requirements for nursing license renewal in florida

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Understanding Your 2025 Florida Nursing License Renewal

• Little time is left to review the rules and requirements for license renewal for busy Florida nurses who are already juggling incredible strains on the healthcare system.
• In the state of Florida nurses cannot legally work with an inactive license.
• Nursing CE Central has a complete breakdown of state requirements, contact hours, deadlines, top questions, and consequences of missing the renewal deadline for the 2025 Florida nursing license renewal period.

NCC News & Content Team

As nurses across the country deal with burnout, staffing shortages, and high demands and strains on the overall healthcare system, there is not much time left to figure out the CEUs required to renew nursing licenses.

For Florida nurses whose licenses expire in 2025, a lapse in licensure  means having to take the time to reactive their license with the Florida Board of Nursing, and not being able to work in the meantime.

We’ve created a complete list of questions on how to renew a nursing license, including information on deadlines, continuing education requirements, and consequences of missing the 2025 Florida nursing license renewal deadline.

The license reactivation process comes with additional fees and nurses must still meet continuing education requirements.

  1. What are the CE Requirements for the 2025 Florida Nursing License Renewal Period?

While there are several options available to meet the CE requirement to renew a nurse license in Florida most choose to complete 24 hours of appropriate continuing education units during each renewal period, including two (2) hours relating to prevention of medical errors, two (2) hours in Laws and Rules in Nursing, two (2) hours in Human Trafficking, two (2) hours in Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace every other biennium (every 4 years), and one (1) hour in HIV/AIDS prior to first renewal (one-time requirement). In addition to these 24 hours of general CE, every third renewal two (2) hours of domestic violence CE must be completed for a total of 26 hours.

All nurses must complete the above-mentioned mandated courses to renew their license in Florida.

(Nursing CE Central’s Florida Renewal Bundle includes all of the required courses for renewing a nursing l.)

2. Who Is Required to Obtain CE to Renew a Nurse License?

RNs and LPNs must complete CE courses for the 2025 Florida nursing license renewal period.

3. Are Tests Required to Fulfill the CE Requirements?

Yes, the Florida Board of Nursing requires tests for all Florida-required CE courses. However, nurses who complete the Florida Bundle with Nursing CE Central only need to take one test.

3. Does Nursing CE Central Automatically Submit Proof of Completed CEU  to CE Broker?

To make nursing license renewal as easy as possible, we automatically and instantaneously reports all CEU completion to CE Broker! Nursing CE Central is a certified CE Broker provider and Florida nurses who take our courses won’t have to manually upload course certificates to www.cebroker.com .

 4. Can I Renew Now and Complete My CE Requirements Later?

No, you must complete the CE requirements for the 2025 Florida nursing license renewal period, and submit proof of completion to CE Broker (if your CEU provider does not automatically submit documentation for you) before your renewal application will be processed by the Florida Board of Nursing.

5. Is Nursing CE Central a Florida Board of Nursing-Approved Provider?

Yes! Courses from Nursing CE Central are approved and accepted by the Florida Board of Nursing.

6. When Is the Florida Nursing License Renewal Deadline?

The two license renewal deadlines for 2025 are April 30th and July 31st, depending on the exact expiration date a nurse’s license falls on.

7. What Happens if I Don’t Renew My License Before the 2025 Deadline?

If you miss the renewal deadline then you must file for a license reactivation if you wish to continue practicing in Florida. The license reactivation process comes with additional fees and you still need to meet CE requirements. You can request reactivation information by contacting the board at [email protected] .

If you don’t want to renew your nurse license before it expires, you can retire it for a one-time $55 fee* paid to the Florida Board of Nursing. This process will put your license into a dormant state where you can reactivate it when needed. If you take no action before your license expires, it will become delinquent and eventually fall null/void two years after its last expiration. Once it’s null/void, you can’t reactivate it. *fees are subject to change.

8. How Can I Renew My License?

You can facilitate the renewal of nursing license online by visiting www.flhealthsource.gov and clicking the ‘Renew a License’ button. Once you log into your dashboard, a ‘Renew My License’ option will populate at least 90 days before your license expiration date.

9. What Do Nurses Need to Have Ready When Starting Their Renewal Online?

Most will only need fulfilled continuing education requirements and submit documentation of them, along with a valid method of payment for any nursing license renewal fees through the online portal ( www.flhealthsource.gov ).

10. How Can I Check That My Renewal Application Is Complete?

The nurse license renewal process may take 7-10 business days. You can check the status of your  application by visiting https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal , or verify your license at https://mqa-internet.doh.state.fl.us/MQASearchServices/HealthCareProviders .

11. How Do I Contact the Florida Board of Nursing?

You can contact the the board in the following ways with any Florida license renewal questions:

Florida Board of Nursing website

Address: 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Phone Number: (850) 245-4125

The board is available 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

Still have questions?

Visit our Florida nursing license renewal page for more information or to start your required online CE.

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Florida ce requirements for license renewal.

As a nurse in the state of Florida, you are required to earn continuing education to renew your active license. All of our CE activities are accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). 

Renewal Requirements

• 16 hours of general continuing education 
• 2 hours related to medical error prevention
• 2 hours on the laws and rules that govern the practice of nursing in Florida
• 2 hours related to human trafficking
• 1 hour related to HIV/AIDS
• 2 hours related to recognizing impairment in the workplace
• 2 hours related to domestic violence
• 3 hours on the safe and effective prescription of controlled substances 

Visit the Florida Board of Nursing for more information on your renewal requirements.

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Welcome to the Division of Medical Quality Assurance online service portal. The portal was established to provide healthcare practitioners 24 hours a day access to the division's licensing services, including the ability to apply for a license or permit online, check the status of your application, and manage your licensure record. You can also search for approved counterfeit-proof prescription pad vendors and request certification of your Florida license.

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The Division of Medical Quality Assurance online service portal provides direct access to the division's online License Verification tool, which allows users to search the Division's database by licensee name or license number. You may also search disciplinary actions, view practitioner profiles, request public records, download data, file a complaint or report unlicensed activity.

The information contained in the Public Data Portal link is for organizations or individuals who want to obtain general license information about multiple practitioners under specific board regulation.

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Continuing Education

The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, will now review your continuing education records in the electronic tracking system at the time of renewal. It will happen automatically when you renew your license, but it is important that you understand how this simple change will affect the way you renew your license in the future. If the practitioner’s continuing education records are complete, they will be able to renew their license without interruption. If the practitioner’s continuing education records are not complete, they will be prompted to enter their remaining continuing education hours before proceeding with their license renewal.

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Requirements

Licensing & renewal requirements.

The Department of Health has made every effort to provide access to the information you need to renew your license on this website. Most health care licensees and facilities are required to renew their license biennially in order to maintain the right to practice; however, some professions require annual renewal of the license. To learn more about the renewal process for your license, select a profession from the list.

Licensing Requirements Renewal Requirements

Licensing Requirements Recertification Requirements

Interstate Mobility Effective Date: July 1, 2024 SB 1600 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill creates the “Mobile Opportunity by Interstate Licensure Endorsement Act” (MOBILE Act) within Chapter 456, F.S., which establishes a new universal process for licensure by endorsement for health care professions regulated by the Florida Department of Health’s (the Department’s) Division of Medical Quality Assurance. To qualify, the health care practitioner must meet specific criteria, including various testing, training, and experience qualifications for their profession. The bill also repeals existing licensure by endorsement statutes from various individual practice acts. The bill establishes criteria under which health care practitioners can be licensed by endorsement. The bill mandates that applicants comply with the required fingerprint-based criminal history checks for professional licenses, outlines grounds for ineligibility for licensure under this act, such as pending disciplinary proceedings or criminal convictions related to the health care profession, and directs the Department to utilize the National Practitioner Data Bank for verifying applicant credentials. Each applicable board, or the Department if there is no board, shall adopt rules incorporating application forms for the MOBILE Act licensure pathway within six months after its effective date. The bill amends current law for licensure by endorsement in various practice acts to conform to the provisions of the MOBILE Act. The bill does not alter current law relating to licensure by endorsement for radiologist assistants, radiologic technologists, or respiratory therapists. The bill provides that, notwithstanding the changes made to the Florida Statutes by the MOBILE Act, a board or the Department, as applicable, may continue processing applications for licensure by endorsement as authorized under the Florida Statutes (2023) until the rules adopted by such board or the Department to implement the changes made by the MOBILE Act take effect or until six months after the bill’s effective date, whichever occurs first. The bill requires the Department to submit an annual report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives which details, by profession, the number of applications received, licenses issued, denials, complaints received, and disciplinary actions taken against health care practitioners licensed under the MOBILE Act.

Practice of Chiropractic Medicine Effective Date: June 26, 2024 HB 1063 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill authorizes chiropractic physicians to adjust, manipulate, or treat the human body through the use of monofilament intramuscular stimulation, also known as dry needling, for the treatment of trigger points or myofascial pain. To perform dry needling, chiropractic physicians must first complete a 40-hour certification course approved by the Board of Chiropractic Medicine (Board) and be certified by the Board. The bill requires the Board to establish minimum practice standards for chiropractic physicians performing dry needling, including specific education and training requirements, restrictions, and patient consent protocols. The bill specifies that dry needling cannot be delegated to any person other than a chiropractic physician who is authorized to engage in dry needling under Chapter 460, F.S. The bill creates a licensure pathway for chiropractic physicians who obtained their bachelor’s degree at a non-U.S. educational institution of higher education by updating licensure education requirements to allow for the acceptance of credential evaluation reports from approved organizations as proof of education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

Department of Health Effective Date: July 1, 2024 SB 1582 (Bill Information)

• Clarifies the responsibility for providing newborn screenings and the submission of newborn screening specimen cards.
• Specifies blood specimen collection requirements for newborn screenings.
• Revises the definition of “health care practitioner” to include licensed genetic counselors thereby adding genetic counselors to the list of health care practitioners who may receive state lab results. Revises hearing loss screening requirements to include infants and toddlers.
• Modifies sickle cell disease and trait screening requirements, notifications, and registry processes including opt-out provisions for parents or guardians.
• Defines “environmental health technician,” establishes the environmental health technician’s certification, mandates certification standards, and provides certification requirement exemptions under specified conditions.
• Creates the Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program to award competitive grants for scientific and clinical research related to pediatric rare diseases.
• Allows additional time to cure application deficiencies for medical marijuana treatment center license applicants and stipulates license issuance processes upon successful cure or post-applicant death.
• Implements environmental risk screenings for pregnant women and infants to address issues such as low income and substance use disorder, with opt-out provisions.
• Amends the membership and quorum requirements for the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Effective Date: July 1, 2024 HB 7021 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill amends Florida’s mental health and substance abuse laws to enhance services, clarify definitions, and update procedures by revising standards for involuntary mental health treatment service, broadening the definition of licensed medical practitioners qualified to provide care, and refining the responsibilities of county courts. The bill revises written notice requirements relating to filing petitions for involuntary services. The bill amends the requirements relating to voluntary admissions to a facility for examination and treatment, ordering person for involuntary services and treatment, petitions for involuntary service, appointment of counsel, and continuances of hearings. The bill revises actions that constitute unlawful activities relating to assessment and treatment and court actions relating to involuntary assessments. The bill removes limitations on advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) serving the physical health needs of individuals receiving psychiatric care and authorizes psychiatric nurses to release a patient from a receiving facility when certain criteria are met.

Background Screening Requirements for Health Care Practitioners Effective Date: July 1, 2025 HB 975 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill establishes background screening requirements for various health care professions, amending section 456.0135(1), F.S., to include the non-screened health care practitioners cited in Chapters 462, 463, 465, 466, 467, 468 (part I, part II, part III, part V, part X or part XIV), 478, 483, 484, 486, 490, and 491, F.S. This requires all health care practitioners, including those who are not currently screened, to submit fingerprints. However, it does not include the professions cited in sections 401.27 (emergency medical technicians and paramedics), 465.013, and 465.014, F.S. (pharmacy interns and registered pharmacy technicians), or Chapter 468 part IV, F.S. (radiologic technicians). The bill requires that, effective July 1, 2025, criminal background checks conducted for all health care practitioners must include fingerprint screening by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, for both prospective licensure applicants and practitioners licensed before July 1, 2025, when they next renew their licenses after that date. The bill requires all existing licensees as of July 1, 2025, who were not screened through a state and federal (Level 2) review to comply with the background screening requirements established in section 456.0135, F.S., by their next licensure renewal that takes place on or after July 1, 2025. The bill prohibits the Department of Health from renewing the license of such a health care practitioner after July 1, 2025, until he or she complies with these background screening requirements. The bill adds eight new offenses to the statutory list of offenses outlined in section 435.04, F.S., that can disqualify a person from employment in certain regulated professions if he or she has been the subject of certain legal actions regarding such offenses.

Home Health Care Services Effective Date: July 1, 2024 HB 935 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill expands eligibility for ordering Medicaid home health services to include advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs). The bill allows Medicaid to pay for home health services ordered by an APRN or a PA who is not employed, under contract with, or otherwise affiliated with the home health agency rendering the services. The APRN or PA must have examined the recipient within the 30 days preceding the request for home health services. When ordering home health services, the APRN or PA must also include their national provider identifier, Medicaid identification number, or medical practitioner license number on the written prescription for the services. The APRN or PA must also include such information on all claims for home health reimbursement and prior authorization requests.

Dental Insurance Claims Effective Date: January 1, 2025 SB 892 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill prohibits dental insurance contracts from specifying credit card payments as the only method of payment to dentists and requires health insurers and prepaid limited health service organizations to obtain dentist consent before paying claims via electronic funds transfer (EFT), including virtual credit card payments. The bill provides that dentist consent covers the entire practice and bears the dentist’s signature, which may include electronic or digital signatures, and prohibits charging a fee for ACH transfer payments to dentists unless consent is obtained. The bill establishes that health insurers and organizations cannot deny claims for procedures included in a prior authorization, with specified exceptions. The bill establishes that these provisions apply to contracts delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, and authorizes the Office of Insurance Regulation to enforce these provisions and the commission to adopt implementing rules.

Dentistry Effective Date: July 1, 2024 SB 938 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill codifies the Board of Dentistry’s (Board’s) role in administering the licensure examination.

The bill revises requirements for dentist licensure in Florida, including examination and continuing education alterations by:

• Deleting language requiring dental students who have completed the coursework necessary to prepare to pass the American Dental License Examination (ADEX) to wait until their final year of dental school to apply for licensure;
• Deleting language relating to ADEX scores for applicants only being valid for 365 days after the date the official examination results are published;
• Amends the required documentation of prior full-time practice required by an out-of-state licensed dentist applying for licensure in Florida. The bill also authorizes the Board to excuse applicants from the 1,200-hour requirement in the event of hardship, as determined by the Board.
• Deletes the requirement that out-of-state licensed dentists applying for Florida licensure who apply for and receive a Florida license, must engage in the full-time practice of dentistry inside the geographic boundaries of the state for one year after licensure, and deletes the provisions related to compliance and enforcement of this requirement.
• Clarifies continuing education content relating to practice management by allowing the course to include one or more of the specified subject areas.

Dental Services Effective Date: July 1, 2024 HB 855 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill revises existing standards for the practice of dentistry to include a definition for digital scanning and establishes new requirements that specifically apply to providers using telehealth to provide dental services to patients.

The bill requires any partnership, corporation, or other business entity that advertises dental services to designate a dentist of record with the Board of Dentistry. The bill also requires every dentist to provide each patient with the dentist’s name, contact telephone number, after-hours contact information for emergencies, and license information. The bill provides that failure to do so constitutes grounds for discipline.

The bill requires advertisements for certain dental services provided through telehealth to include a disclaimer.

The bill establishes the requirement that a dentist perform an in-person examination of a patient, or review records of an in-person examination of the patient performed within the last 12 months, before making an initial diagnosis and correction of a malposition of teeth or the initial use of an orthodontic appliance. Further, the bill provides that failing to adhere to this requirement constitutes grounds for discipline.

Anti-Human Trafficking Effective Date: July 1, 2024 HB 7063 (Bill Information)

• Updates the hotline number on human trafficking awareness signs to the Florida Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-855-FLA-SAFE.
• Extends the repeal date of the direct-support organization for the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking to October 1, 2029.
• Requires contractors with governmental entities to attest they do not use human trafficked labor.
• Imposes a $2,000 per day fine on public lodging establishments not in compliance with human trafficking awareness requirements.
• Defines “governmental entity” for the purpose of contract affidavits concerning the non-use of human trafficked labor.

Office Surgeries Effective Date: May 10, 2024 HB 1561 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill requires physician offices where gluteal fat grafting procedures are performed to establish financial responsibility through one of the following methods:

• Secure and maintain professional liability coverage in an amount not less than $250,000 per claim, with a minimum annual aggregate of not less than $750,000. The coverage cannot be used for litigation costs or attorney’s fees for the defense of any medical malpractice claim.
• Obtain and maintain an unexpired, irrevocable letter of credit of not less than $250,000 per claim, with a maximum aggregate credit availability of not less than $750,000, which may not be used for costs or attorney fees from the defense of any medical malpractice litigation.

The bill amends the standards of practice by expressly prohibiting a physician from performing a liposuction procedure where more than 1,000 cc of supernatant fat is temporarily or permanently removed, a Level II office surgery, or Level III office surgery procedure in any setting other than a registered office surgery setting or a facility licensed under Chapters 390 or 395, F.S. The bill revises the fine for violating this prohibition from $5,000 a day to $5,000 per incident.

For Pharmacists and Pharmacist Interns

If you are a licensed pharmacist or pharmacist intern and need your intern hours transferred to another state, please submit a written request to:

Department of Health Florida Board of Pharmacy 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-04 Tallahassee, FL 32399

Health Care Practitioners and Massage Therapy Effective Date: July 1, 2024 HB 197 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill amends quorum requirements for the Board of Massage Therapy to be a majority of current membership and requires the Department of Health (Department) to include specific data on massage therapists and establishments in their annual report. The bill authorizes the Department to issue an emergency suspension order, suspending the license of massage therapists and establishments upon receipt of information that the therapist, designated establishment managers, or employees have been arrested for their involvement in certain crimes. The bill also establishes new grounds for emergency suspension that broadly applies to all health care practitioners and requires the Department to issue an emergency order suspending the license of any licensee upon a finding that probable cause exists to believe that the licensee has committed sexual misconduct. The bill revises definitions relevant to the operation of massage establishments, including “employee,” “designated establishment manager,” “sexual activity,” and “advertising medium.” The bill amends massage establishment requirements related to sexual activity prohibition, prohibited conduct and devices, window transparency, signage, employee dress code, and the maintenance and display of employee and customer records. The bill specifies advertising requirements for massage therapists and establishments and prohibits advertisements related to prostitution services. The bill also prohibits massage establishments from being used as a principal or temporary domicile, as a shelter or harbor, or be used as sleeping or napping quarters for any person unless the establishment is zoned for residential use under a local ordinance. The bill requires Department investigators to request valid government identification from all employees while in a massage establishment and requires the Department to notify a federal immigration office if they fail to do so. The bill also specifies the documents operators of massage establishments must provide to Department investigators and law enforcement officers upon request. The bill provides that massage establishments in violation of new regulations are a nuisance, subject to abatement or injunction.

548 Public Records/ Military Personnel and their Spouses and their Dependents Effective Date: April 26, 2024 SB 548 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill creates an exemption from public records requirements for identification and location information of current and former military personnel and their families and states the exemption applies retroactively. The bill specifies “military personnel” as those employed by the U.S. Department of Defense with access to “secret” or “top secret” information or members of special operations forces. For this exemption to apply, the bill requires military personnel to submit a written request to an agency holding such information and a statement of efforts to protect their information from public access. The exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will stand repealed on October 2, 2029, unless reviewed and reenacted by the Legislature.

Behavioral Health Teaching Hospitals Effective Date: July 1, 2024 SB 330 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill, which is part of the Live Healthy initiative, advances Florida’s behavioral health systems of care by creating the designation of Behavioral Health Teaching Hospital (BHTH) for facilities that train mental health service providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers and family marriage and family therapists. It creates a new, integrated care and education model that will focus on state-of-the-art behavioral health research and provide leading-edge education and training for Florida’s behavioral health workforce. The bill defines behavioral health professions including, but not limited to, psychiatrists licensed under Chapters 458 or 459, psychologists licensed under Chapter 490, psychiatric nurses licensed under Chapter 464, and social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors licensed under Chapter 491, F.S. The bill identifies four hospitals to serve as pilots: Tampa General Hospital in collaboration with the University of South Florida, UF Health Shands Hospital, and UF Health Jacksonville in collaboration with the University of Florida and Jackson Memorial Hospital in collaboration with the University of Miami; however, any hospital can apply for the designation. The bill establishes that participating hospitals will collaborate with other university colleges and schools of medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, pharmacy, public health, or other relevant disciplines to promote and enhance a modernized behavioral health system of care. Further, the hospitals shall provide inpatient and outpatient behavioral health care, address system-wide behavioral health needs, and provide treatment and care for those who need long-term voluntary or involuntary civil commitment. The bill establishes the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce (the Center) within the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute at the University of South Florida to produce research and policy analysis and create best practices for the training of mental health professionals and appropriates $5 million for this purpose. All health care regulatory boards are required to, upon request, provide the Center with specified information regarding licensed behavioral health professionals.

Public Records and Meetings Effective Date: March 21, 2024 SB 322 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill, which is linked to SB 7016 becoming law, creates public records and public meeting exemptions for the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, and the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. The bill protects from public disclosure the personal identifying information of a physician, audiologist, speech-language pathologist, physical therapist, and physical therapist assistant, other than the individual’s name, licensure status, or license number, obtained from the coordinated licensure system or database under the applicable compact and held by the Department of Health or licensing board, unless the state that originally reported the information to the coordinated system authorizes the disclosure by law. The bill also creates a public meeting exemption for compact Commission meetings, or portions of such meetings, at which matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or state law are discussed. The bill provides that any recordings, minutes, and records generated from such a meeting are also exempt. The exemptions are subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will stand repealed on October 2, 2029, unless reviewed and reenacted by the Legislature.

Health Care Innovation Effective Date: March 21, 2024 SB 7018 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill creates the Health Care Innovation Council (the Council) within the Department of Health to convene health care experts for the purpose of exploring innovations in technology, workforce, and health care delivery models. The bill tasks the Council with developing best practice recommendations and submitting annual reports to the Governor and the Legislature, among other responsibilities. The bill also creates a revolving loan program for the implementation of innovative solutions. The Council will review applications and recommend prioritized lists of funding applications. Applicants may be certain licensed providers, with priority for rural hospitals or nonprofits that accept Medicaid patients in rural or medically underserved areas.

Health Care Effective Date: March 21, 2024 SB 7016 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill aims to grow Florida’s health care workforce by establishing various health care-related programs and initiatives, removing regulations to increase workforce mobility, and expanding access to quality, efficient health care. Specifically, the bill:

• Expands Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical and Dental Education: The bill updates and expands the Dental Student Loan Repayment (DSLR) Program and the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) Program by allowing mental health professionals, dental hygienists, and private dental practices in areas where there are shortages of practitioners serving Medicaid patients to qualify, increasing loan repayment award amounts for all qualifying health care professionals, and requiring 25 hours of volunteer health services per year to qualify. The bill requires the Department of Health (Department) to provide an annual report detailing loan repayment through both the DSLR and FRAME programs to the Governor and the Legislature through July 1, 2034. The Department is also required to facilitate a study evaluating the impact of student loan repayment programs on health care provider shortages and to submit the study’s results to Governor and the Legislature by January 1, 2023.
• Expands the Areas of Critical Need Program: The bill allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Physician Assistants to be issued temporary certificates to practice in these underserved areas, as is currently allowed for physicians.
• Establishes Limited Licensure for Graduate Assistant Physicians: The bill creates a new limited license as a graduate assistant physician (GAP) for medical school graduates who have passed their exams but have not yet been matched into a residency program.
• Revises Regulations for Autonomous Nurse Midwives: The bill amends requirements for certified autonomous nurse midwives by replacing the requirement for a transfer agreement with a requirement to maintain a written policy for the transfer of patients who need a higher level of care or emergency services and includes rulemaking authority and monitoring provisions.
• Licensure Compacts: The bill provides that Florida will enter into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, and the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact.
• Reduces Barriers for Psychologists/Psychiatric Nurses to Work in Baker Act Facilities: The bill reduces and repeals post-licensure clinical requirements for clinical psychologists and psychiatric nurses to work in Baker Act facilities, includes a three-year clinical experience requirement for more advanced acts performed by a clinical psychologist, and requires a psychiatric nurse to practice within an established protocol.
• Expands Access to Free and Charitable Clinics: The bill increases the eligibility threshold to 300% of the federal poverty level, allowing more low-income Floridians access to care.
• Creates a Health Screening and Practitioner Volunteer Portal and Grant Program: The bill establishes a health screening portal online where information on low or no-cost health screening opportunities and information for health care practitioners on volunteer opportunities related to such health screenings can be found. The bill also creates a Health Screening Grant Program to support nonprofit entities that are providing no-cost screenings and health services.
• Creates Advanced Birth Center Designation: The bill allows a licensed birth center to be designated as an advanced birth center (ABC). The ABC must operate continuously, employ two medical directors (an obstetrician and an anesthesiologist), serve Medicaid recipients, and have a formal arrangement with a nearby hospital in case of an emergency.
• Requires ER Diversion Partnerships and Care Coordination: The bill encourages the creation of partnerships between hospitals and primary care settings to improve coordination and encourage patients to establish a medical home to prevent future emergency department visits for non-urgent care by requiring all hospitals with emergency departments to create a plan for helping patients access appropriate care settings when those patients come to the emergency room with a non-emergent condition or indicate they lack regular access to primary care.

The bill removes the sunset date from the Florida Center for Nursing’s (FCN) duty to submit an annual report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The required report contains FCN’s analysis of nursing education programs and Florida’s nurse supply to determine if there was an increase in their availability and ability to produce quality nurses.

The bill expands eligibility for Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Funding to high-performing independent schools, colleges, or universities that meet performance metrics.

The bill creates the Training, Education, and Clinicals in Health (TEACH) Funding Program to offset lost revenue while clinical preceptors are mentoring medical, dental, nursing, and behavioral health students. The program seeks to increase the availability of clinical opportunities, improve the quality of the training sites, and promote the clinical training that prepares students for work as health care professionals.

The bill expands graduate medical education residency slots to increase the number of physicians in Florida.

The bill expands opportunities for experienced foreign-trained physicians to seek licensure in Florida.

The bill directs the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to seek federal approval to include hospital at home as a reimbursable service in Medicaid, so Floridians on Medicaid can receive hospital care at home, if appropriate.

The bill expands the Telehealth Minority Maternity Care Program statewide by expanding the capacity for positive maternal health outcomes. The program may enlist county health departments to assist with program implementation and requires annual reporting by the Department to the Governor and the Legislature on program effectiveness.

Aggregate data on the maternal and infant health outcomes of program participants. The bill enhances and expands mobile response teams to ensure coverage in every county.

Controlled Substances Effective Date: July 1, 2024 SB 1512 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill adds tianeptine to the list of Schedule I controlled substances.

Revive Awareness Day Effective Date: April 8, 2024 SB 66 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill designates June 6 as “Revive Awareness Day” to raise awareness of opioid overdose dangers and promote the safe use and availability of opioid antagonists like naloxone.

OGSR/Financial Disclosure Effective Date: October 1, 2024 HB 7005 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill removes the scheduled repeal of exemptions from public records requirements for secure login credentials held by the Commission on Ethics and certain information entered into the electronic filing system for financial disclosure.

Short-Acting Bronchodilator Use in Public and Private Schools Effective Date: July 1, 2024 HB 883 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill amends Florida Statutes to authorize public and private school students with asthma to carry and use short-acting bronchodilators and their components and allows public and private schools to acquire, stock, and administer these medications under specific protocols. The bill defines terms related to asthma, short-acting bronchodilators, and their administration. The bill permits authorized health care practitioners to prescribe short-acting bronchodilators and components in the name of a public or private school for use under this act, authorizes licensed pharmacists to dispense short-acting bronchodilators and components pursuant to a prescription issued in the name of a public or private school, exempts a dispensing health care practitioner or pharmacists from disciplinary action under any professional licensure statute or rule, and provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for school personnel and health care practitioners involved in prescribing or administering these medications in accordance with the act. The bill authorizes schools to acquire and maintain a stock of short-acting bronchodilators and components for emergency use and requires schools to adopt protocols for the administration of short-acting bronchodilators to students, developed by a licensed physician. The bill requires schools to notify parents about the adopted protocols and obtain prior permission to administer these medications to their children. The bill allows trained school personnel to administer short-acting bronchodilators to students in respiratory distress, with or without a prior asthma diagnosis or prescription.

Emergency Refills of Insulin and Insulin-Related Supplies or Equipment Effective Date: July 1, 2024 HB 201 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill expands current law on emergency prescription refills by authorizing a pharmacist to dispense an emergency refill of insulin and insulin-related supplies or equipment to treat diabetes up to three nonconsecutive times per calendar year if the pharmacist is unable to readily obtain refill authorization from a prescriber.

HIV Infection Prevention Drugs Effective Date: July 1, 2024 HB 159 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill authorizes certified pharmacists to screen adults for HIV exposure and provide results to such adults, with advice to seek further medical consultation or treatment from a physician. Licensed pharmacists may also dispense preexposure prophylaxis drugs pursuant to a valid prescription. The bill allows certified pharmacists to order and dispense HIV postexposure prophylaxis drugs under a written collaborative practice agreement with a licensed physician and details specific requirements for these agreements. The bill details the certification process for pharmacists to dispense postexposure drugs, including educational and liability coverage requirements. The bill requires participating pharmacies to submit an annual access-to-care plan to the Board of Pharmacy and the Department of Health to ensure patients have access to primary care, specifies requirements for access-to-care plans, and authorizes penalties for non-compliance.

Regulation of Health Care Practitioners Effective Date: June 23, 2017 HB543 (Full text link)

Summary: This bill amends various practice acts related to health professions and occupations. Its implementation, in part, entails certain measures addressing Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) protocols; the disclosure of nursing education programs’ probationary status and circumstances warranting termination; completion of a specified course in orthotics and prosthetics for licensure and licensure renewal; and requirements for certain physical therapist assistant licensure applicants. In addition, the bill also creates Section 465.1893, Florida Statutes, initiating the following:

• Authorization of a pharmacist to administer specified medication by injection under certain circumstances
• Requirement of a pharmacist who administers such injections to complete a specified course
• Providing of requirements for the course

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Effective Date: July 1, 2016 Senate Bill 964 (Full Text)

Summary: Providing that certain acts of dispensing controlled substances in specified facilities are not required to be reported to the prescription drug monitoring program; authorizing the designee of a health care practitioner, pharmacist, pharmacy, prescriber, or dispenser or an impaired practitioner consultant to receive certain information from the prescription drug monitoring program.

Public Records Effective Date: March 31, 2016 Senate Bill 592 (Full Text)

Summary: Providing an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of certain non-sworn investigative personnel of the Department of Financial Services and the names and personal identifying and location information of the spouses and children of such personnel; providing an exemption from public records requirements for certain identifying and location information of current or former emergency medical technicians or paramedics certified under ch. 401, Florida Statutes, and the spouses and children of such emergency medical technicians or paramedics, under specified circumstances; providing for future review and repeal of the exemptions; providing statements of public necessity.

Address Confidentiality: Licensees are required to maintain a current mailing address and a practice location with the Department. Since there is no clear distinction whether or not the mailing address may also be a home address, licensees must overtly request that their home address be exempted from public display. The burden to request this exemption is therefore solely at the discretion of the licensee or applicant.

More information about the bill can be found by visiting the Florida Senate website .

Physical Therapy Effective Date: Upon becoming law Senate Bill 450 (Full Text)

Summary: Physical Therapy; Revising the definition of the term "practice of physical therapy"; providing that a licensed physical therapist who holds a specified doctoral degree may use specified letters in connection with her or his name or place of business; revising the terms and specified letters prohibited from being used by certain unlicensed persons.

Medical Assistant Certification Effective Date: July 1, 2016 Senate Bill 238 (Full Text)

Summary: Repealing provisions relating to certification of a medical assistant by the American Association of Medical Assistants or as a Registered Medical Assistant by the American Medical Technologists.

Health Care Effective Date: July 1, 2016 House Bill 7087 (Full Text)

Summary: Requiring the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Department of Health, and the Office of Insurance Regulation to collect certain information; creating the Telehealth Advisory Council within the agency for specified purposes; reenacting provisions relating to provider payment of managed medical assistance program participants.

Ordering of Medication Effective Date: July 1, 2016 House Bill 1241 (Full Text)

Summary: Providing that a pharmacist may dispense an emergency opioid antagonist pursuant to a non-patient-specific standing order for an autoinjection delivery system or intranasal application delivery system; revising the authority of a licensed physician assistant to order medication under the direction of a supervisory physician for a specified patient; revising the term "prescription" to exclude an order for drugs or medicinal supplies dispensed for administration; authorizing a licensed practitioner to authorize a licensed physician assistant or advanced registered nurse practitioner to order controlled substances for a specified patient under certain circumstances.

Transparency in Health Care (all health care practitioners) Effective Date: July 1, 2016 House Bill 1175 (Full Text)

Summary: During the 2016 Legislative Session, HB 1175 passed and became law on April 14, 2016, as Chapter 2016-234, Laws of Florida. Starting July 1, 2016, health care practitioners are required to provide a good faith estimate of anticipated charges to treat a condition if asked by the patient. The estimate must be provided to the patient or their proxy within 7 business days after receiving the request, however the practitioner is not required to adjust the estimate for any potential insurance coverage. Patients must contact their health insurer or health maintenance organization for any information relating to cost-sharing responsibilities.

While the estimate does not preclude actual charges from exceeding the estimate, failure to provide it within the required time without good cause will result in discipline against the practitioner. This includes a daily fine of $500 until the estimate is provided to the patient. Total fines may not exceed $5,000.

In addition, the new law states that every pharmacy must make health information disseminated by the Agency for Health Care Administration available on its website and notify customers in the store that this information is available online.

Public Records and Meetings Effective Date: December 31, 2018 or upon enactment of the Nurse Licensure Compact in to law by 26 states, whichever occurs first House Bill 1063 (Full Text)

Summary: Exempts from public records a nurse's personal identification information that DOH obtains from the nurse licensing compact coordinated licensure information system; exempts certain meetings of the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators from public meeting requirements and provides an exemption for recordings, minutes, and records generated during the closed portion of such meetings.

Nurse Licensure Compact Effective Date: December 31, 2018 or upon enactment of the Nurse Licensure Compact in to law by 26 states, whichever occurs first House Bill 1061 (Full Text)

Summary: The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC or compact) is a multi-state agreement that establishes a mutual recognition system for the licensure of registered nurses and licensed practical or vocational nurses. Requires DOH to report certain investigative information to the coordinated licensure information system (CLIS). Requires IPN disclose certain information to DOH; requires a multistate nurse report participation in a treatment program to the DOH. Amends definition of an LPN and RN to include a multistate license. Requires the executive director of the Board of Nursing to serve as state administrator of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Establishes criteria for requesting a multistate license; requires a multistate license to be distinguished from a single-state license; exempts a person holding a multistate license in another state from license by exam or endorsement requirements in Florida.

Behavioral Health Workforce Effective Date: April 14, 2016 House Bill 977 (Full Text)

Summary: During the 2016 Legislative Session, HB 977 passed and became law on April 14th as Chapter 2016-231, Laws of Florida . The bill expands the behavioral health workforce and recognizes the critical need for psychiatric care throughout the state.

The new law allows a Psychiatric Nurse, as defined in Section 394.455, Florida Statutes, and working within the framework of an established protocol with a Psychiatrist, to prescribe psychotropic controlled substances for the treatment of mental disorders. Grounds for discipline or denial of a license for Psychiatric Nurses are described in Section 8 of the law. Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners are now authorized to seek certification as Psychiatric Nurses through the Board of Nursing. Existing ARNPs who hold this certification can add it to their license by writing the Board, along with a copy of the certification, at [email protected] . A revised protocol agreement with a supervising Psychiatrist will also be required unless the ARNP indicates he or she does not intend to prescribe controlled substances as indicated above. New applicants for ARNP certification will submit documentation as part of the initial licensure process.

In addition, the bill amends Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, by revising the term "practitioner" to include Psychiatric Nurses. The prescribing of medication on the premises of a pain-management clinic is still limited to a physician licensed under Chapter 458 or 459, Florida Statutes.

Any health care practitioner wishing to prescribe controlled substances must apply for a registration number from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Registration numbers are linked to state licenses and may be suspended or revoked upon any disciplinary action taken against a licensee. To apply for a registration number or for registration support, please visit the DEA Office of Diversion Control website at: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/index.html .

Department of Health Effective Date: July 1, 2016 House Bill 941 (Full Text)

Summary: Creating and revising reporting requirements for specified research programs; providing licensing requirements for military members and their spouses; revising provisions relating to regulatory activities of DOH and certain boards; revising education requirements for certain health professions to qualify for license renewal.

Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality Effective Date: July 1, 2022  HB 5 (Full Text)

The bill adds definitions of “fatal fetal abnormality” and “medical abortion,” and revised the definition of “gestation” in section 390.011, Florida Statutes. The law prohibits an abortion after a gestational age of 15 weeks and provides an exception to the prohibition when a fetus has not achieved viability under section 390.01112, Florida Statutes, and two physicians certify in writing that the fetus has a fatal fetal abnormality based on reasonable medical judgment. The bill clarifies the requirement for monthly reporting to the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), on a form adopted by rule, of surgical and medical abortions by the director of a medical facility where abortions are performed. The bill also requires physicians who perform abortions outside of a medical facility to submit a monthly report to AHCA. The bill specifies that if a woman having the abortion provides evidence that she is a victim of human trafficking, this information is required to be included in the monthly report as the reason the abortion was performed. The bill also requires that the monthly report include the number of drug regimens dispensed or prescribed for a medical abortion.   

Administration of Vaccines (Pharmacy) Effective Date: July 1, 2022 HB 1209 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill authorizes a certified registered pharmacy technician to administer vaccines and immunizations to adults under the supervision of a certified pharmacist. To become certified by the Board of Pharmacy, a registered pharmacy technician must complete six hours of approved immunization-related training. As a renewal condition, an additional two hours of approved continuing education must be completed.

The bill updates the authorized immunizations or vaccines that may be administered as listed in the Adult Immunization Schedule by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommended by the CDC’s Health Information for International Travel, and those licensed or authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as of March 31, 2022.

Professional Counselors Licensure Compact (491) Effective Date: July 1, 2022 HB 1521 (Full Text)

Summary: Effective upon enactment of the Professional Counselors Licensure Compact (compact) into law by 10 states, the bill enacts and authorizes Florida to join the compact.

The bill requires the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling to appoint an individual to serve on the compact Commission. Upon enactment of the compact, the bill authorizes eligible Florida licensed mental health counseling practitioners to apply for licensure to provide services to out-of-state patients through either telehealth or in-person across compact states. Likewise, out-of-state licensed professional counselors in compact states will be authorized to provide services to Florida patients through telehealth and in-person. The bill exempts out-of-state licensed practitioners who practice under the compact from the licensure requirements in this state.

Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Health to report any significant investigation information relating to mental health counselors practicing under the compact to the established data system and authorizes the Board to take adverse action against a mental health counselor’s authority to practice under the compact and impose disciplinary actions for violation of prohibited acts. The bill requires mental health counselors practicing under the compact to withdraw from all practice under the compact if the mental health counselor is in an impaired practitioner program.

Public Records and Meetings/Professional Counselors Licensure Compact (491) Effective Date: Upon Enactment into Law HB 1523 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill provides an exemption from public records requirements for certain information held by the Department of Health or the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling pursuant to the Professional Counselors Licensure Compact. The bill creates a public meeting exemption for a meeting or a portion of a meeting of the Commission at which matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or state law are discussed. The bill also creates a public meeting exemption where sensitive matters listed in the statute are addressed.

Human Trafficking Effective Date: October 1, 2016 House Bill 545 (Full Text)

Summary: Includes human trafficking as predicate offense for felony murder; prohibits permanently branding, or directing permanent branding, of victim of human trafficking; requires DOH to suspend license of massage therapist or massage establishment for specified violations in conjunction with establishment; provides that licensed massage therapist may not receive new or renewal license if applicant is convicted of certain prostitution offenses in conjunction with massage establishment; provides that licensed massage establishment may not receive new or renewal license if specified persons connected with establishment are convicted of certain prostitution offenses in conjunction with establishment; provides that minors may not be charged with specified prostitution offenses; requires person convicted of specified racketeering offenses to register as sexual predator or sexual offender; reenacts various provisions.

Telehealth (Dentistry, Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Nursing, Podiatric Medicine) Effective Date: July 1, 2022 SB 312 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill authorizes telehealth providers to prescribe controlled substances listed in Schedule III, Schedule IV, and Schedule V of section 893.03, Florida Statutes, without limitation. The bill also authorizes telehealth providers to prescribe controlled substances listed in Schedule II of section 893.03, Florida Statutes, when treating a psychiatric disorder, inpatient care at a hospital, a patient receiving hospice services, or a resident of a nursing home facility.

Drug-related Overdose Prevention (Pharmacy) Effective Date: July 1, 2022  SB 544 (Full Text)

The bill added pharmacists as health care practitioners who are authorized to order and dispense an emergency opioid antagonist with an auto-injection delivery system or intranasal application delivery system for a patient or caregiver for use in accordance with section 381.887, Florida Statutes. The bill expanded the list of persons authorized to possess, store, and administer emergency opioid antagonists as clinically indicated and specified that they are immune from any civil liability or criminal liability as a result of administering an emergency opioid antagonist. In addition to existing provisions for emergency responders and crime laboratory personnel, the bill added personnel of a law enforcement agency or any other agency, while acting within the scope or course of employment, who come into contact with a controlled substance or persons at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose.    

Military Occupational Licensure Effective Date: July 1, 2022 SB 562 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill amends section 456.024, Florida Statutes eliminating provisions for temporary licensure of military spouses while establishing expedited, full licensure for an active-duty military spouse that is licensed in another state. The bill eliminates all Department licensure fees for military spouses.

Access to Health Care Services Effective Date: April 14, 2016 (certain sections become effective January 1, 2017) House Bill 423 (Full Text)

Summary: Beginning January 1, 2017, Physician Assistants (PAs) and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) can prescribe controlled substances listed in Schedule II, Schedule III or Schedule IV as defined in s. 893.03 Florida Statutes. An ARNP may only prescribe or dispense a controlled substance as defined in s. 893.03 Florida Statutes if the ARNP graduated from a program with a master’s or doctoral degree in a clinical nursing specialty area with training in specialized practitioner skills. However, all ARNPs and PAs are required to complete at least three hours of continuing education on the safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances. The bill further addresses Schedule II prescribing privileges for both ARNPs and PAs.

Controlled Substances Formulary Committee: In accordance with HB 423, the Florida Board of Nursing has established a committee to recommend a formulary of controlled substances that an ARNP may or may not prescribe for specific uses or in limited quantities. The Controlled Substances Formulary Committee must consist of three ARNPs recommended by the Board of Nursing; three physicians recommended by the Board of Medicine who are licensed under chapter 458 or 459, Florida Statutes, and have experience with ARNPs; and a pharmacist licensed under chapter 465, Florida Statutes, who holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is recommended by the Board of Pharmacy.

Appointed members include: Doreen Cassarino, DNP, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, FAANP from Naples (who will serve as chair of the committee) Vicky Stone-Gale, DNP, FNP-C, MSN from Plantation Jim Quinlan, DNP, ARNP from Williston Bernardo B. Fernandez, Jr., MD, MBA, FACP from Coral Gables Joshua D. Lenchus, DO, RPh, FACP, SFHM from Davie Eduardo C. Oliveira, MD, MBA, FCCP from Orlando Jeffrey Mesaros, PharmD, JD from Orlando

"I am confident in the committee members' ability to carefully analyze the important issues associated with implementing full prescriptive authority for ARNPs. The Board looks forward to receiving the committee's recommendations," stated Jody B. Newman, EdD, EdS, Board Chair.

The Board must adopt, by rule, the committee's initial recommendations no later than October 31, 2016.

Mental Health Professional Licensure (491) Effective Date: Upon becoming law SB 566 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill amends the minimum educational requirements specified in section 491.004, Florida Statutes, for marriage and family therapy and mental health counseling licensure by examination. Marriage and family therapy applicants must graduate with a master’s degree from a Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)accredited program or complete a master’s degree at any institutionally accredited college or university with a major emphasis in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field with a degree conferred date prior to September 1, 2027.  After September 1, 2027, applicants must have graduated from a COAMFTE or CACREP accredited program.   Existing statutory language requires that beginning July 1, 2025, mental health therapy licensure by examination applicants must graduate from a CACREP-accredited program. The bill added the accrediting body, “Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council,” or other equivalent accrediting body to the list of accepted programs.     

Physician Assistants Effective Date: July 1, 2016 House Bill 375 (Full Text)

Summary: During the 2016 Legislative Session, House Bill 375 was passed and became law on March 28, 2016, as Chapter 2016-125 , Laws of Florida. The bill relates to physician assistant (PA) applicants and licensees and includes the following changes to the law:

• At renewal, a PA must acknowledge that he/she has completed a minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing medical education in the specialty practice in which the PA has prescriptive privileges. A signed affidavit is no longer required.
• A PA may perform services delegated by the supervising physician in the PA's practice in accordance with his/her education and training unless expressly prohibited under Chapter 458, Florida Statutes, or the rules adopted by the Board of Medicine, or Chapter 459, Florida Statutes, or the rules adopted by the Board of Osteopathic Medicine.
• Prescriptions may be written in paper or electronic form but must comply with sections 456.0392(1) and 456.42(1), Florida Statutes.
• No longer need two letters of recommendation
• No longer required to submit a sworn, notarized statement regarding criminal history
• Deletes obsolete provisions related to administering a licensure examination for certain foreign-trained PA applicants

These changes affect PA licensees who practice with allopathic physicians and osteopathic physicians. For more information, contact the Florida Board of Medicine at 850-245-4131 or visit www.flboardofmedicine.gov .

Occupational Therapy Effective Date: July 1, 2022  SB 632 (Full Text)

Summary: Occupational Therapy; The bill amends the definitions of “occupational therapy” and the “practice of occupational therapy”. It creates the protected term “occupational therapist doctorate”, provides an exemption from licensure, and a registration process for individuals fulfilling an occupational therapy doctoral capstone experience.    Section 490.014(1)(b), Florida Statutes, and Section 491.014(2), Florida Statutes, were amended to add Occupational Therapy to a listing of exempted professions. 

Mental Health Counseling Interns Effective Date: July 1, 2016 House Bill 373 (Full Text) Senate Bill 12 (Full Text)

Summary: During the 2016 Legislative Session, House Bill 373, and companion Senate Bill 12, were passed into law. These bills establish an expiration date for mental health professional intern registrations and update current statutory language. Effective July 1, 2016, the new law:

• Limits the length of time an intern may practice in the fields of clinical social work, marriage and family therapy and mental health counseling. A registration issued on or before March 31, 2017, may not be renewed or reissued and will expire on March 31, 2022. Current registered interns will receive updated licenses with the new expiration date printed, beginning July 1, 2016. Any registration issued after March 31, 2017, will now expire after five years. No subsequent intern registration may be issued unless the intern has passed the theory and practice examination.
• Prohibits a person who has held a provisional license issued by the board from applying for an intern registration in the same profession.
• Clarifies certain supervision requirements detailed in Chapter 491, Florida Statutes. A licensed mental health professional must be on the premises when clinical services are provided by a registered intern in a private practice setting.

For more information, contact the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling at 850-245-4474 or visit www.floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov .

Licensure Examinations for Dental Practitioners (Dentistry) Effective Date: Upon becoming law  SB 926 (Full Text)

• Removes medical malpractice insurance, arrangements for patients requiring follow-up care, and academic record risk reviews from dental school written plan protocols; and  
• Repeals the authority of the Board of Dentistry to require medical malpractice insurance from dental and dental hygienist examination applicants. 

Medical Use of Cannabis/Low-THC Cannabis for Medical Use Effective Date: Upon becoming law House Bill 307 (Full Text) House Bill 1313 (Full Text)

HB 307 passed during the 2016 Legislative Session, and became law on March 25, 2016, as Section 381.986, Florida Statute. The new law permits Florida’s approved dispensing organizations to cultivate, process and dispense both low-THC cannabis and the higher potency medical cannabis. Physicians are also now permitted to order full potency, medical cannabis for patients suffering from a terminal condition attested to by two physicians.

The law also expanded the Department’s enforcement authority over medical cannabis regulations. The law grants the Department fining authority for non-compliance with statutory requirements for such matters as security, hygiene, packaging and storage. The law requires the Department to issue rules on appropriate pesticides for use on medical cannabis after consulting with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The law also creates a requirement for dispensing organizations to contract with a third party lab to audit dispensing organization testing protocols and to report their findings to the department.

Finally, the new law requires the Department to approve three additional dispensing organizations should the active patient population in Florida reach 250,000.

Nonemergent Patient Care (EMT/Paramedic, Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy) Effective Date: July 1, 2022  SB 1222 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill expands the scope of Class III institutional pharmacies to authorize them to dispense, distribute, compound, and fill prescriptions for medicinal drugs for inpatient treatment to a patient receiving acute and post-acute hospital care at their residence through a program approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Agency for Health Care Administration. The bill authorizes paramedics to perform basic life support services and advanced life support services to patients receiving acute and post-acute hospital care at home under the supervision of a physician or standing orders as described in sections 401.265, 458.348, or 459.025, Florida Statutes. Physicians who supervise or provide medical direction to a paramedic are liable for any act or omission of the paramedic while acting under supervision or medical direction.  

Clinical Lab Testing (Clinical Lab Personnel) Effective Date: July 1, 2022  SB 1374 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill amends section 483.801, Florida Statutes, adding an exemption from licensure for a registered nurse performing alternate-site testing. Registered nurses who are determined by the clinical laboratory director to be qualified under 42 C.F.R. may be authorized to perform moderate-level or waiver-level clinical laboratory testing within the hospital or hospital-based off-campus emergency department with a separate federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program clinical laboratory certification under 42 C.F.R. part 24 493. 

Health Care Services (all health care practitioners) Effective Date: July 1, 2016 House Bill 221 (Full Text)

Summary: Prohibits providers from balance biller members of a PPO or EPO for emergency services, or for nonemergency services, when the nonemergency services are provided in a network hospital and the patient had no ability or opportunity to choose a network provider. Consumers who have PPO or EPO coverage would therefore only be responsible for billing differences in circumstances where they knowingly opted to receive out-of-network care. Hospitals are exempt from the balance billing prohibition. Under the bill, the protections for members of HMOs would remain unchanged. Participating and non-participating providers are those defined in s. 627.419, Florida Statutes and s. 627.6471, Florida Statutes.

Medical Faculty Certificates Effective Date: July 1, 2016 House Bill 173 (Full Text)

Summary: This bill revises the list of schools at which certain faculty members are eligible to receive medical faculty certificate to include Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Florida Atlantic University.

Department of Health Effective Date: July 1, 2022 SB 768 (Full Text)

Section 8: Designated Health Care Professionals – Information Required for Licensure The bill requires health care professionals licensed under chapters 458, 459, 460, or 461, Florida Statutes, to provide specified information upon initial licensure or upon license renewal including the medical school attended and coursework completed; the name of each hospital where the applicant has privileges; the address of primary practice; any certification received from a specialty board; the year the applicant began practicing; any appointment to the faculty of a medical school; relevant professional qualifications; information regarding any criminal convictions; and any final disciplinary action. The bill requires submission of proof that applicants licensed under chapters 458, 459, or chapter 461, Florida Statutes, provide proof of payment of assessments to fund the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association required under section 766.314, Florida Statutes.

Section 9: Chiropractic Medicine – Initial Licensure Requirements The bill clarifies the minimum licensure requirements for chiropractic medicine. Due to recent changes in accreditation nomenclature at the U.S. Department of Education, all accreditation references in this section were changed from “regionally” to “institutionally” accredited college or university.

Sections 10 and 11: Nursing – Licensure by Examination The bill removes the requirement for graduates from an approved program who have not taken the licensure examination within 6 months of graduation to complete a board-approved licensure examination preparatory course.

Sections 12-16: Midwifery The bill clarifies the definitions for “approved midwifery program”, “preceptor”, and “prelicensure course”. The bill clarifies approved midwifery program education standards and clinical training requirements and aligns midwifery program approval standards with accreditation and licensing standards for direct entry midwifery programs. The bill also refines requirements for licensing midwives by examination and endorsement and clarifies requirements for temporary certification of midwives in areas of critical need and expanded access to midwifery care in areas of critical need by designating additional practice settings in conformance with other licensed health care professions.

Section 17: Orthotists and Prosthetists The bill clarifies the method for the collection and processing of applicant fingerprint records for the purpose of background screening. Due to recent changes in accreditation nomenclature at the U.S. Department of Education, all accreditation references in this section were changed from “regionally” to “institutionally” accredited college or university.

Section 18: Clinical Laboratory Personnel Due to recent changes in accreditation nomenclature at the U.S. Department of Education, all accreditation references in this section were changed from “regionally” to “institutionally” accredited college or university.

Sections 19, 20, 21: Psychology The bill clarifies the definitions and educational requirements for psychologists applying for licensure by examination or provisional licensure. The bill defines a “doctoral degree from an APA accredited program” as a Psy.D., an Ed.D. in psychology, or a Ph.D. in psychology from a psychology program at an educational institution that, at the time the applicant was enrolled and graduated had both an institutional accreditation from an agency recognized and approved by the U.S. Department of Education or was recognized as a member in good standing with the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, and had programmatic accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA). The bill further defines “doctoral degree in psychology” as a Psy.D., an Ed.D. in psychology, or a Ph.D. in psychology from a psychology program at an educational institution that, at the time the applicant was enrolled and graduated, had institutional accreditation from an agency recognized and approved by the U.S. Department of Education or was recognized as a member in good standing with the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. The bill requires psychologists applying for licensure to have obtained a doctoral degree from an APA accredited program or the equivalent of a degree from an APA-accredited program from a school or university located outside the United States which was officially recognized by the government of the country in which it is located as an institution or program to train students to practice professional psychology. Provisional licensure applicants must have earned a degree from an APA accredited program.

Section 22: Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling The bill clarifies the method for registration, payment of fees, and completion of the national examination. Due to recent changes in accreditation nomenclature at the U.S. Department of Education, all accreditation references in this section were changed from “regionally” to “institutionally” accredited college or university. The bill creates three pathways to licensure for applicants for a marriage and family therapy license to meet the minimum educational requirements by one of the following methods:

• A minimum of a master’s degree from a Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE);
• A minimum of a master’s degree with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from a college or university that is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); or
• A minimum of a master’s degree with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field, with a degree conferred before September 1, 2027, from an institutionally accredited college or university.

The bill also updates the education requirements for marriage and family therapists by correcting an obsolete reference to accreditation by Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation (CORPA), which was dissolved in 1997. The bill replaces the CORPA with the CHEA or its successors. Existing statutory language requires that beginning July 1, 2025, mental health therapy licensure by examination applicants must graduate from a CACREP-accredited program. The bill adds the accrediting body, “Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council,” or other equivalent accrediting body to the list of accepted programs.

Sections 24 and 25: Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) The bill changes references from the “Department of Business and Professional Regulation” to the “Department of Health” as it relates to the payment of the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation by applicants and licensees. The bill makes the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (“Association”) responsible for making all assessments required by the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Plan except for initial assessments of physicians licensed by the Department of Health and certain casualty insurers. The bill modifies the frequency for the Department of Health to provide the Association electronic reports of all physicians licensed under Chapters 458 and 459, Florida Statutes, to monthly. The bill authorizes the Association to file suit in circuit court to collect assessments under certain circumstances and requires the Association to notify the Department of Health and the applicable board of any unpaid final judgments against a physician within seven days after the entry of a final judgment.

Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Effective Date: July 1, 2023 HB 33 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill enacts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) and authorizes Florida to join as a member state. The bill requires the Florida Board of Psychology to appoint an individual to represent Florida on the Interstate Compact Commission. As a compact member state, eligible Florida-licensed psychologists can apply to PSYPACT for authorization to practice telepsychology or temporary in-person practice of psychology across state boundaries by obtaining an EPassport or an Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate.

Public Records and Meetings/ Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Effective Date: July 1, 2023 HB 35 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill, which is linked to the passage of HB 33, provides an exemption from public records requirements for a psychologist’s personal identifying information, other than his or her name, licensure status, or licensure number, obtained from the coordinated licensure information system and held by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) or the Florida Board of Psychology relating to the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). The bill also creates a public meeting exemption for Commission meetings, or portions of such meetings, at which matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or state law are discussed. The bill provides that any recordings, minutes, and records generated from such a meeting are also exempt.

Medical Use of Marijuana Effective Date: June 23, 2017 Senate Bill 8-A (Full Text)

Summary: Providing an exemption from the state tax on sales, use, and other transactions for marijuana and marijuana delivery devices used for medical purposes. Providing qualifying medical conditions for a patient to be eligible to receive marijuana or a marijuana delivery device. Providing for the establishment of medical marijuana testing laboratories. Establishing the Coalition for Medical Marijuana Research and Education within the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Inc.,

Benefits, Training and Employment for Veterans and Their Spouses Effective Date: July 1, 2023 HB 139 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill establishes the Office of Veteran Licensure Services within the Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance to provide information, guidance, direction, and assistance with health care licensure processes for all veterans and their spouses. Additionally, the bill requires Veterans Florida to assist veterans and their spouses with access, training, education, and employment in Florida’s health care professions.

Human Trafficking Effective Date: October 1, 2017 Senate Bill 852 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill directs the Florida Board of Nursing to require two (2) hours of continuing education on human trafficking. The course must be completed by nursing licensees for biennial renewals on or after January 1, 2019. All nurses are required to comply, including those who qualify for the existing exemption from continuing education in the Nurse Practice Act.

Telehealth Practice Standards Effective Date: June 1, 2023 HB 267 (Bill Information)

The bill revises the definition of telehealth to include audio-only telephone call in the telehealth technology authorization statute.

Physician Certifications for Medical Use of Marijuana Effective Date: July 1, 2023 HB 387 (Bill Information)

The bill authorizes a qualified physician who performs an in-person examination of a patient for the initial physician certification to use telehealth to conduct subsequent examinations of that patient for renewals. The bill also authorizes the Florida Department of Health to suspend the registration of a qualified physician for up to 2 years if the qualified physician violates the requirements of s. 381.986, F.S., or provides, advertises, or markets telehealth services before July 1, 2023.

Direct Support Organization of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Effective Date: July 1, 2017 House Bill 7097 (Full Text)

Summary: Allows the Department of Health to establish a direct-support organization that has a board consisting of at least five members to provide assistance, funding, and promotional support for the activities authorized for the program. In addition, the bill provides for the future repeal of provisions relating to the organization.

Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children Effective Date: June 2, 2023 HB 391 (Bill Information)

The bill creates the Home Health Aide for Medically Fragile Children Program for family caregivers to receive training and gainful employment. The bill allows a family caregiver to be reimbursed by Medicaid, as a home health aide for medically fragile children (HHAMFC), for care provided to a relative who is 21 years old or younger with an underlying physical, mental, or cognitive impairment, and is eligible to receive skilled care or respite care services under the Medicaid program. The bill requires AHCA to establish a fee schedule with a family caregiver reimbursement rate of $25 per hour for up to 8 hours per day. The bill requires AHCA, in consultation with the Florida Board of Nursing, to approve HHAMFC training programs developed by home health agencies which meet certain criteria.

Opioid Abatement Effective Date: July 1, 2023 HB 783 (Bill Information)

The bill expands caregiver authority to possess and administer emergency opioid antagonists by removing the criterion that a caregiver have recurring, rather than any, contact with a person at risk of overdose. The bill creates the Statewide Council on Opioid Abatement within the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to enhance the development and coordination of state and local efforts to abate the opioid epidemic and to support the victims of the opioid crisis. The bill requires each Florida College System institution and state university to have a supply of emergency opioid antagonists in clearly marked locations within residence halls and dormitory residences. The bill establishes guidance for such supplies, and provides civil and criminal immunity to campus law enforcement officers who administer or attempt to administer an emergency opioid antagonist.

Physician Assistant Licensure Effective Date: July 1, 2023 HB 1133 (Bill Information)

The bill revises the eligibility requirements for physician assistant (PA) licensure to applicants who matriculated into, rather than graduated from, an approved program on or before December 31, 2020. The bill also authorizes the Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine to grant a license to a PA applicant who does not meet the educational requirements in statute but passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Effective Date: July 1, 2017 HB5203 (Full text link)

Summary: This bill amends Section 893.055, Florida Statutes, authorizing the use of state funds for administration of the program; and deleting a requirement that implementation of the program is contingent on non-state funding. Funds provided – directly or indirectly – by prescription drug manufacturers cannot be used to implement the program.

Department of Health Effective Date: July 1, 2023 HB 1387 (Bill Information)

The bill exempts individuals who have successfully completed a board-approved certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program within six months of applying for certification from the clinical skills portion of the licensure exam.

The bill conforms Florida law to the new FDA rule by eliminating now-preempted over the counter (OTC) hearing aid regulation. The bill distinguishes between OTC hearing aids and prescription hearing aids, retaining regulation of the latter. The bill amends the statute regulating distribution of hearing aids by hearing aid specialists and audiologists to limit its application exclusively to prescription hearing aids. The bill exempts individuals exclusively dispensing OTC hearing aids from regulation. This aligns Florida law with the federal rule which specifies that states may not establish regulatory measures or require licensure for individuals who dispense OTC hearing aids. The bill makes conforming changes throughout Chapters 468 and 484, F.S., to specify that regulations apply only to prescription hearing aids. The bill limits the consumer protections in current law to only apply to prescription hearing aids, and not to OTC hearing aids. The bill also specifies that the prohibition on distributing of hearing aids by mail applies only to prescription hearing aids.

The bill authorizes autonomous advanced practice registered nurses and adds board-eligible or board-certified family medicine physicians as health care practitioners eligible to certify brain deaths under certain conditions.

Health Care Provider Accountability Effective Date: July 1, 2023 HB 1471 (Bill Information)

The bill addresses health care provider accountability related to nursing home residents’ rights, unlicensed facilities, and standards of care for certain office surgeries. Section 400.022, F.S., establishes an extensive list of resident rights that a nursing home must afford to its residents. The list includes, but is not limited to, the right to civil and religious liberties, the right to participate in social and other activities that do not impact other residents’ rights, and the right to refuse medication and treatment. The bill adds to the list of nursing home residents’ rights the right to be free from sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The bill authorizes the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to seek an ex parte temporary injunction to prevent continuing unlicensed activity by a provider who has been warned by the agency to cease such unlicensed activity. The bill establishes the temporary injunction process, including petition requirements, subsequent inspections to determine compliance, and a permanent injunction process if the provider is not complying with the ex parte temporary injunction. These changes apply to any entity licensed by AHCA.

With regard to office surgeries, the bill:

• Establishes standards of practice for physicians performing gluteal fat grafting procedures in office surgery settings.
• Requires that any duty delegated by a physician during a gluteal fat grafting procedure must be completed under the direct supervision of the physician.
• Provides that gluteal fat extractions and injections may not be delegated and that injections must be done under ultrasound guidance to ensure that fat is only injected into the subcutaneous space and not across the fascia covering gluteal muscle.
• Requires the Department to inspect any office where office surgeries will be done before the office is registered – if the office refuses such inspection, it will not be registered until the inspection can be completed.
• Provides that if an office that has already been registered with the Department refuses an inspection, its registration must be immediately suspended for 14 days and remain suspended until the inspection is completed.

Physician Assistant Workforce Surveys Effective Date: June 23, 2017 HB1307 (Full text link)

Summary: Mandates that the physician assistant license renewal process include the submission of a completed workforce survey within 90 days of renewal. Physician assistants found to be delinquent will be subject to a Department of Health-issued non-disciplinary citation, to include notification that the survey be completed under threat of license renewal denial for any subsequent renewal period. The Department of Health is required to report the data collected from such surveys to the boards biennially.

Genetic Counselors Using Telehealth Effective Date: July 1, 2023 SB 218 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill amends the definition of a telehealth provider in s. 456.47, F.S., to allow licensed genetic counselors to provide health care and related services using telehealth.

Child Welfare Effective Date: July 1, 2017 HB1121 (Full text link)

Summary: HB 1121 permits hospitals licensed under Ch. 395, F.S. and physicians' offices to release patient records to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) for investigative purposes. DCF agents or representatives can now obtain records without written permission from the patient, but only when the information will be used to investigate cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that impact children and/or vulnerable adults. The bill also requires mental health receiving facilities to initiate an involuntary examination of a minor admitted under the Baker Act; this examination must take place within 12 hours of arrival at the facility.

Controlled Substance Prescribing Effective Date: July 1, 2017 HB557 (Full text link)

Summary: Revises requirements for reporting the dispensing of controlled substances; limits an exception to reporting requirements for certain facilities that dispense controlled substances; authorizes certain employees of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs access to certain information in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program database; and specifies when a revised reporting requirement takes effect.

Public Records/Protection from Discrimination Based on Health Care Choices Effective Date: June 1, 2023, except as otherwise provided SB 238 (Bill Information)

Summary: The bill provides an exemption from public records requirements for certain information held by the Florida Department of Legal Affairs or the Florida Department of Health relating to complaints or investigations regarding violations of provisions protecting from discrimination based on health care choices.

Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act Effective Date: July 1, 2017 HB505 (Full text link)

Summary: The bill amends Florida’s controlled substance schedules to provide that ioflupane I 123, a radiopharmaceutical used in the diagnosis of Parkinsonian syndromes, is not a Schedule II controlled substance. Without this change, ioflupane I 123 would be a Schedule II controlled substance because it is derived from cocaine via ecgonine, both of which are Schedule II controlled substances. The bill also provides that cross-references throughout the Florida Statutes to the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act (ch. 893, F.S.), or any portion thereof, include all subsequent amendments to the act.

Health Care Practitioner Licensure Effective Date: May 31, 2017 HB229 (Full text link)

Summary: The bill amends various provisions related to Department of Health impaired practitioner programs. Section 456.076 (9) (a), Florida Statutes, requires the referral of a practitioner to the consultant operating an impaired practitioner program if the Department receives a legally sufficient complaint alleging an impairment and no other complaint exists. Such an impairment will not be considered grounds for discipline if the practitioner:

• Acknowledges the impairment;
• Becomes a participant in an impaired practitioner program and successfully completes the participant contract;
• Voluntarily withdraws for practice or limits the scope of his or her practice, if required by the consultant;
• Provides to the consultant, or authorizes the consultant to obtain, all records and information relating to the impairment; and
• Authorizes the consultant, in the event of the practitioner’s termination from the impaired practitioner program, to report the termination to the Department and provide all information in the consultant’s possession relating to the practitioner

Genetic Counseling Effective Date: July 1, 2021 Senate Bill 1770 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill creates a licensed and regulated profession, genetic counseling, within the Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, in part III of chapter 483, Florida Statutes, and authorizes the new practice act to be cited as the “Genetic Counseling Workforce Act.”

The bill provides

• Legislative intent and findings to establish a new profession;
• Definitions for genetic counselor;
• Scope of practice for genetic counseling;
• Requirements for initial licensure, renewal, and continuing education;
• Grounds for disciplinary action and penalties; and
• Commissioned medical officers of the United States Armed Forces or Public Health Service while on active duty; and
• Health care practitioners as defined in section 456.001, Florida Statutes, other than genetic counselors, who are practicing within the scope of their education, training, and licensure.

The bill also amends sections 456.001 and 20.43, Florida Statutes, to include genetic counselors in the definition of a health care practitioner.

Health Care Practitioner Discipline Effective Date: July 1, 2021 Senate Bill 1934 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill requires certain offenses be included in grounds for discipline for health care practitioners. It requires the Department of Health to issue an Emergency Order suspending the license of any health care practitioner who is arrested for committing or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit any act that would constitute a violation of certain offenses in this state or similar offenses in another jurisdiction.

Administration of Vaccines Effective Date: July 1, 2021 Senate Bill 768 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill authorizes certified pharmacists and registered pharmacy interns under the supervision of a pharmacist to administer immunizations or vaccines as of April 30, 2021, as listed in the Adult Immunization Schedule by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommended by the CDC for International Travel or licensed for use in the United States, or authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The bill also authorizes certified pharmacists to administer influenza vaccines to individuals seven years of age or older through an established protocol with a supervising physician.

Consent for Pelvic Examinations Effective Date: July 1, 2021 Senate Bill 716 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill amends section 456.51, Florida Statutes, relating to informed consent for pelvic examinations. The bill excludes visual assessment, imaging, and diagnostic medical or surgical procedures from the definition of pelvic examination, requires informed verbal consent of conscious patients in addition to written consent, prescribes those circumstances when consent is not required, and limits the need for informed consent to the initial pelvic examination of a pregnant woman under certain circumstances.

Nonopioid Alternatives Effective Date: July 1, 2021 Senate Bill 530 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill allows prescribing health care practitioners, who are required to provide information about nonopioid alternatives, to provide health care patients (or their representatives under certain circumstances) the required educational pamphlet electronically in lieu of providing a printed copy.

Medical Faculty & Medical Assistant Certification Effective Date: July 1, 2017 HB209 (Full text link)

Summary: This bill amends Section 456.013, Florida Statutes, allowing the Department of Health to process an application to obtain a temporary certificate for medical privileges – for instructional purposes – by a physician who has a unique personal identification number but no social security number. In addition, the bill’s provisions:

• Allow the holder of a medical faculty certificate to practice at a specialty-licensed children’s hospital in accordance with Chapter 395, F.S..
• Extend the required annual review of certificate recipients to out-of-state medical schools and allows provision of medical care or treatment to physicians providing both in-state and out-of-state education.
• Provide a requirement to earn a certified medical assistant credential and revises medical assistant qualifications.
• Add John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg to the statutory list of institutions where a full-time faculty member may qualify for a medical faculty certificate.

Dispensing Medicinal Drugs Effective Date: July 1, 2021 Senate Bill 262 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill authorizes medicinal drugs to be dispensed by a hospital that operates a Class II or Class Ill institutional pharmacy to any inpatient upon discharge or patient discharged from an emergency department if the prescribing practitioner determines that the medicinal drug is warranted and community pharmacy services are not readily accessible to the patient. The drug may be dispensed up to a 48-hour supply or through the end of the next business day.

During a declared state of emergency, a 72-hour supply may be dispensed by a hospital located in an area affected by the emergency.

Practice of Physician Assistants Effective Date: July 1, 2021 HB 431 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill amends sections 458.347 and 459.022, Florida Statutes, regarding the practice of physician assistants (PAs) under the supervision of allopathic and osteopathic physicians.

The bill:  

• Increases the number of PAs a physician may supervise from four to 10;
• Removes the requirement that a PA notify a patient of the right to see a physician prior to the PA prescribing or dispensing a prescription;
• Authorizes a PA to procure medications and medical devices, with exceptions;
• Repeals authorization for the Department of Health (Department) to issue prescriber numbers to PAs and eliminates the need for PA prescriber numbers on prescriptions;
• Authorizes a PA under the supervision of certain practitioners to prescribe up to a 14-day supply of Schedule II psychotropic drugs to a minors;
• Except for a physician certification, authorizes a PA to authenticate any document if the document may also be so authenticated by a physician;
• Authorizes a PA to supervise medical assistants;
• Amends provisions related to program approval for the education and training of PAs and allows trainees to perform medical services rendered within the scope of an approved program;
• Amends the licensure requirements for PAs based on the date a PA graduated from an approved program as defined in the bill by specifying which PA education and training programs are approved for PA licensure;
• Authorizes a PA to satisfy the continuing education requirement on controlled substance prescribing through a designated course;
• Removes the requirement that PA licensure applicants seeking prescribing authority provide course transcripts; and
• Removes the requirement for a licensed PA to notify the Department in writing within 30 days of employment or after any change in supervising physician.

Massage Therapy Effective Date: July 1, 2021 HB 245 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill expands the scope of practice for massage therapy by requiring a massage therapist to perform an assessment to determine the course of massage therapy treatment. The bill also makes conforming changes to statutory citations and terminology throughout the statutes.

Parents’ Bill of Rights Effective Date: July 1, 2021 HB 241 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill creates the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” which states that licensed health care providers and facilities cannot provide services, prescribe medicine, or perform any procedure without first obtaining written parental consent unless otherwise authorized by law.

The bill requires a health care practitioner, or his or her employees, to obtain parental consent before performing health care services on a minor child and subjects health care practitioners and health care facilities to disciplinary action for violation of these parental consent requirements in certain instances. The bill includes criminal penalties as well as providing grounds for disciplinary action.

Podiatric Medicine Effective Date: July 1, 2021 HB 17 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill authorizes the supervision of medical assistants by podiatric physicians and specifies governance by section 458.3485, Florida Statutes.

The bill authorizes the Board of Podiatric Medicine to require podiatric physicians to complete an approved two-hour continuing education course on safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances as a part of the 40 hours of continuing professional education required for biennial licensure renewal.

The bill amended section 624.27, Florida Statutes, to authorize podiatric physicians to enter into a direct care agreement with patients.

Scheduling of Drug Products Containing Cannabidiol Effective Date: July 1, 2021 HB 6095 (Full Text)

Summary: This bill amends section 893.03(5), Florida Statutes, removing Epidiolex as a Schedule V controlled substance, mirroring the federal Controlled Substance Act, and makes conforming changes to the definition of cannabis in section 893.02(3), Florida Statutes.

Certificates of Nonviable Births Effective Date: July 1, 2017 HB101 (Full text link)

Summary: Cited as the Grieving Families Act. Amends Section 382.002, Florida Statutes, providing a definition of “nonviable birth.” Amends 382.008, Florida Statutes, authorizing the State Registrar of the Office of Vital Statistics of the Department of Health to electronically receive a certificate of nonviable birth. In addition, certain health care practitioners and facilities are authorized to electronically file a registration of nonviable birth within a specified timeframe. The Department of Health is required to issue a certificate of nonviable birth within a specified timeframe upon the request of a parent, who is to be advised that the certificate is a public record with certain information exempt from disclosure.

Health Care Facility Regulation Effective Date: July 1, 2018 Senate Bill 622 (Full Text)

Summary: Amends section 456.054, Florida Statutes, which provides that a designated facility owned or operated by a public health trust and located within the boundaries of a municipality is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the county creating the public health trust. Eliminates state licensure requirements for clinical laboratories, and requires a birth center to be federally certified and to meet specified requirements to perform certain laboratory tests.

Reporting of Adverse Incidents in Planned Out-of-Hospital Births Effective Date: Upon becoming law. Senate Bill 510 (Full Text)

Summary: Creates section 456.0495, Florida Statutes, which requires physicians, osteopathic physicians, nurse midwives, and licensed midwives who attended an attempted or completed non-hospital birth to report certain adverse incidents to the Department of Health (DOH). DOH is required to review the incident report and determine if the incident involves conduct that is subject to disciplinary action; then, if disciplinary action is necessary, DOH must refer the matter to the appropriate board, or to the department if there is no regulatory board. Requires the Department to adopt rules implementing this section and develop a form for reporting adverse incidents.

Home Medical Equipment Providers Effective Date: July 1, 2020 Senate Bill 1742 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill exempts medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, and chiropractic physicians from the requirement to be licensed as a home medical equipment provider in order to sell or rent electrostimulation medical equipment and supplies to their own patients in the course of their practice.

Optometry Effective Date: Upon becoming law. HB 7059 (Full Text)

Summary: Amends section 463.006, Florida Statutes, to require the Department to license an applicant for licensure and certification as an optometrist when the applicant meets specified requirements, and creates language relative to the time-period a national examination score can be accepted. Repeals language relating to the content of the licensure examination.

Emotional Support Animals Effective Date: July 1, 2020 Senate Bill 1084 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill amends Florida’s Fair Housing Act by prohibiting a housing provider, to the extent required by federal law, rule, or regulation, to deny housing to a person with a disability or a disability-related need who has an animal that is required as support. It defines emotional support animal as an animal that is not required to be trained to assist a person with a disability but, by virtue of its presence, provides support to alleviate one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. Written documentation that reasonably supports that a person has a disability may be provided by any federal, state, or local government agency, specified health care practitioners, telehealth providers, or out-of-state practitioners who have provided in-person care or services to the tenant on at least one occasion. The bill prohibits a housing provider to request information that discloses the diagnosis or severity of a person’s disability or any medical records relating to the disability. The bill creates a new cause for disciplinary action against a health care practitioner’s license for providing supporting information for an emotional support animal, without personal knowledge of the patient’s disability or disability-related need. It also creates the misdemeanor crime of providing false or fraudulent emotional support animal information or documentation and requires a convicted person to perform 30 hours of community service for an organization serving persons with disabilities, or another entity or organization the court determines appropriate.

Reproductive Health Effective Date: July 1, 2020 Senate Bill 698 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill requires the Department of Health (DOH), the Board of Medicine, or the Board of Osteopathic Medicine may take disciplinary action against the health care practitioner’s license if he or she intentionally transfers an embryo or reproductive material into a recipient without the recipient’s consent. Additionally, the DOH may issue an emergency order suspending the practitioner’s license if he or she is found guilty of committing the felony of reproductive battery, which is discussed below. The bill also requires a health care practitioner, a medical student, or any other student who is receiving training as a health care practitioner to obtain the written consent of a patient or a patient’s representative before performing a pelvic exam. Written consent for the pelvic exam is not required if a court orders the exam to collect evidence or if the exam is necessary to avert a serious risk of irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the patient. The bill creates the crime of reproductive battery. It is a third-degree felony for a health care practitioner to intentionally transfer human reproductive material into the body of a recipient or implant a human embryo of a donor, knowing that the recipient has not consented to the use of the reproductive material or embryo from that donor. If the health care practitioner is the donor of the reproductive material, the penalty is increased to a second-degree felony. The statute of limitations for prosecuting the crime of reproductive battery does not begin to run until the date that the violation is discovered and reported to a law enforcement agency or any other governmental agency. Additionally, it is not a defense to the crime that the recipient consented to the use of an anonymous donor.

Nursing Effective Date: October 1, 2018 HB 1337 (Full Text)

Summary: Amends the title of an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) to Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and makes conforming changes throughout the Florida Statutes. APRNs would be licensed instead of certified. Changes the title of a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to an APRN.

Abortion Effective Date: July 1, 2020 Senate Bill 404 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill prohibits a physician from performing an abortion on a minor unless the physician has received a notarized, written consent statement signed by the minor and her mother, father, or legal guardian and the physician has been presented with proof of identification and proof of parentage or guardianship by the parent or legal guardian. However, the consent requirement does not apply if:

• Notice is not required under specified exceptions to the parental notice requirement;
• The abortion is performed during a medical emergency when there is insufficient time to obtain consent;
• The parent or guardian has waived the right to consent; or
• The minor petitions the circuit court where she resides and receives a judicial waiver of parental consent.

The bill also authorizes a third-degree felony penalty for a physician who recklessly or intentionally performs, or attempts to perform, an abortion on an unemancipated minor without the required consent. The bill also increases the penalty for violating requirements established for infants born alive in section 390.0111(12), Florida Statutes, from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.

Athletic Trainers Effective Date: July 1, 2020 Senate Bill 226 (Full Text)

Summary: This bill requires an athletic trainer to work within his or her scope of practice as defined by the Board of Athletic Training and revises the educational and internship requirements for licensure.

Pharmacies Effective Date: July 1, 2018 HB 675 (Full Text)

Summary: Expands the eligibility for a membership seat on the Board of Pharmacy. Establishes and provides requirements for Class III institutional pharmacies and adds these pharmacies to those authorized to dispense prepackaged drug products.

Licensure Requirement for Osteopathic Physicians Effective Date: Upon becoming a law (not signed yet) Senate Bill 218 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill revises section 459.0055(1)(l), Florida Statutes, to update the organizations which accredit residency programs for Osteopathic Physicians, allowing applicants who completed programs accredited by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to be licensed.

Health Access Dental Licenses Effective Date: Upon becoming a law HB 1461 (Full Text)

Summary: This bill reestablishes the licensure, renewal, and revocation of health access dental licenses.

Distributing Pharmaceutical Drugs and Devices Effective Date: July 1, 2018 HB 513 (Full Text)

Summary: Revises an exception to pharmacy regulations (Chapter 465, Florida Statutes) for certain manufacturers and distributers of dialysis drugs or supplies.

Donation and Transfer of Human Tissue Effective Date: July 1, 2018 HB 429 (Full Text)

Summary: Amends section 381.0421(12), Florida Statutes, to require the Department of Health to develop and publish on its website an educational pamphlet relating to certain tissue transplants. It also requires the educational pamphlet to include specified information relating to risks and benefits of human cells, tissue, and cellular and tissue-based product transplants.

Prescription Drug Pricing Transparency Effective Date: July 1, 2018 HB 351 (Full Text)

Summary: Amends section 465.0244, Florida Statutes, providing requirements for pharmacists to inform customers of certain generically equivalent drug products and whether cost sharing obligations to such customers exceed the retail price of a prescription. Creates sections 624.490, 627.64741, 627.6572 and 641.314, Florida Statutes, establishing definitions, registration and duties involving prescription benefit managers and associated contracts. Repeals section 465.1862, Florida Statutes, regarding pharmacy benefits manager contracts.

Military and Veterans Affairs Effective Date: July 1, 2018 HB 29 (Full Text)

Summary: Cited as the Don Hahnfeldt Veteran and Military Family Opportunity Act. Amends section 456.024, Florida Statutes, revising expedited licensure requirements for active duty military spouses to practice dentistry and eliminates the supervision level requirement for a temporary professional license for dentistry. Authorizes licensing boards to recognize certain military-issued credentials earned by active duty military members and their spouses for purposes of issuing a license in a health care profession, and designates March 25th of each year as “Medal of Honor Day.”

Controlled Substances Effective Date: July 1, 2018 HB 21 (Full Text)

Summary: Creates section 456.0301, Florida Statutes, requiring practitioners to complete a specified board-approved continuing education course to prescribe controlled substances. The bill defines “acute pain” and establishes prescribing guidelines and grounds for disciplinary action if not followed. It limits opioid prescriptions for the treatment of acute pain to a specified period under certain circumstances and requires health care practitioners to check the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) database prior to prescribing or dispensing a controlled substance. Additionally, the bill requires pain management clinics with an exemption from registration under section 458.3265 or 459.0137, Florida Statutes, to register their exemption with the Department of Health with no fee, and specifies a new certificate is required if a change of address occurs.

Deregulation of Professions and Occupations Effective Date: July 1, 2020 HB 1193 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill amends section 468.505, Florida Statutes, providing that certain unlicensed persons are not prohibited or restricted from his or her practice, services, or activities in dietetics and nutrition under certain circumstances.

Nonopioid Alternatives Effective Date: July 1, 2020 HB 743 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill revises the requirements for certain health care practitioners providing an opioid drug listed as a Schedule II controlled substance to inform the patient about possible nonopioid alternatives, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nonopioid alternatives, and provide the pamphlet as required in section 456.44, Florida Statutes by:

• Requiring that the pamphlet provided to the patient be printed;
• Authorizing a health care practitioner to discuss non-opioid alternatives with, and provide the pamphlet to, the patient’s representative rather than the patient;
• Specifying that only those health care practitioners ordering or prescribing or providing care that requires the administration of anesthesia using an opioid must meet the requirements and removing the requirement to address non-opioid alternatives when a drug is dispensed or administered; and
• Exempting health care practitioners providing hospice services and providing care in a hospital critical care unit or emergency department from the requirement to discuss non-opioid alternatives with a patient or the patient’s representative and provide a printed copy of the pamphlet.

Department of Health Effective Date: July 1, 2020 HB 713 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill amends numerous practice acts to streamline regulation and increase efficiency. The bill makes numerous updates and changes to programs and health care professions regulated under the boards and Department of Health (DOH):

• The bill grants rulemaking authority to DOH for responsibilities relating to maximizing the use of existing programs and coordinating stakeholders and resources to develop a state strategic plan, including the process of selecting physicians under the Conrad 30 Waiver Program, and to encourage qualified physicians to relocate to Florida and practice in medically underserved and rural areas;
• Requires an applicant for a health care professional license to provide his or her date of birth on the application;
• Revises the DOH’s health care practitioner licensing provisions to permit the DOH to issue a temporary license, that expires in 60 days instead of 30 days, to a non-resident or non-citizen physician who has accepted a residency, internship, or fellowship in Florida and has not yet received a social security number;
• Creates an exception to the 15-percent cap for self-referral for diagnostic imaging services normally imposed on solo or group practice settings for group practice entities that own an accountable care organization or an entity operating under an advanced alternative payment model, according to federal regulations, if such entity provides diagnostic imaging services and has more than 30,000 patients enrolled per year;
• Repeals a health care practitioner’s failure to repay student loans as grounds for discipline by the DOH;
• Authorizes the DOH to issue medical faculty certificates to certain full-time faculty members of Nova Southeastern University and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine;
• Repeals the requirement that the Board of Medicine (BOM) conduct a triennial review of organizations that board-certify physicians in dermatology;
• Revises the composition of the Council on Physician Assistants, under the BOM, from four physicians and one physician assistant, to two physicians and three physician assistants;
• Revises the requirements for osteopathic internships and residencies to include those accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education;
• Deregulates registered chiropractic assistants;
• Effective upon the bill becoming a law, allows a nursing education program seeking accreditation to apply to the Board of Nursing (BON) for a single extension of not more than two years if the program meets specific criteria and grants the BON rulemaking authority on criteria to qualify for the extension;
• Grants rulemaking authority to the BON to establish standards of practice, including discipline, for certified nursing assistants (CNA);
• Recognizes CNA certification in a U.S. territory or the District of Columbia for certification in Florida and eliminates the element of intent for violations of the practice act by CNAs;
• Defines the supplemental general dentistry education required for dental licensure applicants who have not graduated from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation to exclude education in an advanced dental specialty;
• Repeals the requirement that dental and dental hygienist licensure examinations must be graded by Florida-licensed dentists and dental hygienists;
• Effective upon the bill becoming a law and applying retroactively to January 1, 2020, revives, reenacts, and amends statutory provisions relating to health access dental licenses, notwithstanding their sunset on January 1, 2020;
• Requires dentists and dental hygienists to report adverse incidents to the Board of Dentistry (BOD) and gives the BOD rulemaking authority;
• Authorizes an employee or independent contractor of a dental laboratory to engage in onsite consultation with a licensed dentist during a dental procedure and requires a dental laboratory to be inspected at least biennially;
• Requires an athletic trainer to work within his or her scope of practice as defined by the Board of Athletic Training and revises the educational and internship requirements for licensure;
• Requires the DOH to issue a single prosthetist-orthotist license to qualified applicants and establishes the educational requirements for duel registration;
• Repeal Board of Massage Therapy (BMT) departmental examinations and require a BMT-specified national examination;
• Eliminate massage apprenticeships as a path to licensure by 2023; and
• Revise the definition of a massage therapy “apprentice” to include only those persons approved by the BMT to study colonic irrigation under a licensed massage therapist;
• Updates the name of the accreditation body for psychology programs and revises the requirements for psychology licensure;
• Limits the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Mental Health Counseling to the issuance of only one additional internship registration;
• Revises the education, clinical, and licensure requirements for marriage and family therapists and licensed mental health counselors, including updating the program accrediting agencies;

Direct Care Workers and Autonomous APRNs Effective Date: Upon Becoming a Law (March 11,2020) and July 1, 2020 HB 607 (Full Text)

Summary: The Board of Nursing voted to initiate rulemaking on various aspects of HB 607 during its meetings on June 5, 2020. You can access the minutes of the full board and long-range policy planning discussions from the “meetings” link on the Board website. The registration application for autonomous APRNs will be available after it has been adopted by rule, which is anticipated to take approximately 90 days. The Board voted to approve the application and move forward with rulemaking at its June 5th meeting. The Board also voted to define “primary care practice” to include “health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counselling, patient education, and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in a variety of healthcare settings”. This definition will also move through the rulemaking adoption process prior to becoming effective. The Board determined that an equivalency to the required graduate level coursework required for registration would be 45 CE hours in each of the required subject areas. These hours must be offered by a Board-approved provider or a national organization empowered to accredit nursing CE. The courses must have been taken within the 5 years preceding the registration application. Submitted courses must have documentation of differential diagnosis and pharmacology in the course description and objectives. Appointments to the Council on APRN Autonomous Practice will be finalized by the end of June 2020 and then a meeting of the Council will be scheduled and announced. The Council is charged with developing “standards of practice” to recommend to the Board for adoption by rule. Additional discussions on HB 607 will take place during the Board’s August 6-7, 2020, meeting.

Governor DeSantis signed HB 607 into law on March 11, 2020. Separate portions of HB 607, now referred to as Chapter 2020-9, Laws of Florida , impact Board of Nursing licensees. Please see below for highlights of the new legislation: Sections 12-14 – went into effect on 3/11/20 An authorized RN may delegate tasks to CNAs or home health aides if the RN determines that the CNA or home health aide is competent to perform these tasks, that the tasks are delegable under applicable Federal law, and the tasks meet certain criteria designated in the law. The RN is not authorized to delegate the administration of Schedule II-IV controlled substances. The Board is directed to adopt rules implementing the new law in consultation with the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). We anticipate the rulemaking will commence following the Board’s June 2020 meeting. Training coursework is required in order for a CNA to administer medication under an RN’s delegation. CNAs will also be required to have 2 hours of in-service training in medication administration and medical error prevention on a yearly basis. The Board, along with AHCA, will also create standards and procedures for CNAs to follow when administering medication in a home health setting. Sections 22-26 – go into effect on 7/1/20 APRNs will have an opportunity to register for autonomous practice, which will remove the requirement to provide patient care within the framework of an established protocol with a supervising physician or dentist. Registration eligibility requirements are established in the legislation and include: no discipline within 5 years of applying for the registration; completion of 3,000 clinical practice hours as an APRN under the supervision of physician within the 5 years immediately preceding the registration request; and, within the past 5 years, completion of graduate-level semester hours, or the equivalent, in differential diagnosis and pharmacology (3 hours in each subject). The registration application will be available after July 1, 2020. Financial responsibility requirements are established in the new law for APRN autonomous practice. Practice requirements are also in the legislation and will be interpreted by the Board during its June 2020 meeting as part of the implementation of the bill. A Council on APRN Autonomous Practice is created within the Department of Health and will recommend standards of practice to the Board. Additional continuing education (CE) requirements are put in place for autonomous practice. Ten hours of CE, approved by the Board, must be completed at each renewal in addition to completing the 30 hours of CE already in place, even if the APRN is exempt from existing CE requirements due to his or her national certification. Autonomous APRNs must also now report adverse incidents as outlined in the legislation and additional disciplinary actions are added to the Nurse Practice Act. Updates on the implementation of this law will be added to the website.

Consultant Pharmacists Effective Date: July 1, 2020 HB 599 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill revises requirements and responsibilities of a consultant pharmacist by authorizing a consultant pharmacist to enter into a written collaborative practice agreement to provide medication management services with a health care facility medical director or Florida-licensed allopathic physician, osteopathic physician, podiatric physician, or dentist to:  

• Order and evaluate laboratory and clinical testing;
• Conduct patient assessments;
• Administer medications; and
• Modify or discontinue medicinal drugs pursuant to a patient-specific order or treatment protocol.

A consultant pharmacist may only provide services to the patients of the health care practitioner with whom the consultant pharmacist has a written collaborative practice agreement. The bill requires both the consultant pharmacist and health care practitioner to maintain a copy of the collaborative agreement and make it available upon request or during an inspection. The bill also requires the consultant pharmacist to maintain all drug, patient care, and quality assurance records.

The bill authorizes a consultant pharmacist to provide services to patients in an ambulatory surgical center, hospital, alcohol or chemical dependency treatment center, inpatient hospice, or ambulatory care center, in addition to those authorized in current law (nursing home and home health agency patients). The bill clarifies that a consultant pharmacist is not authorized to diagnose any disease or condition, and authorizes the Board of Pharmacy to establish additional education requirements for licensure as a consultant pharmacist.

The bill also authorizes a pharmacist to make recommendations regarding the patient’s health care status with the patient’s prescribing health care practitioner or others specifically authorized by the patient.

Institutional Formularies Established by Nursing Home Facilities Effective Date: July 1, 2020 HB 559 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill authorizes a nursing home to establish an institutional formulary by which a pharmacist may use therapeutic substitution, without obtaining a new prescription, to replace a resident’s prescribed drug with a chemically different drug listed in the formulary that is expected to have the same clinical effect. The bill requires a nursing home to obtain a prescriber’s authorization to use an institutional formulary for each of the prescriber’s patients in the nursing home and allows a prescriber to opt out of the institutional formulary for a specific drug or a class of drugs. The nursing home must notify the prescriber prior to each therapeutic substitution and document the resident’s medical record when a substitution occurs. The bill requires a nursing home to obtain informed consent from a resident or a resident’s representative to use the institutional formulary for the resident. The bill prohibits a nursing home from taking adverse action against a prescriber or resident who refuses to use the institutional formulary.

Keep Our Graduates Working Act Effective Date: July 1, 2020 HB 115 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill prohibits the Department of Health (DOH) from denying the issuance of, refusing to renew, suspending, or revoking a professional license based solely on the licensee being delinquent on a payment of or defaulting on his or her student loans. The bill removes the specific provision allowing DOH to discipline a health care practitioner for failing to repay a student loan and the associated mandatory discipline. The bill repeals the requirement that DOH must issue an emergency order suspending a health care practitioner’s license for a student loan default, absent timely proof of a new repayment plan. Additionally, the bill repeals the requirement that DOH must obtain a monthly list from the United States Health and Human Services (USHHS) of the health care practitioners who have defaulted on their student loans.

Physical Therapy Practice Effective Date: July 1, 2020 HB 467 (Full Text)

Summary: This bill modernizes the definitions of “physical therapy assessment” and the “practice of physical therapy” to reflect current practice and authorizes the Board of Physical Therapy Practice to adopt rules related to the standards of practice for physical therapists (PT) to perform dry needling. The bill establishes minimum experience, education, and training requirements for PTs who perform dry needling.

Practice of Pharmacy Effective Date: July 1, 2020 HB 389 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill authorizes a pharmacist to enter into a collaborative pharmacy practice agreement (CPPA) with a physician to manage chronic health conditions if the pharmacist meets certain qualifications. A CPPA must meet certain terms and specify the health conditions, treatments, and tests governed by the CPPA. The bill prohibits a collaborating pharmacist from modifying or discontinuing any medication that is prescribed by a health care practitioner with whom he or she does not enter into a CPPA and from initiating or prescribing a controlled substance. The bill authorizes a pharmacist, who meets certain qualifications, to test or screen for and treat minor, nonchronic health conditions within the framework of a written protocol with a supervising physician. The conditions are limited to influenza, streptococcus, lice, skin conditions, and minor, uncomplicated infections. The protocol must specify the patients that may be seen, instructions for obtaining a patient’s medical history, instructions for treatment, and a process and schedule for the pharmacist to provide patient information to the supervising physician and the supervising physician to review the pharmacist’s actions under the protocol. The bill requires the Board of Pharmacy to adopt, by rule, a formulary of medicinal drugs that an authorized pharmacist may prescribe to treat minor, non-chronic health conditions. A pharmacist may not prescribe any controlled substance; however, the Board-developed formulary may include any non-controlled substance, including those that typically need a prescription to dispense, such as antibiotics, and over-the-counter medications. The bill authorizes a pharmacist to use certain laboratory or clinical tests, as well as any established screening procedures for which no test is available. A pharmacy in which a pharmacist provides services for minor, non-chronic health conditions must prominently display a sign advising a patient receiving such services to seek follow-up care from a physician. The Board of Pharmacy shall adopt guidelines for the circumstances under which the information required under this subsection shall be provided.

Immunization Registry Effective Date: January 1, 2021 SB 354 (Full Text)

Summary: In accordance with Section 381.003, Florida Statutes, effective January 1, 2021, all health care practitioners licensed under chapter 458, chapter 459, or chapter 464 in this state who administer vaccinations or causes vaccinations to be administered to children from birth through 17 years of age is required to report vaccination data to the immunization registry, Florida SHOTS, unless a parent or guardian of a child has refused to have the child included in the immunization registry by meeting the requirements identified in 381.003(e)2., F.S. In addition, practitioners who administer vaccinations or causes vaccinations to be administered to college or university students from 18 years of age through 23 years of age at a college or university student health center or clinic is required to report vaccination data to the immunization registry, Florida SHOTS, unless the student has refused to be included in the immunization registry by meeting the requirements in 381.003(e)3., F.S. Please see Section 381.003 for all statutory changes.

Office Surgery Effective Date: January 1, 2020 Senate Bill 732 (Full Text)

Summary: The law authorizes the Department to register and regulate office surgery centers. The law requires the Department to issue an emergency order suspending or restricting the registration of certain facilities when the office is found not in compliance with the standards of practice for office surgery. The law requires the registration of offices in which more than 1,000 cubic centimeters of supernatant fat is removed, level II office surgery, or a level III office surgery must register with the department unless the office is licensed as a facility under Chapter 395, Florida Statutes. Additionally, the law requires the designation of physicians for the registered office's compliance. The law permits the inspection, suspension, revocation, and penalty of surgery centers.

Mental Health Effective Date: July 1, 2019 Senate Bill 1418 (Full Text)

Summary: Requires a psychiatrist to disclose patient communications to the extent necessary to warn law enforcement of a threat of serious bodily injury or death made by a patient or client. Requires law enforcement to notify potential victims of the threat and provides that such disclosure of confidential communications may not be the basis of legal action or any civil or criminal liability against the psychiatrist or psychologist.

Medical Use of Marijuana Effective Date: March 18, 2019 Senate Bill 182 (Full Text)

Summary: The law allows a qualified physician to determine that smoking is an appropriate route of administration for medical marijuana. This website addresses information regarding certifying of patients under the age of 18, availability, supply limits, consent form requirements, required documentation, and more.

Health Care for Children Effective Date: July 1, 2020 HB 81 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill creates section 456.0496, Florida Statutes, requiring certain health care practitioners to ensure that the informational pamphlet on the screening for, and treatment of, preventable infant and childhood eye and vision disorders is provided to parents after a planned out-of-hospital birth.

Human Trafficking Effective Date: July 1, 2019 HB 851 (Full Text)

Summary: Creates section 456.0341, Florida Statutes, requiring persons licensed or certified under Chapter 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 463, 465, 466, part II, III, V or part X of 468, 480, or 486 to complete a board or department approved 1-hour continuing education course on human trafficking. Licensees or certificate holders must post a sign with relevant portions of the reporting procedure by January 1, 2020. Requiring a massage establishment to designate an establishment manager to be responsible for operational rules compliance. Requiring the Department of Health (DOH) to deny an application for massage establishment license if an establishment owner or designated establishment manager has been convicted of a prostitution offense. Authorizing DOH to revoke or suspend a massage establishment’s license if certain employees or owners have convictions or disciplinary action for prostitution. Prohibiting a massage establishment owner or designated establishment manager whose license is revoked from reapplying for a license or, for an owner, transferring the license.

Nonopioid Alternatives Effective Date: July 1, 2019 HB 451 (Full Text)

Summary: Creates section 456.44 (7), Florida Statutes, requiring the Department to develop and publish on its website an education pamphlet regarding the use of nonopioid alternatives for the treatment of pain.

Health Care Effective Date: July 1, 2019 HB 843 (Full Text)

Summary: The law establishes the Dental Student Loan Repayment Program to support dentists who practice in public health programs in underserved areas and requires the Department to establish the Donated Dental Services Program to provide comprehensive dental care to certain eligible individuals.

Controlled Substances Effective Date: Upon becoming a law HB 7107 (Full Text)

Summary: Creates section 893.03 (5) (d), Florida Statutes, to make Epidolex (CBD) a Schedule V drug and mirror the federal law.

Carrying of Firearms by Tactical Medical Professionals Effective Date: July 1, 2019 HB 487 (Full Text)

Summary: The law creates section 790.25 (q), Florida Statutes, for tactical medical professionals to be appointed by law enforcement tactical teams to possess firearms and actively operate in direct support of a tactical operation by a law enforcement agency. The law establishes that a “tactical medical professional” must be a paramedic under section 401.23, a physician, under section 458.305, or an osteopathic physician, under section 459.003, who is appointed to provide direct support to a tactical law enforcement unit.

Permit and Inspection Fees Effective Date: July 1, 2019 HB 7073 (Full Text)

Summary: Creates section 465,0157 (4), Florida Statutes, to set the fee for an initial international export pharmacy permit and biennial renewal of the permit to be set by board rule under section 465.022(14), Florida Statutes.

Prescription Drug Importation Programs Effective Date: July 1, 2019 HB 19 (Full Text)

Summary: The law establishes two programs to safely import FDA-approved prescription drugs into Florida: The Canadian Importation Program and the International Drug Importation Program. The Department is responsible for the creation of and inspection of new permits for an international export pharmacy. Additionally, the law creates eligibility criteria for the types of prescription drugs to be imported, the importation process, safety standards, distribution requirements, and penalties for violations of the established program. Federal approval is required before the programs may begin.

Electronic Prescribing Effective Date: January 1, 2020 HB 831 (Full Text)

Summary: The law relocates language regarding electronic prescribing from existing section 456.43, Florida Statutes, to section 456.42, Florida Statutes, and repeals section 456.43, Florida Statutes, on January 1, 2021. The law requires prescribers to generate and transmit all prescription electronically, except when electronic prescribing is unavailable due to a temporary electrical or technological failure. In such instances, written prescriptions may be used, which must meet the requirements under current section 456.43, Florida Statutes.

Alternative Treatment Options for Veterans Effective Date: July 1, 2019 HB 501 (Full Text)

Summary: Creates section 295.156, Florida Statutes, that requires alternative treatment services for veterans who have been certified by the Department of Veteran Affairs as having Traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder to be provided under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician, osteopathic physician, chiropractic physician, nurse, psychologist, or a clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist or mental health counselor.

Telehealth Effective Date: July 1, 2019 HB 23 (Full Text)

Summary: Creates section 456.47, Florida Statutes, establishing standards of practice for telehealth providers, registration of out-of-state providers, venue requirements and exemptions. Additionally, effective July 1, 2020, the Department shall annually review the amount of any fees collected under section 456.47, Florida Statutes, to determine whether such fees are sufficient for the Department and Boards to implement the section.

Continuing Education for Dentists Effective Date: July 1, 2019 HB 549 (Full Text)

Summary: Amends section 466.0135, Florida Statutes, requiring a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education on prescribing of controlled substances for Dentists.

Automated Pharmacy Systems Effective Date: July 1, 2020 HB 59 (Full Text)

Summary: The bill expands current law to authorize a community pharmacy to provide outpatient dispensing through the use of an automated pharmacy system. The bill establishes criteria for such systems and a community pharmacy’s responsibilities when employing such a system.

Protection from Discrimination Based on Health Care Choices Effective Date: June 1, 2023, except as otherwise provided in the act. SB 252 (Bill Information)

The bill prohibits business entities and governmental entities from requiring a person to provide certain documentation or requiring a COVID-19 test to gain access to, entry upon, or service from such entities or as a condition of contracting, hiring, promotion, or continued employment; prohibiting business and governmental entities from refusing to hire persons, discharging persons, depriving or attempting to deprive persons of employment opportunities, adversely affecting persons with respect to employment, or otherwise discriminating against any person based on knowledge or belief of a person’s vaccination or COVID-19 post infection recovery status or failure to take a COVID-19 test. The bill requires such entities to provide exemptions and reasonable accommodations for religious and medical reasons.

The bill amends several statutes in order to prohibit mask mandates, mandates on emergency use authorizations (EUA) vaccinations, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccinations, and COVID-19 vaccinations, and COVID-19 testing mandates in educational institutions, business entities, and governmental entities. The bill prohibits these entities and institutions from requiring proof of a vaccination with one of the specified types of vaccinations, post infection recovery from COVID-19, or a COVID-19 test to gain access to, entry upon, or service from the entity or institution. The bill also prohibits business and governmental entities from certain employment practices based on an employee’s, or a potential employee’s, vaccination or post infection status or the refusal to take a COVID-19 test. The bill’s provisions relating to mRNA vaccines are repealed on June 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill prohibits business entities, governmental entities, and educational institutions from requiring a person to wear a mask, a face shield, or any other facial covering that covers the nose and mouth or denying a person access to, entry upon, service from, or admission to such entity or institution or otherwise discriminating against any person based on his or her refusal to wear a mask, face shield, or other facial covering. The bill provides exceptions to these prohibitions for health care providers and practitioners, if the provider or practitioner meets specific requirements established by the bill, and for when a mask or facial covering is required safety equipment. Business entities and governmental entities that violate these provisions are subject to discipline by the Florida Department of Legal Affairs (DLA) while educational institutions are subject to discipline by the Florida Department of Health (DOH). Such discipline may include fines of up to $5,000 for each violation.

The bill establishes requirements for mandating masks in health care settings. The bill requires the DOH and the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to jointly develop standards for the use of facial coverings in such settings by July 1, 2023, and requires each health care provider and health care practitioner who operates or manages an office to establish policies and procedures for facial coverings by August 1, 2023, that are consistent with the standards adopted by the DOH and the AHCA if they require any individual to wear a mask.

The bill prohibits governmental entities and educational institutions from adopting, implementing, or enforcing an international health organization guideline unless authorized by state law, rule, or executive order issued pursuant to a declared emergency.

The bill also creates and amends several statutes related to the provision of health care for COVID-19 including:

• Prohibiting a hospital from interfering with COVID-19 treatment alternatives that are recommended by a health care practitioner with privileges at the hospital.
• Requiring a health care practitioner to obtain specified informed consent from a patient before prescribing any medication for the treatment of COVID-19 to the patient.
• Prohibiting a pharmacist from being disciplined for properly dispensing medications prescribed for the treatment of COVID-19.

Interests of Foreign Countries Effective Date: June 1, 2023 SB 264 (Bill Information)

The bill amends certain electronic health record statutes to ensure that such records are physically stored in the continental United States, United States territories, or Canada.

Nursing Education Pathway for Military Combat Medics Effective Date: Upon becoming law SB 274 (Bill Information)

The bill creates the “Pathway for Military Combat Medics Act.” The bill expands the award of postsecondary credit for military training and education courses to promote uniformity in the application of military combat medic training and education toward postsecondary credit (credit) or career education clock hours (clock hours) by public postsecondary educational institutions. Specifically, the bill requires:

• The Department of Education’s Articulation Coordinating Committee (ACC) to convene a workgroup to establish a process for prioritizing and determining postsecondary course equivalencies and the minimum credit or clock hours that must be awarded in an accredited nursing education program for military training and education required for service in specified positions. The process must be approved by the Board of Governors of the State University System (BOG) and the State Board of Education (SBE), with recommendations due to them by December 1, 2023.
• The ACC is to approve a list of postsecondary course equivalencies and credit and clock hours awarded for such courses and training, which must be approved by the BOG and SBE in the statewide articulation agreement.
• State universities, Florida College System (FCS) institutions, and career centers to award credit or clock hours based on the approved list.

Additionally, the bill revises a primary goal of the Florida Center for Nursing (Center) to provide that, under its strategic statewide plan for nursing manpower, the encouragement and coordination of the development of partnerships must include partnerships with hospitals that provide opportunities for nursing students to obtain clinical experience.

Certified Nursing Assistants Effective Date: July 1, 2023 SB 558 (Bill Information)

The bill creates a new designation of “qualified medication aide” (QMA) for certified nursing assistants (CNA) who work in a nursing home and meet specified licensure and training requirements. The bill allows a nursing home to authorize a registered nurse (RN) working in the nursing home to delegate medication administration to a QMA who is working under the direct supervision of the RN. In order to be designated as a QMA, a CNA must hold a clear and active certification as a CNA for at least one year preceding the delegation; complete 40 hours of training that consists of the six hour training course currently required for a CNA to administer medication in a home health setting and a 34-hour course developed by the Florida Board of Nursing specific to QMAs; and successfully complete a supervised clinical practice in medication administration conducted in the nursing home. The bill amends several sections of law related to the delegation of tasks to CNAs to conform to the changes made in the bill. The bill also specifies that CNAs performing the duties of a QMA may not be counted toward staffing requirements for nursing homes.

Level 2 Background Screening Effective Date: July 1, 2023 SB 676 (Bill Information)

The bill modifies current background screening standards and requirements for individuals who work with children and other vulnerable persons.

Effective Date: Section 11 of the bill, which contains the appropriations, takes effect July 1, 2023. Changes made to s. 435.12, F.S., in Section 3 of the bill must be implemented by January 1, 2025, or a later date as determined by the AHCA. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the bill and except for Section 13, the effective date section of the bill, which takes effect upon the bill becoming law, the bill takes effect July 1, 2024.

Referral of Patients by Health Care Providers Effective Date: July 1, 2023 SB 768 (Bill Information)

The bill amends s. 456.053, F.S., regulating financial arrangements between referring health care providers and health care service providers, to alter a safe harbor provision for permitted referrals from a health care provider to another provider for designated health services that solely serves patients of the referring health care provider. The bill removes the direct supervision requirement and the requirement that the physician be present in the office suite, allowing general supervision of such services from locations outside of the office where the services are provided. The bill allows self-referring health care providers to avoid the cost of having a physician present while health care services are provided. The change in state law also aligns with federal Stark law provisions regarding self-referrals by a health care provider to another provider in which the referring physician has a financial or other pecuniary interest.

Prescription Drugs Effective Date: July 1, 2023 SB 1550 (Bill Information)

The bill addresses the transparency of a manufacturer’s prescription drug price increases above certain thresholds and the relationships between pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy benefits plans and programs, and pharmacy providers for delivering pharmacy services to covered persons.

The bill requires prescription drug manufacturers and nonresident prescription drug manufacturers to disclose reportable prescription drug price increases. This information will be published on the Florida Health Finder website. A reportable prescription drug price increase refers to a prescription drug with a wholesale acquisition cost of at least $100 for a course of therapy before the effective date of the increase, and the bill requires the following to be reported:

• Any increase of 15 percent or more of the wholesale acquisition cost during the preceding 12-month period; or
• Any increase of 30 percent or more of the wholesale acquisition cost during the preceding three calendar years.

The bill requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to obtain a certificate of authority for an administrator under the Florida Insurance Code (FIC) and makes them subject to existing and enhanced requirements as set forth in the bill under the FIC. The bill proscribes and prescribes certain disclosures and actions governing contractual relationships between PBMs and pharmacy benefits plans and programs and also between PBMs and pharmacy providers.

Protections of Medical Conscience Effective Date: July 1, 2023 SB 1580 (Bill Information)

The bill establishes rights of conscience for health care providers and payors. The bill provides legislative intent and provides that a health care provider or payor has the right to optout of participation in or payment for a health care service on the basis of a conscience-based objection (CBO). The bill establishes notification requirements for opting-out and prohibits a payor from opting-out of paying for a service it is contractually obligated to cover during a plan year. The bill also specifies that CBOs are limited to specific health care services, that the bill may not be construed to waive or modify any duty a provider or payor may have for other health care services that do not violate a provider’s or payor’s conscience, and that nothing in the bill allows a health care provider or payor to opt-out of providing health care services to any patient or potential patient because of that patient’s or potential patient’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

The bill prohibits health care providers from being discriminated against or suffering adverse action for declining to participate in a health care service based on a CBO. The bill also provides whistle-blower protections for providers or payors in specific situations and specifies that the bill may not be construed to override any requirement to provide emergency medical treatment in accordance with federal or state law.

The bill allows health care providers or payors to file complaints of violations to the Attorney General (AG) and authorizes the AG to bring a civil action for appropriate relief. The bill also provides civil immunity for health care providers and payors solely for declining to participate in a health care service on the basis of a conscience-based objection, with some exceptions.

Additionally, the bill prohibits a board, or the Florida Department of Health (DOH) if there is no board, from taking disciplinary action against a health care practitioner solely because he or she has spoken or written publicly about a health care service or public policy, including on a social media platform, as long as the speech or written communication does not provide advice or treatment to a specific patient or patients and does not separately violate any other applicable law or rule. The bill also authorizes a board within the DOH to revoke approval of any specialty board for revoking the certification of an individual for the same reason.

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A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Florida

Sep 22 2022

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Florida

There’s more to Florida than palm trees and sunshine. Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll find great entertainment, a diverse population and culture, a robust economy, and no state income tax. Long known as a retirement haven, the Sunshine State is also a great place to live and work.

In this article, we cover:

• How to get your Florida nursing license by exam
• How to get your license by endorsement

How to renew your Florida nursing license

• Licensing fees

Continuing education requirements

How to contact the florida board of nursing, get job matches in your area + answers to all your nursing career questions.

Let's get started

What's your current role?

How to get your Florida nursing license by examination

Step 1: education.

The first step to a career in nursing is earning your nursing degree . There are several ways of  being a registered nurse in Florida, as the state accepts candidates who have graduated from one of their Florida-approved or accredited nursing programs, as well as graduates of programs accredited by ACEN, CCNE, or the jurisdiction in which the school is based as long as it has been issued an NCLEX code by the National Council on State Boards of Nursing. This includes military nursing education programs and MSN programs.  

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree and who take the additional classes necessary to become a registered nurse.

Step 2: Apply

Begin your application process by registering to take the NCLEX-RN exam and paying the $200.00 registration fee. You can also register and pay your fee by phone at 1-866-496-2539. 

You can submit your application with the $110 licensing fee to the Florida Board of Nursing online through the state’s MQA Online Services portal . The portal’s home page will allow you to create a New Applicant account. It is recommended that you use a desktop or laptop computer rather than a mobile device.   

Florida law requires that initial applications for a nursing license be reviewed within 30 days.

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

Most Florida-based nursing programs are approved to send the Board of Nursing either a list of eligible graduates or an official transcript upon graduation. All programs sending transcripts must include the date of graduation and degree conferred, and the school must send the information directly to the Board office through either a secure electronic service or by mail.

Electronic transcripts are accepted at [email protected] .

Paper transcripts are accepted at:

Department of Health Division of Medical Quality Assurance Bureau of Health Care Practitioner Regulation, Board of Nursing 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-02 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)

Applicants for initial licensure must use a Livescan service provider to have their fingerprints submitted electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The results will be returned to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) and made available to the Florida Board of Nursing. 

Hard fingerprint cards are no longer accepted in Florida. All results must be submitted electronically from a Livescan service provider.

Use the correct Originating Agency Identification (ORI) when submitting fingerprints. The ORI for a registered nurse license application is EDOH4420Z. If you do not provide an ORI number or if you provide an incorrect ORI number to the service provider, the board office will not receive your fingerprint results.

Applicants who live outside of Florida must have their prints taken on a hard fingerprint card and contact an approved Livescan service provider who converts cards. You can use any FDLE-approved Livescan service provider to submit your fingerprints. Print out the Nursing Electronic Fingerprint Form , complete it, and take it with you to the Livescan provider. 

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

Once you have submitted your application, paid your licensing fee, and all required documentation has been received, the Florida Board of Nursing will notify Pearson VUEthat you have met all of its requirements.Pearson VUE will then send you an email containing your Authorization to Test for the NCLEX-RN exam . The authorization is valid for 90 days, so be sure to schedule your test as quickly as possible. 

The NCLEX exam is the last test you must pass to be licensed as a registered nurse. It is meant to ensure that you have learned and retained all of the information and training that you received during your nursing program, including the following topics.

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care  
• Safety and Infection Control 
• Health Promotion and Maintenance 
• Psychosocial Integrity 
• Physiological Integrity 
• Basic Care and Comfort 
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
• Physiological Adaptation 

If you pass the NCLEX, your license will be sent to the address on file 7-10 days after the board office receives notice that you’ve passed.

If you fail the exam, you can reapply by submitting a re-examination application with a retake fee of $50. You will also need to reapply with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 fee again. You must wait a minimum of 45 days between each attempt. After three failures, you must complete and pass a Florida Board of Nursing-approved remedial course before you will be approved for taking the exam a fourth time.

Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

Nurses who hold a valid license in another state can apply for Florida licensure using the Licensure by Endorsement process. Application starts by submitting an application and $110 fee to the Board of Nursing through the state’s MQA Online Services portal . The portal’s home page will allow you to create a New Applicant account. It is recommended that you use a desktop or laptop computer rather than a mobile device.   

Applicants must also submit:

• Hard fingerprint cards are no longer accepted in Florida. All results must be submitted electronically from a Livescan service provider using the correct Originating Agency Identification (ORI) when submitting fingerprints. The ORI for a registered nurse license application is EDOH4420Z. If you do not provide an ORI number or if you provide an incorrect ORI number to the service provider, the board office will not receive your fingerprint results.
• Applicants who live outside of Florida must have their prints taken on a hard fingerprint card and contact an approved Livescan service provider who converts cards. You can use any FDLE-approved Livescan service provider to submit your fingerprints. Print out the Nursing Electronic Fingerprint Form , complete it, and take it with you to the Livescan provider. 
• License verification – You are responsible for requesting licensure verification from your original state of licensure. A licensure verification form is included in the application for states that do not verify licenses through the NURSYS system. If your state does participate with NURSYS , request that verification of your license be sent to the Florida Board of Nursing.

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

Florida requires renewal of your registered nursing license every two years. The Board of Nursing sends out renewal notices as postcards. Registered nursing licenses expire on April 30 and on July 31. 

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

All Florida-licensed registered nurses must complete 24 hours of nurse-related continuing education during each renewal period. 

The 24 hours must include:

• 2 hours on Prevention of Medical Errors
• 2 hours in Laws and Rules that govern the practice of Nursing
• 2 hours in recognizing impairment in the workplace and every other biennium thereafter (every 4 years)
• 2 hours on Human Trafficking
• One-time, 1-hour HIV/AIDS CE requirement must be completed prior to the first renewal
• Domestic Violence (DV) CE is now a 2-hour requirement every third renewal (every 6 years). Since Domestic Violence (DV) is a 2-hour requirement, the licensee will have 26 hours of CE during the renewal period when DV is taken.

The state requires continuing education units to be verified through an electronic tracking system at renewal. Continuing education credits can be reported at any time during the two years prior to the license’s expiration. Florida Board-approved providers will report your course completions on your behalf, while courses taken from national organizations must be completed by the applicant. 

Nurses who are within two years of having taken the NCLEX-RN exam are exempt from the CEU requirement.

To help you complete your biannual CEU requirement, Incredible Health offers free Florida CEU classes . Once completed, you can immediately access a certificate of completion. 

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

Nurses can renew their license at the state’s licensing portal . The fee is $75, and includes a $5 fee to fund efforts to combat unlicensed activity and a $5 fee that contributes to the state’s Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness program. You can pay online using a credit or debit card or print out a copy of your application that has been submitted online and then submit it with a cashier’s check or money order to:

Division of Medical Quality Assurance P.O. Box 6320 Tallahassee, FL 32314-6320

Florida nursing licensing fees

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):.

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $110

Licensing fees by endorsement (nurses who already have RN licensure):

• APRN dispensing license: $100
• Fee for Livescan Service provider varies
• Fee varies for License Verification

Nurses holding licenses from other states are eligible for licensure by endorsement if they have completed an approved or accredited nursing education program or if they have actively practiced nursing for two of the preceding three years without any criminal history or disciplinary action. Nurses who have not practiced in the previous five years need to take a remedial course prior to licensure.

Applicants need to submit an application with the appropriate fees to the Board of Nursing.

Schedule an electronic fingerprint appointment with a Livescan service provider.

Contact the licensing board where their initial and active licenses are held and request that verification be sent to the Florida Board of Nursing.

License renewal fees:

• $75 if license has not expired
• $130 if license has expired

Florida is a nursing compact state , which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

For more information, visit the state licensing page .

*Fees are subject to change.

**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.

RN/LPN/APRN: 24 hours every 2 years

As a nurse in Florida, you’ll need to complete the following continuing education requirements:

• 2 hours for medical error/prevention
• 2 hours on preventing human trafficking
• 2 hours for Florida laws and rules
• 2 hours on domestic violence every 3rd renewal
• 2 hours on recognition of impairment in the workplace (every other renewal)
• 1 hour one-time HIV/AIDS
• 3 hours on safe and effective prescription of controlled substances, if a prescriber
• 16 hours on general information

Florida Board of Nursing Board office Phone: (850) 245-4125 Fax: (850) 617-6460 Customer contact center: (850) 488-0595 Mailing address: Department of Health Board of Nursing 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-02 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252 Applications and Fees ONLY: Department of Health Board of Nursing PO Box 6330 Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330

More Florida Resources

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Florida Board of Nursing State CE Requirements

Meet your CE requirements today with the Nurse.com FL 24-hour State Renewal package. This one-click package provides CE courses you need to meet the license, re-licensure, and certification requirements of the Florida Board of Nursing. View your options below and get started on your nursing CE renewal today.

24-Hour Renewal Package

Ancc accredited. fulfills florida nursing license renewal requirements..

• Includes 24 hours of FL required courses in one-click package
• Tests required for completion
• Instant certificates upon completion
• License reminders and alerts when it’s time to renew

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• Access to 1000+ nursing CE courses for one year
• Includes state required courses
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For additional information visit the Florida Board of Nursing.

Florida Nursing CE Requirements

Ce requirements for rns.

For license renewal, RNs must complete:

• 2 hours of medical errors
• 2 hours in Florida laws and rules
• 2 hours of recognizing impairment in the workplace
• 2 hours of human trafficking training

In addition to these 24 hours of general CE, each RN must complete 2 hours of domestic violence CE every third renewal for a total of 26 hours.

The Florida Board of Nursing will not accept courses approved for less than 1.0 contact hour.

• 2 hours of domestic violence training
• 1 hour of HIV/AIDS

CE Requirements for LPNs

For license renewal, LPNs must complete:

In addition to these 24 hours of general CE, each LPN must complete 2 hours of domestic violence CE every third renewal for a total of 26 hours.

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What are the CEU requirements for RNs in Florida?

By Robbie Gould on 08/17/2023

For Florida's registered nurses (RNs), nursing is a way of life. It's a lifestyle that comes with a commitment to compassionate and ethical care, continuous learning, plus a whole lot of sunshine and afternoon rain showers.

Since they are entrusted with the well-being of patients, staying up to date with the latest advancements and best practices is not just an option—it's an RN's responsibility. Registered nurses know—you must stay on your game.

That's why the Florida Board of Nursing puts a major focus on Continuing Education Units (CEUs). They want to make sure that RNs like you keep their skills and knowledge at their absolute best. These CEUs aren’t just a good idea, they are also a requirement of keeping your nursing license active in Florida.

Read on to get the details on keeping your competency sharp, your license up to date and your patients happy and healthy.

Not a nurse just yet, but looking to become one? Explore how to become a nurse in Florida .

What are CEUs and what is their significance?

CEUs are nationally-recognized units used to measure a nurse's participation in continuing education and training courses.

10 contact hours= 1 CEU credit

In the field of nursing, one continuing education unit is equal to 10 contact hours. 1 So this means, hypothetically speaking, if you spent a normal 40-hour work week engaging in CEU courses and activities, you'd earn 4 CEU credits.

CEUs can come in several forms including face-to-face instruction, virtual conferences and webinars, social awareness programs or even course packets you can complete at home.

In many states, registered nurses are required to participate in continuing education every 1-3 years. Florida nursing continuing education requirements require nurses to complete 24 CEUs within a two-year renewal period to maintain an active nursing license. 2

Florida's nursing board approves providers of CEU courses in Florida, ensuring that the education you receive meets the necessary standards they've defined. You must complete most CEUs from a board-approved provider to fulfill your renewal requirements – the Human Trafficking course is the only mandatory course that does not need to be approved by the board. 2

When it’s time for your license renewal, make sure you’ve completed the necessary CEUs and any needed documentation with them.

What are the CEU requirements for an RN in Florida?

You must complete 24 CEUs within a two-year period. 2

That means 240 hours of continuing education (24 CEUs x 10 hours = 240 contact hours). That can sound daunting, but only some of those hours are mandatory courses. The majority of your CEU requirements are "general hours" which can be completed while you're on the clock, working your usual rounds. This CEU requirement pretty much ensures that you're simply working enough hours to remain consistently practicing.

CEU Requirements for RN in Florida: Here's how the required courses break down

The Florida board of nursing requires all sunshine state RNs use the site CE Broker to report their CE units. 2 The following are all the mandatory CE courses each Florida nurse needs to complete every two years (mostly) in order to maintain RN licensure.

General hours

• 16 CEUs (160 contact hours) *This isn't a course. It’s documented nursing work. Must be approved by a state or national organization empowered to accredit nursing continuing education.

Prevention of Medical Errors Must be board-approved

• 2 CEUs (20 contact hours)

Florida Laws and Rules Must be board-approved

• 2 CEUs or 20 contact hours

Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace Must be board-approved

• 2 CEUs or 20 contact hours. *This one is required every second renewal period/ every four years.

Human Trafficking This course does not have to be a Florida Board of Nursing approved course

• 2 CEUs (20 contact hours). *This course is the only course that does not need to be approved by the nursing board.

Domestic Violence

• 2 CEUs (20 contact hours) *This is required every third renewal / every six years.

*Note: Since the domestic violence CE is a two-unit requirement, in the intervals where you need to take it, you will have 26 CEUs during the renewal period.

HIV/AIDS Must be board approved. A one-time requirement prior to the first renewal

• 1 CEUs (10 contact hours)

If you hold certification from a healthcare specialty program accredited by either the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification , you don't have to worry about meeting continuing education requirements, except for Human Trafficking. 3 That is still on your to-do list!

Finished with your CEUs? Here's what to do

Once you've completed all the required CE criteria, it's time to submit your records to the Florida Board of Nursing through CE Broker.

Once they receive your records, along with a completed renewal application, you'll need to pay the renewal fee. Then, voilà! You're all set for your active nursing license for another two years. 2

What happens if RNs don’t complete their CEUs?

If you don’t complete the mandatory CEU hours, you'll need to take action because it will cost you your ability to work as a nurse in Florida.

This is how it goes down – During the license-renewal process, the Florida Department of Health, Medical Quality Assurance will verify your continuing education record through an electronic tracking system. (You will have the opportunity to access your course history within the tracking system at no cost.)

If your continuing education records are incomplete, your license will be classified as delinquent upon expiration. It will then expire. Nurses are prohibited from working at their healthcare facility without an active license.

Luckily, there is a way to get your license reactivated.

How do you reactivate your nursing license in Florida?

To renew a delinquent RN license because you didn't meet the CEU requirements, you must fulfill the outstanding continuing education requirements, reapply for licensure by completing and submitting an application to Florida's state board of nursing, pass a background check and pay any additional fees that may apply. More on that is coming up.

Always keep in mind that specific requirements and procedures for license reactivation can change, so definitely visit the Florida Board of Nursing's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information and guidance on reactivating your RN license in Florida.

Reach out to [email protected] to request your reactivation requirements.

Nursing license renewal fees in Florida 4

If you don’t complete your CEU requirements, there are renewal fees you will likely encounter (as of July 2023).

• If you renew before your license expires, it will cost $75
• If you renew your inactive license before it expires, it will cost you $130
• If you renew after your license expires, you will have to pay $130 if you’re an active RN or $240 if you're inactive and requesting to be active again
• Notified delinquent licenses will cost $205 to reactivate or $260 if you're inactive

Frequently asked questions about CEU nursing requirements in Florida

Where can you find ce providers in florida.

The website CE Broker hosts most of the Florida board-approved CEU courses. It’s also the site you’ll need to use when you are reporting/documenting your CE.

How do Florida's CE requirements compare to other states?

CEU requirements for nurses can be different in each state. Every state's Board of Nursing sets its own rules for CEUs, like how many you need, the topics to cover and when you must complete them.

While some aspects of CEU requirements may be similar across states, there can be notable differences. For example, both Florida and the Minnesota Board of Nursing requires RNs to have 24 CEUS within a period of 24 months, while North Carolina mandates 30 CEUs within the same period. 5

Additionally, states may have specific CEU topics that are particularly relevant to their local healthcare needs or regulations.

It's essential for nurses to stay informed about their specific state's CEU requirements, as these regulations can change over time. You should always refer to your state's Board of Nursing to get the most up-to-date and accurate information about CEU requirements for license renewal. In fact, bookmark that site if you haven’t already.

Can college classes convert into contact hours?

Absolutely! You can earn contact hours for completing nursing courses at an accredited institution.

However, keep in mind that general education courses (such as a general math or art course) are not eligible for continuing education credit. But nursing-specific college course that runs for 3 hours per week over a 15-week period would be worth 45 CE hours. So, make sure to choose the right courses to earn those valuable CE hours.

Note that there’s a difference between quarter-based credit hours and semester-based credit hours. According to the MN and FL Board of Nursing one credit hour per quarter is equivalent to 10 contact hours and one credit hour per semester is equivalent to 15 contact hours. 6

To ensure you receive continuing education credit, it's essential to keep transcripts or legible dated grade reports for at least four years, just in case you get audited. Play it safe and keep those records handy!

Can you use hours you've earned in another state?

Yes. Continuing education courses that have been approved by a state or national nursing organization with the authority to accredit CE standards are acceptable, with the exception of those falling into the mandatory CE category. 6

For mandatory courses, it is essential to ensure that they are provided by a Florida board-approved organization. So, while you have the freedom to explore accredited courses, it's crucial to adhere to the approved providers for mandatory ones. Happy learning!

Next up: Level up your credentials and expand your scope of nursing practice

CEUs are a must for nurses to maintain their RN licenses. But since college credits count toward these hours, some nurses mash two potatoes with one fork and take their nursing education up a notch.

Now that you are already working as a nurse, nursing school can be a different experience than your first go-round. For one thing, many healthcare employers offer incentives and even tuition reimbursement to encourage their nurses toward further education. For another, the deeper you go into nursing education, the more opportunity you have to specialize and gravitate toward the type of work you love most.

With so many program options and ways to attend (online, local, hybrid), you might have more choices than you realize to tailor your experience. For more ideas on what this could look like, check out 11 Facts You Didn't Know About the Rasmussen University Nursing Programs .

1 The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). The Continuing Education Unit – How to Calculate CEUs. Date accessed: 7/26/23. https://d3cntrkybu93yz.cloudfront.net/production/default/assets/File/2018Standard/TheContinuingEducationUnit_HowToCalculateCEU.pdf 2 Florida Board of Nursing. Florida’s Online Resource for Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Training & Education Programs Licensure, Renewal, and Information. Date accessed: 7/27/23. https://floridasnursing.gov/ 3 Florida Board of Nursing. Registered Nurse (RN). Date accessed 7/27/23. https://floridasnursing.gov/help-center/can-i-use-my-specialty-nursing-certification-to-fulfill-the-continuing-education-requirements-to-renew-my-license/ 4 Florida Board of Nursing. License Renewal. Date accessed: 7/27/23. https://floridasnursing.gov/renewals/ 5 Nurse.com. State Nurse CE Requirements. Date accessed 7/27/23. https://www.nurse.com/state-nurse-ce-requirements 6 Florida Board of Nursing. Nursing FAQs Mandatory CEU Requirements. Date accessed 8/15/23. https://floridasnursing.gov/nursing-faqs/mandatory-continuing-education-requirement/

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About the author

Robbie Gould

Robbie is a content writer for Rasmussen University. He researches and writes on a variety of topics and is passionate about storytelling, learning and empowering the next generation of students.

Posted in Professional Nursing

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Career Advice > Continuing Education > Credentialing and Licensing > Florida Nursing License Renewal Steps

Florida Nursing License Renewal Steps

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If you’re a nurse in Florida, you’re working in a state with the third highest level of employment of registered nurses in the country, which provides healthcare to more than 22 million people . Florida is also the state with the  largest percentage of senior citizens , which puts you as a healthcare provider in a favorable position when seeking jobs in long-term care and other skilled nursing facilities that service elderly patients and residents.

To remain in good professional standing and ensure that you’re legally permitted to practice , it’s important that you promptly follow the steps for Florida nursing license renewal. Read on to learn the right way to renew a Florida nursing license, as well as some helpful information about the nursing profession in the Sunshine State.

Florida Nursing Facts

If you’re eager to pursue a nursing career in Florida or further your education with an advanced degree in healthcare, take a look at these relevant facts.

Is Florida part of the nursing licensure compact (NLC)?

How much do nurses in florida earn.

• The average CNA salary in Florida is $36,750 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Florida is $57,140 per year.
• The average RN salary in Florida is $84,760 per year.

How can I contact the Florida Board of Nursing?

Florida Board of Nursing Contact Number: 850-488-0595 Board Office: 850-245-4125

Website: https://floridasnursing.gov/

Florida Board of Nursing Mailing Address

Department of Health Board of Nursing 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-02 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252

Applications and Fees

Department of Health Board of Nursing P.O. Box 6630 Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330

Florida Nurse License Renewal Process

Note that the below steps are for in-state nurses. If you’re looking to obtain a Florida nursing license by examination or endorsement , there are separate requirements and processes, so you’ll want to research those steps carefully before proceeding.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

The first step of the Florida nursing license renewal process is knowing when your application is due. Nursing professionals licensed in Florida are required to complete the renewal process every other year . If you fail to meet your deadline, you will be charged a delinquency fee on top of the renewal fee.

Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements

As you know, you must complete state-specific continuing education requirements to retain your nursing license. All RNs, LPNs, and APRNs need 24 hours of approved continuing education for Florida nurse license renewal. This must include:

• 2 hours on prevention of medical errors
• 2 hours on laws and rules that govern the practice of nursing
• 2 hours on recognizing impairment in the workplace (required every other renewal)
• 2 hours on human trafficking
• 2 hours on domestic violence (required every third renewal, bringing the total to 26 hours)

If this is your first renewal, you must have one hour on HIV/AIDS. CNAs also need 24 hours of approved continuing education every two years, but the class requirements differ .

Report your proof of course completion to the Department of Health via CEBroker.com — not to the Florida Board of Nursing.

Looking for a resource for continuing education? Check out a variety of courses at IntelyEdu , which is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Step 3: File Your Florida Nursing License Renewal Application

You are able to renew a nursing license online with a credit or debit card. Visit the Florida Health Source site’s license renewal page and enter your personal identifying information to log in. Confirm your email address and select “Continue.” This will bring you to the dashboard.

You will see the option “Renew My License” no later than 90 days before your license’s expiration date. If you do not see this option, check back closer to the 90 days. If you have an active license, the RN and LPN renewal fee is $75, the APRN renewal fee is $60, and the CNA renewal fee is $55.

You will receive your paper license in approximately 7 to 10 business days once this process is completed. That’s your ticket to start looking for RN jobs , LPN jobs , and CNA jobs in Florida.

Great Cities in Florida for Nursing Jobs

One way to get strategic about your job search is to search in the areas with big populations, such as:

• Gainesville
• Jacksonville
• St. Petersburg

Find Top Florida Nursing Jobs

Now that you’ve learned about Florida nursing license renewal, it’s time to seek out great job opportunities. Want some help? Get started by exploring the  nursing jobs available right now on IntelyCare.

Latest Jobs

Home health aide (hha) / certified nursing assistant (cna) at silver lining home healthcare, certified nursing assistant (cna) full-time, 6a-2p hiring over the phone at browns health and rehab, labor & delivery travel registered nurse (rn) at american traveler, related articles, pncb certification: overview and faq, ncma certification for medical assistants: overview and faq, pears certification: overview and faq, cnml certification: overview and faq, ccm certification for nurses: overview and faq, related jobs.

RN Licensing Requirements by State

• Requirements By State
• Requirements
• Good Moral Character
• License by Exam vs. Endorsement
• Multi-State License
• Temporary Licenses
• Disciplinary Action
• Licensure Tips

This article was completed in collaboration with Kathleen Colduvell, BSN, RN, BA, CBC.

Getting a nurse license in a different state can be confusing due to differences in requirements, processes, and timeframes. Perhaps there will come a time when a single nurse license will enable nurses to work across state lines. We can dream, right?

With 39 current members of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), such a dream may soon become reality. However, currently, the majority of the United States still require individual licenses each with specific requirements and licensure timeframes. 

Find Nursing Programs

We’ve created this state-by-state guide to explain the process and outline the estimated time frames for each state.

Registered Nurse Licensing Requirements By State 

• Temporary License Time-Frame: 48 hours
• Permanent License Time-Frame: No set time frame - processed when materials are received
• Compact (eNLC): Yes
• Walk-Through: No
• Cost: $100 application fee, $50 temporary license fee, $3.50 transaction fee
• Application Requirements: Proof of citizenship, official transcripts, license verification
• Nursys: Yes
• Livescan Fingerprinting: No
• Renewal Requirements: 24 CEU, plus 12 hours of independent study through CEU
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years on even-numbered years unless they earned their licenses between Aug. 31 and Dec. 31
• Website: https://www.abn.alabama.gov/apply/
• Telephone Number: 800.656.5318
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 10 business days
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 10 business days
• Compact (eNLC): No
• Cost: $375 (permanent license only) or $475 (including temporary permit)
• Application Requirements:  Proof of citizenship, official transcripts, license verification
• Livescan Fingerprinting: Yes
• 30 contact hours
• 60 hours uncompensated professional nursing activities
• 320 hours nursing employment
• Renewal Date: November 30th - even - numbered years only
• Website:  https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/professionallicensing/boardofnursing.aspx
• Telephone Number: 907.269.8161
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 48 hours walk-in OR 2 weeks mail
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 1-2 months
• Walk-Through: Yes
• Cost: $50 temporary, $300 application fee, $50 fingerprints
• Application Requirements:  Proof of citizenship, official transcripts
• Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past 5 years OR
• Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within past 5 years OR
• Completed an Arizona Board-approved refresher course in the past 5 years OR
• Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past 5 years (i.e. LPN to RN, RN to BSN, master’s, or doctorate).
• Renewal Date: Every 4 years
• Website:  http://www.azbn.gov/Default.aspx
• Telephone Number: 602.771.7800
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 3-5 business days
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 3-5 business days
• Cost: $30 (temporary license), $125 (permanent license)
• Earn 15 contact hours of appropriately accredited practice-focused activities; OR
• Hold a current nationally recognized certification/recertification; OR
• Complete a minimum of one college credit hour course in nursing with a grade of C or better during licensure period.
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years
• Website: http://www.arsbn.org/Pages/default.aspx
• Telephone Number: 501.686.2700

Show Me Nursing Programs

• Temporary License Time-Frame: 8-10 weeks
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 10-12 weeks
• Cost: $100 (temporary license), $300 (permanent license), $49 fingerprints
• Renewal Requirements: 30 CEU
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years on your birthday
• Website: http://www.rn.ca.gov/
• Telephone Number: 916.322.3350
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 4-5 weeks
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 6 weeks
• Cost: $88 (nurse grads), $43 for licensure by endorsement,  $164 renewal fee
• Livescan Fingerprinting: 
• Renewal Requirements: None
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years - By September 30
• Website: https://www.colorado.gov/dora/Nursing
• Telephone Number: 303.894.2430

CONNECTICUT

• Temporary License Time-Frame: 2-3 weeks
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 5-7 business days - once all documents received
• Cost: $180 (includes the cost of a temporary license)
• Renewal Date: Every year on the first day of the nurse's birth month
• Website: http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3143&q=388910
• Telephone Number: 860.509.7603
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 4-6 weeks
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 4-6 weeks
• Cost: $40 (temporary license), $170 (permanent license)
• Application Requirements: Proof of citizenship, official transcripts
• 1,000 practice hours within the past 5 years, OR
• 400 practice hours within the past 2 years, OR
• Refresher course within the past 2 years AND
• CEU-30 including 3 hours on substance abuse
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years either Feb. 28, May 31, or Sept. 30 of odd-numbered years, depending on when they earned their original credentials.
• Website: http://www.professionallicensing.state.de.us/boards/nursing/index.shtml
• Telephone Number: 302.744.4517
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 30 days
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 30 days
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 24 hours including 2 hours on the laws and rules that govern the practice of nursing in Florida. Starting 1/2019 2 hours of education on human trafficking
• Website: http://floridasnursing.gov/
• Telephone Number: 850.245.4125
• Temporary License Time-Frame: Unavailable
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 15 business days
• Cost: $75 and a $10 processing fee
• Renewal Requirements: See Georgia’s state page for more detailed information
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years, either odd-numbered or even-numbered years, depending on when they earned their credentials.Date: Every 2 years
• Website: http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/rn
• Telephone Number: 478.207.2440
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 15-20 business days
• Cost: $146-$202
• National certification or recertification related to the nurse’s practice role
• 30 contact hours of continuing education activities
• Completion of a board-approved refresher course
• Completion of a minimum of two-semester credits of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice from an accredited nursing program
• Participation as a preceptor, for at least one nursing student or employee transitioning into new clinical practice areas for at least one hundred twenty hours, in a one-to-one relationship as part of an organized preceptorship program
• Completion as principal or co-principal investigator of a nursing research project that is an institutional review board project or evidence-based practice project that has been preapproved by the board
• Authoring or co-authoring a peer-reviewed published nursing or health-related article, book, or book chapter
• Developing and conducting a nursing education presentation or presentations totaling a minimum of five contact hours of actual organized instruction that qualifies as continuing education
• Completion of a board-recognized nurse residency program
• A similar type of learning activity option; provided that the type of activity shall be recognized by the board
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years on June 30th of odd years
• Website:  http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/pvl/boards/nursing
• Telephone Number: 808.586.3000
• Temporary License Time-Frame: No set timeline - issued once all documents received
• Permanent License Time-Frame: No set timeline - issued once all documents received
• Cost: $25 (temporary license), $118.25 (permanent license)
• Current nursing specialty certification OR 100 hours of practice or simulation practice
• 15 contact hours of continuing education OR Completion of a minimum of 1 semester credit hour of post-licensure academic education OR Completion of a Board-recognized refresher course OR Participation in or presentation of a workshop, seminar, or conference
• Acknowledged contributor to a published nursing-related article OR Teaching or developing a nursing-related course of instruction OR Participation in related professional activities 
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years on August 31
• Website: http://www2.state.id.us/ibn/index.htm
• Telephone Number: 208.334.3110
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 2 weeks
• Compact (eNLC): No (pending eNLC legislation)
• Cost: $25 (temporary license), $50 (permanent license), $50 application fee
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 20 hours
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years by May 31 on even-numbered yearsate: Every 2 years by May 31
• Website: http://www.idfpr.com/dpr/default.asp
• Telephone Number: 1.800.823.3110
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 2-4 weeks
• Cost: $50 (temporary license), $200 (permanent license)
• Application Requirements:  Proof of citizenship, official transcriptson Requirements:  N/A
• Renewal Date: Every odd year on October 31
• Website: http://www.in.gov/pla/bandc/isbn/
• Telephone Number: 317.234.2043
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 5-10 business days
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 5-10 business days but up to 8 weeks during high volume times
• Cost: $143.00 (Includes the $93 application fee and the $50 fee for the criminal history background check.)
• Application Requirements:  Proof of citizenship, official transcripts Requirements:  N/A
• License less than 3 years - 24 CEU
• 2 hours child abuse training 
• Renewal Date: Every 3 years
• Website:  http://www.state.ia.us/government/nursing
• Telephone Number: 515.281.3264
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 7-10 business days
• Permanent License Time-Frame: Varies
• Application Requirements:  Proof of citizenship, official transcriptslication Requirements:  N/A
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 30 hours
• Website: http://www.ksbn.org
• Telephone Number: 785.296.4929
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 2 weeks
• Cost: $165 (temporary license), $125 (permanent license), $12 fingerprint fee
• Application Requirements:  Proof of citizenship, official transcriptscation Requirements:  
• 14 contact hours
• National, practice-related certification or recertification
• completion of nursing research project as director, principal investigator, or co-investigator
• Publication of nursing-related article
• Professional nursing education presentation
• 120 hours as preceptor
• 7 contact hours plus satisfactory employment evaluation for CE
• 3 contact hours of domestic violence education within the first 3 years after licensure (one time only), AND
• 2 contact hours of HIV/AIDS education 
• Renewal Date: Every year - October 31 
• Website: http://www.kbn.ky.gov
• Telephone Number: 502.429.3300
• Cost: $239.25 (application for full licensure with a 90-day temporary endorsement permit), $139.25 (permanent license including $100.00 application fee and $39.25 CBC processing fee)
• Application Requirements:  Proof of citizenship, official transcriptation Requirements:  N/A
• Full-time nurses:  5 CEU
• Part-time nurses: 10 CEU
• Inactive nurses: 15 CEU
• Renewal Date: Every year between Oct. 31 and Jan. 31 each year
• Website: http://www.lsbn.state.la.us
• Telephone Number: 225.763.3570
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 1-2 weeks
• Cost: $75 (temporary license), $75 (permanent license)
• Application Requirements:  Proof of citizenship, official transcripts, passport-style photo
• Livescan Fingerprinting:
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years on the nurse's birthdayal Date: Every 2 years
• Website: http://www.maine.gov/boardofnursing
• Telephone Number: 207.287.1133
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 48-72 hours
• Cost: $40 (temporary license), $100 (permanent license)
• Application Requirements:  Transcripts, Social Security number, verification of  no outstanding child support payments
• Renewal Requirements: 1000 practice-related hours OR board-approved refresher course
• Website: http://www.mbon.org/main.php
• Telephone Number: 410.585.1900

MASSACHUSETTS

• Application Requirements:  N/A
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 15 hours (waived for first renewal)
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years nurses' birthdays during even-numbered years
• Website: http://www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/rn/
• Telephone Number: 617.973.0800
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 4-6 weeks - Only applies to individuals licensed as a registered nurse in Canada
• Cost: $64.25 plus an application fee of $80.30
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 25 hours
• Website: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-27417_27529_27542—,00.html
• Telephone Number: 517.335.0918
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 1 business day
• Cost: $138.25
• Application Requirements:  Fingerprinting, Proof of graduation
• Renewal Requirements: CEU- 24 hours
• Website:  http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/home.do?agency=NursingBoard
• Telephone Number: 612.617.2270

MISSISSIPPI

• Permanent License Time-Frame: 7-15 business days
• Application Requirements:  Social Security number, proof of graduation, transcripts
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 of every even-numbered year Date: Every 2 years
• Website: http://www.msbn.state.ms.us
• Telephone Number: 601.987.4189
• Temporary License Time-Frame: In person - Same day, Mail - 2 weeks
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 10-12 business days
• Cost: $90 (background check costs just under $45, and the application costs $45)
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years - Expires 4-30 of even-numbered years
• Website: http://pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp
• Telephone Number: 573.751.0681
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 30-60 days
• Cost: $200 , $27.25 background check fee
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 24 hours
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years before Dec. 31 during even-numbered year
• Website: http://www.discoveringmontana.com/dli/nur
• Telephone Number: 406.841.2340
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 4-5 weeks
• Cost: $123 Application Fee. $200 Examination Fee. $45.25 Criminal Background Check.
• Application Requirements:  Proof of citizenship, transcripts
• 500 practice hours within the past 5 years AND 20 contact hours of board-approved CE within the past 2 years
• Graduated between 2 and 5 years ago, and completed at least 20 contact hours of board-approved CE
• Board-approved refresher course within the past 5 years
• Current or new certification in nursing specialty
• Portfolio demonstrating current continuing competency goals and evidence of professional activity to meet those goals
• Renewal Date: On October 31st of odd-numbered year
• Website: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/crl/nursing/Rn-Lpn/rn-lpn.htm
• Telephone Number: 402.471.2133
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 2-4 months
• Cost: $105 (includes $5 fee for national database check)
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 30 hours, including 4 hours on bioterrorism
• Website: http://nevadanursingboard.org/
• Telephone Number: 888.590.6726

NEW HAMPSHIRE

• Cost: $20 (temporary license), $148 (permanent license)
• Renewal Date: Every year
• Website: http://www.nh.gov/nursing/
• Telephone Number: 603.271.2323
• Cost: $120 (temporary license), $320 (permanent license)
• Application Requirements:  The board approves only schools that achieve NCLEX passing rates of 75% or above.
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 30 hours, 1 CEU on organ and tissue donation
• Website: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/default.aspx
• Telephone Number: 973.504.6430
• Cost: $50 (temporary license), $110 (permanent license), $44 (fingerprinting card)
• Application Requirements:  Graduation verification, official transcripts
• Website: http://nmbon.sks.com/
• Telephone Number: 505.841.8340
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 6-8 weeks
• Cost: $35 (temporary license), $143 (permanent license)
• Application Requirements:  Demonstrate good moral character, graduate from an approved program, and submit a passing NCLEX score
• Renewal Requirements: 3 CEU on infection control every 4 years, 2 CEU on child abuse recognition
• Website:  http://www.op.nysed.gov/nursing.htm
• Telephone Number: 518.474.3817

NORTH CAROLINA

• Temporary License Time-Frame: 1-2 weeks
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 6-8 weeks
• Cost: $75 application fee, $200 examination fee
• Application Requirements:  Transcripts
• National certification or recertification by a national credentialing body recognized by the Board
• 30 contact hours of continued education
• Completion of a Board-approved refresher course
• Completion of a minimum of two semester hours of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice OR
• 15 contact hours of continued education and one of the following
•  Completion of a nursing project as principal investigator or co-investigator to include statement of problem, project objectives, methods, date of completion and summary of findings
• Authoring or co-authoring a nursing-related article, paper, book or book chapter
• Developing and conducting a nursing continuing education presentation or presentations totaling a minimum of five contact hours, including program brochure or course syllabi, objectives, date and location of presentation, and approximate number of attendees
• 640 hours of active practice within previous 2 years.
• Website:  http://www.ncbon.com
• Telephone Number: 919.782.3211

NORTH DAKOTA

• Permanent License Time-Frame: 7-10 business days
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 12 hours and 400 practice hours within last 4 years.
• Website: http://www.ndbon.org
• Telephone Number: 701.328.9777
• Compact (eNLC): eNLC enacted. Implantation 1/1/2023
• Application Requirements:  Criminal background check, fingerprints, school officials must send letters to the state board verifying each candidate's degree
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 24 hours including 1 hour Ohio nursing law
• Website: http://www.nursing.ohio.gov
• Telephone Number: 614.466.3947
• Temporary License Time-Frame: Varies
• Cost: $95 (temporary license), $85 (permanent license)
• Application Requirements:  Answer questions about fitness to serve, Background check, Fingerprints
• Website: http://www.youroklahoma.com/nursing
• Telephone Number: 405.962.1800
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 3-6 weeks
• Cost: $195 (endorsement), $160 (examination)
• Application Requirements:  Background check
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 7 hours on pain management and 960 practice hours (within 5 years)
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years and expire at midnight the day before your birthday
• Website: http://www.osbn.state.or.us
• Telephone Number: 503.731.4745

PENNSYLVANIA

• Temporary License Time-Frame: 10-14 business days
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 8-10 weeks
• Compact (eNLC): eNLC passed, awaiting implementation, no date set
• Cost: $70 (temporary license), $120 (permanent license without examination), $145 (permanent license with examination)
• Application Requirements:  Proof of graduation, Criminal and personal history questionnaire
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 30 hours, including 3 hours of DPW-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years in either April or October
• Website: http://www.dos.state.pa.us/nurse
• Telephone Number: 717.783.7142

RHODE ISLAND

• Permanent License Time-Frame: 1 week
• Application Requirements: Official transcripts and degree verification to the state health department
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 10 hours including 2 hours of substance abuse education
• Website:  http://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx
• Telephone Number: 401.222.5700

SOUTH CAROLINA

• Temporary License Time-Frame: 1 day
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 10-14 business days
• Cost: $90 (permanent license), $100 (permanent license with temporary license)
• Application Requirements: Passport-style photograph, Notarized affidavit declaring sound moral character, Proof of either citizenship or legal immigration.
• 30 contact hours of CEU
• Certification or recertification by a national certifying body
• Completion of an academic program in nursing or related field
• Employer certification of competency and number of hours practiced
• Website: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/nursing
• Telephone Number: 803.896.4550

SOUTH DAKOTA

• Temporary License Time-Frame: 2-3 business days
• Cost: $25 (temporary license), $115 (permanent license), $43.25 background check fee
• Application Requirements:  Official transcripts
• 140 practice hours during any 12-month period within the past 6 years
• 480 total practice hours within the past 6 years. OR
• Board-approved refresher course
• Website: http://www.state.sd.us/doh/nursing
• Telephone Number: 605.362.2760
• Application Requirements:  Proof of residency, criminal background check, passport-style photograph, confirm United States citizenship
• Renewal Requirements: Proof of practice
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years on the final day of their birth month
• Website: http://www2.state.tn.us/health/Boards/Nursing/index.htm
• Telephone Number: 615.532.3202
• Application Requirements:  Fingerprinting, FBI-run background check
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 20 hours in the area of practice including 2 hours on bioterrorism
• Website: http://www.bne.state.tx.us
• Telephone Number: 512.305.7400
• Application Requirements:  Official transcripts, Fingerprints for background checks.
• 400 practice hours OR 15 CEU hours
• 200 practice hours OR 30 CEU hours
• Website: http://www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/nurse.html
• Telephone Number: 801.530.6628
• Cost: $150 (examination fee), $60 (application fee)
• Application Requirements:  Social Security number, official transcripts
• 960 practice hours within the past 5 years
• 400 practice hours within the past 2 years
• Re-entry program within the past 5 years
• Website:  http://www.vtprofessionals.org/opr1/nurses
• Telephone Number: 802.828.2396
• Application Requirements:  Criminal background check
• Current specialty certification by a national certifying organization
• Completion of a minimum of three credit hours of post-licensure academic education relevant to nursing practice
• Board-approved refresher course in nursing
• Completion of nursing-related, evidence-based practice project or research study
• Completion of publication as the author or co-author during a renewal cycle.
• Teaching a nursing-related course resulting in no less than three semester hours of college credit or specialty certification.
• Teaching nursing-related continuing education courses for up to 30 contact hours.
• 15 contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences or courses relevant to the practice of nursing and 640 hours of active practice as a nurse.
• 30 contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences or courses relevant to the practice of nursing.
• Website:  https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/
• Telephone Number: 804.662.9909
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 3 weeks
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 3 weeks
• Application Requirements:  Graduation verification
• Renewal Requirements: CEU - 45 hours AND 531 hours of active nursing practice
• Website:  https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/hpqa1/hpS6/nursing/default.htm
• Telephone Number: 360.236.4700

WEST VIRGINIA

• Cost: $25 (temporary license), $70 (permanent license)
• Livescan Fingerprinting: New graduates only
• Renewal Requirements: CEU- 12 hours, including two hours on mental health conditions, one hour on drug diversion training and best practice prescribing of controlled substances
• Renewal Date: Every year - October 31
• Website: http://wvrnboard.wv.gov/
• Telephone Number: 608.266.2811
• Temporary License Time-Frame: 10-15 business days
• Permanent License Time-Frame: 10-15 business days
• Cost: $10 (temporary license), $75 (new graduates), $82 (out of state nurses)
• Renewal Date: Every 2 years last day of February during even-numbered years
• Website:  http://drl.wi.gov/index.htm
• Telephone Number: 
• Permanent License Time-Frame: Up to 90 days
• Application Requirements:  Official transcripts, Fingerprint cards
• 500 practice hours within the past 2 years
• 1,600 practice hours within the past 5 years
• 20 CE units in the past 2 years
• Refresher or reentry program in the past 5 years
• Website: http://nursing.state.wy.us
• Telephone Number: 307.777.7601

General Licensure Requirements

While it is true that each state has specific application requirements, there are  basic commonalities between them all, including: 

• Graduation , or verified completion, from a state-approved nursing program.  
• Pass the NCLEX® examination .
• Self-report all criminal convictions (including juvenile convictions), chemical dependencies, and functional ability deficits.
• Verification of original state of nursing licensure (if applicable) and possibly the most recent state of licensure. It is fairly simple for a Nurse to order their state verification through Nursys. The Nursys licensure and disciplinary database is the repository of the data provided directly by the Nursing Commission to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is primary source equivalent. However, not all states participate in that service. If your state is not included in the database, we suggest contacting your state Board of Nursing (BON) for verification details. 
• Many states require original transcripts sent directly from the college or university to the BON. They will not accept the transcript if it is not mailed from the educational facility. 
• Current Continued Education Units (CEUs) are required by many states for licensure by endorsement. 
• English language proficiency is a requirement to work as a Nurse within the United States.
• Sound physical/mental health and good moral character. 

What Does "Good Moral Character" Mean?

You may be wondering how BON determines “good moral character.” They first provide a set of questions, if a nurse answers “yes” to any of these questions, they’ll be required to submit further documentation. 

1. Has any disciplinary action ever been taken against you by a professional and/or trade licensing/certification board located in the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territory, or any country/foreign jurisdiction, including removal from a long-term care nurse aide registry program?

2. Are you the subject of pending disciplinary action by a professional and/or trade licensing/certification board located in the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territory, or any country/foreign jurisdiction?

3. Have you ever applied for, and been denied, a professional and/or trade license/certification in the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territory, or any other country/foreign jurisdiction?

4. Have you ever surrendered or resigned a professional and/or trade license/certificate in the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territory, or any other country/foreign jurisdiction?

5. Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territory, or any other country/foreign jurisdiction?

6. Are you the subject of any pending or open criminal case (s) or investigation(s), (including for any felony or misdemeanor) in a jurisdiction in the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territory, or any country/foreign jurisdiction?

Registered nurse licensure requirements change on a continuing basis. We’ve included the most up-to-date information in this guide. However, it is your responsibility to check with each state’s Board of Nursing for current information when it comes time for you to apply. 

What's the Difference Between License by Exam vs Licensure by Endorsement?

Once you’ve landed on a state’s Board of Nursing website you’ll notice two options for licensure - by exam or by endorsement . It’s important to know the difference and to apply to the correct option. 

License by examination is for nurses who are seeking licensure for the first time. Nurses are required to obtain a nursing degree and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) prior to applying for licensure. The NCLEX is a standardized exam used by each state’s board of nursing to determine the preparedness of entry-level nurses; it is a national requirement. 

License by endorsement is for nurses who are already licensed to work as Registered Nurses within the United States but, are applying for licensure to be eligible to work in another jurisdiction. 

Take note that nurses who were trained in countries outside of the United States will need to take additional steps towards their licensure to be eligible to work in the United States . 

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact AKA Multi-State License?

Fortunately, many states have joined the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC.) since it was enacted in December 2018. eNLC is an agreement between participating states to honor each state’s RN licenses. Nurses residing in eNLC states are permitted to provide care both within their home state and also within other eNLC states. The eNLC increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level . Those with previous compact licenses will be grandfathered into the eNLC. As more states pass legislation to join the compact the process is becoming streamlined and more affordable while creating abundant job opportunities; the eNLC seeks to: 

• Enable nurses to practice in-person or provide telenursing services to patients across the country without having to obtain additional licenses. 
• Allow nurses to quickly cross state borders and provide vital services in the event of a disaster. 
• Facilitate telenursing and online nursing education. 
• Make practicing across state borders affordable and convenient. 
• Remove a burdensome expense for organizations that employ nurses and may share the cost of multiple licenses. 

Nurses are eligible for a compact, or multistate nursing license if they meet the following criteria:

• Legally reside in an E nhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) state .
• Hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in their state of legal residency. 
• Declare their primary state of residency within an eNLC state as determined by federal tax returns. 
• Meet licensure requirements in their home state. 

What are Temporary Nursing Licenses?

While licensure times vary greatly by state, a few states process temporary licenses within a day or two.

Of course, you do need to already have a license in another state. Temporary licenses do expire quickly, within 6 months. Make sure to apply for a permanent license as well to prevent any hiccups when your temporary license expires. 

While many states grant temporary permits to nurses seeking licensure, some do not. A temporary permit may be granted to newly graduated nurses with pending NCLEX results who wish to work in a facility in a nurse-graduate program.

Temporary licensure may also be granted to nurses who apply for licensure by endorsement. Processing, stipulations and expiration times vary, be sure to check with the state’s Board of Nursing.  

Nursing License Renewal

Whether you are a new graduate applying for licensure by examination or you are an experienced nurse applying for licensure by endorsement, you’ll eventually receive a permanent license. Once you receive your permanent license, it is your responsibility to keep it in good standing, protect it and follow the steps to keep it active. 

Renewal time frames vary by state. For example, some licenses expire on the nurse’s birthday and others expire every 24 months from activation. 

Requirements for renewal also vary by state. They may require a certain amount of continuing education units (CEU) or a set amount of clinical hours per given period. 

Nursing License Disciplinary Action and Enforcement

Discipline on nurse licenses is less than 1% . However, violations of the Nurse Practice Act, an act to regulate and guide patient care, can occur. The board of nursing takes these violations very seriously and formal action may be taken if evidence shows that regulations were violated.

Once a complaint has been filed on a nurse’s license, the state board of nursing will typically take the following steps: 

• Initial review of the complaint
• Investigation into the complaint
• Board proceedings
• Board action

If action is taken against a nurse license, both the license and action against the license are publicly available on Nursys.com and the state database for nurse licensure.  

Note that if you’ve had action taken against your license it is crucial that you share this information (and any supporting documents) with the board of nursing in the state you are applying. Whereas licensure may be granted if the BON knows about the disciplinary actions beforehand, it will not be granted if the information is withheld. 

A few of the most common actions that cause nurses to lose their license include: 

• Refusing recovery programs for drug and alcohol addiction
• Impersonating a licensed Registered Nurse
• Drug diversion
• False or fake licensure
• Falsifying patient records
• Unprofessional conduct

Inappropriate use of social media platforms can put a nurse’s license at risk for investigation, sanctions, and loss . While social media has made us all more connected it has also made it easy to share confidential information. 

The Board of Nursing may be permitted to investigate reports of inappropriate disclosure or behavior on social media platforms based on:  

• Unethical conduct
• Moral turpitude
• Mismanagement of patient records
• Revealing privileged communication
• Breach of confidentiality

Unethical posting on social platforms can lead to complaints, investigations and further disciplinary actions. 

It is vital for nurses to not violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) , state privacy laws or employer policies by taking photos or videos of patients without their written consent. Such violations can lead to civil lawsuits, criminal charges, and licensure discipline. 

Furthermore, nurses should not denigrate either their employer or co-workers online. Not only is such posting improper but, it could also be considered cyberbullying and lead to further legal action . The National Council of State Boards of Nursing states, “Online comments by a nurse regarding coworkers, even if posted from home during non-work hours, may constitute lateral violence… Such activity causes concern for current and future employers and regulators because of the patient-safety ramifications…The line between speech protected by labor laws and the First Amendment and the ability of an employer to impose expectations on employees outside of work is still being determined. Nonetheless, such comments can be detrimental to a cohesive health care delivery team and may result in sanctions against the nurse.”

A nurse’s judgment or moral character could be questioned if it is found that they are engaged in such activities: 

• Posting sexually explicit photos
• Foul or derogatory language
• Texting, friending or adding patients on social platforms
• Being tagged in photos portraying inappropriate behavior

After investigations take place and if allegations are found to be true a nurse could face the following disciplinary action on their license: 

• Reprimand or sanction 
• Monetary fine
• Temporary or permanent loss of licensure 

Tips For Hassle-Free Licensure

While the licensing process can be very lengthy in some states common mistakes can make it even longer. Again, make sure to check with your state’s board of nursing before applying. 

Fingerprints must be collected for every new license that a nurse applies to. Smudged or damaged fingerprints can put a hold on the process. Luckily, many states are offering an alternative to the traditional manual fingerprint card. Thanks to innovations in technology the Livescan service allows for fingerprints to be electronically submitted directly to the Board much quicker than manual fingerprint cards. There is a catch though, the Nurse must be within the State in which they wish to obtain licensure. Livescan cannot be completed from outside of the State, find a location nearest you here .  

Due to the length of the licensing process, we recommend applying for licensure as far in advance as possible . There have been times when California licensure has taken up to 6 months to obtain. We have provided a chart of estimated license time frames by state but keep in mind that processing times could vary based on many factors and errors. 

If you are applying for licensure by endorsement you’ll be asked to verify an active nurse license . We recommend using Nursys.com to complete this requirement. Nursys is the only national database for verification of nurse licensure, discipline and practice privileges for RNs and PN/LVN licensed in participating jurisdictions, including all states in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) . However, not every state utilizes this database. If your state does not participate, you’ll need to verify your license through the state’s BON. 

It is never appropriate to submit non-official transcripts to the board of nursing . They will only accept sealed transcripts mailed directly from the college or university. This is another case where processing times can vary, make sure to order your transcripts far in advance. 

Keeping important documents online in a cloud-based platform , such as Google Drive will help to maintain organization and facilitate easy application submission. We suggest creating a folder to include specific documents that will be requested at the time of licensure. These documents include: 

• Drivers License - color copy
• Social Security Card - a color copy of both the front and back
• Birth Certificate
• Passport photo page - color copy 
• Letters of reference
• Records of disciplinary actions, encontrances, hearing, and legalities affecting the license
• Records of any criminal convictions with results
• Continuing education requirements
• Current resume

There are a few options for submitting the license application . These include: in person, mail-in or applying online. It is generally faster to apply in person. However, if that is not possible, applying online will be quicker than mail-in. We also recommend contacting the BON in your state by phone to inquire about your license, especially if you need it fast. 

While waiting to obtain either your temporary or permanent license, it is important to track its status . Many employers are unable to move forward with interviewing candidates until the candidate’s license is at least in “pending” status. 

Nursys provides a database for nurses to track the status of their license. It will also alert you once your license is active. However, Nursys’ database collects data directly from the board of nursing for each state. While some states submit their data to Nursys on the same day it is received others can take up to three weeks to update Nursys. Therefore, it is recommended to both utilize Nursys services and also monitor your license on the State’s website. 

Unfortunately, it is fairly common for license processing to be delayed . There are a number of reasons that cause delays, the most frequent include: 

• Submitting an incomplete application  
• Submitting an illegible application  
• Issues regarding an applicant’s education 
• Issues regarding an applicant’s address/declaration of primary state of residency  
• Need for an eligibility review  
• Submitting an outdated application  
• Not submitting the correct endorsement fee  
• Not signing or dating the application  
• Not submitting all eligibility documents

We suggest the following tips to avoid delays in licensure: 

• Print legibly in black ink or type the information on the application. 
• Provide your current residential address as determined by tax records. Providing a different address, such as an address in a compact state, or a staffing agency’s address could cause delays. 
• Provide current contact details including an email address. Most BONs send correspondence by snail-mail, however, an email address and phone number may help with urgent communication matters. 
• List only social security numbers issued by the United States Social Security Administration. If you do not have a U.S- issued social security number we recommend leaving this section blank. An SSN is not required for permanent licensure in most states but falsifying information will cause delays. 
• Only provide information regarding your basic RN education. The information provided will be documented and compared to the education information listed in the Exam State. 
• List important details about the National Licensing Examination, including: which exam you took and passed, the exam date, the state in which the exam took place, and whether or not a license was received in that state. If the license was not obtained in the same state where licensure took place be prepared to submit supporting documents indicating the reason why the license was not obtained.  
• List all countries, territories, and provinces where you’ve worked, were granted authority to practice or held a nursing license.
• Record all RN licenses and authorities to practice starting with the initial license. The initial license is the license that was issued by examination. Be sure to include license numbers. 

Next Up: Top 10 Tips: How To Pass The NCLEX The First Time

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Renew Florida RN License: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a registered nurse in Florida, you are working in the state with one of the highest registered nurse employment levels in the US. Florida also has one of the highest populations of seniors, providing plenty of opportunities for healthcare professionals. Considering the average salary for a registered nurse in Florida is $72,000 per year, being a healthcare professional in the state can be a lucrative career.

To ensure high care delivery standards and to remain legally permitted to practice, you must renew your registered nurse license. Each state requires nurses to renew their credentials. A critical part of the license renewal process is completing a number of nursing continuing education contact hours defined by the state’s nursing board.

In Florida, the Florida Board of Nursing is responsible for issuing nursing licenses and providing oversight for renewals. The Florida Board of Nursing requires registered nurses to renew their licenses every two years. If you want to remain compliant with the state’s laws and continue practicing as a registered nurse, understanding the license renewal process is critical.

By renewing your credentials, you can keep up with the latest developments in care delivery and achieve more positive patient outcomes. If you do not know what it takes to renew your registered nurse license in Florida, this guide by Fast CE For Less will explain the process.

Steps to Renew Your Registered Nurse License in Florida

If you have been practicing as a registered nurse in Florida for almost two years, the time to renew your credentials is near. This section of the guide will discuss the steps and requirements for your registered nursing license renewal in Florida.

Step 1: Identify Your Deadline for License Renewal

The first and most important step to renewing your registered nurse license in Florida is to know your deadlines. In Florida, the license renewal period is every two years. It means your renewal application deadline should be two years from the date you received your license.

If you fail to submit your renewal application on time, the Florida Board of Nursing will still renew your license. However, the board will charge you a delinquency fee in addition to the standard license renewal fees. To avoid paying extra fees, check with the Florida Board of Nursing to determine your renewal deadline .

Step 2: Complete Your Nursing Continuing Education Requirements for License Renewal

Each state has specific nursing continuing education requirements to retain credentials. Whether you are a registered, licensed, or advanced practice nurse, the board requires at least 24 contact hours of nursing continuing education to renew your license. When taking nursing continuing education courses, you must remember to review the board’s requirements and choose courses to fulfill the requirements accordingly.

The necessary courses include two contact hours on the Prevention of Medical Errors, Florida’s Nursing Laws and Rules, and Human Trafficking. Every other renewal period, you must complete at least two hours on Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace. For every third renewal, you must also complete two hours on Domestic Violence. For the first renewal, the 24 contact hours must include a course on HIV/AIDS.

Step 3: Filing Your License Renewal Application in Florida

You can apply for license renewal in Florida once you fulfill the continuing education requirements to renew your registered nurse license. To apply, visit the license renewal page  on the Florida Board of Nursing’s official website. To access your dashboard, you must log in using your personal identifying information. Once you confirm your email address and other details, click “Continue” to reach the dashboard.

If your renewal deadline is close to 90 days away, you will see the “Renew My License” option on your dashboard. If the option does not appear, revisit the dashboard when you are closer to your application deadline.

When the “Renew My License” option is available, click on it and follow the prompts. You must complete all the required information, including providing information on completed continuing education requirements and paying the renewal fees. To pay your license renewal fees, you can use your credit or debit card.

Exemptions for Registered Nurse License Renewal

The Florida Board of Nursing understands that not every nurse can fulfill its requirements to renew credentials. Fortunately, the board has identified a few exemptions.

Exemption for Active-Duty Military Members

For members of the US Armed Forces on active duty, exemption from renewal requirements is possible for the duration of your deployment. Depending on circumstances, you may be eligible for an exemption up to six months after being discharged. That said, you must be in good standing with the Florida Board of Nursing when you become an active member of the armed forces.

Exemption for Public School Health Volunteers

For registered nurses providing volunteering services to Florida residents with limited access to healthcare, you may qualify for an exemption. Depending on individual circumstances, the Florida Board of Nursing might waive your license renewal fee and reduce the required number of contact hours of continuing education requirements.

For registered nurses volunteering for at least 80 hours, the Florida Board of Nursing might waive your renewal fee and no more than six contact hours of continuing education requirements.

Nursing Continuing Education Requirements to Renew Your Registered Nurse License in Florida

To renew your license as an RN in Florida, you must complete at least 24 hours of nursing continuing education courses every two years. For each renewal period, you must complete two contact hours each on Medical Error Prevention, Florida Nursing Laws and Rules, and Human Trafficking.

If you are renewing it for the first time, you must also complete at least one contact hour on HIV/AIDS. In every other renewal period, you must complete two contact hours on Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace.

For every third renewal period, you must complete 26 hours of continuing education, with at least two contact hours on Domestic Violence. To learn more about the nursing continuing education requirements for license renewals in Florida, visit www.fastceforless.com/nursing-ce-florida .

In addition to understanding the requirements to renew your credentials, you must also ensure you take nursing continuing education courses approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Fortunately, this is where Fast CE For Less can make your life easier. Visit www.fastceforless.com  to access online nursing CEUs in affordable bundles that you can complete online.

It means you can manage your busy nursing schedule and fulfill your continuing education requirements at your convenience, and at a very reasonable price.

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Florida Board of Nursing License Renewal Requirements for Nurses

Continuing education provider credentials for wild iris medical education, what are the state license renewal requirements for a nurse in florida.

For registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses in the state of Florida, there are specific license renewal requirements that the Florida Board of Nursing determines. These requirements include courses for RNs, LPNs, and APRNs. We report course completions electronically to CE Broker every 24 hours for Florida licensees.

Related Information

• Florida Board of Nursing License Renewal
• For detailed nursing license renewal information and latest updates, please always refer to the Florida State Board of Nursing

Nursing License CE Requirements

• Registered Nurse Licenses
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Advanced Practice Nurses

Mandated Courses

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Get started with your Florida state-required nursing CEU courses , then explore the variety of course offerings from Wild Iris Medical Education. Here are a few of our most popular courses:

• Stroke: Comprehensive Acute Stroke Care

CE Requirements for Nursing Licenses

Every two years, the Florida Nursing Board requires nurses to complete the following continuing education contact hours to comply with licensing requirements:

• 24 contact hours for RN license renewal
• 24 contact hours for LPN license renewal
• 24 contact hours for APRN license renewal

Mandated State Courses

To renew your Florida nursing license, you will need to complete continuing education in following topics:

2 contact hours on Domestic Violence for Florida Nurses

2 contact hours on Florida Laws and Rules for Nursing

1 contact hour on HIV/AIDS for Florida Healthcare Professionals

2 contact hours on Human Trafficking for Florida Nurses and Other Healthcare Professionals

2 contact hours on Prevention of Medical Errors for Florida Healthcare Professionals

2 contact hours on Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace for Florida Nurses

License Expiration and Renewal

Registered nurse licenses:.

Florida RN licenses renew every two years on April 30 and July 31. The date is set by the system.

Licensed Practical Nurse Licenses:

Florida LPN licenses renew every two years on July 31 in odd-numbered years.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Licenses:

Florida APRN licenses renew every two years on April 30 and July 31. The date is set by the system.

(If you have prescriptive authority, your prescriptive authority expires at the same time as your license. To renew your prescriptive authority, you must attest to completing ten hours of continuing education (CE) in pharmacology.

About Wild Iris Medical Education

Wild Iris Medical Education, Inc., is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation (ANCC). Provider #P0314.

Wild Iris Medical Education, Inc., is approved as a provider of nursing continuing education by the Florida Department of Health, Division of Quality Assurance, Board of Nursing. Provider #NCE3403.

Florida nursing license renewal information as of September 2019.

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Nursing License Florida

• Nursing License Requirements in Florida

Florida is one of those states who are popular for having most retirement people that is why it is sometimes referred to as a retirement state. Now as it is a retirement state, it means that a lot of nurses are required here.

This has come into the knowledge through various surveys that the young generation is very keen to pursue this career in nursing. They believe that this is one of the best ways to serve humanity and old people.

If you are interested in becoming a nurse in Florida, you are required to follow some major steps.

These steps are the basic requirement to become a nurse which will further guide in becoming an advanced nurse. These requirements are the sole structure for the start of your nursing career.

You must first apply through the nursing board of the state, and when you get the clearance, only then you can continue your nursing practice, and the practice is only possible when you get your nursing license. To get your nursing license, you must follow the below-mentioned steps.

Educational proof

Choose a program

Florida offers over 160 different undergraduate and graduate nursing colleges where you can apply for the required program or diploma. You must first get familiar with different types of diplomas and degree that a nursing board supports.

When you have selected the course, then you must get acknowledge with the requirement of the college and apply in it. Once you have entered the college, complete the studies.

Education requirements

To sit in the examination, you must fulfill the credit hour requirement that is 15 credit hours in science and arts, including English, biology, math, and psychology.

Only after the completion of the course, you will be able to appear in the NCLEX examination. Once you have cleared the examination; the board will then give you the license to work.

Other verifications

Before you appear in the exam, the board must check your character report and your behavioral reports through thumb imprint, police report and other such reports to confirm that you do not have any criminal history or such behavioral disorders which are not appropriate for the nursing career.

Proof submission

When you have cleared your exam, then you can submit your report or proof of the education which you obtained to become a nurse.

The proof is submitted to the nursing board of the state of Florida in an application form. That application form can be obtained from the state board. Then it is up to the board to decide further.

Fees submissions

You must deposit the fees with your application for the license which you are looking for. If you don’t have the fee, you must write another application and provide with proof as to why you don’t have the fee and what are you going to do about it.

License arrival

Usually the license arrives via post at your current postal address. If not then you must ask from the board yourself. It takes up to the period of two weeks before your license shows up.

Once your application is approved by the board, you will get the license. Your license allows you to continue practicing and remember that without a license, you are not authorized to work as a nurse.

Every two years, the license must be renewed or else it will get cancel or null and void. The terms and conditions for license renewal are different, and you must understand them before it’s too late.

I am Ana Alex (Certified Nursing Assistant) and the aim of my website is to provide you as much information as possible regarding the nursing field. My sole purpose is to inform you about the information which can help you in becoming a Nurse. Whether you are planning to become an RN (Registered Nurse) or CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), you can find all the information on this website. more

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Licensing and Registration

To learn more about the licensure process, select the type of license you wish to apply for from the list of professions below.

The Board has made every effort to include the information you need to apply for licensure on this website. You can visit our  Help Center ,  FAQs  and  Resources  page for frequently asked questions, links, forms, applications and other helpful information.

Choose a profession or program below for licensing requirements.

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Florida law provides that an initial application must be reviewed within 30 days. Below is the average number of days at which we are currently processing.

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Certified nursing assistant (cna) by examination.

Requirements → Apply w/ Prometric →

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) by Endorsement

Requirements → Apply Online → ← Returning Login

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) & Registered Nurse (RN) by Examination

Requirements → Apply Online → ← Returning Login NCSBN Nurse Licensure Guidance

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) & Registered Nurse (RN) by Endorsement

Licensed practical nurse (lpn) & registered nurse (rn) multistate upgrade, advanced practice registered nurse (aprn), autonomous advanced practice registered nurse, nursing assistant training program.

Requirements → Application (PDF)

Practical & Registered Nurse Education Program

Out-of-state telehealth provider registration.

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The Nurse Licensure Compact

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who hold licensure in one compact state to practice in any of the other compact states without having to obtain additional licenses. Florida joined the NLC in 2018 following the passage of House Bill 1061 during the 2016 legislative session. Under this compact, nurses holding a multistate license can practice in other NLC states/territories, without obtaining additional licenses. The multistate license is issued   by the nursing regulatory body in a nurse’s declared primary state of residence, but is recognized across   NLC party state lines, like a driver’s license.

NLC Website → How to Apply → NLC Map → FAQs →

Mobile Endorsement

SB 1600, Mobile Endorsement was signed into law with an effective date of July 1, 2024. This legislation establishes a new universal process for licensure by endorsement for health care professions regulated by the Florida Department of Health’s (the Department’s) Division of Medical Quality Assurance. To qualify, the health care practitioner must meet specific criteria, including various testing, training, and experience qualifications for their profession. The bill also repeals existing licensure by endorsement statutes from various individual practice acts.

Each applicable board, or the Department if there is no board, shall adopt rules incorporating application forms for the MOBILE Act licensure pathway within six months after its effective date. Once the application form is finalized and adopted into rule, the DOH will begin accepting applications. Please continue to check the board website for updates.

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