Tennessee Nursing License Renewal
The Tennessee Board of Nursing is the regulatory body that oversees the nursing profession in Tennessee. The Board of Nursing has several duties, including: Licensing nurses and student nurses; Conducting investigations; Establishing and maintaining minimum standards for training programs and facilities; Examining applicants for licensure or certification as a nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist or advanced practice registered nurse; Certifying continuing education programs.
There are two types of licenses issued by the Board: Initial licensure—issued to new nurses who have met all requirements for initial license issuance without any lapses in employment Experience—issued to those who have been employed as a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN) or registered nurse/registered psychiatric technician (RN/RPT) within three years prior to application date If you’re wondering what it takes to renew your license as an RN or LPN in Tennessee, here’s everything you need to know about renewal requirements and costs associated with keeping your TN nursing license up-to-date!
Tennessee Nursing License Renewal
1 Who needs to renew their nursing license?
All nurses are required to renew their license every two years. Nurses who are licensed in Tennessee must renew their license with the Tennessee Board of Nursing (TBON), while those who are licensed in other states must register with their home state board of nursing.
- If you hold a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license and plan to stay in Tennessee, then you will need to apply for TN RN/LPN licensure renewal on the TBON website using your username and password. You can also renew by mail or fax if necessary, but this will result in delays and additional costs.
- If you hold an RN or LPN license from another state, then you can submit a Verification of Licensure form through ABEM e-Verify or manually using a hard copy form available here: https://www.tnboardofnursing.gov/files/uploadedFiles/_as44_form_verification_of_licensure__1_.pdf
2 When is my license renewal due?
The Tennessee Board of Nursing will send you a renewal form every two years. If you are 60 years old or older, your license will expire on the last day of the month in which you turn 60 years old. If you are less than 60 years old, your license will expire on the last day of the month in which you turn 58 years old.
3 How do I verify the status of my nursing license?
There are multiple ways to verify your license status. You can do so online, by phone, by mail or fax. To verify your nursing license online, go to https://www.ncqa.org/licensing_verification/.
You may also call the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) at (703) 549-8809 and ask them to mail you additional information about verifying your license status. This is an automated service and they will mail you what they have on file within a few days’ time.
To verify your nursing license via telephone with someone who works at NCSBN: Call (703) 549-8809 and press option 2 for verification services during business hours Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm EST; or Press option 3 if it’s after hours and leave a message with your name and contact information in order for someone from NCSBN to contact you back within 24 hours MST
4 How do I renew my nursing license in Tennessee?
To renew your license, follow these steps:
- Go to the Tennessee Board of Nursing website.
- Click on the “Renew Your License” tab in the left-hand menu bar, then fill out all required fields and pay the renewal fee with a credit card or electronic check.
- Submit your application and wait for it to be processed by TBN—this usually takes about six weeks to one month after you submit your form and payment information; once processed, you will receive an email with instructions for how to proceed with obtaining a renewed license (more on that below). If there are no issues with your application, it should take roughly two weeks from submission until receiving confirmation from TBN that all necessary steps have been completed successfully (for example, paying fees).
5 How long does it take to get a new or renewed nursing license back from the Board of Nursing in Tennessee?
The time it takes to get a new or renewed nursing license back from the Board of Nursing in Tennessee depends on a few things:
- What type of license you have. If it’s an active, temporary or specialty license, then it may take up to 30 days for you to receive your card back. If you’re applying for an inactive or expired license and submitting proof that your status has changed, then it may take up to 60 days for the board to process your application.
- Your current status with the board. A pending status means that there are some issues with information on your application that need attention before they can issue a new or renewed license; if this is the case, we recommend contacting them directly so they can help get everything squared away as quickly as possible!
- Whether or not this is a renewal/replacement (or reissuance). Renewal applicants should expect their paperwork back within 1-2 weeks after submission; however if yours was lost in transit during processing due to insufficient postage (or any other reason), then we recommend waiting 1-2 months before calling their customer service line again
6 What are the requirements to renew a lapsed nursing license in Tennessee?
To renew your TN nursing license, you must have a current RN license in Tennessee. You will also need to have a current CPR certification. You are required to provide proof of a current TB test and physical exam (less than one year old). You must also submit proof of having completed an approved continuing education course during the previous two years. Finally, you will be required to submit proof that you have not been convicted of any crime that would disqualify you from holding a nursing license in the state of Tennessee.
7 What documents do I need to send with my renewal application?
To apply for a Tennessee nursing license renewal, you must submit a:
- Copy of your high school diploma or GED
- Copy of your current Tennessee nursing license
- Criminal background check
- Immunization record
- CPR certification (if applicable)
To complete these steps, you will need to provide copies of the following documents:
- A copy of your high school diploma or GED (if applicable) 2. A copy of your current Tennessee nursing license 3. A criminal background check 4. Your immunization records 5. CPR certifications (if applicable) 6…continuing education certificates 7…clinical practice portfolios
8 How much is the fee to renew my nursing license in Tennessee?
The cost of renewing your Tennessee nursing license depends on how long you have been licensed.
The fee for an active license is $100, and the fee for a retired license is also $100. If you are retired from the profession for more than 10 years, it is possible that your application will be denied or delayed until you submit proof of good standing in other states where you have been licensed to practice nursing. The amount due for this type of renewal is $200, which includes the initial credentialing fee and one year’s credentialing renewal fee (the initial credentialing renewal fee must be paid annually). If a nurse has moved to Tennessee from another state while maintaining their current status as an active nurse in another jurisdiction through reciprocity or licensure by endorsement, then they will not be required to submit proof of good standing upon initial licensure here; however, once they apply for any subsequent credentialing renewal period following accreditation by TNBON or issuance/renewal by TNASBON, then proof must be submitted showing good standing with all other jurisdictions where currently licensed as well when applying for renewal here within five years after receiving first licensure here – otherwise, no further action will take place related to any future credentialing applications this nurse submits until confirmation has been received showing compliance with requirement(s) outlined above.”
9 What happens if I don’t renew my nursing license on time?
If you fail to renew your license on time, it will be considered lapsed. This means that you are no longer legally able to practice as a nurse in Tennessee.
A lapsed license is not valid, and if you continue to work as a nurse while it is lapsed, you could be fined up to $1,000 or face other penalties such as criminal charges or suspension/revocation of your nursing license.
You may also be barred from reapplying for a new nursing license for up to 5 years after the date of expiration (this varies depending on the reason why your license expired).
10 Is the renewal process changing soon in Tennessee?
- The renewal process is changing soon in Tennessee.
- Nurses can expect a more efficient and friendly renewal process.
- We will keep you updated as the details become available.
11 Renewing your nurse license can be a tedious process, but it’s important.
Renewing your nurse license can be a tedious process, but it’s important.
The Tennessee Board of Nursing requires that you renew your nursing license every two years. Because this is a state-specific requirement, the renewal process varies from one state board to another. In Tennessee, you can renew your license online or by mail; if you choose to do so by mail and need an extension due to extenuating circumstances (such as an illness), then you’ll also have to fill out some paperwork in person at the Tennessee Department of Health office in Nashville: 120 North 8th Street, Suite 300 Downtown Nashville TN 37243 2nd Floor (map).
Closing
We hope this guide has helped you navigate the process of renewing your nursing license in Tennessee. If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact the Board of Nursing at (615) 741-0703 or visit their website at www.tnbom.org