Understanding Your 2021 Texas Nursing License Renewal

• For busy Texas 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 Texas as a nurse.
• Nursing CE Central has a full breakdown of top questions, deadlines, requirements, and consequences of missing your renewal deadline for the 2021 Texas 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!

For Texas nurses whose licenses expire during a chaotic 2021, a lapse in licensure not only means a big headache dealing with the Texas 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 your renewal deadline for the 2021 Texas nursing license renewal period.

1. How can I renew my license? Can I mail in a paper renewal application?

Nurses will need to renew their license online, by accessing the Texas Nurse Portal (https://txbn.boardsofnursing.org/txbn). As of June 15, 2020, the board no longer accepts paper applications.

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

According to the Texas Board of Nursing, no. Regular requirements for 2021 renewals are currently in place, such as expiration deadlines, continuing education completion and state fees.

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

No. According to the Texas Board of Nursing, all grace period waivers for nurse licensing renewals expired on September 30, 2020. Regular renewal requirements are currently back in place for licensees needing to renew in 2021.

4. What happens if I don’t renew my license before its current expiration date?

According to the Texas Board of Nursing, any nurse who does not renew their license before its expiration date will be put on a DELINQUENT status. Nurses can NOT work in the state of Texas with a delinquent nursing license. Nurses are subject to additional fees and state requirements to bring a delinquent license back to an active standing.

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

Not in the state of Texas. According to the Texas Board of Nursing, any nurse who does not renew their license before its expiration date will be put on a DELINQUENT status. Nurses can only work in Texas with an ACTIVE nursing license.

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

Most nurses will only need fulfilled continuing education requirements, along with a valid method of payment, to complete their renewal through the Texas Nurse Portal licensing platform.

7. What are the 2021 CE requirements for renewal?

RNs must complete 20 contact hours of continuing education from an approved provider (such as Nursing CE Central) or acquire, maintain, or renew a Board-approved national nursing certification.

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

No. The Texas Board of Nursing requires that all continuing education requirements be met at the time of renewal. They explain that “renewing your license without completing the continuing competency requirements is grounds for disciplinary action by the Board.”

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

Nurses can check on the status of their renewal application through the Texas Nurse Portal used for renewal (https://txbn.boardsofnursing.org/txbn).

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

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

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

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