Healthy Communities

ASBN - Military

Introduction

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) is committed to honoring the service of active and reserve uniformed service members, uniformed service veterans and their families. ASBN recognizes that these individuals experience unique challenges during the nursing licensure process. We strive to enhance the licensure process by streamlining certain services to qualified individuals. Several licensure support services are offered once all required documents are received; services include but are not limited to expedited temporary permit licensure and preferential processing during the issuance of a permanent license.

The information listed on this site identifies additional support services to assist in understanding the laws associated with respective military designation, streamlining licensure process, obtaining Arkansas licensure, and availability of other important resources.


Military Designation

In addition to the information listed on this page, click the respective link below for information related to an individual’s specific military designation status.


Associated Arkansas Nurse Practice Act (NPA) & Rules

As mandated by Act 135 of 2021, Act 820 of the 2019, and Act 248 of the 2017 Arkansas legislative sessions, the ASBN has adopted rules to assist active and reserve uniformed service members, uniformed service veterans, and their spouses in obtaining nursing licensure.

Note: An Arkansas uniformed service member nurse that is being deployed outside the state can upload to nurse portal account, a request for review of expiration date extension and waiver of continuing education requirements. Also upload deployment orders.

Click here to access Arkansas NPA & Rules in their entirety.


Licensure Portability Between States

In order to practice nursing in Arkansas, an individual is required to be licensed. Arkansas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC allows for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to have one multistate license, with the privilege to practice physically, electronically, or telephonically in both their home state (Primary State of Residence or PSOR) and other states that have joined the NLC. APRNs are not issued a license under the NLC.

There is specific licensure information that should be reviewed:


Educational Opportunities

Resources

Active and reserve uniformed service members, uniformed service veterans and their spouse can find helpful information using the links below.

Public Health Accrediation Board
Arkansas Department of Health
© 2017 Arkansas Department of Health. All Rights Reserved. www.healthy.arkansas.gov
4815 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205-3867
1-800-462-0599