Renewing your ANCC Nurse Practitioner NP Certification

ANCC NP Renewal Requirements – Finish Efficiently

You must renew your ANCC nurse practitioner (NP) board certification every five years. The process isn’t necessarily difficult, but it can be time consuming. Maintaining your certification throughout the five-year process by tracking your progress is key. If you wait until your renewal and must input between 75 and 150 hours of continuing education credit into the ANCC’s website, it will take a great deal of time. 

I’ve been an ANCC certified NP since 2012, so I’m in my third renewal cycle. I’ve found that by using a filing system to keep track of mandatory continuing education hours in addition to chosen renewal requirement categories makes the renewal more seamless.

To avoid retesting, an NP must renew their certification before it lapses and demonstrate proof of completion of the mandatory 75 continuing education hours. Twenty-five of the mandatory hours must be in pharmacology.

Renewing your American Nurses Credentialing Center Nurse Practitioner NP Certification – Using a filing system

You’ll need to input your completed hours into the ANCC’s website. I have found that immediately printing your certificate, putting it into a file folder labeled for the window of your renewal cycle, then inputting these hours to the ANCC’s site, and tracking your total on the outside of the file folder is very helpful in tracking the mandatory hours you’ve completed.

Complete your 25 hours of required pharmacology here: 25 Hours Pharmacology All-Inclusive CE Package

According to the ANCC, if you’re renewing a current, not lapsed license, the steps are as follows:

ANCC Certification renewal eligibility when your certification credential is CURRENT. All requirements must be met within the current 5-year certification period. 

  • Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the professional legally recognized equivalent in another country. 
  • For National Healthcare Disaster certificants, hold the same license, registration, certificate, or degree used for initial test eligibility. 
  • Hold a current ANCC board certification. 
  • Complete the Mandatory 75 continuing education hours. All certificants renewing a CNS or NP certification are required to complete 25 hours of pharmacology as a portion of the mandatory 75 CH. 
  • Complete at least one (1) of the eight certification renewal categories in its entirety. (See pages 7-8 for additional information regarding the renewal categories.) 
  • Pay the renewal fee. 

If you do lapse without renewing on time, the ANCC has a policy for reactivation. You can read about it in their policy: Certification Renewal Requirements

The Eight ANCC Certification Renewal Categories

  1. Continuing Education Hours – 75 hours in the certification specialty. This category can be chosen in addition to the Mandatory 75 Continuing Education Hours. 
  2. Academic Credits – Five semester credits or six quarter credits of academic courses in your certification specialty. 
  3. Presentations – One or more presentations totaling five (5) clock hours in your certification specialty. 
  4. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), Quality Improvement Project (QI), Publication, or Research.
  5. Preceptor Hours – A minimum of 120 hours as a preceptor for students in an academic program related to your specialty. 
  6. Professional Service – Two or more consecutive years of volunteer service during your certification period with an international, national, state, or local healthcare-related organization; accepted volunteer activities include serving on boards of directors, committees, editorial boards, review boards, task forces, and medical missions. 
  7. Practice Hours – A minimum of 1,000 practice hours in your certification specialty, completed within five years preceding the date on your renewal application submission. Practice hours are not required to renew your certification. 
  8. Test or Portfolio – Sit for and pass the current test. 

Continuing Education Hours for ANCC Board Certification Renewal

Some important highlights regarding continuing education requirements: 

  • There are 75 mandatory continuing education hours, of which 25 must be in pharmacology. 
  • You can choose one of your certification renewal categories as an additional 75 continuing education hours for a total of 150 continuing education hours. 
  • For the mandatory hours, at least 60 of the 75 must be formally approved hours, i.e., hours from an accredited provider or approver of nursing education, for example, an ANCC approved provider. 
  • The hours can also be approved through Joint Accreditation or AMA, continuing medical education (CME) hours. 
  • You can claim credit for a specific course just once. Even if you take a course multiple times in the five-year renewal window, you can only claim credit once. 

For more information on renewing your ANCC license, visit the Certification Renewal Requirements.

Read about using ANCC renewal CE toward your Florida Autonomous Practice Application Here

Washington Nurses Now Require 2 hrs of CE on Health Equity

Washington Nurses Now Require 2 Hrs of CE on Health Equity – Stay Compliant

Washington Nurses Now Require 2 hrs of CE on Health Equity – The Washington Board of Nursing has introduced a new health equity continuing education (CE) requirement for all registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). As of December 22, 2023, all Washington nurses must complete 2 hours of health equity CE to maintain their license.

This change emphasizes health equity in patient care, equipping nurses with the knowledge and skills to address disparities in healthcare outcomes across diverse populations.

Get Your 2-Hour Health Equity CE with Our ANCC-Accredited Course

Renew Now CE offers an ANCC-accredited 2-hour Health Equity CE course that meets the Washington Board of Nursing requirements. Our course is designed for RNs and LPNs and provides practical, evidence-based strategies to help nurses integrate health equity principles into their daily practice.

Why Choose Our Course?

  • Washington Board of Nursing-approved content
  • ANCC accredited
  • Flexible, self-paced online learning
  • Instant certificate upon completion

Completing this course ensures you stay compliant with Washington’s CE requirements while gaining valuable skills to improve patient care.

Who Needs to Complete the Health Equity CE?

Currently Licensed RNs & LPNs:

  • Must complete 2 hours of health equity CE by their 2026 renewal date.
  • After 2026, nurses must complete 2 hours of health equity CE during every renewal cycle.

Newly Licensed Nurses:

  • Must complete 2 hours of health equity CE by their second renewal date.
  • After the second renewal, nurses must complete 2 hours of health equity CE every renewal cycle.

Why Is Health Equity CE Important?

Health equity education is designed to help nurses:

  • Recognize and address healthcare disparities based on factors like race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.
  • Improve patient communication and cultural competency to provide more inclusive care.
  • Enhance decision-making and advocacy skills to ensure all patients receive high-quality healthcare.

By completing the required 2-hour health equity CE course, Washington nurses will be better prepared to deliver fair, effective, and equitable patient care.

Stay Compliant – Enroll in our Approved Health Equity CE Course

Washington nurses now require 2 hrs of CE on health equity—don’t wait until the deadline approaches. Enroll in our ANCC-accredited course to meet Washington Board of Nursing requirements and keep your license active.

For more details, read the official Washington Board of Nursing announcement on health equity CE requirements here.

By staying informed and completing your CE on time, you will continue providing high-quality, equitable care to all patients.

Health Equity CE required in Washington State

Health Equity CE Required in Washington State: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Professionals

In response to ESSB 5229, the Washington Department of Health has mandated that healthcare professionals credentialed under Title 18 RCW must complete Health Equity CE required in Washington State. This new requirement aims to ensure that healthcare providers are equipped to address health disparities in their practice. By January 1, 2024, all licensees must complete 2 hours of health equity CE every four years.

The rule-making authority for each profession licensed under Title 18 RCW must adopt specific rules by 1/1/2024. This ensures that all healthcare professionals meet the new Health Equity CE required in Washington State standards.

Health Equity CE Requirements for Washington State Healthcare Professionals

As of December 22, 2023, all Title 18 RCW healthcare professionals must complete 2 hours of health equity CE. This requirement applies to registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, mental health professionals, and other licensed healthcare providers.

Licensees must complete health equity CE at least once every four years, with specific renewal deadlines depending on their profession. The goal is to equip healthcare professionals with skills to address health disparities and provide equitable care.

Complete Your Washington Health Equity CE Now

The Washington Health Equity 2-Hour Course is available for $35 and provides CE credits for ADA CERP, ACCME, ANCC, CDR, ASWB, ACPE, AAPA, and APA. Meet the Health Equity CE required in Washington State by completing this course before your license renewal.

Health Equity CE Topics Covered in Washington State

The Washington State Health Department, in collaboration with various boards and commissions, has established minimum standards for health equity CE programs. The standards must address structural factors like bias, racism, and poverty, which contribute to health inequities. Topics in the course include:

  1. Recognizing Healthcare Disparities: Learn strategies for identifying and eliminating healthcare disparities at individual, institutional, and structural levels.
  2. Intercultural Communication Skills: Gain skills for effective communication with patients from diverse backgrounds, including working with interpreters and understanding cross-cultural communication styles.
  3. Implicit Bias Training: Learn strategies to reduce bias during patient assessment and diagnosis.
  4. Supporting Diverse Youth: Address the emotional well-being of children and youth from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  5. Equity in Emerging Therapies: Ensure equity in care delivery, particularly regarding medical advancements and emerging therapies.
  6. Structural Competency: Develop skills to understand and address structural factors that affect health outcomes, including recognizing biases and developing structural humility.
  7. Cultural Safety: Gain an understanding of how a healthcare professional’s own culture impacts clinical interactions and service delivery, and learn how to engage in ongoing self-reflection and self-awareness.

The course assesses healthcare professionals’ ability to integrate health equity concepts into practice. This ensures the content is relevant and applicable to diverse patient populations.

Fulfill Your Health Equity CE Requirement in Washington State Today

Ensure compliance with the Health Equity CE required in Washington State by completing our 2-hour health equity course today. For just $35, you’ll receive CE credits for multiple accrediting bodies and meet the essential requirements for your license renewal. Don’t wait—take the next step toward enhancing your skills and advancing health equity in your practice.

Additional Resources

  • Washington Department of HealthHealth Equity CE Information
    Access official guidelines and updates on health equity continuing education requirements in Washington State.
  • ESSB 5229 LegislationRead the Full Bill
    Review the full text of ESSB 5229 to better understand the health equity education standards for healthcare professionals.

Implicit Bias Required for California Nurses

According to the California Board of Nursing, beginning January 1, 2023 a licensee within the first 2 years of holding their license, must complete 1 hour of direct participation in an implicit bias course offered by an approved continuing education provider.

California Nurses: Fulfill Your Implicit Bias Requirement Today

As of January 1, 2023, Implicit Bias Required for California Nurses is a mandatory part of licensure for all new nurses. California Assembly Bill 1407 requires newly licensed nurses to complete 1 hour of direct participation in an implicit bias course within their first two years of licensure.

At Renew Now CE, we offer an approved 1-hour course designed to meet the California Board of Nursing’s implicit bias training requirements. You can complete this course for just $20 and fulfill your requirement as part of the Implicit Bias Required for California Nurses mandate. Our course is fully accredited by the California Board of Nursing (Provider ID CEP17292), and you can verify our approval status using the DCA License Search (link).

How to Fulfill the Implicit Bias Requirement for California Nurses

Meeting the Implicit Bias Required for California Nurses is easy—simply register for our 1-hour course for only $20 and complete it at your convenience.

What’s Included in the 1-Hour Implicit Bias Course?

The Implicit Bias for California Nurses course includes important topics such as:

  • Identification of unconscious biases
  • Strategies to overcome barriers to inclusion
  • Training on communicating effectively across diverse identities
  • The effects of implicit bias on health inequities, particularly in perinatal care
  • Information about reproductive justice and community perspectives

Why Implicit Bias Training is Crucial for California Nurses

The Implicit Bias Required for California Nurses training addresses unconscious biases that can influence healthcare decisions and patient care. Nurses who complete this training will be better equipped to:

  • Identify Unconscious Biases: Recognize personal biases and misinformation that may affect patient care.
  • Understand Barriers to Inclusion: Learn about the cultural, institutional, and interpersonal barriers that hinder inclusivity in healthcare.
  • Implement Corrective Measures: Develop strategies to decrease implicit bias at both interpersonal and organizational levels.
  • Communicate Across Identities: Improve communication skills across racial, ethnic, religious, and gender identities.
  • Address Health Inequities: Gain insights into how implicit bias impacts maternal and infant health outcomes.

By completing this training, California nurses contribute to reducing health disparities and promoting better patient outcomes, especially in underrepresented communities.

Stay Compliant – Enroll Today!

Fulfilling your Implicit Bias Required for California Nurses requirement is simple. Register now and complete the 1-hour online course for just $20.

Additional Resources:

  • AB1407 Legislation Overview: Learn more about the legislation here.
  • California Board of Nursing CE Page: Access official CE requirements here.

Implicit Bias Training for Nurses in Michigan

Stay Compliant with Michigan’s Nursing CE Requirements

Implicit bias impacts healthcare quality, influencing how nurses interact with patients. To address this, the Michigan Board of Nursing requires Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to complete implicit bias training as part of their continuing education (CE) requirements.

Complete Your ANCC & Michigan Board of Nursing Approved Implicit Bias Training

  • Course Length: 2 hours
  • Cost: $35
  • Provider: Renew Now CE – Accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and Michigan Board of Nursing
  • Meets LARA Requirements (R 338.7001)

What Is Implicit Bias?

Implicit bias refers to unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence actions and decisions. In nursing, these biases can affect patient care, leading to disparities based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, or cultural background. Implicit Bias Training for Nurses in Michigan helps healthcare professionals recognize and mitigate these biases to provide equitable patient care.

Michigan’s Implicit Bias Training Requirements

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) mandates implicit bias education for healthcare professionals. As of March 23, 2023, updates to Rule R 338.7001 outline acceptable training methods:

  • Live Webinar or Teleconference (Allows real-time interaction)
  • In-Person Training (Includes instructor and participant engagement)
  • Asynchronous Web-Based Course (Pre-recorded content with interactive elements)

Required Training Hours for Nurses

  • RNs & LPNs: 2 hours every renewal cycle (every two years)
  • NPs: Subject to the same requirements as RNs

How Renew Now CE Meets Michigan’s Training Standards

Renew Now CE offers ANCC-accredited and Michigan Board-approved training that fully complies with R 338.7001. Our courses include:

  • Pre-test and Post-test Assessments to measure knowledge
  • Asynchronous Instructor-Led Webinar for flexible learning
  • LARA-Compliant CE Credits to meet renewal requirements

Why Choose Renew Now CE?

  • Approved by ANCC & Michigan Board of Nursing (ID 50-18921)
  • Instant CE Broker Reporting for seamless compliance
  • User-Friendly Online Platform with 24/7 course access
  • Affordable Pricing – Get compliant for just $35

Enhance Your Nursing Practice with Implicit Bias Training

Implicit Bias Training for Nurses in Michigan is essential for ensuring fair and equitable healthcare. By completing your required training, you help improve patient outcomes, meet regulatory standards, and advance health equity.

Don’t wait—Enroll today and stay compliant with Michigan’s nursing CE requirements!


Additional Resources:

Asynchronous Webinars Now Accepted for MI Implicit Bias Training

Michigan Implicit Bias Training Made Easy: Asynchronous Webinars Now Approved

Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has announced that asynchronous webinars are now accepted for Michigan Implicit Bias training. This update to the Implicit Bias Training Standard, effective March 23, 2023, allows licensees to complete their training requirements through pre-recorded, on-demand webinars. With this change, Michigan professionals have more flexible options to meet their renewal and application requirements.

Under the revised Rule 338.7004(3)(d), the following modalities are now acceptable for Implicit Bias Training:

  • (i) A teleconference or webinar with live, synchronous interaction, allowing participants to engage with the instructor and other attendees.
  • (ii) A live presentation providing opportunities for interaction with the instructor and peers.
  • (iii) An asynchronous teleconference or webinar, which can be completed at any time, making it more convenient for busy professionals.

What Does This Mean for You?

As of now, you can complete your Implicit Bias training requirement for Michigan license renewal or application using either on-demand, asynchronous webinars or live sessions. This update makes it easier for you to stay compliant with state requirements.

Renew Now CE Offers Implicit Bias Training Courses with Asynchronous Webinars

Renew Now CE offers a convenient, affordable way to meet your Michigan Implicit Bias training requirements:

2-Hour Implicit Bias Training Course: $35

2-Hour Joint-Accredited CE Course: $55

3-Hour Implicit Bias CE: $95, with accreditation for ADA CERP, ACCME, ANCC, CDR, ASWB, ACPE, AAPA, APA, and COPE

Additional Resources:

Michigan Implicit Bias Training CE Webinars

Michigan Implicit Bias LARA training R 338.7004

Essential Michigan Implicit Bias Training: Accredited CE Webinars for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals must complete Michigan Implicit Bias Training CE Webinars to maintain their professional license in Michigan. This requirement, effective June 1, 2022, with updates in March 2023 under Rule R338.7004, ensures healthcare professionals remain informed on critical topics around implicit bias.

Michigan Implicit Bias Training CE Webinars – Course Options

Compliant with LARA training standards (R338.7004), this course fulfills implicit bias requirements for all professions licensed or registered under the Michigan Public Health Code, including pre-licensure. Ensure your compliance with Michigan’s mandate by selecting from our range of courses:

Michigan Implicit Bias Training Requirements

New Applicants: Required to complete 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years immediately preceding the issuance of the license or registration, including pre-licensure applicants.

Renewing Licensees: Need 1 hour of training for each year of the license/registration cycle. Initial renewals after June 1, 2021, only require 1 hour for each year since that date. For example, if you are scheduled to renew your license in August of 2022, you would only be required to have 1 hour of training, even if the length of your license was 3 years. 

Subsequent renewals will require 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the license or registration cycle.

Approved Training Modalities for Michigan Implicit Bias Training CE Webinars

Implicit Bias Training for Michigan now allows completion with asynchronous, pre-recorded webinars. The rule, R338.7004, was revised in 2023 to allow for more ways for licensees to take the training. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) accepts various forms of training for implicit bias compliance:

  1. A teleconference or webinar that allows live synchronous interaction that provides for the opportunity for participants to interact with the instructor and other participants. 
  2. A live presentation that provides for the opportunity for participants to interact with the instructor and other participants. 
  3. An asynchronous teleconference or webinar.

Who provides Michigan-compliant implicit bias training?

The new rule by Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Public Health Code Rules: R 338.7004 has outlined accepted sponsors of the new continuing education requirement. The following trainings and its sponsors are accepted in the new rule:

  • Training offered by a nationally-recognized or state-recognized health-related organization.
  • Training offered by, or with, a state or federal agency.
  • Training obtained in an educational program that has been approved by any board
  • Training offered by an accredited college or university.
  • An organization specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.

Renew Now CE nationally accredited as a provider through the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC) Provider P0557 and is an approved provider by both the Michigan Board of Nursing and Pharmacy, ID 50-18921. Additionally, we report course completions to CE Broker (currently only reporting for two boards: nursing and pharmacy). We do not report to NABP CPE monitor. 

Documentation and Audits

Please note that licensees must retain proof of training for 6 years. Proof can be a certificate of completion or a self-attestation that includes relevant course details. While Michigan does not require automatic reporting, audits may occur.

Do you have to report your implicit bias certificate to the state?

No, Michigan only requires attestation of compliance at renewal. However, keep your completion certificate for six years, as you may be selected for an audit. If audited by the department, a licensee or registrant shall provide proof of completion of training. This proof can be either of the following:

  • A completion certificate issued by the training program that includes the date of the training, the program sponsor’s name, the program’s title, and the licensee’s or registrant’s name.
  • A self-attestation by the licensee or registrant that includes the date of the training, the program sponsor’s name, the program’s title, and the licensee’s or registrant’s name.

Professions Requiring Implicit Bias Training

All health care professions licensed or registered under the Michigan Public Health Code, except for Veterinary Medicine, are required to take Implicit Bias Training. This includes:

  • Acupuncture
  • Athletic Trainers
  • Audiologists
  • Behavior Analysts
  • Chiropractors Counselors
  • Dentistry
  • Genetic Counseling
  • Marriage & Family Therapy Massage Therapy
  • Medicine
  • Midwifery
  • Nursing
  • Nursing Home Administrators
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Optometry
  • Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery
  • Pharmacy (Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, etc.)
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physician’s Assistants
  • Podiatric Medicine
  • Surgery Psychology
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Sanitarian
  • Social Worker
  • Speech-Language Pathology

According to the LARA training standards R 338.7004, courses from Renew Now CE meet requirements for all health professions in the state of Michigan. 

Licensing and Regulatory Affairs [LARA]. (2023). Public Health Code – General Rules: R 338.7004.

What are the LARA Michigan requirements for Implicit Bias Training?

Make sure your course meets the requirements for implicit bias training for nurses in Michigan. Courses must meet the Michigan requirements in the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Public Health Code Rules: R 338.7004.

Training content must include, but is not limited to, 1 or more of the following topics:

(i) Information on implicit bias, equitable access to health care, serving a diverse population, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and cultural sensitivity.
(ii) Strategies to remedy the negative impact of implicit bias by recognizing and understanding how it impacts perception, judgment, and actions that may result in inequitable decision making, failure to effectively communicate, and result in barriers and disparities in the access to and delivery of health care services.
(iii) The historical basis and present consequences of implicit biases based on an individual’s characteristics.
(iv) Discussion of current research on implicit bias in the access to and delivery of health care services.

Training must include strategies to reduce disparities in access to and delivery of health care services and the administration of pre- and post-test implicit bias assessments.

How to Register for a Michigan Implicit Bias Training CE Webinar

Take the next step toward compliance by enrolling in one of our on-demand implicit bias training webinars today:

Renew Now CE is your trusted partner for meeting Michigan’s CE requirements with ease and efficiency. Accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC, Provider P0557) and the Michigan Board of Nursing and Pharmacy (ID 50-18921), each course is crafted to boost learner confidence and streamline the CE process. Discover why our courses are rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by satisfied professionals!

Renew Your Florida Nursing License with Just One 2-Hour CE Class

Renew Your Florida Nursing License with Just One 2-Hour CE Class | Affordable and Easy

Renew Your Florida Nursing License with Just One 2-Hour CE Class! Are you a certified nurse looking to streamline your renewal process? Great news! The Florida Board of Nursing now allows certified nurses to renew their licenses by taking just one class every two years. Discover how you can save time and stay compliant with our easy, affordable CE courses.

What is a Certified Nurse?

The Florida Board of Nursing recognizes certified nurses who hold accreditation from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). These nurses qualify for an exemption from general CE requirements, with a few exceptions.

Important CE Requirements You Must Know

Even if you’re a certified nurse, the exemption does not apply to these mandatory courses:

  • 2-Hour Human Trafficking CE Course: Required for both RNs and NPs.
  • 3-Hour Safe and Effective Prescription of Controlled Substances Course: Required for NPs only.

You must complete and report these courses to the Florida Department of Health’s tracking system powered by CE Broker. Renew Now CE simplifies this process by automatically reporting your completed courses for seamless submission.

Affordable and Convenient CE Courses

  • Human Trafficking Course: Complete this 2-hour requirement for just $12.

  • Safe and Effective Prescription of Controlled Substances Course: Fulfill this 3-hour requirement for only $14.

Not certified? No worries! Our Complete Package helps you meet all your CE requirements quickly and affordably.

Steps to Claim Your Exemption in CE Broker

Certified nurses must elect the exemption in CE Broker to reduce their required biannual continuing education. Save this blog post for step-by-step instructions on applying the exemption and ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity to save time and effort.

  1. Log in to your CE Broker account.
  2. Select the certification exemption option.
  3. Confirm your exemption status during the renewal process.

Reminder: This exemption must be re-applied every two years during license renewal.

Why Choose Renew Now CE?

At Renew Now CE, we are committed to helping you meet Florida Board of Nursing requirements with ease. As a Florida Board of Nursing and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certified provider, we deliver affordable, high-quality courses tailored to meet your needs.

  • Approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
  • Nationally recognized by ANCC.
  • User-friendly platform with instant reporting to CE Broker.

Renew your Florida nursing license with just one 2-hour CE class and save time and money!

For more information, visit the Florida Board of Nursing’s Renewal Page.

Florida Nurse Practitioner – APRN

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.