As highly regulated as nursing is, licensure is a vital safeguard to ensure the standards of the profession and protect the public. To keep those standards up-to-date, nurses have to renew their licenses periodically. How often these licenses have to be renewed depends on the state board. In Texas, the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) is in charge of regulating this process. Here, we’re going to look at how often is nursing license renewal required and answer some related questions along the way.
Nursing is a vital and regulated profession, with licensure serving as a critical safeguard for both public safety and professional accountability. In order to maintain their ability to practice, nurses are required to renew their licenses periodically. The process of nursing license renewal varies depending on the jurisdiction and specific regulations in place. Understanding how often a nursing license needs to be renewed, the requirements for renewal, and the steps involved can help nurses stay compliant and avoid any disruptions in their careers.
Understanding Nursing License Renewal
In Texas, registered nurses (or RNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are required to renew their nursing licenses every two years. It keeps them up-to-date with their education and professional development. The renewal period is based on the nurse’s birth month, with nurses having to renew their licenses by the end of the month before their birthday, with the ability to start applying one month before. For instance, if your birthday is in April, you can start the process in February, to get your license renewed by the end of March.
The TBON sends out renewal reminders by email, but it is the responsibility of the nurse to renew their license on time. Failing to do so can lead to fines, penalties, and even being unable to practice nursing until the renewal is complete.
Importance of Renewing Your License
Aside from a legal requirement, it’s your professional duty to renew your nursing license, as it is proof that you’re able to provide safe, competent care. As mentioned, not renewing your license on time can lead to serious consequences. Practicing nursing without a license is illegal and can result in disciplinary action.
Renewing your license also ensures that you keep up to date with the latest developments in the practice. Completing the requirements for continuing education helps nurses maintain their skills and build their knowledge. New technologies, treatments, and best practice standards update frequently and fast in the healthcare world, after all. Employers also require nurses to maintain active licenses, and failing to do so can result in termination or suspension from their jobs. As such, timely renewal of your license is vital.
Key Requirements for Renewal
The TBON has specific requirements that nurses must meet to renew their licenses, establishing that they are up-to-date and able to provide a high standard of patient care. These include:
- Biennial Renewal: RNs and LVNs in Texas are required to renew their licenses every two years.
- Continuing Education (CE) Requirements: Nurses have to complete 20 contact hours each renewal period. This can also be met with certification from a national nursing organization in their active area of practice.
- Jurisprudence and Ethics Requirement: For the first license renewal, nurses must complete a one-time Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics course. This course familiarizes nurses with the laws and ethical standards of the nursing profession.
- Criminal Background Check: Nurses have to submit up-to-date criminal background checks.
- Fee Payment: Nurses must pay the renewal fee, which is currently $65 for RNs and LVNs. Late renewals incur an additional penalty fee.
It’s worth noting that these requirements may change over time, so always check them directly with the TBON.
Tips for Timely License Renewal
It’s always recommended you plan ahead to avoid any lapses in your licensure, so here are some tips to help:
- Set Reminders: Create calendar reminders for the renewal window and due date. This ensures that the renewal process does not sneak up unexpectedly.
- Start Early: Start preparing as soon as your renewal window opens, which is two months before the expiry date. This gives you time to get the necessary documents and complete outstanding requirements.
- Track Continuing Education: Keep a record of all continuing education courses taken during the renewal period so you can easily submit proof that you met your CE requirements.
- Update Contact Information: Check that the TBON has your current contact information so you get any renewal reminders and necessary updates.
- Review Renewal Instructions: Check the renewal requirements again before you the process, to ensure you don’t miss even the smallest step.
Avoiding Common Renewal Mistakes
There are common mistakes nurses might make while renewing their licenses. Here are some to avoid:
- Missing the Deadline: If you don’t renew on time, you may experience penalties or lapses in your license which can prevent you from legally practicing.
- Incomplete CE Hours: Nurses must complete 20 hours of continuing education during each renewal period, or licensure can be delayed or denied.
- Not Updating Contact Information: If the TBON doesn’t have your current email address, you can miss important messages, such as reminders.
- Paying Late Fees: Renewing after the license expiration date incurs late fees, so it’s better to submit everything well before the deadline.
Exploring Renewal Options
In Texas, the renewal process is straightforward, but there are different options available for nurses who may have special circumstances:
- Inactive Status: You can request inactive status if you’re not currently practicing but want to keep your license. This way, you can skip the CE requirements. However, you can’t practice until you reactivate your license.
- Military Exemptions: Active military members and their spouses can qualify for renewal extensions or CE requirement exemptions while in service.
- Retirement License Status: Those who are retiring but want to keep their license in good standing can apply for this. It allows them to avoid the full process, keeping the option open for future reactivation
Making the Renewal Process Easier
One of the best ways to make the renewal process easier is to hire a TBON lawyer. Texas Nursing Lawyers has over 45 years of combined experience and are the leading TBON Lawyers in Dallas, they know how to make the renewal process easy. Call us at (214) 384-1902 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.