “Advanced Practice Registered Nurse” reflects a Florida Nurse Practitioner – APRN’s education, training, and credentials.
2. National Alignment: HB1337 ensures that Florida APRNs meet modernized national standards, clarifying roles and licensure across all four APRN types:
   • CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist)
   • CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife)
   • CNP (Certified Nurse Practitioner)
   • CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)
3. Patient Transparency: Proper use of the APRN title enhances transparency for patients, allowing them to understand their provider’s qualifications.

Key Updates for Florida APRN Licenses

• The Florida Board of Nursing began issuing updated licenses with the APRN title on October 8, 2018.
• Current APRNs can continue practicing under their existing license while awaiting the updated one.
• Licenses are designated to reflect APRN roles (e.g., CNS, CNM, etc.), and all RN and APRN license numbers remain the same.

Example License Numbers:

• RN: 1234567
• APRN: 1234567

Should You Keep Your RN License?

If you are a Florida Nurse Practitioner – APRN, you have the option to retain your RN license. Here’s why you might consider keeping it:

1. Multistate Compact Eligibility: Keeping your RN license allows practice in other compact states.
2. Educational Flexibility: Nurse educators in online programs may need an active RN license.
3. Fallback Option: If disciplinary action affects your APRN status, an active RN license provides an alternative to continue practicing.

Note: Fees for RN and APRN licenses remain the same. However, if you choose the APRN-only license, the fee will be reduced.

Florida Nurse Practitioner – APRN CE Requirements Simplified

Under the Certified Renewal Exemption, APRNs now require only 5 hours of CE for license renewal, significantly reduced from the previous 27 hours. This streamlined process ensures compliance with updated Florida regulations while minimizing time spent on continuing education.

Stay Compliant with Renew Now CE

At Renew Now CE, we support Florida Nurse Practitioners – APRNs who wish to maintain active licenses. Whether you need help keeping your RN license active or meeting your Florida Autonomous Practice CE requirements, we’re here to assist you. Read more about how certified nurses are now exempt from most continuing education courses (Certified Renewal Exemption).

Renew Now CE will be happy to work with Advanced Practice Providers who want to keep their RN license active.  Contact us at hello@renewnowce.com for personalized support.

Read more about the Florida Autonomous Practice CE requirements here.