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Currently, the Arizona Board of Nursing (“Board”) does not require continuing education for licensed practical and registered nurses. However, attempts are being made by Arizona legislators to mandate 20 hours of continuing education per year for each licensed RN and LPN. Over 30 states currently require some kind of continuing education for licensed nurses. The goal of continuing education is to enhance the professional competence of the provider with the hope of improved health care.
Arizona does require that any licensed RN or LPN complete 960 hours of practice in a 5 year period to renew or obtain licensure. The Board has stated that the following activities constitute practice:
- Teaching nursing
- Supervising care
- Consulting
- Clinical experience
- Volunteering with a nursing organization
- Health screenings
- Caring for family members does not qualify as practice
New graduates must be licensed within 2 years of graduation or they must complete a refresher course once NCLEX has been passed.
If you have a question about practice requirements for nurses in Arizona contact Attorney Robert Chelle.
