Nursing is one of the most grueling industries in which to be employed, and the amount of continued education that you must complete is some of the most extensive. Renewing your nursing license can be challenging if you are unorganized, facing time constraints, or have received disciplinary actions at work. If you are facing difficulty in renewing your nursing license, you can call Callahan Law Firm, an experienced Illinois nursing license defense attorney. You have spent your career taking care of people in need. Let us help you in your time of need.
Understanding the Illinois Nursing License Renewal Process
Nurses cannot practice without an active nursing license from the Illinois’s Board of Nursing. This license must be renewed with the requirements of continued education, and it’s best to keep track of the expiration date and start the process early. Understanding the renewal requirements and the basics will get you started to ensure that your application goes smoothly.
- Don’t miss the expiration date: Illinois’s registered nursing licenses expire on May 31st of each even-numbered year. You can start the process to ensure it renews a month ahead of time.
- License renewal fees: The application renewal fee is $80
- Required Continued Education Credits:
- RN/LPN: 20 contact hours every 2 years, with one being a sexual harassment prevention course
- APRN: 80 contact hours every 2 years, with one being a sexual harassment prevention course
The most important part of the process is to not let your license expire. If your license expires, not only can you not work, but if you do work, your employer can face fines for allowing an unlicensed nurse to practice. This could leave you facing disciplinary action. If your licensing application is not approved, you need a skilled professional license defense attorney on your side.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid During License Renewal
Renewing your nursing license can be complex, especially if you've faced disciplinary actions or let your license expire. To avoid potential complications, it's crucial to understand the process and take proactive steps.
- Failure to Complete Required CE Credits: If your CE is incomplete before renewing your nursing license, it will be moved into a delinquent status. After completing the required credits, you must pay the additional fees to reactivate it.
- Late Renewal Fees: If you let it expire before the deadline, the delinquent fees will be added to your renewal costs, which in Illinois is $130
- Disciplinary Actions: Any disciplinary actions that you have faced that are on your record will be reviewed by the state nursing board when they consider your license to renew. These could lead to restrictions on your license or a denial of your renewal.
- Criminal Charges and Convictions: You are required to report any convictions to the licensing board as soon as possible. Failure to do so can lead to a license revocation.
If a complaint or legal action jeopardizes the status of your nursing license, it can jeopardize your career and financial security. Having worked so hard for your nursing license, you should do everything possible to protect it and maintain your professional reputation. You need a trusted partner if you face uncertainty in your licensing renewal. The Callahan Law Firm understands the unique challenges nurses face regarding the uncertainty of renewing their licenses.
The Role of a Healthcare License Defense Attorney
If your nursing license is under investigation, you have the right to seek skilled legal counsel to ensure that your license is protected. A qualified nursing license defense attorney can explain your rights under the Nursing Practice Act and help you protect them during an investigation. They can help you gather evidence to support your case and defend your career against allegations.
A competent licensing attorney will negotiate on your behalf with the ISBN and represent you in the case of an official hearing. Hiring experienced legal representation is the best way to ensure that your license is fully protected by a legal team with in-depth knowledge of your rights. Contact Callahan Law Firm today so that we can build a legal strategy to defend your future.
