Kentucky

The Kentucky Board of Nursing is located at 312 Whittington Parkway, Louisville, KY.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

The Kentucky Board of Nursing is located at 312 Whittington Parkway, Louisville, KY.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

The Kentucky Board of Nursing is located at 312 Whittington Parkway, Louisville, KY. Normal office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact us by phone at 502-429-3300, ext. 0.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 314 governs nursing, dialysis technician, and certified professional midwifery practice. Learn more about Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 314 . Kentucky Administrative Regulations, Title 201, Chapter 20 Kentucky Administrative Regulations, Title 201, Chapter 20 governs nursing, dialysis technician, and certified professional midwifery practice.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

Administered by the National Council for State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate agreement that allows nurses (RNs and LPNs/VNs) to practice with one multistate license in all states that are part of the NLC. The nurse would hold the multistate (compact) license in their primary state of residence. APRN licenses are not currently in a compact. Kentucky is a member of the NLC.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

There is no additional fee or application for a compact license in Kentucky. If a Kentucky licensed nurse is eligible for a compact license and declares KY as their primary state of residence, the nurse must submit a state and federal background check through IdentoGo . NOTE: For nurses who have moved to Kentucky from another state that currently hold a Kentucky single state license that want to update the status of their license to multistate, must complete the state and federal background check. The report must be received and reviewed by KBN before the status is updated.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

The licensure period for all licenses and credentials, except for provisional, inactive, and retired status licenses, shall be for one (1) year beginning on November 1.

apps.legislature.ky.gov · State administrative code

Pass the Jurisprudence Exam with a score of 80% or higher Complete the Jurisprudence Examination after completing the application. The Jurisprudence Examination cannot be accessed prior to having a current application on file with the KBN.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

To be eligible for a multi-state, compact license an applicant must meet the following criteria: Meets the requirements for licensure in the home state (state of residency); Has graduated from a board-approved education program; or b. Has graduated from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credentials review agency); Has passed an English proficiency examination (applies to graduates of an international education program not taught in English or if English is not the individual's native language); Has passed an NCLEX-RN® or NCLEX-PN® Examination or predecessor exam; Is eligible for or holds an active, unencumbered license (i.e., without active discipline); Has submitted to state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks; Has not been convicted or found guilty, or has entered into an agreed disposition, of a felony offense under applicable state or federal criminal law; Has no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing (determined on a case-by-case basis); Is not currently a participant in an alternative program; Is required to self-disclose current participation in an alternative program; and Has a valid United States Social Security number.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

Nurses relocating to another compact state now have 60 days from the time they move to apply for a new license by endorsement in a new primary state of residence (PSOR) . The new rule reads: 402(2) A multistate licensee who changes primary state of residence to another party state shall apply for a multistate license in the new party state within 60 days.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

You will need to apply for licensure by endorsement if you meet any of the following: If your LPN or RN license is not in a compact state and you want to practice in Kentucky If you are moving from a compact state and are now declaring Kentucky as your primary state of residence (example: moving to Kentucky to become a permanent resident) The process to apply for licensure by endorsement is the same for LPNs and RNs.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

Administered by the National Council for State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate agreement that allows nurses (RNs and LPNs/VNs) to practice with one multistate license in all states that are part of the NLC. The nurse would hold the multistate (compact) license in their primary state of residence. APRN licenses are not currently in a compact. Kentucky is a member of the NLC.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

If a Kentucky licensed nurse is eligible for a compact license and declares KY as their primary state of residence, the nurse must submit a state and federal background check through IdentoGo . NOTE: For nurses who have moved to Kentucky from another state that currently hold a Kentucky single state license that want to update the status of their license to multistate, must complete the state and federal background check. The report must be received and reviewed by KBN before the status is updated. To see if your Kentucky license has multi-state privileges, please validate your license on our website. IMPORTANT: New NLC Residency Rule (effective Jan. 2, 2024) Starting Jan. 2, a new Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) rule has gone into effect. Nurses relocating to another compact state now have 60 days from the time they move to apply for a new license by endorsement in a new primary state of residence (PSOR) . The new rule reads: 402(2) A multistate licensee who changes primary state of residence to another party state shall apply for a multistate license in the new party state within 60 days. Just as a new driver's license is required each time we move, nurses have always been required to apply for a new compact (multistate) license when relocating and changing PSOR, but this new rule gives a hard deadline for this application to be filed. Nurse employers will benefit from this update by ensuring that all new employees are appropriately licensed within a given timeframe. Helpful FAQs and a brief video about the new rule are available online. Nurses can enroll at no cost in Nursys eNotify to receive notifications related to license renewals at www.nursys.com . For more information, visit www.nlc.gov or email nursecompact@ncsbn.org . Information Regarding Licensure Licensure requirements are aligned in NLC states, so all nurses applying for a multistate license are required to meet those same standards, including submission to federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background checks. Kentucky is a compact state; however, not all Kentucky licenses are multi-state, compact licenses. To validate if a KY license has multi-state privileges, conduct a search through the KBN online validation

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

The Nurse Licensure Compact is hereby enacted and entered into with all other jurisdictions that legally join in the Compact, which is, in form, substantially as follows:

apps.legislature.ky.gov · State statute

This Compact shall become effective and binding on the earlier of the date of legislative enactment of this Compact into law by no fewer than twenty-six (26) states or December 31, 2018.

apps.legislature.ky.gov · State statute

Administered by the National Council for State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate agreement that allows nurses (RNs and LPNs/VNs) to practice with one multistate license in all states that are part of the NLC. The nurse would hold the multistate (compact) license in their primary state of residence. APRN licenses are not currently in a compact. Kentucky is a member of the NLC.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

Apply for licensure by endorsement if you were originally licensed in another state or U.S. jurisdiction by licensure by examination and have not held a Kentucky license previously.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

The process to apply for licensure by endorsement is the same for LPNs and RNs.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

Submit the application through the Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse Portal . You will need to create an account through the nurse portal and then you will select Apply for a License located on the Nurse Portal Dashboard.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

Apply for licensure by endorsement if you were originally licensed in another state or U.S. jurisdiction by licensure by examination and have not held a Kentucky license previously. Content1 NOTE: If you were educated in Puerto Rico after September 1, 2006, view the licensure by endorsement guidelines. If you were educated outside of the United States, view the licensure by endorsement guidelines. You will need to apply for licensure by endorsement if you meet any of the following: If your LPN or RN license is not in a compact state and you want to practice in Kentucky If you are moving from a compact state and are now declaring Kentucky as your primary state of residence (example: moving to Kentucky to become a permanent resident) The process to apply for licensure by endorsement is the same for LPNs and RNs. Licensure Requirements Please review the below list of application requirements and additional information. Submit the application through the Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse Portal . You will need to create an account through the nurse portal and then you will select Apply for a License located on the Nurse Portal Dashboard. For more information on the nurse portal and a tutorial on how to create an account, please go to: Kentucky Nurse Portal - Kentucky Board of Nursing Applications are valid for one year. If requirements are not met within one year, your application will expire and you will have to start the process over again. Pay application fee of $165 (ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE). Pass the Jurisprudence Exam with a score of 80% or higher Complete the Jurisprudence Examination after completing the application. The Jurisprudence Examination cannot be accessed prior to having a current application on file with the KBN. Complete the state and federal criminal background check through IdentoGO® Complete the state and federal criminal background check through IdentoGO® Request the verification of licensure be submitted to KBN Request that the verification of licensure be sent to the Kentucky Board of Nursing from the state where you took and passed the NCLEX and received your license by examination. This request should be made through Nursys if your state is a participating board. There is a fee of $30 that is paid to Nursys and not to the KBN. This fee is subject to change without notice. If your state is not listed on NURSYS you will need to complete the verification of licensure form to another state board and contact that board of nursing to determine the fee. Submit your transcript, if applicable. Transcripts may be mailed to: Kentucky Board of Nursing ATTN: Endorsement 312 Whittington Pkwy., Suite 300 Louisville, Kentucky 40222 From a clearinghouse or parchment service KBN to the email address: KBN.Credentials@ky.gov Copy obtained by the applicant that is in the original sealed, unopened envelope from the program of nursing. If your nursing education is from Florida, you must request that your nursing program send an official transcript, with degree and graduation date posted, following the steps above. If your education was received in Puerto Rico prior to September 1, 2006, your official transcript may be requested. Submit proof of Continuing Education, if applicable. Nurses who have been licensed for more than five (5) years but have not practiced at least 500 hours within the past five (5) years are required to complete 120 hours of continuing education (CE). Please note: Your application is valid for one year from the date it is submitted. CE may be completed beginning one year prior to the application date and through the application expiration date. CE hours must be obtained from an approved CE provider. Certificates documenting completion of the required 120 CE hours must be uploaded as one PDF to your Nurse Portal Message Center to the topic "Endorsement". Alternatively, certificates may be emailed as multipled PDF attachments to KBN.Credentials@ky.gov . NOTE : A license will not be issued until all CE documentation and other application requirements have been received and reviewed. Information on Approved/Accepted CE Providers

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

Pay application fee of $165 (ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE). Pass the Jurisprudence Exam with a score of 80% or higher Complete the Jurisprudence Examination after completing the application. The Jurisprudence Examination cannot be accessed prior to having a current application on file with the KBN. Complete the state and federal criminal background check through IdentoGO® Complete the state and federal criminal background check through IdentoGO® Request the verification of licensure be submitted to KBN Request that the verification of licensure be sent to the Kentucky Board of Nursing from the state where you took and passed the NCLEX and received your license by examination. This request should be made through Nursys if your state is a participating board. There is a fee of $30 that is paid to Nursys and not to the KBN. This fee is subject to change without notice.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

Licenses may be issued within 14 business days after all documents have been received and reviewed. However, if you respond "Yes" to the disciplinary or conviction questions it can take up to three months to process your application.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

If a Kentucky licensed nurse is eligible for a compact license and declares KY as their primary state of residence, the nurse must submit a state and federal background check through IdentoGo . NOTE: For nurses who have moved to Kentucky from another state that currently hold a Kentucky single state license that want to update the status of their license to multistate, must complete the state and federal background check. The report must be received and reviewed by KBN before the status is updated. To see if your Kentucky license has multi-state privileges, please validate your license on our website. IMPORTANT: New NLC Residency Rule (effective Jan. 2, 2024) Starting Jan. 2, a new Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) rule has gone into effect. Nurses relocating to another compact state now have 60 days from the time they move to apply for a new license by endorsement in a new primary state of residence (PSOR) . The new rule reads: 402(2) A multistate licensee who changes primary state of residence to another party state shall apply for a multistate license in the new party state within 60 days. Just as a new driver's license is required each time we move, nurses have always been required to apply for a new compact (multistate) license when relocating and changing PSOR, but this new rule gives a hard deadline for this application to be filed. Nurse employers will benefit from this update by ensuring that all new employees are appropriately licensed within a given timeframe. Helpful FAQs and a brief video about the new rule are available online. Nurses can enroll at no cost in Nursys eNotify to receive notifications related to license renewals at www.nursys.com . For more information, visit www.nlc.gov or email nursecompact@ncsbn.org . Information Regarding Licensure Licensure requirements are aligned in NLC states, so all nurses applying for a multistate license are required to meet those same standards, including submission to federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background checks.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

A temporary permit can be issued while the KBN is waiting for receipt of the original verification from the other licensing board so long as all other requirements outlined above are satisfied. Practicing on a temporary permit does not require supervision. A temporary permit is valid for six months. A temporary permit is only valid in the state of Kentucky.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

Request that the verification of licensure be sent to the Kentucky Board of Nursing from the state where you took and passed the NCLEX and received your license by examination. This request should be made through Nursys if your state is a participating board. There is a fee of $30 that is paid to Nursys and not to the KBN. This fee is subject to change without notice. If your state is not listed on NURSYS you will need to complete the verification of licensure form to another state board and contact that board of nursing to determine the fee.

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

The licensure period for all licenses and credentials, except for provisional, inactive, and retired status licenses, shall be for one (1) year beginning on November 1.

apps.legislature.ky.gov · State administrative code

All nurses are required to complete Continuing Education Requirements every year between November 1 - October 31. RNs/LPNs may review the options below and the documentation required. All CE documents must be maintained for five years as proof of compliance. Additional information on continuing education and forms for RNs/LPNs are provided at the bottom of this page. Click to review APRN CE Requirements or SANE Credential CE Requirements New - Enter CE via the KBN Nurse Portal Nurses may upload their CE documents via the KBN Nurse Portal. This is optional and is not required for renewal; however, should a nurse be selected for the CE Audit, they will be required to upload all their CE documents at that time. Click here for instructions on uploading CE in the KBN Nurse Portal . Main Content Option 1 14 Contact Hours Fourteen (14) contact hours of nursing CE during the earning period November 1st - October 31st Completed through a CE Provider approved to offer nursing CE by the KBN; another state board of nursing; or one of the national nursing organizations. 201 KAR 20:220 Required Documentation Completion Certificate that includes the following: Nurse's name; Course title; Date of completion; Contact hours awarded; Provider information; and Whom the provider is approved by to offer nursing CE. (KBN, another state board of nursing, or one of the national nursing organizations listed in 201 KAR 20:220.) Option 2 Evaluation & 7 Contact Hours Evaluation A satisfactory evaluation that covers at least 6 months of the earning period November 1st - October 31st; and Contact Hours Seven (7) contact hours of nursing CE during the earning period November 1st - October 31st Completed through a CE Provider approved to offer nursing CE by the KBN; another state board of nursing; or one of the national nursing organizations. 201 KAR 20:220 Required Documentation Evaluation KBN Nursing CE Employment Evaluation Form completed by supervisor covering at least 6 months of the earning period; and Contact Hours Completion certificates that include: Nurse's name; Course title; Date of completion; Contact hours awarded; Provider information; and Whom the provider is approved by to offer nursing CE. (KBN, another state board of nursing, or one of the national nursing organizations listed in 201 KAR 20:220 .) Option 3 National Nursing Certification Current national nursing certification or recertification related to the nurse's practice role either obtained, renewed, or in effect during the earning period November 1st - October 31st Note: National nurse certification is a credential that demonstrates a nurse's competence and expertise in a specific area of care. (Examples Wound Care Certification, Oncology Nurse Certification, Pediatric Nurse Certification) * Required Documentation Certificate or wallet card issued by the certifying organization which includes the nurse's name, certification awarded, and expiration date. Option 4 College Nursing Courses Successful completion of a post-licensure academic course in nursing related to the nurse's practice role at a college, university, or vocational institution, where credit hours and a grade of "C" or higher or a "Pass" on a Pass/Fail grading system were awarded during the earning period November 1st - October 31st. Required Documentation A college transcript including the following information: Nurse's name; College, university, or institution name; Course title; Hours earned; Date of completion of the course; and Grade awarded. 1 Credit hour = 15 contact hours 1 Quarter hour = 12 contact hours Option 5 Preceptorship Participation as a preceptor for at least 1 student or new employee for at least 120 hours during the earning period from November 1st to October 31st. Requires a one-on-one relationship between preceptor and student or employee Required Documentation Completed KBN Preceptor Continuing Education Verification Form. Must be completed by the educational institution or nurse's supervisor May include more than one student or employee within the same earning period. Option 6 Publication of a Nursing Article Publication of a Nursing Related Article in a Peer Reviewed Health Related Journal during the earning period November 1st - October 31st. Required Documentation Copy of the Nursing Article Published during the earning period, including: Nurse's name; Article title; Journal information; and Date of publication. Option 7 Presentation of a Nursing CE Course Presentation of a Nursing Continuing Education Course Course must be presented during the earning period November 1st to October 31st , through a KBN approved CE Provider, to nurses or other healthcare professionals. A course can only be counted once during any earning period. Required Documentation This is for a continuing education course you presented during the earning period. Either a program brochure; Course syllabi; or A letter from the approved provider identifying the nurse as the developer and presenter of the course. The presenter receives twice the number of contact hours awarded to attendees. Option 8 Nursing Research Project

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing

The following content-specific CE requirements must be completed by nurses one time. Once completed they do not need to be retaken. Some of these topics are included in the curriculum of Kentucky Programs of Nursing. Review the information below to determine if you need to complete content-specific CE in the topics below. Providers The KBN does not require or recommend the completion of continuing education (CE) through a particular provider. Nurses may complete CE through any provider approved by the KBN, another state board of nursing, or one of the national nursing organizations listed in 201 KAR 20:220. Each nurse must complete CE that meets their own CE requirements. 201 KAR 20:215 To access a listing of KBN Approved CE Providers click here. Content1 Alzheimer's Disease and Other Forms of Dementia (New July 15, 2024) Who, What, & When Who All Nurses What Complete 1 contact hour in Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of Dementia which includes the following: The warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia; The importance of early detection, diagnosis, and appropriate communication techniques for discussion of memory concerns with the patient and his or her caregiver; The variety of tools used to assess a patient's cognition; and Current treatments that may be available to the patient. When Individuals actively licensed as of July 15, 2024, must complete this requirement by October 31, 2027. Nurses actively licensed after July 15, 2024, must complete this requirement within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215. Once completed it does not need to be repeated. Required Documentation Completion Certificate that includes the following: Nurse's name; Course title; Date of completion; Contact hours awarded; Provider information; and Whom the provider is approved by to offer nursing CE. (KBN, another state board of nursing, or one of the national nursing organizations listed in 201 KAR 20:220.) The KBN offers a free course to meet this requirement. Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: Tools for Early Identification, Assessment, and Treatment . For additional information on KBN Free CE click here . Nurses may complete CE through any provider approved to offer nursing CE by the KBN, another board of nursing, or one of the national nursing organizations listed in 201 KAR 20:220. Suicide Prevention Who, What, & When Who Nurses who completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Nurses who completed a Kentucky program of nursing prior to August of 2025 What Complete 2 contact hours in Suicide Prevention 1 in general; and 1 in chronic toxic stress; confidential and standardized pathways to care for nurses that addresses screening, assessing, safety planning, referrals, and follow-up for nurses at risk for suicide; systems of care, evidence-informed approaches, and best practices to reduce suicide rates; and ethical legal considerations for caring for patients and nurses who are suicidal When Within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215. Once completed it does not need to be repeated. Required Documentation Completion Certificate that includes the following: Nurse's name; Course title; Date of completion; Contact hours awarded; Provider information; and Whom the provider is approved by to offer nursing CE. (KBN, another state board of nursing, or one of the national nursing organizations listed in 201 KAR 20:220.) If this has already been completed, it is only necessary to maintain appropriate documentation. Domestic Violence Who, What, & When Who Nurses who completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Nurses who completed a Kentucky program of nursing prior to May of 1988 What Complete 3 contact hours in Domestic Violence When Within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215. Once completed it does not need to be repeated. Required Documentation Completion Certificate that includes the following: Nurse's name; Course title; Date of completion; Contact hours awarded; Provider information; and Whom the provider is approved by to offer nursing CE. (KBN, another state board of nursing, or one of the national nursing organizations listed in 201 KAR 20:220.) Free domestic violence course through Train Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma Who, What, & When Who Nurses who completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Nurses who completed a Kentucky program of nursing prior to December of 2011 What Complete 1.5 contact hours in Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma When Within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215. Once completed it does not need to be repeated. Required Documentation Completion Certificate that includes the following: Nurse's name; Course title; Date of completion; Contact hours awarded; Provider information; and Whom the provider is approved by to offer nursing CE. (KBN, another state board of nursing, or one of the national nursing organizations listed in 201 KAR 20:220.) Free Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma course through Train LPN Infusion Therapy Who, What, & When Who LPNs who wish to engage in Infusion Therapy and either Completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Completed a Kentucky program of nursing prior to September of 2019 What Complete a course in infusion therapy that meets the criteria in 201 KAR 20:490 When Prior to performing infusion therapy Once completed it does not need to be repeated. Required Documentation Completion Certificate that includes the following: Nurse's name; Course title; Date of completion; Contact hours awarded; Provider information; and Whom the provider is approved by to offer nursing CE. (KBN, another state board of nursing, or one of the national nursing organizations listed in 201 KAR 20:220.)

kbn.ky.gov · State Board of Nursing