Is continuing education mandatory?
Pursuant to Section 60-40 of the Nurse Practice Act, registered nurses are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education per pre-renewal period. The pre-renewal period is the twenty-four (24) month’s preceding the expiration date of the license. This requirement will go into effect for the upcoming 2010-2012 pre-renewal cycle. Beginning June 1, 2010, registered nurses must complete twenty (20) hours of continuing education between June 1, 2010 and May 31, 2010. Continuing education taken before June 1, 2010 cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. Registered nurses that renew their licenses for the 2010-2012 renewal cycle will receive written notice of the continuing education requirement with their new licenses.
If I have license in another state will the State of Illinois accept my license?
Yes. On the State of Illinois nursing application there is a section provided for license by endorsement.
If I move to the State of Illinois and obtain a license, do I have to report adverse actions in previous states?
Yes. Failure of a licensee to report to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation any adverse final action taken against him or her by another licensing jurisdiction, peer review body, any health care institution, any professional or nursing society or association, any governmental agency, any law enforcement agency, or any court or a nursing liability claim are ground for discipline on your nursing license.
What is required for examination or licensure in Illinois?
- Proof of graduation from a nursing education program that meets the requirements set forth in Section 1300.40 of the Administrative Code;
- A complete work history within the last five (5) years from a practical nurse education program or a professional nurse education program, whichever came first;
- Verification of fingerprint processing;
- Required fees;
- Required credentials for applicants outside the United States (see Section 1300.20 of the Administrative Code);
- Official transcripts of theory and clinical education prepared by an official of the military if practical nursing education was in the military service;
- Verification from the jurisdiction in which the applicant was originally licensed, current state of licensure, and any other jurisdiction the applicant has been practicing in the last five (5) years.
Can my criminal background affect my current license or application in any way?
Yes. Any conviction by plea of guilty or nolo contendre, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or by sentencing of any crime, including, but not limited to convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States: (i) that is a felony, or (ii) that is a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or that is directly related to the practice of hte profession, can result in a discipline and/or adverse action or refusal to renew or grant your application.
What are the requirements for an internationally educated nurse?
- Proof of education equivalency in the form of one of the following:
- Credential Education Service Report and proof of passage of TOEFL; or
- Visascreen certificate (original); or
- CGFNS certificate (original); and
- Proof of passage of the National Licensing Examination
Do nurses have to be concerned with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)?
Yes. HIPAA or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 applies to nurses. The nurse is responsible for keeping all patient records and personal information private and only accessible to the immediate core providers. If records get out or a patient’s privacy is breached, the liability usually lies on the nurse because the nurse has immediate access to the chart.
