• Continuing Education FAQs

Submit Renewals online using the Nurse Portal.

RENEWAL COMMENSURATE APRN
(APRNs without specialty and functional role national certification availability)

CONTINUING EDUCATION
(Board rules stipulate that no less than 3% of the total RNs and APRNs that renew licensure each year shall be chosen by random selection for the audit of compliance with LSBN CE requirements)

1. How many nursing continuing education (CE) contact hours or nursing practice hours do I need to renew my Louisiana RN License?

 

Licensees must meet the CE/nursing practice requirements during the 2-year period that they hold active licensure and attest that they have completed such during the process of renewal/relicensure.
For RN license renewal, at least one of the two options below must have been completed during the 2-year licensure period:
  • A minimum of 30 board-approved contact hours of CE during the 2-year licensure period;
OR
  • A minimum of 900 practice hours during the 2-year licensure period as verified by the employer on a form provided by the board.
There are additional options/exceptions listed in LSBN’s CE brochure. Further details regarding the requirements for CE/nursing practice and exceptions are available at CE Brochure.
RNs who meet the relicensure requirement by having practiced as a nurse for a minimum of 900 practice hours during the 2-year licensure period and which can be verified by the employer do not need to complete CE contact hours.
The requirements for RN license renewal must be completed before the renewal application is submitted.Licensees are required to submit verification of completion of the requirements if/when they are notified via email that they have been selected for LSBN’s licensure audit, which occurs on or around March following renewal.
Evidence of completion of the CE/nursing practice requirements should be submitted to LSBN staff only when requested by LSBN.

 

2. What is the CE or nursing practice hour requirement(s) for APRNs?

 

APRNs who are nationally board certified meet the provisions for renewal of their LouisianaRN licenseby holding an approved certification.
In addition,each yearAPRNs with prescriptive authority must obtain six contact hours of CE in pharmacotherapeutics in their advanced nursing role and population foci (required in 4513 of LSBN’s rules). These CEs must be provided by a board-approved national certifying organization or provider approved by the board. Click here for the form CE Audit Verification Form for APRNs with Prescriptive Authority that indicates the agencies and organizations that award pharmacology credits and are accepted by LSBN.
Note that since renewal occurs every two years, APRNs with prescriptive authority who are selected for the audit must provide 12 contact hours of CE in pharmacotherapeutics since the rule requires six annually.
APRNs initially licensed in accordance with R.S. 37:912(B)(3)(4) (grandfathering provisions ) and who are not advanced practice certified shall submit the documentation for renewal required in 4507.E of LSBN’s rules.
See FAQ#19 below for further details regarding the documents and CE certificates required when APRNs are selected for the CE/nursing practice audit.
There is additional information in LSBN’s CE brochure available at here.
Evidence of completion of the CEs should be submitted to LSBN staff only when requested by LSBN.

 

3. Do nursing practice hours completed in another state count towards LSBN's CE/nursing practice requirements?

 

Yes. Nursing practice hours completed in another state count towards LSBN’s CE/nursing practice requirements. Practice hours are not required to have been completed in Louisiana.
There is additional important information in the CE brochure available at here.

 

4. Do I need additional CEs or nursing practice hours to renew my compact/multistate license?

 

All RNs licensed in the state of Louisiana are mandated by statute to complete nursing CEs or have been engaged in active nursing practice during the 2-year licensure period. The requirements are the same whether you have a single state license or a multistate license. Further details regarding the requirements for CE/nursing practice and exceptions are available here
There are no separate or additional CE/nursing practice hour requirements for RNs issued a compact/multistate license by LSBN. Nurses who have a multistate license must meet the CE/Nursing practice requirements of the state that issued the multistate license.
A multistate license is not a separate license but rather a type of RN license which renews upon completion of the renewal application.

 

5. I work in a role as a RN that does not involve direct patient care. What CE/nursing practice requirements do I need to fulfill?

 

The definition of the practice of nursing and roles that RNs fulfill are described in the brochure available here. Types of practice hours that are accepted are included in the description and definition of the practice of nursing.
For RN license renewal, at least one of the two options below must have been completed during the 2-year licensure period:
A minimum of 30 board-approved contact hours of CE during the 2-year licensure period;
OR
A minimum of 900 practice hours during the 2-year licensure period as verified by the employer on a form provided by the board.
There are additional options/exceptions listed in LSBN’s CE brochure. Further details regarding the requirements for CE/nursing practice and exceptions are available here.

 

6. Do academic courses count towards the CE requirement?

 

If an RN is meeting relicensure requirements through the CE requirement (rather than through the nursing practice requirement), academic courses in a post-secondary institution which are related to specific knowledge and/or technical skills required for the practice of nursing as specified in 3335.E. or which lead to an advanced degree or a certification in advanced nursing may be used in lieu of CE contact hours.
RNs who meet the relicensure requirement by having practiced as a registered nurse for a minimum of 900 practice hours during the 2-year licensure period and which can be verified by the employer do not need to complete CE contact hours.
Further details regarding the requirements for CE/nursing practice are available here.

 

7. What authority does the board have to perform the CE/nursing practice audit?

 

The Nurse Practice Act and LSBN’s rules provide for license renewal and the audit.
LAC XLVII.3335.I.2 states:
Audit of Licensees.
The board shall randomly select no less than 3 percent of the licensees for audit of compliance with the requirements for relicensure. Additionally, the board has the right to audit any questionable documentation of activities.
LAC XLVII.4513.D.6 states:
Documentation of completion of the continuing education contact hours required for prescriptive authority shall be submitted at the request of the board in a random audit procedure at the time of the APRN’s license renewal.

 

8. How many nurses are selected for the CE/nursing practice audit?

 

Approximately three percent of licensed nurses are randomly selected each year for the audit.

 

9. What is the main reason RNs have an unsuccessful CE/nursing practice audit?

 

Failure to complete and maintain proof of CEs that have been accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or approved by a state board of nursing is the most common reason RNs have not successfully completed the audit when they are renewing based upon the requirement for CE contact hours.

 

10. How many times can a licensee be selected for the CE/nursing practice audit?

 

There is no limit to the number of times a licensee can be selected for the audit. RNs and APRNs who renew their licenses are eligible for the random audit selection.

 

11. May I fax or email my audit documents to the board office?

 

If you are selected for the audit, documents must be mailed to the board office. Documents that are faxed, emailed, or sent through the message center are not accepted.
An original signature is required on the LSBN CE/Nursing Practice Audit Form # 1 RN Audit Attestation.
To help ensure that the required documentation is properly received, all required audit documents must bemailed to LSBN in one (1) envelope physically received at the board office by the date/deadline stated in the notification letter sent to licensees notifying them of their selection for the audit. If you wish to confirm that your documents were received in the LSBN office, send mail to LSBN using a delivery service that provides you with a tracking number.
Determination of compliance or noncompliance with LSBN CE/Nursing Practice rules will be based on the nurse’s first, initial submission of all required audit documents received at the LSBN office.

 

12. What is the deadline for all required audit documents to be physically received at the LSBN office?

 

All required audit documents mustarrive at the LSBN office via mail no later than the date/deadline stated in the notification letter sent to licensees notifying them of their selection for the audit. If you wish to confirm that your documents were received in the LSBN office, send mail to LSBN using a delivery service that provides you with a tracking number.
Please read additional FAQs #13 and #17 that address where and how to submit all required audit documents and what documents must be mailed to LSBN.

 

13. To what address do I mail the required audit documents, and how can I ensure the audit documents arrive at the LSBN office before the deadline?

 

Mail all required audit documents in one envelope to:
Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Attention: CE/Nursing Practice Audit
17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810-3822
Send the documents timely so that they reach the office prior to the deadline stated in the notification letter.
In order for you to have confirmation regarding the day/date that all required audit documents arrived at the LSBN office, send mail to LSBN using a delivery service that provides you with a tracking number.
Licensees may hand deliver documents to LSBN staff at the front desk, including all required audit documents, during LSBN’s business hours of Monday,Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (Central Standard Time).The LSBN office is closed for state and federal holidays.
IMPORTANT:
Determination of compliance or noncompliance with LSBN rules regarding the audit will be based on the nurse first initial submission of the required audit documents that are received via mail at the LSBN office.Documents that are faxed, emailed, or sent in the nurse portal will notbe accepted.Mail or hand-deliver all required audit documents together in one (1) envelope ATTN: CE/Nursing Practice Audit.
Please see FAQ # 17, which explains what documents must be mailed to LSBN for review.
After the nurse’s audit documents have completed the review process, notification will be sent to the nurse regarding the audit outcome through the message center in the Nurse Portal (https://lsbn.boardsofnursing.org/lsbn).

 

14. How are notifications sent to licensees advising them they were selected for the CE/nursing practice audit?

 

Nurses who are randomly selected for the CE/nursing practice audit are sent a notification letter via email notifying them that they have been selected. The email address of record that is in the nurse portal account is utilized.
LSBN’s licensure audit occurs on or around March following renewal.

 

15. Why was I chosen for the CE/nursing practice audit?

 

Individuals are selected randomly from among licensees who renewed their license(s) during the immediately preceding renewal season.
All RNs licensed in the state of Louisiana are mandated by statute to complete nursing CEs or have been engaged in active nursing practice during the 2-year licensure period. In addition, APRNs with prescriptive authority must have annual CEs related to pharmacotherapeutics. Prior to renewing a license, RNs and APRNs must review the requirements for relicensure, ensure they meet these requirements, and have access to proper documentation (i.e., CE certificates, employment verification, etc.).
LAC XLVII.3335.I.1 states:
Verification of Continuing Education / Nursing Practice.
On the application for relicensure, licensees shall sign a statement certifying compliance and agreeing to supply supporting documents upon request. Maintaining documentation of continuing education for at least five years is the responsibility of each individual. Falsification of the renewal application may result in disciplinary action.

 

16. What is the penalty for not submitting all required audit documents , or what if all required audit documents do not physically arrive at the LSBN office on or before the date/deadline?

 

LAC XLVII.3335.I.2.d states:
Audit of Licensees.
Failure to complete the audit satisfactorily by the specified date or falsification of information will result in the licensure being rescinded to become invalid and may result in disciplinary action against the licensee in accord with the process and procedures provided in §3407.
Failure to demonstrate compliance with the CE/nursing practice audit is a violation of the Nurse Practice Act and may result in disciplinary action.

 

17. What are the documents that are required to be sent to LSBN when RNs and APRNs are selected for the CE/nursing practice audit?

 

RNs: must submit the documents described below in A1 and the documents described in one of the options in A2 (either a, b, or c).
APRNs: must submit the documents described below in B1 and B2.
A. Registered Nurses (RNs)selected for the CE/nursing practice audit must provide the following required audit documents via mail:
1. The LSBN form  CE/Nursing Practice Audit Form # 1  RN Audit Attestation both completed and signed by the nurse selected for the CE/nursing practice audit.  Click here  for the ‘CE/Nursing Practice Audit Form # 1 – RN Audit Attestation.
2. Photocopies of supporting documentation described in the CE/nursing practice Audit Form # 1 RN Audit Attestation (based upon the option selected).
Instructions on the form will direct RNs to select one of three options indicating if they are renewing based on a.) nursing practice hours; b.) CEs; or c.) other options/exceptions.
a. NURSING PRACTICE HOURS: RNs who select that they meet requirements for relicensure based on nursing practice must submit the  CE Audit Form # 2 – RN Nursing Employment Verification completed and signed by their  nursing employer(s) to verify dates of employment and how many hours were worked.
b. CONTINUING EDUCATION: RNs who  select that they meet requirements for relicensure based on CEs must provide LSBN accepted nursing CE certificates of completion as evidence that they completed the CE requirement prior to renewing their Louisiana nursing license online.
*See FAQ #18 for further details regarding the content of the CE certificates of completion.
c. OTHER OPTIONS/EXCEPTIONS: RNs who select that they meet requirements for relicensure based on other options/exceptions must provide documentation based on the option selected provided on the form CE/Nursing Practice Audit Form # 1  RN Audit Attestation.
d. Certification in a specialty area: RNs who select this option  must provide  a legible photocopy of their  letter/certificate verifying  they held national certification in a nursing specialty recognized by LSBN for the full 2-year licensure period.  The list of national nursing certification organizations accepted by LSBN as meeting CE  requirements is available on LSBN’s website or click  here.
e. Academic courses: RNs who  select this option must provide a photocopy of an official transcript from the school where they were enrolled in a post-secondary nursing degree program during the 2-year licensure period  that provides verification of academic credit awarded for nursing coursework. Online student print-outs are not accepted.
f. Initial licensure as an RN  in Louisiana was issued in the calendar year of 2021. RNs who select  this option must provide a written statement.
g.Exception in 3335.C.2: RNs who  select  this option  must have uploaded the required  documentation with the renewal application in order to be eligible.
h.Previous requirements for renewal: RNs who select  this option  must provide   LSBN accepted nursing CE certificates of completion as evidence that they completed the CE requirement prior to renewing their Louisiana nursing license online and the CE Audit Form # 2 – RN Nursing Employment Verification completed and signed by their  nursing employer(s) to verify dates of employment and how many hours were worked.
B. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) selected for the  pharmacology CE audit must provide the following required audit documents via mail:
1. The LSBN CE Audit Verification Form for APRNs with Prescriptive Authority must be completed and signed by the APRN selected for the pharmacology CE audit.  Click here for the ‘CE Audit Verification Form for APRNs with Prescriptive Authority and
2. Photocopies of CE certificates of completion which provide evidence that prior to renewing the Louisiana APRN license, the APRN completed the board mandated twelve (12) contact hours specifically in pharmacotherapeutics during the 2-year licensure period which was applicable to the APRN’s licensed role and population foci.

 

18. What type of nursing CE does LSBN accept for license renewal?

 

Click here to review the CE/nursing practice requirements for relicensure/renewal.
Please read all information provided in FAQ # 17  which explains required documents RNs and APRNs must obtain and self-audit prior to renewing their licenses online to ensure compliance with LSBN’s rules.
Maintaining evidence of board accepted CE documentation for a full five (5) years is the responsibility of the nurse and required in current rules (3335.I.1).

 

19. What information must CE certificates of completion for RNs include in order to be accepted by LSBN?

 

RNs who select that they meet requirements for relicensure based on CEs must have  LSBN accepted nursing CE certificates of completion as evidence that they completed the CE requirement prior to renewing their Louisiana nursing license online.
RNs who are notified by LSBN that they have been selected for the CE/nursing practice audit must provide  CE certificates of completion as evidence that they completed the CE requirement.
CE certificates of completion must have all of the following six (6) components to meet board rules and for RNs to have a successful audit outcome:
 Company name of CE provider;
Nurse’s name;
 Name of nursing related topic/title of CE course;
Number of contact hours awarded for completion;
 Date the contact hours were awarded; and
Accreditation statement.
There must be a clear statement printed on the certificate that the CE course was accredited or recognized for nursing continuing education by either:
1. the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
2. a specific US State Board of Nursing.
Prior to submission of audit documents and CE certificates of completion, carefully self-audit all certificates to ensure they meet requirements. CE certificates of completion must indicate that the CE course occurred during the licensure period in order to be in compliance with current rules.
Click here to view a sample CE certificates showing the above six (6) components for your self-audit.
Maintaining evidence of board accepted CE documentation for a full five (5) years is the responsibility of the nurse and required in current rules (3335.I.1).
NOTE  Employer offered training may not meet LSBN nursing CE requirements to be eligible for annual license renewal.  Review each CE certificate to ensure the training meets LSBN’s nursing CE requirements prior to licensure renewal.
Multiple CE certificates that award a partial contact hour value will take longer to review and may delay the nurse receiving notification of the audit outcome.
The CE documents listed below are examples of documents that do NOT meet LSBN’s requirements and will not be accepted to successfully pass the audit:
 A summary report, training transcript, CE Tracking Report, or any other document that is a listing of topics/training completed by the nurse over a period of time even if this report is provided by an accepted CE provider.
o Remember  To meet LSBN rules, the nurse must have possession of a full CE certificate of completion for each training topic that includes all six (6) components printed on the certificate.  Click  here to view a sample CE certificate for your careful self-audit of each CE certificate prior to submission to LSBN.
 CE certificates for training/topics that are not nursing related.
 CE certificates without a clear accreditation statement printed on the face of the certificate indicating accreditation by ANCC or a specific US State Board of Nursing.

 

20. What information must CE certificates of completion for APRNs include in order to be accepted by LSBN?

 

APRNs with prescriptive authority must have annual CEs related to pharmacotherapeutics. Prior to renewing a license, RNs and APRNs must review the requirements for relicensure, ensure they meet these requirements and have access to proper documentation (i.e., CE certificates, etc.).
Note that since renewal occurs every two years, APRNs with prescriptive authority who are selected for the audit must provide 12 contact hours of CE in pharmacotherapeutics since the rule requires six annually.
Click here for the form CE Audit Verification Form for APRNs with Prescriptive Authority‘ that indicates the agencies and organizations that award pharmacology credits and are accepted  by LSBN.
CE certificates of completion must have all of the following six (6) components printed on each CE certificate of completion for APRNs with prescriptive authority to have a successful audit outcome:
Company name of CE provider;
APRN’s name;
 Name of advanced practice level nursing CE topic/title of CE course completed;
Clear indication of the number of credit/contact hours awarded specifically for content related to pharmacotherapeutics / pharmacology;
*Some CE providers do not award or indicate credit on the certificate of completion for the pharmacology content presented in a course on the certificate of completion(i.e., CME). These courses do not meet requirements.
 Date the contact hours were awarded;
 Clearly printed statement that the topic was accredited or recognized for pharmacology continuing education by one of the agencies or organizations accepted by LSBN as listed on the CE Audit Verification Form for APRNs with Prescriptive Authority.
Carefully self-audit all certificates to ensure they meet requirements. CE certificates of completion must indicate that the CE course occurred during the licensure period in order to be in compliance with current rules.
Maintaining evidence of board accepted CE documentation for a full five (5) years is the responsibility of the nurse and required in current rules (3335.I.1).
The CE documents listed below are examples of documents that do NOT meet LSBN’s requirements for APRNs selected for the pharmacology CE audit and will not be accepted to successfully pass the audit: 
1. A summary report, training transcript, CE Tracking Report, or any other document that is a listing of topics/training completed by the nurse over a period of time even if this report is provided by an accepted CE provider.
2. Remember  To meet LSBN rules, the nurse must have possession of a full CE certificate of completion for each training topic that includes all six (6) components printed on the certificate.  Click here to view a sample CE certificates for your careful self-audit of each CE certificate prior to submission to LSBN.
3. CE certificates for training/topics that are not advanced practice nursing related.
4. CE certificates for training/topics that do not clearly indicate that specific pharmacology credit hours are awarded.
5.CE certificates without a clear indication that the topic was accredited or recognized for pharmacology continuing education by one of the agencies or organizations accepted by LSBN as listed on the CE Audit Verification Form for APRNs with Prescriptive Authority.

 

21. What if I can't locate or lost my CE certificates I completed during the 2-year licensure period?

 

There are opportunities to meet requirements for relicensure other than the obtainment of CEs. Click here to review the CE/nursing practice requirements for relicensure/renewal.
RNs who select that they meet requirements for relicensure based on CEs must provide LSBN accepted nursing CE certificates of completion as evidence that they completed the CE requirement prior to renewing their Louisiana nursing license online.
Please read all information provided in FAQ# 17  which explains required documents RNs and APRNs must obtain and self-audit prior to renewing their licenses online to ensure compliance with LSBN’s rules.
There is an option on the CE/Nursing Practice Audit Form # 1  RN Audit Attestation to indicate that you are not compliant with the audit requirements.  Failure to demonstrate compliance with the CE/nursing practice audit is a violation of the Nurse Practice Act and may result in disciplinary action.
LAC XLVII.3335.I.1 states:
Verification of Continuing Education / Nursing Practice.
On the application for relicensure, licensees shall sign a statement certifying compliance and agreeing to supply supporting documents upon request.  Maintaining documentation of continuing education for at least five years is the responsibility of each individual.  Falsification of the renewal application may result in disciplinary action.
RNs and APRNs who have lost and/or misplaced CE certificates of completion for courses completed during the 2-year licensure period may elect to contact the CE provider(s) to request and obtain a duplicate CE certificate.  The CE provider may charge a fee for this service.
LAC XLVII.3335.I.2.d states:
Audit of Licensees.
Failure to complete the audit satisfactorily by the specified date or falsification of information will result in the licensure being rescinded to become invalid and may result in disciplinary action against the licensee in accord with the process and procedures provided in 3407.
RNs and APRNs who do not provide all required audit documents to LSBN before the date/deadline stated in the notification letter sent to licensees notifying them of their selection for the audit will be considered non-compliant with the CE/nursing practice audit and may be subject to inactivation of the license(s) and/or disciplinary action.
IMPORTANT:
Determination of compliance or noncompliance with LSBN CE rules will be based on the nurse’s first, initial submission of the required audit documents received at the LSBN office. Documents that are faxed, emailed, or sent through the message center will not be accepted. Mail or hand-deliver audit documentation together in one (1) envelope ATTN: CE/Nursing practice Audit. Resubmissions will not be accepted.
If you wish to confirm that your documents were received in the LSBN office, send mail to LSBN using a delivery service that provides you with a tracking number.

 

22. What if I renewed my license but realize that my documentation does not meet LSBN requirements, or I did not complete the proper quantity and/or type of nursing CE required for Louisiana but renewed anyway?

 

There are opportunities to meet requirements for relicensure other than the obtainment of CEs. Click here to review the CE/nursing practice requirements for relicensure/renewal.
Please read all information provided in FAQ # 17  which explains required documents RNs and APRNs must obtain and self-audit prior to renewing their licenses online to ensure compliance with LSBN’s rules.
There is an option on the CE/Nursing Practice Audit Form # 1  RN Audit Attestation to indicate that you are not compliant with the audit requirements.  Failure to demonstrate compliance with the CE/nursing practice audit is a violation of the Nurse Practice Act and may result in disciplinary action.
LAC XLVII.3335.I.1 states:
Verification of Continuing Education / Nursing Practice.
On the application for relicensure, licensees shall sign a statement certifying compliance and agreeing to supply supporting documents upon request. Maintaining documentation of continuing education for at least five years is the responsibility of each individual. Falsification of the renewal application may result in disciplinary action.
LAC XLVII.3335.I.2.d states:
Audit of Licensees.
Failure to complete the audit satisfactorily by the specified date or falsification of information will result in the licensure being rescinded to become invalid and may result in disciplinary action against the licensee in accord with the process and procedures provided in 3407.
RNs and APRNs who do not provide all required audit documents to LSBN before the date/deadline stated in the notification letter sent to licensees notifying them of their selection for the audit will be considered non-compliant with the CE/nursing practice audit and may be subject to inactivation of the license(s) and/or disciplinary action.
IMPORTANT:
Determination of compliance or noncompliance with LSBN CE rules will be based on the nurse’s first, initial submission of the required audit documents received at the LSBN office. Documents that are faxed, emailed, or sent through the message center will notbe accepted. Mail or hand-deliver audit documentation together in one (1) envelope ATTN: CE/Nursing practice Audit. Resubmissions will not be accepted.
If you wish to confirm that your documents were received in the LSBN office, send mail to LSBN using a delivery service that provides you with a tracking number.

 

23. What if I no longer work for the same employer that I worked for during the 2-year licensure period, or I had multiple nursing employers during the 2-year licensure period?

 

RNs who select that they meet requirements for relicensure based on nursing practice must submit the CE Audit Form # 2 – RN Nursing Employment Verification completed and signed by their nursing employer(s) to verify dates of employment and how many hours were worked.
If the RN had multiple employers during the 2-year licensure period, a CE Audit Form # 2 – RN Nursing Employment Verification must be completed by a sufficient number of employers such that the total quantity of practice hours meets or exceeds the requirement for a minimum of 900 hours of nursing practice during the 2-year licensure period
If RNs  are not able to obtain the required signatures from the nursing employers, then they must meet relicensure requirements based upon one of the other options for renewal such as the obtainment of 30 board approved CE hours. 
There are opportunities to meet requirements for relicensure other than nursing practice hours. Click here to review the CE/nursing practice requirements for relicensure/renewal.

 

24. I'm a licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with prescriptive authority. Is my annual CE/nursing practice audit different than a Registered Nurse?

 

Yes.  Board rule LAC XLVII.4513.D.5 states:
Continued Competency for Prescriptive Authority. Each year an APRN with prescriptive authority shall obtain six contact hours of continuing education in pharmacotherapeutics in their advanced nursing role and population foci.  Documentation of completion of the continuing education contact hours required for prescriptive authority shall be submitted at the request of the board in a random audit procedure at the time of the APRN’s license renewal.  In order for the continuing education program to be approved by the board, the program shall:
a. be provided by a board approved national certifying organization or provider approved by the board;
b. include content relevant to advanced practice nursing and the use of pharmacological agents in the prevention of illness, and the restoration and maintenance of health.
Note that since renewal occurs every two years, APRNs with prescriptive authority who are selected for the audit must provide 12 contact hours of CE in pharmacotherapeutics since the rule requires six annually.
Click here for the ‘CE Audit Verification Form for APRNs with Prescriptive Authority’.
Please refer to FAQ # 2 and #17 (under section B) for additional information.

 

25. What if I had an address change which I did not provide to LSBN and I'm worried that I was chosen for the CE/nursing practice audit?

 

The notification letter of the CE/nursing practice audit is sent to the email address of record, which is your username in the Nurse Portal.  Check that email address for the notification letter.
Log into your nurse portal account and send a message in the message center if you wish to ask staff and confirm if you were selected for the audit, which occurs on or around March following the completion of the renewal season, which ends January 31st.
LAC XLVII.3333.A.1 states:
An individual shall notify the board of:
1. change of address which includes a physical address and email address. Notify the office of the board by submitting changes in the individual’s online, electronic account within 30 days if a change of physical and/or email address has occurred
LAC XLVII.3335.I.2.e. states:
Audit of Licensees.
Failure to notify the board of a current mailing address will not absolve the licensee from the audit requirement.
All actively licensed nurses are required to maintain current contact information on file with LSBN.  If you’ve had a change of address, log into the nurse portal (https://lsbn.boardsofnursing.org/lsbn) and select “Manage Profile”.  Your email address of record is your username.

 

26. How will I know the outcome of my CE/nursing practice audit?

 

After all required audit documents have been fully reviewed by LSBN staff, a message will be sent to the nurses selected for the audit regarding their audit outcome through the message center in the Nurse Portal (https://lsbn.boardsofnursing.org/lsbn).The email address LSBN has on file for you is your username in the Nurse Portal.
Audit documents are reviewed in the order received at the LSBN office. To help expedite the review process, board staff encourages nurses selected for the audit to follow the instructions on the notification letter sent to licensees notifying them of their selection for the audit and follow the instructions on the required forms. See FAQ #17 for links to the forms. In addition, if you wish to confirm that your documents were received in the LSBN office, send mail to LSBN using a delivery service that provides you with a tracking number.
If you are meeting requirements for relicensure by submission of CE certificates, remember to self-audit all certificates carefully to ensure all required information is printed on each prior to submission. (Click here to view sample CE certificates for your self-audit).  Multiple CE certificates that award a partial contact hour value will take longer to review and may delay the nurse receiving notification of the audit outcome.