Understanding Your 2021 Kentucky Nursing License Renewal

• For busy Kentucky nurses juggling incredible strains on the overall healthcare system, little time is left for sifting through new rules and requirements for their 2021 license renewal.
• A lapse in licensure means you are no longer legally allowed to work in the state of Kentucky as a nurse.
• Nursing CE Central has a full breakdown of top questions, deadlines, requirements, and consequences of missing your deadline for the 2021 Kentucky nursing license renewal period.

As nurses across the country battle against staffing shortages, burnout, and an all-time high of demands and strains on the overall healthcare system, little time is left for sifting through new rules and requirements for license renewal!

Licenses are set to expire during a chaotic, 2021 fall season for Kentucky nurses, and a lapse in licensure not only means a big headache dealing with the Kentucky Board of Nursing, but also the inability to continue working.

That’s why our Nursing CE Central team has a full breakdown of top questions, deadlines, requirements, and consequences of missing the October 31st renewal deadline for the 2021 Kentucky nursing license renewal period.

1. How can I renew my license this year?

Nurses will need to renew their license online, by accessing the Kentucky nurse licensing platform at kbn.ky.gov. The renewal portal opens September 15, 2021, and license renewal applications are due by October 31, 2021.

2. Is the Kentucky BON waiving any renewal requirements this year due to COVID?

According to the Kentucky Board of Nursing (BON), no. Regular requirements for the 2021 renewal period are currently in place, such as the October 31, 2021, renewal deadline, continuing education completion, and state fees.

3. What are the 2021 CE requirements for renewal?

RNs must meet Kentucky’s Continuing Education Competency requirements by October 31, 2021, in order to renew their license. While there are several different options of meeting this requirement, most nurses choose to complete 14 contact hours of continuing education from an approved provider (such as Nursing CE Central).

4. What do I need to have ready when starting my renewal online with the Kentucky BON?

Most nurses will only need a valid method of payment to complete their renewal through the Kentucky nurse licensing platform. Continuing education requirements must be fulfilled by October 31,2021, if not already complete at the time of online renewal.

5. Can I renew now, and complete my CEUs later?

Yes. The Kentucky Board of Nursing requires that all continuing education requirements be met by October 31, 2021, however, nurses may renew online ahead of CE completion.

6. How can I check that my renewal application is complete?

Nurses will receive a confirmation email from the BON after their license has been renewed. Nurses can also check on the status of their renewal application through the Kentucky Board of Nursing’s Basic Validation search tool.

7. Is there a COVID related grace period if I miss my renewal deadline?

No. According to the Kentucky Board of Nursing, emergency waivers related to nurse licensing were rescinded on March 5, 2021. Regular renewal requirements are currently back in place for licensees.

8. What happens if I don’t renew my license before the October 31st deadline?

According to the Kentucky Board of Nursing, any nurse who does not renew their license before midnight on October 31, 2021, will have their license lapse. Nurses can NOT work in Kentucky with a lapsed nursing license.

9. Can I still work/practice if I miss my renewal deadline?

No. Nurses are NOT legally allowed to work in Kentucky with a lapsed nursing license.

10. How long must I keep documentation proving I completed my 2021 CEU requirements for renewal?

The Kentucky Board of Nursing requires that all licensees keep proof of continuing education completion for each renewal period, for a minimum of five years. This documentation is needed in case a nurse is selected for an audit by the BON within that time frame. (Nursing CE Central stores lifetime copies of all CEU certificates of completion for active members)

For more information on Kentucky renewal requirements, or to start your Kentucky required CEUs, click here.

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