Healthy Communities

COVID-19 Recursos en Español

Para protegerse y proteger a los demás, el ADH recomienda:

Pruebas

Si tienen fiebre, tos, o dificultad para respirar o si cree que ha estado expuesto a COVID-19, llame anticipadamente a su médico o solicite una cita para hacerse la prueba en la Unidad Local de Salud. Las pruebas están disponibles.

De clic aquí para ver el calendario de eventos programados donde se harán pruebas alrededor del estado.

Use el mapa que se encuentra abajo para encontrar un lugar que ofrece pruebas cerca de usted. En las Unidades Locales de Salud, las cuales se encuentran marcadas en rojo, las pruebas son gratuitas y no se requiere tener seguro médico. Llame primero para hacer una cita.

 

Actualización del estatus

Haga clic aquí para un ver un mapa que detalla la última información de casos en Arkansas. “Total COVID-19 Cases” refiere el número total de casos en todo el estado. “Active cases” son los casos que están actualmente activos. “Recoveries” muestra el número de personas que se han recuperado. “Deaths” muestra el número de personas que han muerto por COVID-19. También puede hacer clic en cualquier condado para tener más información acerca del área.

Directivas

Una lista completa de directivas de ADH está disponible haciendo clic aquí, pero las que se enumeran a continuación están disponibles en español. Haga clic en cualquiera de ellas para obtener todos los detalles.

Recursos

Haga clic en cualquiera de los siguientes enlaces para obtener más información sobre el tema.

10 maneras de manejar los síntomas respiratorios en casa
Cómo usar las cubiertas de tela para la cara
Ayuda a protegerte a ti y a los demás del COVID 19
Síntomas del coronavirus
Qué puede hacer si tiene un mayor riesgo de enfermarse gravemente por el COVID-19
Lo que usted debe saber acerca del COVID-19 para protegerse y proteger a los demás
Detenga la propagación de gérmenes
Lo que significan los resultados de su prueb

 

Videos

 

 

ADH Event Plan Submission

COVID-19 Contact Tracing

What is contact tracing?
Contact tracing is how public health officials track the spread of an infectious disease outbreak. When a patient is confirmed to have an illness, they isolate themselves to prevent further spread of that illness. Public health staff help those who have been infected recall where they have been and with whom they had close contact while they were infectious. Those “contacts” are contacted by public health staff and asked to quarantine themselves to stop further spread of the illness.

Who is considered a contact?


Contact tracing focuses on close contacts while a positive patient was infectious. The infectious period begins 48 hours before the patient’s symptoms began. If the person with COVID-19 never developed symptoms, the infectious period begins the 48 hours before the positive test was collected. A person is considered a close contact if they have been within 6 feet of the patient for at least 15 minutes. If a person is thought to be a close contact, then a contact tracer will give them a call. If the exposure wasn’t within 6 feet, if it didn’t last 15 minutes or more, or if it occurred before the infectious period, that person would not be considered a close contact and will not receive a phone call from a contact tracer.

What if I am a contact to a person with COVID-19?
If you have had close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19, you will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. A quarantine of 14 days is needed because you may develop COVID-19 anytime during the virus’s incubation period, which is 14 days. If you work in a critical infrastructure job, it may be possible for you to still work while under quarantine. The Arkansas Department of Health will coordinate such arrangements with your employer.

In addition, you will be encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible – in case you already have COVID-19 but don’t have any symptoms yet. You will still be required to complete the 14 days of quarantine, even if your test comes back negative, because you could still develop the illness later in the quarantine period.

When will I receive a call?
ADH contact tracers reach out to COVID-19 patients shortly after a positive test result is confirmed in order to learn about the patient’s close contacts. The contact tracer then calls each of the close contacts to inform them about their exposure to COVID-19 and give them instructions about how to quarantine. The goal is to reach the close contacts within a day or two after the positive test result is received. Sometimes it takes longer.

What if I never heard from a contact tracer?
You might not hear from a contact tracer if the exposure you had was not enough to put you at increased risk of COVID-19 transmission. For example, the exposure may not have been for at least 15 minutes, or it may have occurred prior to the infectious period. Please email us at ADH.CoronaVirus@arkansas.gov or call us at 1-800-803-7847, if you have not been reached by a contact tracer and you believe you may be a close contact.

What can contact tracers do for close contacts?
Contact tracers reach out to contacts to help them safely quarantine, find alternate arrangements as necessary, and help them get tested for COVID-19, if recommended. The ADH can also help Arkansans with things such as food delivery or alternative housing if they need extra support to safely self-quarantine.

Contact tracers also educate individuals on the need to monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19, and they request permission to enroll the COVID-19-positive person in the SARA (Situational Awareness Response Assistant) Alert system. 

What is SARA Alert?
SARA Alert is an automated system that sends a daily email, text message or automated phone call to individuals identified as a close contact of a COVID-19-positive person. Enrollees are asked if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, and if symptoms are reported, SARA Alert flags the case for follow-up by ADH staff.  SARA Alert also allows the ADH to compile reports for identification of specific areas to target for testing and to provide information for decision-making by state leaders.

Building Arkansas’s Contact Tracing Workforce
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has been engaged in contact tracing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 since the start of the public health emergency. Initially, the ADH started with five contact tracers who focused on high risk groups, such as individuals returning from trips overseas. Currently, there are approximately 200 individuals employed to work on contact tracing efforts. The ADH is also collaborating with non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education and to-date has secured at least 85 volunteers to help with contact tracing. Additionally, the ADH is working to hire a partner to strengthen the state’s contact tracing efforts. The ADH expects to hire 350 additional contact tracers through this partner.

Resources:

 

 
 

 

ACC Chest Pain MI Registry Performance Awards

2019

Hospital Level
Baxter Regional Medical Center Silver
Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas Silver
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital Platinum
St. Bernards Medical Center Silver

ASBN - Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance Guidelines for APRNs

APRNs with prescriptive authority must have in place a written quality assurance plan by which patient care is evaluated and quality is maintained by the APRN.

Plan must:

Examples of Quality Assurance measures (not an inclusive list – you may have other measures)

ASBN - Collaborative Practice

Guidelines for Collaborative Practice Agreements

An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with Prescriptive Authority must have a current updated Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) on file with the Board of Nursing. APRNs should keep their original CPA and submit a copy (PDF) to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) through the nurse portal message center. The APRN is responsible for ensuring this requirement is met. After review of any new CPA, the APRN will be contacted through the nurse portal that the CPA has been approved and in effect or it has been denied and the reason for the denial.

The APRN must notify the Board in writing within seven (7) days after the CPA is terminated. If the Board does not have a current CPA on file, the APRN’s Prescriptive Authority will be inactivated. When a new CPA has been approved by Board staff, Prescriptive Authority is reactivated.

The Collaborative Practice Agreement must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must be complete and legible.
  2. The collaborating physician must have a current AR license to practice under the Medical Practice Act, § 17-95-201. The collaborating physician must also have an unrestricted DEA registration number for APRNs who prescribe controlled substances.
  3. The collaborating physician must have training within the scope, specialty, or expertise of the APRN’s practice/specialty.
  4. Must include a statement that “APRN’s prescribing will be limited to the area of educational preparation and certification.”
  5. Provision addressing availability of the collaborating physician for consultation and/or referral.
  6. Method of management of the collaborative practice (include a statement regarding protocols for Prescriptive Authority)
  7. Plans for coverage of the health care needs of the patient in the emergency absence of the APRN or collaborating physician.
  8. Provision for quality assurance (attach a separate Quality Assurance Plan that has been signed by the APRN and the collaborating physician).
  9. Signatures with dates of both the APRN and the collaborating physician.
  10. If signatures are on a separate sheet from the agreement, a statement indicating that there is mutual agreement to the terms and conditions of the CPA must be included on the signature page (so that it is clear what the signature indicates).
  11. License numbers and certification specialties of both the APRN and the collaborating physician.
  12. Address and phone number of the APRN’s and physician’s practice site(s).

A sample Collaborative Practice Agreement that meets the ASBN's criteria is located under the Adv. Practice tab.  If requesting expressed permission for writing controlled substances, the APRN and collaborative physician must both initial the requested category of controlled substances.

 

Collaborative Practice Agreement for DATA2000 Waiver

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with Prescriptive Authority must have a current updated Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) on file with the Board of Nursing. APRNs should keep their original CPA and provide the Board with a copy submitted via the Arkansas Nurse Portal. The APRN is responsible for ensuring this requirement is met.

The APRN must notify the Board in writing within seven (7) days after the CPA is terminated. If the Board does not have a current CPA on file, the APRN’s Prescriptive Authority will be inactivated. When a new CPA has been approved by Board staff, Prescriptive Authority is reactivated. After approval of any new CPA, the APRN will be contacted by mail that the CPA has been approved and in effect.

The Collaborative Practice Agreement must meet the following criteria:

1.     Must be complete and legible.

2.     The collaborating physician(s) must have a current AR license to practice under the Medical Practice Act, § 17-95-201. The collaborating physician(s) must also have an unrestricted DEA             registration number for APRNs who prescribe controlled substances.

3.     The collaborating physician’s practice must be comparable in scope, specialty, or expertise to that of the APRN’s practice/specialty.

4.     Must include a statement that “APRN’s prescribing will be limited to the area of educational preparation and certification.”

5.     Statement authorizing the APRN to request a DATA 2000 Waiver from the DEA and attests the collaborative physician associated with this agreement is the holder of a DATA 2000 Waiver.

6.     Provision addressing availability of the collaborating physician(s) for consultation and/or referral.

7.     Method of management of the collaborative practice (include a statement regarding protocols for Prescriptive Authority).

8.     Plans for coverage of the health care needs of the patient in the emergency absence of the APRN or collaborating physician(s).

9.     Provision for quality assurance (attach the Quality Assurance Plan that has been signed by the APRN and the collaborating physicians).

10.    Signatures of both the APRN and the collaborating physician(s).

11.    If signatures are on a separate sheet from the agreement, a statement indicating that there is mutual agreement to the terms and conditions of the CPA must be included on the signature page (so that it is clear what the signature indicates).

12.    License numbers and certification specialties of both the APRN and the collaborating physician(s).

13.    Address and phone number of the APRN’s and physician’s practice site(s).

14.    Do not attach the instructions.

ASBN - Adv Practice RN Initial

Initial Licensure by Exam

Information & Application Process

If you are applying for an Arkansas APRN license and you DO NOT already hold APRN licensure in another state(s), after reading this information, select the link at the bottom of this webpage. This will direct you to the Arkansas Nurse Portal.

The Arkansas Nurse Portal will enable you to create a user profile account which is a prerequisite to the application process. A valid personal email address rather than a work email is preferable. The nurse portal is also accessed by going to the Nurse Portal.

In order to expedite your license application process, there are specific documents and data which should be readily on hand. First, proceed to www.nursys.com. Select the Quick confirm tab. Scroll down and select “I agree”. Enter the requested information and download the view report. Print the information. This will supply your complete licensing history.

You will also need to access your educational history to include the date of graduation for each degree completed. The month and year will suffice for the date of completion.

You should have a copy of your national certification on hand to include the date of original licensure, current issue date, and expiration date. The certificate will need to be uploaded as requested (pdf). If you have not taken your certification at this point, you may skip this but your license will not be issued until the official proof of certification is received by the Board.

Complete and submit the licensure application along with associated fees. There is a nominal fee for online processing that will be included in the final total. Payment of associated fees may be made by credit card or E-check and are paid within the online process prior to submission of the application. Print the final payment screen as this will have a number that is necessary for applying for your criminal background check.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

State and federal background checks are required in order to complete your application. These results are only valid for the 12 months. If already on file with ASBN and current (less than one year) you may forego this step. Otherwise you must utilize the criminal background check (CBC) instructions on the ASBN website. Background checks from other agencies will not be accepted.

The federal CBC requires either:

Fees associated with conduction of the state and federal criminal background checks are at the applicant's expense and are paid within the CBC process.

You will need to print a copy of the payment page (Payment Summary) for your records. IMPORTANT: You will need the INA Search number that is located on the Payment Summary to include on your fingerprint card. It is also used in the Live Scan process.  The CBC information is found here.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT

Contact the university/college where you completed your APRN program and have them send an official transcript to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN), ATTN: APRN Department, 1123 S. University Ave., Suite #800, Little Rock, AR 72204.

CERTIFICATION VERIFICATION

Have your certification agency submit verification that you passed the certification exam. Verification information should be mailed directly to the ASBN address above or emailed to Ellen Harwell, Licensing Coordinator, at eharwell@arsbn.org

LICENSE VERIFICATION INFORMATION

RN Licensure Verification

To be licensed as an APRN in Arkansas, you must hold both RN (Arkansas or compact state) and APRN licenses. To apply for an Arkansas RN license, go to www.arsbn.org

If you hold current RN licensure in Arkansas, skip this section.
If you hold RN licensure in a state that is NOT a compact state (does not participate in the Compact State Agreement), you must also apply for an Arkansas RN license.
If you hold RN licensure in a compact state (other than Arkansas), you must submit verification of your RN licensure by logging on to https://www.nursys.com. Choose Nurse License Verification for Endorsement. Submit a verification request.

 TEMPORARY PERMIT INFORMATION 

If you would like a temporary permit, select this during the application process. There is an additional nonrefundable fee. In order to be eligible for a temporary permit, you must have your APRN program submit an official transcript showing your degree and APRN role/specialty, a clear federal and Arkansas state criminal background check result (no violations of ACA 17-87-312), and verification of your eligibility to sit for your respective certification exam.
The temporary permit is valid up to six months, is nonrenewable, and does NOT apply to prescriptive authority.
The temporary permit becomes invalid if the applicant fails their respective certification exam. Upon receipt of the verification of certification, the temporary permit will be voided and the full APRN license will be issued.
To verify confirmation of a temporary permit or full license being issued, log onto www.nursys.com and follow the instructions for the Quick Confirm access.

PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY

You do not automatically receive Prescriptive Authority with the issuance of your APRN license. The application process for Prescriptive Authority must be completed.

You may apply online for Prescriptive Authority which is included at the end of your APRN application or you may request prescriptive authority at a later time ( if you are not employed, therefore do not have a CPA or QA plan). Prescriptive Authority includes an additional fee.

Eligibility guidelines are located here Prescriptive Authority or by selecting this link - Chapter 4 - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.

IN ADDITION TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION, you are required to submit two items:

Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA), and
Quality Assurance (QA) Plan.

These documents should be uploaded into your application and also mailed or faxed to the ASBN, 1123 S. University Ave., Suite #800, Little Rock, AR 72204, Attention: APRN Dept., or faxing to 501.686.2714, Attention: APRN Dept. Both documents must be signed by the APRN and the collaborating physician(s).

Feel free to make changes to accommodate the agreement between you and your collaborating physician however, certain required criteria must be included in these documents. You are welcome to use the examples provided on our website (under the Adv. Practice tab) or by selecting the following links:

Collaborative Practice Guidelines for APRNs 

Quality Assurance Plans for APRNs

Prescribing protocols

APRNs with Prescriptive Authority must have prescriptive protocols (indications for and classifications of legend and controlled substances medications). You should modify the example provided to meet your specialty as this is a generic form.

Do not submit prescriptive protocols to the ASBN unless requested. They must be reviewed and approved yearly.

Examples and more information is located on the ASBN website under the Adv. Practice tab or by selecting the following link - Prescriptive Protocol Guidelines for APRNs

DEA APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Do not apply for a DEA certificate until you receive full APRN licensure and a Prescriptive Authority Certificate number.

If you plan to prescribe Schedules III - V controlled substances, you must apply for a DEA #. Directions for applying for a DEA # are provided on our website under the Adv. Practice tab, DEA registration link. Submit a copy of your DEA # card to the ASBN once received.

If you have requested expressed authority to request Schedule II hydrocodone combination products, you must use the appropriate CPA. You will see Schedule II on the DEA certificate but you are limited to hydrocodone combination products.

TO BEGIN THE ONLINE APPLICATION FOR APRN LICENSURE, SELECT THE FOLLOWING LINK:

Nurse Portal

ASBN - Adv. Practice Endorsement


APPLICATION PROCESS

If you are applying for an Arkansas APRN license and you already hold APRN licensure in another state(s), after reading this information, select the link at the bottom of this webpage.  This will direct you to the Arkansas Nurse Portal.

The Arkansas Nurse Portal will enable you to create a user profile account, which is a prerequisite to the application process.  A valid personal email address rather than a work email is preferable.  The nurse portal is also accessed at www.arsbn.org  

In order to expedite your license application process, there are specific documents and data which should be readily on hand.  First, proceed to nursys.com.  Select the Quick confirm tab.  Scroll down and select, "I agree."  Enter the requested information and download the view report.  Print the information.  This will supply your complete licensing history.

You will also need to access your complete educational history to include the date of graduation for each degree completed.  The month and year will suffice for the date of completion.

You should have a copy of your national certification on hand to include the date of original licensure, current issue date and expiration date.  The certificate will need to be uploaded as requested (pdf).

All endorsement applications must have a notarized copy of the forms Verification of Practice Hours and Verification of Prescribing Hours.  They must be on company letterhead.

Complete and submit the licensure application, along with associated fees. There is a nominal fee for online processing that will be included in the final total. Payment of associated fees may be made by credit card and are paid within the online process prior to submission of the application.  Print the final payment screen as this will have anumber that is necessary for applying for your criminal background check.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

State and federal background checks are required to complete your application.  These results are only valid for 12 months.  If already on file with ASBN and current (less than one year) you may forego this step.  Otherwise you must utilize the criminal background check (CBC) instructions on the ASBN website.  Background checks from other agencies will not be accepted.

The federal CBC requires either:

  1. Completion of a fingerprint card supplied through ASBN and submission of the card to the Arkansas State Police, or
  2. Completion of this process through Arkansas Live Scan fingerprint scanning.

Fees associated with conduction of the state and federal criminal background checks are at the applicants expense and are paid within the CBC process.   

You will need to print a copy of the payment page (Payment Summary) for your records. IMPORTANT:  You will need the INA Search number that is located on the Payment Summary to include on your fingerprint card.  It is also used in the Live Scan Process.  The CBC information is found here.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT

Contact the university/college where you completed your APRN program and have them mail an official transcript to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN), Attn:  APRN Department, 1123 S. University Ave., Suite 800, Little Rock, AR  72204

CERTIFICATION VERIFICATION

Have your certification agency submit verification that you passed the certification exam. Verification information should be mailed by the agency directly to the ASBN address above or emailed to Ellen Harwell, Licensing Coordinator, at eharwell@arsbn.org

LICENSE VERIFICATION INFORMATION

RN Licensure Verification 

To be licensed as an APRN in Arkansas, you must hold both RN (Arkansas or compact state) and APRN licenses.

If you hold RN licensure in a compact state (other than Arkansas), you must submit verification of your RN licensure by logging on to https://www.nursys.com. Choose Nurse License Verification for Endorsement. Submit a verification request. A fee is required.

If you hold RN licensure in a state that is NOT a compact state (does not participate in the Compact State Agreement), you must apply for an Arkansas RN license. To apply for an Arkansas RN license, go to www.arsbn.org

TEMPORARY PERMIT INFORMATION

PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY

You do not automatically receive Prescriptive Authority with the issuance of your APRN license. The application process for Prescriptive Authority must be completed.

You may apply online for Prescriptive Authority which is included at the end of your APRN application or you may request prescriptive authority at a later time (if you are not employed, therefore do not have a CPA or QA plan). Prescriptive Authority includes an additional fee.

Eligibility guidelines are located at: here Section VIII Prescriptive Authority or by selecting this link - Chapter 4 - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.

IN ADDITION TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION, you are required to submit three (3) items:

  1. Notarized verification of prescribing hours in last one (1) year,
  2. Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA), and
  3. Quality Assurance (QA) Plan.

These documents should be uploaded into your application and also mailed or faxed to the ASBN, 1123 S. University Ave., Suite #800, Little Rock, AR 72204, Attention: APRN Dept., or faxing to 501.686.2714, Attention: APRN Dept. Both documents must be signed by the APRN and the collaborating physician(s).

Feel free to make changes to accommodate the CPA between you and your collaborating physician however, certain required criteria must be included in these documents. You are welcome to use the examples provided on our website (under the Adv. Practice tab) or by selecting the following links:

Collaborative Practice Guidelines for APRNs 

Quality Assurance Plans for APRNs

Prescribing protocols

APRNs with Prescriptive Authority must have prescriptive protocols (indications for and classifications of legend and controlled substances medications). You must modify the example provided to meet your specialty as this is a generic form.

Do not submit prescriptive protocols to the ASBN unless requested. They must be reviewed and approved yearly.

Examples and more information is located on the ASBN website under the Adv. Practice tab or by selecting the following link - Prescriptive Protocol Guidelines for APRNs

DEA APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Do not apply for a DEA certificate until you receive full APRN licensure and a Prescriptive Authority Certificate number.

If you plan to prescribe Schedules III - V controlled substances, you must apply for a DEA certificate. Directions for applying for a DEA certificate are provided on our website under the Adv. Practice tab, DEA registration link. Submit a copy of your DEA card to the ASBN once received.

If you have requested expressed authority to request Schedule II hydrocodone combination products, you must use the appropriate CPA. You will see Schedule II on the DEA certificate but you are limited to hydrocodone combination products.

TO BEGIN THE ONLINE APPLICATION FOR APRN LICENSURE, SELECT THE FOLLOWING LINK:

Nurse Portal

ASBN - LPTN Endorsement

Licensure by endorsement application is for a nurse who holds an LPTN license in another state and is applying for licensure in Arkansas for the same license type; has no previous Arkansas LPTN license. LPTN applicants are accepted from Kansas and California only.

It is NOT an application for new graduates that wish to apply for initial licensure by examination. It is NOT an application for endorsement of another license type (LPN, RN) or renewal of an Arkansas license.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the application process. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online system as you progress through the application process.

General Instructions

The following 1 – 5 is required:

1. Application for Licensure by LPTN Endorsement Information

ASBN Application

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

2. Fee Information

3. License Verification Information

4. Verification of Employment Information

5. Criminal Background Check Information

6. Temporary Permit Information

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION

ASBN - RN Internationally Educated Endorsement

This License Application is for applicants educated outside the United States who hold a license in another jurisdiction and is applying for licensure in Arkansas jurisdiction for the same license type.

It is NOT an application for renewal or examination.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the application process. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online system as you progress through the application process.

General Instructions

The following 1- 6 is required:

1. Application for Licensure by Endorsement Information

ASBN Application

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

 2. Fee Information

3. Credentialing Agency Review Information

NOTE: The CES must be current with the credentialing agency.

4.  License Verification Information 

5.  Verification of Employment Information

6. Criminal Background Check Information

7. Temporary Permit Information

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION

ASBN - RN Endorsement

This License Application by endorsement is for a nurse who holds a license in another jurisdiction and is applying for licensure in Arkansas jurisdiction for the same license type.

It is NOT an application for new graduates that wish to apply for initial licensure by examination. It is NOT an application for renewal of an Arkansas license.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the application process. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online system as you progress through the application process.

General Instructions

The following 1 – 5 is required:

1. Application for Licensure by Endorsement Information

ASBN Application

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

a) driver’s license with a home address;
b) federal income tax return with a primary state of residence declaration;
c) voter registration card with a home address;
d) military form no. 2058 (state of legal residence certificate); or
e) W2 form from the United States government or any bureau, division, or agency thereof, indicating residence.

2. Fee Information

3. License Verification Information

4. Verification of Employment Information

In accordance with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Rules, a nurse who is an applicant for licensure by endorsement who has not been engaged in the active practice of nursing for a period greater than five (5) years shall document completion of the following: 

a. Completion of an Arkansas board approved refresher course within one (1) year of the date of application; or
b. Graduation from an approved nursing education program within one year of the date of application; and
c. Provide other evidence as requested by the Board.

5. Criminal Background Check Information

6. Temporary Permit Information

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION

ASBN - LPN Endorsement

This License Application by endorsement is for a nurse who holds a license in another jurisdiction and is applying for licensure in Arkansas jurisdiction for the same license type.

It is NOT an application for new graduates that wish to apply for initial licensure by examination. It is NOT an application for renewal of an Arkansas license.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the application process. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online system as you progress through the application process.

General Instructions

The following 1 – 5 is required:

1.  Application for Licensure by Endorsement Information

ASBN Application

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

a) driver’s license with a home address;
b) federal income tax return with a primary state of residence declaration;
c) voter registration card with a home address;
d) military form no. 2058 (state of legal residence certificate); or
e) W2 form from the United States government or any bureau, division, or agency thereof, indicating residence.

2. Fee Information

3. License Verification Information

4. Verification of Employment Information

a. Completion of an Arkansas board approved refresher course within one (1) year of the date of application; or
b. Graduation from an approved nursing education program within one year of the date of application; and
c. Provide other evidence as requested by the Board.

5. Criminal Background Check Information

6. Temporary Permit Information

 CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION

ASBN - RNP Renewal On Time

This application is for nurses who wish to renew an existing Arkansas license/certificate. It is NOT an application for new graduate initial licensure or endorsement of a license from another state.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the renewal application process. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online renewal system as you progress through the renewal process

General Instructions

1.  ASBN Renewal Application

2.  Fee Information

Continuing Education Compliance Information

A nurse that holds an active Arkansas license is required to complete certain continuing education requirements prior to licensure renewal.

There is a specific question within the renewal application that will ask you to affirm that you “have met the continuing education requirements during the 24 months immediately preceding the renewal date (current renewal cycle)”.

Requirements for licensees who hold an active nursing license include one of the following:

If you are using the contact hour option for compliance, the renewal application no longer requires that you specifically list information about each continuing education course that you have taken and you do not upload your certificates in the message center.

Click here for additional CE information 

Refer to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Rules Chapter 2, Section VII for complete CE information.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT RENEWAL APPLICATION

ASBN - APRN Renewal On Time

This application is for nurses who wish to renew an existing Arkansas APRN license. It is NOT an application for new graduate initial licensure or endorsement of a license from another state.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the renewal application process. Read the instruction and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online renewal system as you progress through the renewal process

General Instructions

1.  APRN Renewal Application

2.  Fee Information

3.  APRN Licensure Requirements Include:

a. Two (2) of the five (5) hours must contain information related to maintaining professional boundaries, and the prescribing rules, regulation and laws that apply to APRNs in Arkansas. The link to this MANDATORY course is located on the ASBN website at www.arsbn.org. Click on the Advanced Practice tab and then click the Continuing Education Mandatory button.
b. If it is your first renewal since issuance Prescriptive Authority, you must take an additional 1 credit hour of continuing education related to prescription use and abuse. The link to this MANDATORY course is located on the ASBN website at www.arsbn.org. Click on the Advanced Practice tab and then click the Continuing Education Mandatory button.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT RENEWAL APPLICATION

ASBN - RN Renewal On Time

RN Renewal Application - On Time Information

This application is for nurses who wish to renew an existing Arkansas license. It is NOT an application for new graduate initial licensure or endorsement of a license from another state.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the renewal application process. Read the instruction and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online renewal system as you progress through the renewal process

General Instructions

1.  ASBN Renewal Application

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

2. Fee Information

Continuing Education Compliance Information

A nurse who holds an active Arkansas license is required to complete certain continuing education requirements prior to licensure renewal.

There is a specific question within the renewal application that will ask you to affirm that you “have met the continuing education requirements during the 24 months immediately preceding the renewal date (current renewal cycle)”.

Requirements for licensees who hold an active nursing license include one of the following:

If you are using the contact hour option for compliance, the renewal application no longer requires that you specifically list information about each continuing education course that you have taken and you do not upload your certificates in the message center.

Click here for additional CE information 

Refer to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Rules Chapter 2, Section VII for complete CE information.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT RENEWAL APPLICATION

ASBN - LPTN Renewal On Time

This application is for nurses who wish to renew an existing Arkansas license/certificate. It is NOT an application for new graduate initial licensure or endorsement of a license from another state.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the renewal application process. Read the instruction and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online renewal system as you progress through the renewal process

General Instructions

1.  ASBN Renewal Application

2.  Fee Information

Continuing Education Compliance Information

A nurse who holds an active Arkansas license is required to complete certain continuing education requirements prior to licensure renewal.

There is a specific question within the renewal application that will ask you to affirm that you “have met the continuing education requirements during the 24 months immediately preceding the renewal date (current renewal cycle)”.

Requirements for licensees who hold an active nursing license include one of the following:

If you are using the contact hour option for compliance, the renewal application no longer requires that you specifically list information about each continuing education course that you have taken and you do not upload your certificates in the message center.

Click here for additional CE information 

Refer to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Rules Chapter 2, Section VII for complete CE information

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT  RENEWAL APPLICATION

ASBN - LPN Renewal On Time

This application is for nurses who wish to renew an existing Arkansas license. It is NOT an application for new graduate initial licensure or endorsement of a license from another state.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the renewal application process. Read the instruction and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online renewal system as you progress through the renewal process

General Instructions

1.  ASBN Renewal Application

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

2.  Fee Information

Continuing Education Compliance Information

A nurse who holds an active Arkansas license is required to complete certain continuing education requirements prior to licensure renewal.

There is a specific question within the renewal application that will ask you to affirm that you “have met the continuing education requirements during the 24 months immediately preceding the renewal date (current renewal cycle)”.

Requirements for licensees who hold an active nursing license include one of the following:

If you are using the contact hour option for compliance, the renewal application no longer requires that you specifically list information about each continuing education course that you have taken and you do not upload your certificates in the message center.

Click here for additional CE information 

Refer to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Rules Chapter 2, Section VII for complete CE information

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT  RENEWAL APPLICATION

ASBN - RN Internationally Educated

This License Application is for applicants educated outside the United States, its' territories, or Canada who wish to apply for initial licensure by examination. It is NOT an application for renewal or endorsement of a license from another state.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the application process.Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Applicants must complete the application process for both Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) and Pearson VUE to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX®). Additional instructions are located within the online system as you progress through the application process.

General Instructions

The following 1- 5 is required:

1. State Application for Licensure Information

 ASBN Application

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

2. Fee Information

3. Credentialing Agency Review Information

4. Pearson VUE Registration/NCLEX Information

When you receive the letter of completion from verifying credentialing agency, you may register with Pearson VUE, the testing vendor, for the NCLEX RN.

5. Criminal Background Check Information same time to do application

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION

ASBN - LPN Equivalency Initial by Exam

To qualify for taking the NCLEX -PN via the equivalency provision, the applicant must meet the following:

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the application process. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Applicants must complete the application process for both Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) and Pearson VUE to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX®). Additional instructions are located within the online system as you progress through the application process.

General Instructions

The following 1- 6 is required:

1. State Application for Licensure Information

 ASBN Application

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

2. Fee Information

3. Transcript Information

4. Scope of Practice Licensed Practical Nurse Overview and Behaviors course Information

5. Pearson VUE Registration/NCLEX Information

https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex-application-and-registration.htm

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION

ASBN - RN/LPN Rewrite

This License Application by examination is for applicants that have previously failed the NCLEX® – PN or NCLEX® – RN. It is NOT an application for renewal or endorsement of a license from another state.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the application process. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Applicants must complete the application process for both Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) and Pearson VUE to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX®). Additional instructions are located within the online system as you progress through the application process.

General Instructions

The following 1- 5 is required:

1. State Application for Licensure Information

ASBN Application

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

2. Fee Information

ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
You will receive a payment receipt by email which should be printed as proof of payment.

3. Affidavit of Graduation Information

4. Pearson VUE Registration/NCLEX Information

5. Criminal Background Check Information

6. Temporary Permit Information

7. Licensure Information

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION

ASBN - RN Initial by Exam

This License Application is for new graduates that wish to apply for initial licensure by examination. It is NOT an application for renewal or endorsement of a license from another state.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the application process. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Applicants must complete the application process for both Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) and Pearson VUE to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX®). Additional instructions are located within the online system as you progress through the application process.

General Instructions

The following 1- 5 is required:

1. State Application for Licensure Information

 ASBN Application

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

2. Fee Information

3. Affidavit of Graduation Information

4. Pearson VUE Registration/NCLEX Information

5. Criminal Background Check Information

6. Temporary Permit Information

7. Licensure Information

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION

ASBN - LPN Initial by exam

This License Application is for new graduates that wish to apply for initial licensure by examination. It is NOT an application for renewal or endorsement of a license from another state.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the application process. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Applicants must complete the application process for both Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) and Pearson VUE to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX®). Additional instructions are located within the online system as you progress through the application process.

General Instructions

The following 1- 5 is required:

1.  State Application for Licensure Information

ASBN Application

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

2. Fee Information

ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
You will receive a payment receipt by email which should be printed as proof of payment.

3. Affidavit of Graduation Information

4. Pearson VUE Registration/NCLEX Information

5. Criminal Background Check Information

6. Temporary Permit Information

7. Licensure Information

An official transcript must be submitted to the ASBN office prior to release of your examination results and issuance of a license. This must come directly from your nursing program. In accordance with the ASBN Rules, a transcript shall reflect:

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION

ASBN - Licensure by Examination

Welcome to Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the application process. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX®) is a computer adaptive exam designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities of the entry-level practitioner.  Passage of the exam is a part of the process used by Boards of Nursing when determining eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

THE FIRST STEP in application submission is to create an account in the Arkansas Nurse Portal.

Click HERE to view video for instructions on CREATION OF AN ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL ACCOUNT.

Once you have created your Nurse Portal account, sign in to your Nurse Portal account to submit an application.  

Once you have submitted an application, you may monitor the status of your application by accessing your Nurse Portal account and clicking on view status.

Click HERE to view video for instruction on How to Check Application Status.

Disclaimer: The ASBN may deny licensure to candidates who have had a license revoked, suspended, or placed on probation and may not be reinstated in other jurisdictions. The ASBN may also deny licensure to candidates who have been convicted of a crime.  

LICENSURE APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION INFORMATION
For more information about a specific application, click on the respective application name listed below. 

LPN Initial by Exam Application Information
Initial licensure by examination application based on the NCLEX-PN, for first-time applicants educated in the United States.

RN Initial by Exam Application Information
Initial licensure by examination application based on the NCLEX-RN, for first-time applicants educated in the United States.

RN/LPN Rewrite Application Information
Initial licensure by examination application for applicants that have previously failed the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN.

LPN Equivalency Initial by Exam Application Information
LPN Equivalency examination application is for applicants that have failed the NCLEX-RN and want to test for LPN licensure.

RN Internationally Educated Application Information
Initial licensure by examination application, based on the NCLEX-RN, for applicants educated outside the United States, its' territories, or Canada

ASBN - eNotify

Nursys® e-Notify is an innovative nurse licensure notification system. It is developed and provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.  It allows you to receive real-time email notifications about you as a nurse or, if you are an institution, nurses that you employ.  The system provides publicly available discipline data directly to you automatically as the data is entered into the Nursys database without you needing to proactively seek the information.  Learn more and subscribe to Nursys e-Notify by visiting www.nursys.com.  For more information contact nursysenotify@ncsbn.org.

Free Service

The service is offered to you free of charge through a partnership with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Easy, Quick and Efficient

Entering yourself or nurses that you employ into Nursys e-Notify is fast and easy.  

Individual Nurse Enrollment

In just a few minutes, you can self-enroll and keep up to date with your professional license(s). Creating an account is quick and easy. You can receive license expiration reminders, status updates on your license and track your nurse license verifications for endorsement.

Self-enroll here and select “As a Nurse” to complete the registration process:  www.nursys.com/e-notify. 

Institution Enrollment

Search the Nursys database for nurses to add to your list, bulk upload your entire nursing staff list and/or connect to and upload directly from your system.  You manage the addition, deletion or deactivation of nurses with just a few easy clicks.

Once you enter your nurses into the Nursys e-Notify system you will receive notification about changes in licensure status as soon as they are made by a board of nursing.  If a nurse’s license is about to expire, the system will alert you and then you can choose to use the system option to send the nurse a reminder.  You will also immediately find out if there has been new disciplinary action or a publicly available nurse alert issued by a board of nursing for your employed nurse. Nursys e-Notify will alert you when changes are made to a nurse’s record including license status, license expirations, license renewal and disciplinary action resolved. You choose how often you receive emails, when and how often you receive nurse licensure status change updates, and when to run your reports.  You can even choose to enter nurse contact information so you can send licensure renewal reminders to them via email or text directly from the system.

Enroll your nurses here and select “As a Institution” to complete the registration process:  www.nursys.com/e-notify. 

Why Nursys e-Notify?

Nursys is the only national database for verification of nurse licensure, discipline and practice privileges for RNs, LPN/VNs and APRNs. Nursys e-Notify provides real-time automatic notification of status and discipline changes delivered directly to you.  Nursys e-Notify economically provides you with vital information saving you money and staff time.  

Learn more and subscribe to Nursys e-Notify by visiting www.nursys.com.  For more information contact nursysenotify@ncsbn.org. 

Additional Resources

ASBN - Fees

  RN APRN* RNP* LPN LPTN MA-C
Certificate of Prescriptive Authority, APRN --- $160.00 ---

---

 --- ---
Certified Copy of Records $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 ---
Duplicate License/Cert $30.00 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00
License/Cert By Examination

$100.00

---

---

$100.00

---

 $35.00
License/Cert By Endorsement $125.00

---

---

 $125.00 $100.00 $65.00
Original License

---

 $125.00*

---

---

---

---
License by Examination for International Nurse $200.00

---

---

$200.00

---

---
License/Cert Reinstatement (Late renewal penalty) $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $50.00
License/Cert Renewal

$100.00

 $65.00* $40.00* $90.00 $90.00 $40.00
License Certification/Verification • $30.00

$30.00

$30.00

• $30.00

$30.00

$30.00
PN Equivalency Examination

---

---

---

 $100.00

---

---
Reinstatement Form Inactive Status** $10.00 + license renewal $10.00 + license renewal $10.00 + license renewal $10.00 + license renewal $10.00 + license renewal $10.00 + license renewal
Retired Nurse License

no fee

no fee

---

no fee

no fee

---
Temporary Permit

$30.00

$30.00

---

$30.00

$30.00

---

* Must also hold a valid RN license
• Provided for jurisdictions outside the USA
 **Documentation of continuing education may be requested

Opening and Maintaining Barbershops and Hair Salons Webinar

Welcome to the Opening and Maintaining Barbershops, Body Art Establishments, Cosmetology Establishments, Massage Therapy Clinics/Spas and Medical Spas during the COVID-19 Pandemic webinar hosted by the Arkansas Department of Health’s Office of Health Equity and Cosmetology and Massage Therapy Section. 

Resources:

ASBN - Licensure Application and Instructions

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Initial Licensure Application and Instructions

Initial Licensure by Exam

Information & Application Process

If you are applying for an Arkansas APRN license and you DO NOT already hold APRN licensure in another state(s), after reading this information, select the link at the bottom of this webpage. This will direct you to the Arkansas Nurse Portal.

The Arkansas Nurse Portal will enable you to create a user profile account which is a prerequisite to the application process. A valid personal email address rather than a work email is preferable. The nurse portal is also accessed by going to www.arsbn.org.

In order to expedite your license application process, there are specific documents and data which should be readily on hand. First, proceed to www.nursys.com. Select the Quick confirm tab. Scroll down and select “I agree”. Enter the requested information and download the view report. Print the information. This will supply your complete licensing history.

You will also need to access your educational history to include the date of graduation for each degree completed. The month and year will suffice for the date of completion.

You should have a copy of your national certification on hand to include the date of original licensure, current issue date, and expiration date. The certificate will need to be uploaded as requested (pdf). If you have not taken your certification at this point, you may skip this but your license will not be issued until the official proof of certification is received by the Board.

Complete and submit the licensure application along with associated fees. There is a nominal fee for online processing that will be included in the final total. Payment of associated fees may be made by credit card or E-check and are paid within the online process prior to submission of the application. Print the final payment screen as this will have a number that is necessary for applying for your criminal background check.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

State and federal background checks are required in order to complete your application. These results are only valid for the 12 months. If already on file with ASBN and current (less than one year) you may forego this step. Otherwise you must utilize the criminal background check (CBC) instructions on the ASBN website. Background checks from other agencies will not be accepted.

The federal CBC requires either:

Completion of a fingerprint card supplied through ASBN and submission of the card to the Arkansas State Police or
Completion of this process through Arkansas Live Scan fingerprint scanning.

Fees associated with conduction of the state and federal criminal background checks are at the applicant's expense and are paid within the CBC process.

You will need to print a copy of the payment page (Payment Summary) for your records. IMPORTANT: You will need the INA Search number that is located on the Payment Summary to include on your fingerprint card. It is also used in the Live Scan process.  The CBC information is found HERE

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT

Contact the university/college where you completed your APRN program and have them send an official transcript to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN), ATTN: APRN Department, 1123 S. University Ave., Suite #800, Little Rock, AR 72204.

CERTIFICATION VERIFICATION

Have your certification agency submit verification that you passed the certification exam. Verification information should be mailed directly to the ASBN address above or emailed to Ellen Harwell, Licensing Coordinator, at eharwell@arsbn.org

LICENSE VERIFICATION INFORMATION

RN Licensure Verification

To be licensed as an APRN in Arkansas, you must hold both RN (Arkansas or compact state) and APRN licenses. To apply for an Arkansas RN license, go HERE

If you hold current RN licensure in Arkansas, skip this section.
If you hold RN licensure in a state that is NOT a compact state (does not participate in the Compact State Agreement), you must also apply for an Arkansas RN license.
If you hold RN licensure in a compact state (other than Arkansas), you must submit verification of your RN licensure by logging on to https://www.nursys.com. Choose Nurse License Verification for Endorsement. Submit a verification request.

 TEMPORARY PERMIT INFORMATION 

If you would like a temporary permit, select this during the application process. There is an additional nonrefundable fee. In order to be eligible for a temporary permit, you must have your APRN program submit an official transcript showing your degree and APRN role/specialty, a clear federal and Arkansas state criminal background check result (no violations of ACA 17-87-312), and verification of your eligibility to sit for your respective certification exam.
The temporary permit is valid up to six months, is nonrenewable, and does NOT apply to prescriptive authority.
The temporary permit becomes invalid if the applicant fails their respective certification exam. Upon receipt of the verification of certification, the temporary permit will be voided and the full APRN license will be issued.
To verify confirmation of a temporary permit or full license being issued, log onto www.nursys.com and follow the instructions for the Quick Confirm access.

PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY

You do not automatically receive Prescriptive Authority with the issuance of your APRN license. The application process for Prescriptive Authority must be completed.

You may apply online for Prescriptive Authority which is included at the end of your APRN application or you may request prescriptive authority at a later time ( if you are not employed, therefore do not have a CPA or QA plan). Prescriptive Authority includes an additional fee.

Eligibility guidelines are located at: www.arsbn.org/Laws & Rules tab/Rules link/Chapter 4 link/Section VIII Prescriptive Authority or by selecting this link - Chapter 4 - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.

IN ADDITION TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION, you are required to submit two items:

Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA), and
Quality Assurance (QA) Plan.

These documents should be uploaded into your application and also mailed or faxed to the ASBN, 1123 S. University Ave., Suite #800, Little Rock, AR 72204, Attention: APRN Dept., or faxing to 501.686.2714, Attention: APRN Dept. Both documents must be signed by the APRN and the collaborating physician(s).

Feel free to make changes to accommodate the agreement between you and your collaborating physician however, certain required criteria must be included in these documents. You are welcome to use the examples provided on our website (under the Adv. Practice tab) or by selecting the following links:

Collaborative Practice Guidelines for APRNs 

Quality Assurance Plans for APRNs

Prescribing protocols

APRNs with Prescriptive Authority must have prescriptive protocols (indications for and classifications of legend and controlled substances medications). You should modify the example provided to meet your specialty as this is a generic form.

Do not submit prescriptive protocols to the ASBN unless requested. They must be reviewed and approved yearly.

Examples and more information is located on the ASBN website under the Adv. Practice tab or by selecting the following link - Prescriptive Protocol Guidelines for APRNs

DEA APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Do not apply for a DEA certificate until you receive full APRN licensure and a Prescriptive Authority Certificate number.

If you plan to prescribe Schedules III - V controlled substances, you must apply for a DEA #. Directions for applying for a DEA # are provided on our website under the Adv. Practice tab, DEA registration link. Submit a copy of your DEA # card to the ASBN once received.

If you have requested expressed authority to request Schedule II hydrocodone combination products, you must use the appropriate CPA. You will see Schedule II on the DEA certificate but you are limited to hydrocodone combination products.

TO BEGIN THE ONLINE APPLICATION FOR APRN LICENS

ASBN - COVID-19

Listed below are Statutes and Rules identified pursuant to the Governor's Executive Order 20-06, as being suspended:

For full citation of statute and/or rule, click here .

The sections highlighted in red below are being suspended.

Ark. Code Ann.

17-87-307. Temporary permits.

(a)

(1) Upon application and payment of the required fee, the Arkansas State Board of Nursing may issue a temporary permit to practice professional, practical, or psychiatric technician nursing to a qualified applicant who has:

(A) Completed a program in professional, practical, or psychiatric technician nursing approved by the appropriate state or national authorizing agency of this state or country and by the appropriate authorizing agency of other states or territories or foreign countries; and

(B) Applied for or is awaiting results of the first examination he or she is eligible to take after the permit is issued.

(2) The permit shall become invalid upon notification to the applicant of the results of the first examination he or she is eligible to take after the permit is issued.

(b)

(1) Upon application and payment of the required fee, the board shall issue a temporary permit to a qualified applicant holding a current professional, practical, or psychiatric technician license from another jurisdiction from any other state or territory awaiting endorsement.

(2) This permit must have an issuance date and an expiration date. The permit shall be valid for no more than six (6) months.

(c)

(1) Upon application and payment of the required fee, an applicant shall be issued a temporary permit to practice advanced practice nursing who has:

(A) Satisfactorily completed an educational program for advanced practice nursing approved by the board; and

(B) Been accepted by the appropriate certification body to sit for the first national certification exam he or she is eligible to take.

17-87-308. Renewal of licenses

(g) As a condition of licensure renewal, an advanced practice registered nurse shall submit proof of current national certification and successful completion of continuing education as required by the board.

ASBN Rules

Chapter 2, Section VII

C.  CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT STANDARDS

1. Standards for Renewal of Active Licensure Status. Licensees who hold an active nursing license shall document completion of one of the following during each renewal period:

a.  Fifteen (15) practice focused contact hours from a nationally recognized or state continuing education approval body recognized by the ASBN; or

b.  Certification or re-certification during the renewal period by a national certifying body recognized by the ASBN; or

c.  An academic course in nursing or related field; and

d.  Provide other evidence as requested by the Board.

e.  Effective January 1, 2010, APRNs with prescriptive authority shall complete five (5) contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics continuing education in the APRN’s area of certification each biennium prior to license renewal.

2. Standards for Nurses on Inactive Status. Nurses who have their license placed on inactive status have no requirements for continuing education.

3. Standards for Reinstatement of Active Licensure Status

a.  Nurses reinstating a nursing license to active status within five years or less shall document completion of the following within the past two (2) years:

i)  Twenty (20) practice focused contact hours within the past two years from a nationally  recognized or state continuing education approval body recognized by the ASBN, or

ii)  Certification or re-certification by a national certifying body recognized by the ASBN; or

iii)  An academic course in nursing or related field; and/or

iv)  Provide other evidence as requested by the Board.

b. Nurses reinstating a nursing license to active status after greater than five (5) years shall document completion of the following:

i)  Twenty (20) practice focused contact hours within the past two (2) years from a nationally recognized or state continuing education approval body recognized by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, or

ii)  Certification or re-certification by a national certifying body recognized by the ASBN; or

iii)  An academic course in nursing or related field; and

iv)  Active practice of nursing for a minimum of one thousand hours (1,000) within the one year immediately prior to application. Verification of employment shall be submitted; or

v)  Completion of a Arkansas board approved refresher course within one (1) year of the date of application; or

vi)  Graduation from an approved nursing education program within one (1) year of the date of application, and

vii)  Provide other evidence as requested by the Board.

4. Standards for Reinstatement of Prescriptive Authority Effective January 1, 2010, APRNs whose prescriptive authority is inactive shall complete five (5) contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics continuing education in the APRN’s area of certification for each twelve (12) months of non-prescribing activity in addition to the five (5) contact hours required for APRN license renewal, as noted in Chapter 4, III(F)(7), prior to reactivation of prescriptive authority.

Chapter 4, Section III

B.  APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION

In addition to a current registered nurse license to practice in Arkansas, the information submitted to the Board shall include:

1.  A completed Board application form;

2.  Verification of active practice of nursing as a registered nurse for a minimum of two-thousand (2,000) hours, effective July 1, 2019;

3. An official transcript or document from a nursing education program accredited by a nursing accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and/or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), as acceptable by the Board and meets the qualifications of Section II of this Chapter in the category of advanced practice nursing for which the applicant is seeking licensure. The transcript or document shall verify the date of graduation, the degree or certificate conferred, clinical hours completed, and the role and population focus of the education program;

4. Evidence of state and federal criminal background checks conducted by the Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation completed no earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the application for advanced practice licensure;

5. Verification of certification directly from the Board-approved national certifying body evidencing current certification in good standing; and

6. Payment of the nonrefundable fee.

Chapter 4, Section III

F.  RENEWALS

3.  Advanced practice registered nurses with prescriptive authority shall submit evidence of a current collaborative practice agreement as a prerequisite to license renewal. 

4.  If disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against an individual with a lapsed, inactive, or retired license, the license shall not be renewed until the proceedings have been completed.

5.  Continuing education submitted to the certifying body to meet the qualifications for recertification shall be accepted as meeting the statutory requirement for continuing education.

6.  Upon request, an APRN shall submit documentation to the Board of continuing education.

7.  APRNs with prescriptive authority shall complete five (5) contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics continuing education in the APRN’s area of certification each biennium prior to license renewal. Effective January 1, 2017, two (2) of the five (5) hours must contain information related to maintaining professional boundaries and the prescribing rules, regulations and laws that apply to APRNs in the State of Arkansas.

ASBN - Criminal Background Checks

Arkansas law requires applicants for initial licensure to submit a state and federal criminal background check. If an applicant has pleaded guilty, nolo contendere to, or been found guilty of any offense listed in ACA §17-3-102, he/she is not eligible for Arkansas licensure. ACA §17-87-312 provides opportunity to request a waiver of eligibility criteria related to a criminal background in certain circumstances.

All applicants must submit application for conduction of state and federal Criminal Background Checks by following instructions located on the ASBN website www.arsbn.org and submitting your request by accessing the Criminal Background Checks System.

 

Criminal Background Check System

READ ALL INFORMATION AND CHOOSE FINGERPRINT METHOD BELOW

A state and federal criminal background check is required if they are not already on file with Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) within the last 12 months of application. Background checks from other agencies are not accepted.

Fees associated with conduction of the state and federal criminal background checks are at the applicant’s expense and are paid within this online system. A fee of $36.25, in addition to a processing fee, is required to process the state and federal criminal background checks. After submission of your request, you will receive two automatically generated email notifications, an Arkansas GovPay receipt and Request Acknowledgement. These emails will be sent to the email address that you provide.

FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CONTACT THE ARKANSAS STATE POLICE OR THE FBI ABOUT THE STATUS OF YOUR CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.

Arkansas State Police Criminal Background Check

The State Criminal Background Check information is obtained within this system; no additional form is completed or submitted to Arkansas State Board of Nursing or the Arkansas State Police.

Federal Criminal Background Check

The Federal Criminal Background Check requires that your fingerprints are used to check the criminal history records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Fingerprint information is obtained in one of two ways, EITHER by 1) Arkansas Live Scan fingerprint scanning or 2) Ink based fingerprint card. Refer to the respective instructions contained herein.
Note: Out of state Endorsement applicants will need to either come to Arkansas to have Federal fingerprints live scanned or request the Ink based fingerprint card method.

1) Arkansas Live Scan fingerprint scanning or

2) Ink based fingerprint card. Refer to the respective instructions contained herein. Note: Out of state Endorsement applicants will need to either come to Arkansas to have Federal fingerprints live scanned or request the Ink based fingerprint card method.

Arkansas Live Scan Fingerprint Scanning:

Arkansas Live Scan is the ONLY vendor approved to conduct digital scanning of fingerprints for Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Obtaining fingerprints via Arkansas Live Scan is a wonderful option with significant benefits. Click here for the Arkansas Live Scan Fingerprint Scanning flyer which includes locations and contact information.

Benefits of Live Scan include:

There is an additional $15.00 fee that each applicant pays to Arkansas Live Scan when having a live scan conducted.

Click here to download instructions for Arkansas Live Scan fingerprinting scanning.

Ink based Fingerprint Card:

To have your fingerprints obtained via the ink based option you MUST use the fingerprint card provided by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. The fingerprint card will be mailed to you for completion and submission for the federal criminal background check. Arkansas State Board of Nursing typically receives results in 4 – 6 weeks; at times it may be longer.

When you request a fingerprint card through this system, it will be mailed to the address you provide. You must use the fingerprint card provided by ASBN. Refer to the instructions for directions on how to complete and mail the fingerprint card.

Click here to download instructions for obtaining, completing and submitting an ink based fingerprint card.

REQUEST CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS (CBCs) & DETERMINE FINGERPRINT COLLECTION METHOD

CHOOSE ONE METHOD

RESEND CONFIRMATION EMAIL:

Click RESEND CONFIRMATION EMAIL if you need your email notification information and are not able to locate it in your email.

ASBN - IV Therapy Guidelines

Nursing Programs - IV Therapy Guidelines

Guidelines for Teaching Content Related to IV Therapy for Arkansas
Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Practical Nursing Students 

The profession of nursing is a dynamic discipline. Practice potentials change and develop in response to health care needs of society, technical advancements, and the expansion of scientific knowledge.  The Arkansas State Board of Nursing developed Position Statement 98-6, Scope of Practice Decision Making Model, to enable nurses to determine if a specific task is within their personal scope of practice.  It is recommended that this model continue to be used. 

The Practice of Practical Nursing: 

The delivery of health care services which are performed under the direction of the professional nurse, licensed physician, or licensed dentist, including observation, intervention, and evaluation, fall within the LPN/LPTN scope of practice.
The performance for compensation of acts involving: 

the care of the ill, injured, or infirm; 
the delegation of certain nursing practices to other personnel  
under the direction of a registered professional nurse, an advanced practice nurse, a licensed physician or a licensed dentist, which acts do not require the substantial specialized skill, judgement, and knowledge required in professional nursing. ACA § 17-87-102 (5) 

The Practice of Psychiatric Technician Nursing: 
The performance for compensation of acts involving: 

the care of the physically and mentally ill, retarded,  injured, or infirm; 
the delegation of certain nursing practices to other personnel 
the carrying out of medical orders under the direction of a registered professional nurse, an advanced practice nurse, a licensed physician or a licensed dentist, where such activities do not require the substantial specialized skill, judgment, and knowledge required in professional nursing. ACA § 17-87­102 (6) 

Over time, it has become generally acceptable practice for the RN to delegate certain tasks related to intravenous therapy to LPNs and LPTNs who have completed training and have validated competencies. RNs are prohibited from delegating tasks that require the substantial specialized skill, judgment, and knowledge required in professional nursing to an LPN or LPTN. 

Minimum training for the LPN, LPTN, or LPN student who will be delegated IV therapy should include: 

Anatomy and physiology; 
Fluid & Electrolyte Balance; 
Equipment & procedures in intravenous therapy; 
Complications, prevention, and nursing interventions; 
Introducing a peripheral intravenous device on an adult client; 
Set-up, replace and remove intravenous tubing for gravity flow and/or pump infusion; 
Perform intravenous infusion calculations and adjust flow rates on intravenous fluids; 
Monitoring the administration of blood and blood products  
Administration of medications through a peripheral intravenous catheter by intravenous piggyback or intravenous push provided the medication does not require the substantial specialized skill, judgment, and knowledge required in professional nursing. 

References:  

National Council State Boards of Nursing 2003 LPN/VN Practice Analysis
National Council State Boards of Nursing 2001 Detailed Test Plan for the NCLEX-PN Examination
Arkansas Nurse Practice Act
Arkansas State Board of Nursing Position Statement 98-6 Decision Making Model 

ASBN - RN Approved Programs

Nursing Programs - RN Approved Programs

Associate Degree 

ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE-BLYTHEVILLE 
Department of Nursing
P. O. Box 1109
Blytheville, AR  72316
Phone: (870) 780-1223; Fax:  (870) 762-3376
www.anc.edu 
Tonya Pankey, Director
Email: tpankey@smail.anc.edu

AR RURAL NURSING EDUCATION CONSORTIUM (ARNEC) 
3501 U of A Way
Texarkana, AR 71854
Phone: (870) 368-2076; Fax:  (870) 368-2075  
www.arnec.org 
Ruby Johnson, Director
Email: rjohnson@ozarka.edu

ARNEC MEMBER INSTITUTIONS:

ASU – Newport
Jamie Pasmore, Director  
Phone: (870) 512-7869; Fax:  (870) 512-7715                                                                   

Black River Technical College - Pocahontas
Tonya Hankins, Chair
Phone: (870) 248-4000, X 4174; Fax:  (870) 248-4100

Ozarka College - Melbourne 
Katie Wilson, Chair
Phone: (870) 368-2081; Fax:  (870) 368-2075

Southark Community College  
Yolanda Hoof, Director; E-mail:  yhoof@southark.edu 
Phone: (870) 864-7136; Fax:  (870) 864-7104

University of Arkansas Cossatot  
Kim Dickerson, Chair
(Nashville Campus Office Location)
Phone (870) 584-1147; Fax:  (870) 642-8212

University of Arkansas Rich Mountain 
Charla K. Hollin, Director
Phone: (479) 394-7622; Fax:  (479) 394-2828

University of Arkansas Community College – Hope - Texarkana
Lori Arnette, Director
Phone: (870) 722-8505; Fax:  (870) 722-8511

University of Arkansas Community College - Morrilton 
Sara Koch, Chair
Phone: (501) 977-2002; Fax:  (501) 977-2049

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY 
School of Nursing
P. O. Box 910
State University, AR 72467
Phone: (870) 972-3074; Fax:  (870) 972-2954
www.astate.edu 
Karen Blue, Chair
Email: kblue@astate.edu

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY - MOUNTAIN HOME SATELLITE (MOUNTAIN HOME, WEST MEMPHIS, BEEBE)
Lisa Drake, Site Coordinator Mountain Home  
Phone:  (870) 508-6172  
Email: ldrake@astate.edu

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY - MOUNTAIN HOME 
1600 So. College
Mountain Home, AR 72653
Phone: (870) 508-6154; Fax:  (870) 508-6154
www.asumh.edu 
Dr. Julia Gist, Dean
Email: jgist@asumh.edu

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY - NEWPORT
7648 Victory Blvd.
Newport, AR 72112
Phone: (870) 512-7833;  Fax:  (870) 512-7715
www.asun.edu 
Chris Hicks, Interim Director
Email:  Christopher_Hicks@asun.edu 

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY - OZARK
1700 Helberg Lane
Ozark, AR 72949
Phone: (479) 508-8500, ext. 6351; Fax:  (479) 508-8500, ext.5351
www.atu.edu/ozark 
Lesley Krohn, Chair
Email:  lkrohn@atu.edu 

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK
School of Nursing
11900 Colonel Glenn Road
Little Rock, AR  72210
Phone:  (501) 202-7937; Fax:  (501) 202-6015
www.bhclr.edu
Laura Hamilton, Dean
Email:  Laura.Hamilton@baptist-health.org

COLLEGE OF THE OUACHITAS
#1 College Circle
Malvern, AR 72104
Phone: (501) 332-0303; Fax:  (501) 467-3680
www.coto.edu 
Melinda Sanders, Dean
Email: msanders@coto.edu

EAST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE 
Department of Nursing
1700 New Castle Road
Forrest City, AR 72335-9598
Phone: (870) 633-4480 ext 268; Fax:  (870) 633-7222
www.eacc.edu 
Terri Moody, Director  
Email: tmoody@eacc.edu 

JRMC SCHOOL OF NURSING
1600 West 40th Avenue
Pine Bluff, AR  71603
Phone:  (870) 541-7164; Fax:  (870) 541-7807
www.jrmc.org/nursingschool.html 
Michelle Newton, Director
Email:   newtonm@jrmc.org

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE 
Division of Nursing
101 College Drive
Hot Springs, AR 71913
Phone: (501) 760-4352; Fax:  (501) 760-4183
www.np.edu 
Janice Ivers, Dean
Email: jivers@np.edu
Janet Smith, RN Director
Phone:  (501) 760-4304
Email: Janet.Smith@np.edu

NORTH ARKANSAS COLLEGE 
Department of Nursing
1515 Pioneer Dr.
Harrison, AR 72601
Phone: (870) 391-3535; Fax:  (870) 391-3354
www.northark.edu 
Carla Jacobs, RN Director
Email: cjacobs@northark.edu

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COLLEGE 
Department of Nursing
One College Drive
Bentonville, AR 72712
Phone: (479) 619-4256; Fax:  (479) 619-4254
www.nwacc.edu 
Carla Boyd, Director
Email: cboyd3@nwacc.edu

PHILLIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE  OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Department of Nursing
P. O. Box 785
Helena-West Helena, AR 72342
Phone: (870) 338-6474, X1371; Fax:  (870) 338-7901
www.pccua.edu 
Amy Hudson, Dean
Email: ahudson@pccua.edu

SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS COLLEGE
Nursing and Allied Health Technologies Division
1900 Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603
Phone: (870) 850-4917; Fax (870) 850-4917
www.seark.edu 
Joyce Scott, Dean
Email:  jscott@seark.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK 
Department of Nursing
2801 South University Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: (501) 569-8081; Fax:  (501) 371-7546
www.ualr.edu 
Dr. Sloan Davidson, Chair; Email: esdavidson@ualr.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO
Division of Nursing
LPN/LPTN-to-RN Program
P. O. Box 3606
Monticello, AR 71656-3606
Phone: (870) 460-1069; Fax:  (870) 460-1969
www.uamont.edu 
Dr. Brandy Haley, Dean
Email: haley@uamont.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT BATESVILLE
P. O. Box 3350
Batesville, AR  72503
Phone: (870) 612-2070; Fax:  (870) 612-2059
www.uaccb.edu 
Marietta Candler, Chair
Email: marietta.candler@uaccb.edu


Baccalaureate Degree  

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY 
School of Nursing
P. O. Box 910
State University, AR 72467
Phone: (870) 680-8201; Fax:  (870) 972-2954
www.astate.edu 
Dr. Sarah Davidson, Chair
E-mail:sarahdavidson@astate.edu

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY
Department of Nursing
Dean Hall
Russellville, AR 72801-2222
Phone: (479) 968-0383; Fax:n(479) 968-0219
www.atu.edu 
Dr. Rebecca Burris, Chair
Email: rburris@atu.edu

HARDING UNIVERSITY 
College of Nursing
Box 12265
Searcy, AR 72149-0001
Phone: (501) 279-4476; Fax: (501) 279-4669
www.harding.edu 
Dr. Susan Kehl, Dean
Email: skehl@harding.edu

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY 
Department of Nursing
HSU Box 7803
Arkadelphia, AR 71999-0001
Phone: (870) 230-5015; Fax: (870) 230-5390
www.hsu.edu 
Dr. Shelly Austin, Chair
Email: austins@hsu.edu

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY
2000 West University Street
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
Phone: (479) 524-1646; Fax:  (479) 524-7441
www.jbu.edu 
Dr. Ellen Odell, Director
Email: eodell@jbu.edu 

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY 
Department of Nursing
100 E.University MSC9402
Magnolia, AR 71753
Phone: (870) 235-4331; Fax: (870) 235-5058
www.saumag.edu 
Dr. Karen Landry. Chair
Email: KarenLandry@saumag.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
606 N. Razorback Road                                                                            
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: (479) 575-4280; Fax: (479) 575-3218
www.uark.edu
Dr. Susan Patton, Director
Email:  skpatton@uark.edu
Dr. Donovan Willis, Assistant Director
Email:  dsw013@uark.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FORT SMITH
Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing
P. O. Box 3649
Fort Smith, AR 72913
Phone: (479) 479-7830; Fax: (479) 424-6856
www.uafs.edu
Paula D. Julian, PhD, APRN, FNP-C, CPN
Associate Professor
Executive Director of Nursing
5210 Grand Avenue
College of Health Sciences, Office 207
Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing
5210 Grand Avenue
P.O. Box 3649
Fort Smith, AR 72913
Paula.Julian@uafs.edu
479-788-7844 (office)
479-424-6831 (fax)

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO
Division of Nursing
P. O. Box 3606
Monticello, AR 71656-3606
Phone: (870) 460-1069; Fax: (870) 460-1969
www.uamont.edu 
Dr. Brandy Haley, Dean
Email: haley@uamont.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF
1200 University Drive #4973
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Phone: (870) 575-7076; Fax: (870) 575-8229
www.uapb.edu 
Shawna Hughey, Interim Chair
Email: hugheys@uapb.edu 

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES 
College of Nursing
4301 W. Markham, Slot 529
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-8493; Fax: (501) 686-7998
www.nursing.uams.edu 
Dr. Patricia Cowan, Dean
Email: pacowan@uams.edu  

Nicole Ward, BSN Program Director
Email:  nnward@uams.edu
Larronda Raney, RN - BSN Director
Email:  lmraney@uams.edu 

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS 
Department of Nursing
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72035
Phone: (501) 450-5531; Fax: (501) 450-5560
www.uca.edu/nursing 
Dr. Susan Gatto, Director
Email: Susang@uca.edu

ASBN - PN Approved Programs

Nursing Programs - PN Approved Programs

ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE-BLYTHEVILLE
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
2501 S. Division St., P. O. Box 1109
Blytheville, AR 72316
Phone: (870) 780-1225; Fax (870) 762-3376
www.anc.edu 
Barbara Greene, Director
Email: bgreene@smail.anc.edu 

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-BEEBE
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM
P. O. Box 909
Searcy, AR 72145
Phone: (501) 207-6215; Fax (501) 207-6263
www.asub.edu (Beebe & Searcy Campus)
Cindy Smith, Director
Email: casmith@asub.edu 

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-MT. HOME
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
1600 South College
Mt. Home, Arkansas 72653
Phone: (870) 508-6154; Fax (870) 508-6154
www.asumh.edu 
Dr. Julia Gist, Dean
Email: jgist@asumh.edu 

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY - NEWPORT
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM
7648 Victory Blvd.
Newport, Arkansas 72112
Phone: (870) 512-7719; Fax (870) 512-7715
www.asun.edu   
Christopher Hicks, Director
Email:  Cristopher_Hicks@asun.edu

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY - OZARK
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
1700 Helberg Lane
Ozark, AR 72943
Phone: (479) 508-8500, ext. 6201, Fax (479) 667-0198
www.atu.edu 
Ester Leonard, Chair
Email: eleonard@atu.edu 

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL NURSING  
11900 Colonel Glenn Road
Little Rock, AR 72210-2820
Phone: (501) 202-7966; Fax (501) 202-6015
www.bhslr.edu 
Susan Brock, Coordinator
Email: Susan.Brock@baptist-health.org 

BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
P. O. Box 468
Pocahontas, AR 72455
Phone: (870) 248-4000, X-4174; Fax (870) 248-4100
www.blackrivertech.edu 
Tonya Hankins, Chair
Email: tonya.hankins@blackrivertech.edu 

COLLEGE OF THE OUACHITAS
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM
#1 College Circle
Malvern, AR 72104
Phone: (501) 332-0303; Fax (501) 467-3680
www.coto.edu 
Melinda Sanders, Dean

Email: msanders@coto.edu

EAST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
P. O. Box 925
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 633-5411; Fax (870) 633-9328
www.eacc.edu 
Debbie Hill, Chair
Email:  dhill@eacc.edu

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM
101 College Drive
Hot Springs, AR 71914
Phone: (501) 760-4352; Fax (501) 760-4183
www.np.edu 
Janice Ivers, Dean
Email: jivers@np.edu         

Angela McJunkins, PN Director                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Email: Phone:  (501) 760-4295 

 amcjunkins@np.edu

NORTH ARKANSAS COLLEGE
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM
1515 Pioneer Ridge Drive
Harrison, AR 72601
Phone (870) 391-3369; Fax (870) 391-3000
www.northark.edu 
Jennifair Ditmanson, Director
Email: jditmanson@northark.edu 

NORTHWEST TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM
709 South Old Missouri Road
Springdale, AR 72764
Phone: (479) 751-8824, ext. 123; Fax (479) 751-7750
www.nwti.edu 
Debra Walker, Director
Email: dwalker@nwti.edu

OZARKA TECHNICAL COLLEGE
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
P. O. Box 10
Melbourne, AR 72556
Phone: (870) 368-2081; Fax (870) 368-2075
www.ozarka.edu 
Katie Wilson, Director
Email: kwilson@ozarka.edu 

PHILLIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS  
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM
1210 Ricebelt Ave.
DeWitt, AR 72042
Phone: (870) 946-3506 x 1612 ; Fax (870) 946-2644
www.pccua.edu 
Jeanne McCullars, Chair
Email: jmccullars@pccua.edu 

SOUTHARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE
P. O. Box 7010
El Dorado, Arkansas 71731-7010
Phone: (870) 864-7136; Fax (870) 864-7104
www.southark.edu 
Yolanda Hoof, Director
Email: yhoof@southark.edu 

SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS COLLEGE
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
1900 Hazel Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71603
Phone: (870) 850-4917; Fax (870) 850-4917
www.seark.edu 
Joyce Scott, Dean,  Email: jscott@seark.edu 
Tonya McBride, Department Chair of Nursing                                                                                                                

Email:  tmcbride@seark.edu   Phone:  (870) 350-3115

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY - TECHNICAL
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
P. O. Box 3499
Camden, AR 71711
Phone: (870) 574-4475; Fax (870) 574-4474
www.sautech.edu 
Shelley Young, Director
Email: syoung@sautech.edu 

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COSSATOT
P. O. Box 960
DeQueen, AR 71832
Phone: (870) 584-1147; Fax (870) 642-8212
www.cccua.edu  
Kimberly Dickerson, Division Chair
Email: kdickerson@cccua.edu                                                                                                                                       

Stephanie Flaherty, Director                                                                                                                                                

Email:  sflaherty@cccua.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY - CROSSETT
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM
1326 Hwy. 52W
Crossett, AR 71635
Phone: (870) 460-2025; Fax (870) 364-5717
www.uamont.edu/uamctc 
Shela Upshaw, Chair
Email: upshaw@uamont.edu 

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO
COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY-MCGEHEE
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM
P. O. Box 747
McGehee, AR  71654
Phone: (870) 222-5360; Fax (870) 222-9906
www.uamont.edu/mcgehee 
Peggie Orrell, Chair
Email: orrellp@uamont.edu 

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - PULASKI TECHNICAL
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM
3000 West Scenic Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72118
Phone: (501) 812-2286; Fax (501) 812-2391
www.pulaskitech.edu 
Talayia Johnson, Director
Email: tajohnson@uaptc.edu 

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - RICH MOUNTAIN
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
1100 College Drive
Mena, AR 71953
Phone: (479) 394-7622; Fax (479) 394-2828
www.uarichmountain.edu 
Charla K. Hollin, Director  
Email: chollin@uarichmountain.edu 

U of A COMMUNITY COLLEGE - BATESVILLE
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM
P. O. Box 3350
Batesville, AR 72503
Phone: (870) 612-2070; Fax (870) 612-2059
www.uaccb.edu 
Marietta Candler, Chair
Email: marietta.candler@uaccb.edu                                                                                                                                   

Ashley Ball, Coordinator                                                                                                                                                        

Email:  ashley.ball@uaccb.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE - MORRILTON
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
1537 University Blvd.
Morrilton, AR 72110
Phone: (501) 977-2152; Fax (501) 977-2049
www.uaccm.edu 
Sarah Koch, Program Chair
Email: koch@uaccm.edu                                                                                                                                                   

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT HOPE - TEXARKANA
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM
2500 S. Main
Hope, AR  71801
Phone:  (870) 722-8505; Fax:  (870) 722-8511
www.uacch.edu
Jessica Schroader, Site Coordinator; Email: Jessica.Schroader@uacch.edu                                                              

Lori Arnette, Director; Email: lori.arnette@uacch.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FORT SMITH
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
P. O. Box 3649
Fort Smith, AR 72913
Phone: (479) 788-7840; Fax (479) 424-6856
www.uafs.edu 
Jourdan Scoggins, Executive Director                                                                                                                              

Email: Jourdan.Scoggins@uafs.edu 

ASBN - Renewal of Arkansas License

Welcome to Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN).  The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the renewal application process.  Read the instructions and provide all required documentation as applicable. ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING RENEWAL

The first step in the renewal process is creating an account in the Arkansas Nurse Portal or signing into an account you have already created.  

 Click HERE to view video on How to Create an Arkansas Nurse Portal Account with an existing license.

Once you have created your Nurse Portal account, sign in to your Nurse Portal account to submit a renewal application.

Click HERE to view video on How to Renew a License.

Once you have created an Arkansas Nurse Portal account, you will begin the renewal process. The renewal link will be available 60 days prior to license expiration.

Once you have submitted a renewal application, you may check the status of your license by accessing your Nurse Portal account, or accessing the ASBN homepage and clicking on the blue box titled Verify License or Certificate.

LICENSURE APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL INFORMATION
For more information about a specific application, click on the respective application name listed below. 

On Time Renewal

LPN Renewal Application Information
License renewal application for the nurse who has a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in Arkansas that is due to expire on a date in the future.


LPTN Renewal Application Information
License renewal application for the nurse who has a Licensed Psychiatric Technician Nurse (LPTN) license in Arkansas that is due to expire on a date in the future.


RN Renewal Application Information
License renewal application for the nurse who has a Registered Nurse (RN) license in Arkansas that is due to expire on a date in the future.


APRN Renewal Application Information
License renewal application for the nurse who has an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license in Arkansas that is due to expire on a date in the future.


RNP Renewal Application Information
License renewal application for the nurse who has a Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP) license in Arkansas that is due to expire on a date in the future.


Post Expiration (Late) Renewal

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ASBN - Licensure by Endorsement

Welcome to Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the application process. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

ENDORSEMENT is the process of obtaining a nursing license in a U.S. jurisdiction other than the jurisdiction of original licensure.

The first step in application submission is to create an account in the Arkansas Nurse Portal.

Click HERE to view video for instructions on CREATION OF AN ARKANSAS NURSE  PORTAL ACCOUNT.

Create a Nurse Portal account and sign-in to submit an application.

Once you have submitted an application, you may monitor the status of your application by accessing your Nurse Portal account and clicking on view status.

 Click HERE to view video for instruction on How to Check Application Status.

Disclaimer:

The ASBN may deny licensure to candidates who have had a license revoked, suspended, or placed on probation and not reinstated in other jurisdictions. The ASBN may also deny licensure to candidates who have been convicted of a crime.

LICENSURE APPLICATION FOR ENDORSEMENT INFORMATION
For more information about a specific application, click on the respective application name listed below.

LPN Endorsement Application Information 
Licensure by endorsement application for the nurse applicant who has an LPN/LVN license in another state and is applying for a license in Arkansas as LPN/LVN; has no previous Arkansas LPN license.

RN Endorsement Application Information 
Licensure by endorsement application for the nurse applicant who has an RN license in another state and is applying for a license in Arkansas as an RN; has no previous Arkansas RN license.

RN Internationally Educated Endorsement Application Information 
Licensure by endorsement application for applicants educated outside the United States, its' territories, or Canada.  The applicant has an RN license in another state and is applying for a license in Arkansas as an RN; has no previous Arkansas RN license.

Licensed Psychiatric Technician Nurse (LPTN) Endorsement Application Information 
Licensure by endorsement application for the nurse applicant who has an LPTN license in another state and is applying for a license in Arkansas for the same license type; has no previous Arkansas LPTN license.  LPTN applicants accepted from Kansas and California only.

COVID-19 Directives, Orders, & Health Guidances

ADH Directives
June 15: Directive for Reopening of Casinos Phase II
June 15: Directive for Gym, Fitness Center, Athletic Club and Weight Room Reopening Phase II (Amended June 22, 2020)
June 15: Directive on Business Limitations Phase II
June 15: Directive on Resuming Restaurant Dine-in Operations Phase II
June 15: Directive on Resuming Bar or Club Operations Phase II
June 15: Directive for Barber Shops, Body Art Establishments, Cosmetology Establishments, Massage Therapy Clinics/Spas, and Medical Spas Phase II
June 15: Directive Regarding Large Indoor Venues Phase II | To submit an increased capacity proposal for agriculture related events (rodeos, fairs, livestock shows, etc), please click HERE, all other proposals click HERE.
June 15: Directive Regarding Large Outdoor Venues Phase II | To submit an increased capacity proposal for agriculture related events (rodeos, fairs, livestock shows, etc), please click HERE, all other proposals click HERE.
June 15: Directive on Resuming Elective Dental Services (revised June 22, 2020)
June 1: Directive Regarding Community and School Team Sports
May 26: Directive on Resuming Bar and Club Operations (UPDATE--see June 15, 2020 Directive)
May 25: Directive on Resuming Elective Procedures, Phase III
May 22: Directive for Recreational Pool Reopening
May 21: Directive Regarding Overnight Camps
May 18: Directive Regarding Summer Day Camps
May 18: Directive for Reopening of Casinos (UPDATE--see June 15, 2020 Directive)
May 18: Directive for Large Indoor Venues | Spanish (UPDATE--see June 15, 2020 Directive)
May 14: Directive for Travelers from “Hot Spot” and International Locations
May 11: Directive on Resuming Elective Procedures, Phase II
May 11: Directive on Resuming Restaurant Dine-In Operations | Spanish (UPDATE--see June 15, 2020 Directive)
May 11: Directive on Resuming Elective Dental Services (UPDATE--see June 15, 2020 Directive)
May 8: Directive Regarding Prohibition of the Use of Non-FDA Approved Serologic Tests for the Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infections
May 8: Directive on Business Limitations (UPDATE--see June 15, 2020 Directive)
May 6: Directive for Barber Shops, Body Art Establishments, Cosmetology Establishments, Massage Therapy Clinics/Spas, and Medical Spas | Spanish
May 4: Directive for Large Outdoor Venues (UPDATE--see June 15,2020 Directive)
May 4: Directive for Gym, Fitness Center, Athletic Club and Weight Room Reopening (UPDATE--see June 15, 2020 Directive)
April 27: Directive for Resuming Elective Procedures
April 17: Directive for Camps, Including Day and Overnight, and Places of Worship
April 17: Directive for Approval of Emergency Responder Activities
April 16: Directive Regarding the Use of Nucleic Acid Amplification Test for the Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Physician Offices, Urgent Care Settings and Pharmacies
April 3: Directive for Elective Procedures (UPDATE—see April 27, 2020 DIRECTIVE)
March 30: Directive for Casinos Extension
March 26: Directive for Limitations on Gatherings
March 23: Directive to Barbers, Body Art Establishments, Body Art Schools, Cosmetology Establishments, Massage Therapy Clinics/Spas, and Medical Spas (UPDATE--see June 15, 2020 Directive)
March 20: Directive for Schools, Government, Hospitals, Clinics, Restaurants, Gyms, and More
March 16: Directive to Limit Operations of Arkansas Casinos for Two Weeks (UPDATE - see March 30, 2020 DIRECTIVE)
March 16: Directive on Extension for EMS License Renewal
March 13: Directive for Limiting the Transmission of COVID-19 for Long-Term Care Facilities

Health Guidances

Public

Community

Child Services

Boards

Business

Health Care

 

 

ASBN - Approved Certifications

The certifications listed below meet the continuing education criteria for license renewal. Any certification accepted for advanced practice licensure also meets the CE requirement for license renewal. Unless appropriately licensed, the Nurse Practice Act of Arkansas restricts the use of certain credentials such as C.R.N.A. or C.N.S.

Practice Area Certifying Body Credentials RN/LPN

General

 American Nurses Credentialing Center
www.nursecredentialing.org		 All RN

Addiction

 International Nurses Society on Addictions
www.intnsa.org		 CARN
 CARN-AP		 RN

Administration

 National Associate Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care
www.nadona.org		 CDONA/LTC RN
Anesthesia

Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists
www.aana.com

American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing
www.cpancapa.org

 CPAN (post-anesthesia)
 CAPA (ambulatory perianesthesia)		 RN

Critical Care

 American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certification Corporation
www.certcorp.org		 CCRN (adult, neonatal, pediatric) RN

Case Management

 Commission for Case Management Certification
www.ccmcertification.org		 CCM RN/LPN
Diabetes

American Association of Diabetes Educators
www.aadenet.org

National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators
www.ncbde.org

Arkansas State Board of Nursing – Diabetes Self-Management Educator
www.arsbn.org

BC-ADM

 

 

CDE

 

 

None

 

RN

 

 

RN

 

 

RN

 

Disability

 Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association
www.ddna.org		 CDDN
 DDC		 RN
 LPN

Education

 National League for Nursing
www.nln.org		 CNE RN
Emergency Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing
https://home.pearsonvue.com/bcen		 CEN
 CFRN		 RN
Forensic International Association of Forensic Nurses
https://www.forensicnurses.org/		 SANE-A RN
Gastroenterology Certifying Board of Gastroenterology Nurses & Associates
www.cbgna.org		 CGRN
 CGN		 RN
 LPN

Healthcare Quality

 Healthcare Quality Certification Board
www.cphq.org		 CPHQ RN
 LPN

HIV/AIDS

 HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board
http://www.hancb.org/Index/about_us.php		 ACRN RN

Holistic

 American Holistic Nurses’ Certification Corporation
https://www.ahncc.org/		 HNC RN

Hospice & Palliative

 National Board for Certification of Hospice & Palliative Nurses
www.hpna.org/		 CHPN RN/LPN

Infection Control

 Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology
www.cbic.org		 CIC RN

Infusion

Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation
https://www.Ins1.org

CRNI

RN

Legal Nurse Consulting

 American Legal Nurse Consultant
www.aalnc.org		 LNCC RN

Long Term Care


 

National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service
www.napnes.org

National Associate Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care
www.nadona.org

CLTC

 

 

 

CDONA/LTC

LPN

 

 

 

RN

Managed Care

 American Board of Managed Care Nursing
www.abmcn.org		 CMCN RN/LPN

Medical/Surgical 

 Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses
https://www.amsn.org/		 CMSRN RN

Nephrology

 Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
www.nncc-exam.org

CDN
CNN

RN
RN(BSN)

Nephrology

 Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing & Technology
www.goamp.com/bonent		 CHN, CPDN

RN/LPN
Neuroscience American Board of Neuroscience Nursing
www.abnncertification.org		 ABNN, CNRN RN

Nurse Practitioner

 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
www.aanp.org

NP-C

 RN

Occupational Health

 American Board for Occupational Health Nurses
www.abohn.org		 COHN
 COHN-S
 COHN/CM (case manager)		 RN
 RN(BSN)

Oncology Nursing

 Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
www.oncc.org		 OCN
 AOCN (advanced)
 CPON (pediatric)		 RN

Ophthalmic

 National Certifying Board for Ophthalmic Registered Nurses
www.asorn.org		 CRNO RN

Orthopedic

 Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board ONC RN

Otorhinolaryngology

 National Certifying board for Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses
www.sohnnurse.com		 CORLN RN

Pain Management

 American Academy of Pain Management
www.aspmn.org		 FAAPM RN
Pediatric

Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
www.pncb.org

Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
www.oncc.org

CPN
 CPNP (nurse practitioner)

 

CPON

RN

 

 

RN
Pharmacology National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service
www.napnes.org		 NCP LPN

Plastic Surgery

 American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses
info@aspsn.org		 CPSN RN

Radiology

 Radiologic Nursing Certification Board
www.arna.net

CRN

 RN
Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board
https://rehabnurse.org/		 CRRN
 CRRN-A (advanced)		 RN
 (master, doctorate)

School Nurses

 National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NCSN)
www.nbcsn.org		 NBCSN RN
Stroke Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN)
www.abnncertification.org 		 SCRN RN
Surgery

Certification Board of Perioperative Nursing
www.certboard.org

Association of Surgical Technologist
www.ast.org

CNOR
CRNFA

 

CST
CFA

RN
 RN (BSN)

 

RN/LPN

Transplant Coordinators

 American Board of Transplant Coordinators
www.abtc.net

CCTC, CPTC

RN/LPN
Urology Certification Board for Urologic Nurses & Associates
www.suna.org		 CURN
CUNP
CUCNS
CUA		 RN
RN-NP
RN-CNS
LPN

Wound/Ostomy


 

Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board
www.wocncb.org

American Academy of Wound Management
www.abwbcertified.org

CCCN
COCN
CWCN
CWOCN

 

CWS

RN

 

 

 

RN

Women’s Health

American College of Nurse-Midwives Certification Council
www.acnm.org

National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecological & Neonatal Nursing Specialties
www.nccnet.org

CNM

 

 

RNC

RN

 

 

RN

ASBN - Model

1
 Licensee Status		 2
 Competence Assessment		 3
 Competence Review 
A
 Initial Licensure		 Graduation from an approved program or equivalency
 AND
Passed NCLEX examination (RN/LPN) or LPTN licensure examination
 AND
Provide other evidence as requested by the Board

ASBN review of application

Criminal background check and discipline databank check
B
 Renewal of Active Licensure Status		 Documented evidence of the following continuing education requirements during renewal period:  

15 practice focused contact hours from a nationally recognized or state continuing education approval body recognized by the ASBN
 OR
 Maintenance of Certification or re-certification by a national certifying body recognized by ASBN
 OR
Completed academic course in nursing or related field
 AND
Provide other evidence as requested by the Board

ASBN review of application

Random audit of applications

Non-compliance could result in civil penalties, disciplinary action and/or non-renewal of the license.
C
 Inactive Status		 None None
D
 Reinstatement from Inactive
 Status

If 5 years or less:

Documented evidence of the following continuing education requirements within the past two years:

20 practice focused contact hours from a nationally recognized or state continuing education approval body recognized by the ASBN
OR
Certification or re-certification by a national certifying body recognized by ASBN
OR
Completed academic course in nursing or related field
AND/OR
Provide other evidence as requested by the Board

If greater than 5 years:

Verification of completion of the above continuing education requirements and verification of completion of:

a refresher course approved by the ASBN

ASBN review of application

Audit of applications as determined by Board

Non-compliance could result in civil penalties, disciplinary action and/or non-reinstatement of the license.

ASBN - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (download)

Q.  How do I obtain continuing education?

A.  Requirements can be met in one of the following three ways:

15 practice-focused contact hours from a national or state continuing education approval body recognized by ASBN,
Maintenance of certification or recertification by a national certifying body recognized by ASBN,
 Completion of an academic course in nursing or related field.

The most common method of meeting the requirements is by obtaining contact hours. These hours can be obtained through home study, nursing journals, Internet sources, or by attending workshops.  For a list of Internet websites, and approved certifications visit www.arsbn.org, under  "Continuing Education". 

Q.  I hold a current RN license and a current LPN license.  How many continuing education hours will I need?

A.  Whether you are an LPN, RN and/or have advanced practice licensure, if you are meeting the requirement by contact hours, you only need 15 contact hours every renewal cycle (2 years). 

Q.  I received my first (initial) Arkansas license in November 2018.  My birthday is in March and I understand that to get into the Arkansas biennial renewal cycle, my license will need to be renewed in March 2019, only five (5) months after the issuance of my initial license.  How many continuing education contact hours will I be required to have?

A.  None.  If the first renewal cycle is less than 24 months, there is no continuing education requirement for the first renewal period.  This is true for persons who received their initial license by endorsement or examination and the first renewal period is less than two years. 

Q.  I have ACLS training.  Will this count as continuing education?

A.  American Heart Association advanced life support courses for various age groups (ACLS, PALS, NRP, PEARS) are acceptable as continuing education.  The ASBN will allow ten (10) contact hours each for initial training or retraining if it occurs during the two-year timeframe immediately preceding license renewal.  (Chapter 2, Section VII, E.1)  CPR/BLS training/instructor does not count for continuing education.

Q.  I did not receive a certificate of completion for my ACLS training.  What proof do I need?

A.  A copy of the ACLS, PALS, NRP or PEARS card will suffice as proof of completion.  The class roster is not adequate.

Q.  My employer requires that I complete STABLE training.  Can I count this for continuing education?

A.  Yes.  The ASBN will allow 9.3 contact hours for initial training or retraining if it occurs during the two (2) year timeframe immediately preceding license renewal.

Q.  I am planning to take the Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) offered through the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA).  Will this count as continuing education?

A.  Advanced training courses with established curriculum recognized by an ASBN approved approval body and completed during licensure period are acceptable as continuing education.  The ENA is listed as an approved approval body on the ASBN website.  The courses that they have approved and oversee - e.gm. Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC), Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) are accepted as continuing education.  (Chapter 2, Section VII, E.1) 

Q.  I have information about an upcoming workshop that is in my practice area, but how do I know if the provider is approved by the Board?

A.  Before attending a continuing education activity, confirm through the providers advertising material that they have had the program properly accredited through one of the accepted approval bodies/accrediting organizations recognized by the ASBN.  The accreditation statement listing the approval body should appear on advertising material and must be on the certificate of completion.  The approval body/accrediting organization is not the company or business offering the educational activity. (i.e. CME Resource is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation).   Visit our website, www.arsbn.org, click on the "Continuing Education"  for a current list of approved approval bodies/accrediting organizations found on the CE resource page that are recognized by the ASBN.

Q.  I don’t know how many contact hours I have obtained since my last renewal.  Does the Board of Nursing keep up with my hours?

A.  No.  It is the licensee’s responsibility to maintain the records.  These records must be original certification card, contact hour certificates, transcripts or grade slips.  If selected during a random audit, you will be notified by mail to submit copies as evidence for review.  Records of continuing education must be maintained for a minimum of two (2) consecutive renewal periods or four (4) years.  (Chapter 2, Section VII.D.3.) 

Q.  Since I will not be sending my continuing education certificates to the ASBN, how will I verify to the ASBN that I have completed the continuing education requirements?

A.  The licensee must attest at time of renewal that he/she has completed the continuing education requirement for license renewal to comply with the regulation.  The renewal will not be processed without this declaration.  (Chapter 2, Section VII.A.) 

Q.  What happens if I get audited and I don’t have appropriate continuing education hours?

A.  You will be allowed 90 days to meet the continuing education requirement.  Failure to comply after 90 days, you will be assessed a late fee and receive a letter of reprimand which is reported to a national and federal disciplinary data bank.  The second occurrence of non-compliance may result in further disciplinary action.  (Chapter 2, Section VII, B. D. and I.) 

Q.  Although I haven’t worked, my license has been active for years.  When I renew my  license, how  many continuing education contact hours do I need?

A.  15 contact hours during the two-year period immediately preceding the renewal date. (Chapter 2, Section VII.C.3.a) 

Q.  My license is on inactive status.  How many continuing education contact hours do I need?

A.  You are not required to have continuing education if your nursing license is inactive.  (Chapter 2, Section VII.C.2.) 

Q.  I have not worked in nursing for the past eight years and I would like to re-enter nursing practice.  My license is on inactive status (or expired).  What do I need to do?

A.  To renew your license you must have completed twenty (20) contact hours of nursing continuing education within the past two years and complete a Board approved refresher course or an employer competency orientation program.  You must obtain a temporary permit to practice while taking the refresher course or competency orientation program.  This temporary permit is only valid for attendance in the refreshed course or orientation program.  You cannot “work” on this permit.  (Chapter 2, Section VII.C.3.b. & 4).

Q.  What is the difference between CEU’s and contact hours?

A.  Both CEU’s and contact hours are measurements for continuing education.  One contact hour is equal to 0.1 CEU.  Ten contact hours are equal to 1 (one) CEU. 

Q.  I am an LPN going back to nursing school.  Will any of my courses count for continuing education contact hours?

A.  Yes.  Completion of nursing courses, (i.e. Introduction to Nursing, O.B., Peds, Medical Surg.) will be accepted as continuing education. (Chapter 2, Section VII.C.1.d.)  No prerequisites, (i.e. Chemistry, Micro. Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, General Psychology) count as continuing education.  One completed (nursing course prefixed on official transcript by NUR, NURS, NSG, etc., then course title) college semester hour with a grade of C or better during licensure period will be equivalent to 15 contact hours and may be used to meet the total requirement of continuing education for nursing license renewal.  RNs returning to nursing school can also count completed nursing courses as continuing education.  Nursing programs utilizing clep-testing format (i.e. Excelsior College) cannot be counted for continuing education hours.

Q.  I am required to complete radiology continuing education.  Can I use this for renewal of my nursing license since I take X-Rays as part of my job.

A.  Radiology is a separate allied health profession.  However if the continuing education activity is a nursing topic, approved by an organization on the ASBN approved approval body list and meets all other requirements it may be used. 

Q.  My advanced practice licensure requires me to get continuing education in order to recertify.  Will this new requirement be in addition to my other continuing education contact hours?

A.  No.  Certification or re-certification during the renewal period is acceptable to meet the ASBN requirements.  (Chapter 2, Section VII.C.1.b.) 

Q.  My hospital requires that I attend yearly in-services such as fire safety and infection control and that I maintain CPR training.  Will that count as my continuing education?   

A.  No.  In-service programs and CPR/instructor training are not acceptable for continuing education.  (Chapter 2,  Section VII.G.) 

Q.  What is the difference between in-service education and continuing education?

A.  As defined by the American Nurses Association in the 2000 Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing Professional Development, in-service educational activities are “learning experiences provided in the work setting for the purpose of assisting staff members in performing their assigned functions in that particular agency or institution (p.24)”.

Continuing education is “systematic professional learning experiences designed to augment the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nurses and therefore, enriches the nurses’ contributions to quality health care and their pursuit of professional career goals”. (p.24)

Continuing education enhances practice, while in-service meets requirement needed to function in a specific work setting.

For example: If the educational activity was to inform nurses about the concept of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), the advantages/disadvantages, patient education, medications, dosage, side effects – this is continuing education. If the educational activity was to inform nurses about policies related to use of PCA pump, documentation required, procedures to access medication, change-out/add medication or discontinue pump – this is in-service). 

Q.  My employer has required that I attend classes in computer technology.  Can I count these hours for my continuing education contact hours requirement?

A.  No.  The requirement is for nursing practice-focused continuing education.  (Chapter 2, Section VII.C.1.a.) 

Q.  I have worked in labor and delivery for the past five years, but I’m interested in gerontology.   Will my attendance at a gerontology workshop count as my continuing education requirement?

A.  No.  The requirement is for “practice-focused” continuing education.  Your continuing education must be related to labor and delivery.  (Chapter 2, Section VII.C.1.a.) 

Q.  Can I count CME’s (continuing medical education) as my continuing education contact hours?

A.  Maybe.  If the target audience for CME’s includes nurses, and the content is relevant to your practice area in nursing, it can be counted.  (Chapter 2, Section VII.C.1.a) 

Q.  I hold a license in other states that require continuing education.  Can I use the contact hours earned in other states for Arkansas?

A.  You may if they meet the Arkansas State Board of Nursing’s approver and practice focused requirements.  (Chapter 2, Section VII.E.) 

Q.  I attended a weeklong educational conference and received 30 continuing education contact hours.   Can I use those hours to count for the next two license renewal periods?

A.  Continuing education contact hours beyond the required contact hours cannot be “carried over” to the next renewal period.  (Chapter 2, Section VII.C.5.) 

Q.  I have information about an upcoming workshop that is in my practice area, but the approver of continuing education does not appear on your list.  Can I take this workshop and use it for my continuing education contact hours?

A.  You may request an individual review for a non-approved workshop by submitting information containing the topic, agenda, presenters, content, and objectives, along with an ASBN application for individual review and accompanying fee.  (Chapter 2, Section VII.H.) 

Q.  My license is suspended for six months because I have violated the Nurse Practice Act.  How many continuing education contact hours do I need to reinstate my license?

A.  According to the regulations (Chapter 2, Section VII.C.3.a.i.) you must have completed twenty (20) practice-focused contact hours and meet any other conditions specified in the Board’s order. 

Q.  I would like to offer continuing education programs for nurses in Arkansas.  Will the ASBN approve the programs I plan to provide?

A.  No.  The ASBN will not approve programs for providers.  The provider should seek approval from the ArNA or other ASBN approved approver bodies.  (Chapter, Section VII) 

Q.  Do the contact hours offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing count for our contact hours?

A.  Yes. Their website is www.learningext.com and they offer a variety of programs.

Accreditation status can change for any company offering nursing continuing education studies. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the licensee to confirm through the providers advertising material/web site that they have had the program(s) appropriately accredited through one of the accepted approval bodies/accrediting organizations recognized by the ASBN before participating in any continuing education activity. The accreditation statement listing the approval body should appear on advertising material and must be on the certificate of completion. The approval body/accrediting organization is not the company or business offering the educational activity. (i.e. CME Resource is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation). The example above illustrates the approval body as the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Visit our website, www.arsbn.org, click on the “Education” option (link) then “Continuing Education” option (link) on the left border of the page for a list of current approval bodies/accrediting organizations on the CE resource page recognized by the ASBN

ASBN - Competency Definitions

Recommended by Continued Competency Task Force: August 1, 2001
Approved by Arkansas State Board of Nursing August 1, 2001
Updated: June 10, 2020

ASBN - CE Websites

The following is a list of potential websites, which may assist you in your search for acceptable sources of continuing nursing education. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list, nor are any of the vendors listed here endorsed or necessarily approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Depending upon the organization that approved the courses offered, the Arkansas State Board of Nursing may or may not accept such courses for continuing education credit for the purpose of licensure renewal. Please refer to the list of Accrediting Organizations/Approved Approval Bodies to determine if the provider’s educational activity is accepted by ASBN.

Contact hours from MEDCEU dba American Medical Education, Inc. are not accepted by ASBN.

Other Helpful Sites:

COVID-19 Positive Test Support Groups

Registration is now open for new tele-health support groups for Arkansas residents who have tested positive for COVID-19.

These groups will offer support for Arkansans in an anonymous, secure setting, while they remain in the safety of their homes. Our hope is to allow a safe place for participants to share their fears and anxiety as well as gain strength and encouragement from each other. 

Participants will be encouraged to offer support to each other and to share ideas for ways to cope with their feelings in a healthy and positive way.

These meetings are not medical advice, group therapy or intended for any type of mental health diagnosis or treatment. Participants may be referred or encouraged to seek counseling if appropriate, but this is not a treatment group. Any identified needs for a higher level of intervention will be quickly addressed and referred to the appropriate place, such as the patient’s primary care physician.

Registration is free and is based on a patient’s county of residence. See the table below to register for the call in your region:

County of Residence Support Group Registration

Lonoke, Prairie, Pulaski, Saline

Call Lisa or Michelle at 501-340-6646 between 8:30am and 4pm, Monday-Friday to register.

Clark, Crawford, Franklin, Garland, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Logan, Miller, Montgomery, Pike, Polk, Scott, Sebastian, Sevier

Call LaDonna at 479-785-9480 between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday-Friday to register.
Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Clay, Cleveland, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Drew, Greene, Fulton, Grant, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett, Randolph, Sharp, St. Francis, White, Woodruff

Call Ginger at 870-972-4021 between 8:30am and 4pm, Monday-Friday to register.
Baxter, Benton, Boone, Calhoun , Carroll , Cleburne, Columbia, Conway, Dallas, Faulkner, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Nevada, Newton, Ouachita, Perry, Pope, Searcy, Stone, Union, Van Buren, Washington, Yell

Call Amanda at (479) 316-7100 between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday-Friday to register.

 

 

 

ASBN - Disciplinary Actions

January 2017 thru April 2020

The nurses listed have had disciplinary action taken against their licenses. When a nurse's license to practice nursing is revoked or suspended, return of the license to the Board Office is requested; however, licenses may not be returned. Also, individuals placed on probation must continue to meet conditions for the retention, or future reinstatement, of their licenses. When hiring such an individual the Board office should be contacted. Therefore, we suggest this list be routinely shared with the appropriate supervisory personnel and recruiters in your agency.

At the completion of the disciplinary period, the nurse applies for reinstatement. Reinstatement is contingent upon meeting the conditions set forth by the Board.

In accordance with the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act and the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, the Arkansas State Board of Nursing took the following action after individual hearings:

The format for reporting disciplinary actions includes the statutory citation of the violation. Grounds for Disciplinary Action ACA § 17-87-309.

Disciplinary:

*For any Disciplinary Actions older than 2017, contact the Board of Nursing Office at 501-686-2700

ASBN - Consent Agreements

The Board has approved guidelines to offer a nurse an informal settlement known as a Consent Agreement. Board staff members offer a Consent Agreement to a nurse for violations of the Nurse Practice Act and Rules. A Consent Agreement is essentially a contract between the Board of Nursing and the nurse. The Order has required stipulations, which may include courses, random drug screening, performance evaluations, employment restrictions, or a civil penalty.

Course Instructions

Course Information

ASBN Update

2020

2019

2018

2017

*For any ASBN Update older than 2017 contact the Board of Nursing Office at 501-686-2700.

ASBN - Calendar of Events

Photo Gallery

No Events at this time.

ASBN - Staff

Administration

Sue Tedford, MNSc, APRN                           
ASBN Executive Director
sue.tedford@arkansas.gov 

Leslie Suggs                           
Executive Assistant to the Director
leslie.suggs@arkansas.gov                               

Accounting

Darla Erickson, CPA                           
Information Services Manager
darla.erickson@arkansas.gov 

Amanda Holiman                           
Fiscal Support Specialist
amanda.holiman@arkansas.gov 

Mindy Darner                           
Administrative Specialist II
mindy.darner@arkansas.gov 

Andrea McCuien                           
Administrative Specialist II
andrea.mccuien@arkansas.gov

Advanced Practice 

ASBN Program Coordinator

Ellen Harwell                           
Licensing Coordinator/Advanced Practice
ellen.harwell@arkansas.gov

Alternative to Discipline 

Tonya Gierke, JD, BSN, RN                           
ASBN Assistant Director - ArNAP
tonyagierke@arkansas.gov  

Discipline & Practice

Lisa Wooten, MPH, BSN, RN                           
ASBN Assistant Director 
lisa.wooten@arkansas.gov  

Debbie Rodgers, MSN, RN                           
ASBN Assistant Director 
deborah.rodgers@arkansas.gov   

Corrie Edge
Legal Support Specialist
corrie.edge@arkansas.gov

Debra Fletcher
Legal Support Specialist
debra.fletcher@arkansas.gov

Brandon Grimes
Regulatory Board Chief Investigator
brandon.grimes@arkansas.gov 

Stephanie Johnsen
Administrative Analyst
stephanie.johnsen@arkansas.gov

Chandler Sullivan
Legal Support Specialist
chandler.sullivan@arkansas.gov

Education & Licensing 

Karen McCumpsey, MNSc, RN, CNE
ASBN Assistant Director
karen.mccumpsey@arkansas.gov

Tammy Vaughn, MSN, RN, CNE
ASBN Program Coordinator
tammy.vaughn@arkansas.gov

Carla Davis 
Licensing Coordinator
carla.davis@arkansas.gov
 
Lori Gephardt
Licensing Coordinator
lori.gephardt@arkansas.gov   
 
Shannon Nixon 
Licensing Coordinator
shannon.nixon@arkansas.gov  

Information Technology 

Lou Ann Walker
Public Information Coordinator
louann.walker@arkansas.gov

Albert Williams
Information Systems Coordinator
albert.williams@arkansas.gov

Susan Moore
Computer Operator
susan.moore@arkansas.gov

Markeisha Rotimi
Licensing Coordinator
markeisha.rotimi@arkansas.gov

Tra'Vonda Tate
Licensing Coordinator
travonda.tate@arkansas.gov  

Legal 

David Dawson
ASBN General Counsel 
david.dawson@arkansas.gov

Mary Trentham, MNSc, MBA, APRN-BC
Attorney Specialist 
mary.trentham@arkansas.gov   

ASBN - Links

ASBN - Director Letter

Welcome to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website.  I hope you find our site to be a source of valuable information, as it is available to assist the public and licensed nurses to more fully utilize the services of the Board of Nursing.

Issuing licenses and certificates of prescriptive authority, prescribing minimum standards and surveying nursing education programs, and acting on complaints and conducting disciplinary proceedings are just a few of the services provided by the ASBN.

Remember, our mission at the ASBN is to protect the public and act as their advocate by effectively regulating the practice of nursing.  In addition to the Nurse Practice Act and Rules, there are position statements and guidelines for nurses to follow.  The ASBN is responsible for enforcing these laws and rules pertaining to the regulation of nurses, nursing education and nursing practice.  Please visit this site frequently to stay current with the Nurse Practice Act and Rules.

Whether you are a student, licensed nurse, or a citizen, we want your interaction with us to be the best it possibly can be.  Please give us your suggestions and feedback.

Cordially,

Sue A. Tedford, MNSc, APRN
ASBN Executive Director

ASBN - Board Members

For information on Board Member appointment, length of terms, etc. see Arkansas Nurse Practice Act 17-87-201.
 

Ramonda Housh,  APRN  
APRN | Term expires October 1, 2023

Ramonda Housh, of Pocahontas, is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner and fills the Board position for advanced practice registered nurse. She received her bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and earned her Master of Nursing Science degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Housh is the Division Chair for Allied Health and RN Program Chair at Black River Technical College in Pocahontas. Previously she served patients as a registered nurse in medical-surgical nursing and as a community health nurse, as well as pediatric patients as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Housh is a member of Sigma Theta Tau and certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Housh, a native Arkansan, stated, “After 20 years as a nurse and ten years as a nurse educator, I want to be involved in the protection of the public and in the regulation of our profession.” She is married to Eric Housh and has two children, Dylan and Sydney.

 

 Lance K. Lindow, RN
 Vice President 
 RN | October 1, 2021

Lindow fills the at-large position for a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.  He is a registered nurse and earned his associate degree from National Park Community College.  He received the Duke University Hospital “Strength, Hope and Caring” award in 2012.  Lindow’s nursing background includes being a flight nurse and NICU.  Currently, he is an emergency room nurse at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.  He states, “I became a nurse because I can’t change the world, but I can change my patients’ world 12 hours at a time. Lindow is married and has two sons.  In his spare time he likes Razorback sports and being with family.

 

Janice Denton Ivers, RN
Treasurer

RN (BSN or higher)  | Term expires October 1, 2020

 Janice Denton Ivers, of Jessieville, is the Dean of Nursing at National    Park College in Hot Springs. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1983 from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, and a master’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Ivers has served in various capacities of nursing education since 2001 and is a Certified Nurse Educator. Previously, she practiced in various patient settings in Arkansas and Colorado, with the majority of her experience in oncology. Ivers states, “I became a nurse because as a nurse, I have the unique opportunity to help people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I love serving others and, hopefully, being able to have an impact on their lives. To top it off, I get to enjoy one of the most exciting and fast-paced professions.” She wants to serve on the Board to protect the public, administer accountability and direction to the current workforce and refine the future workforce. Ivers is married and has three grown sons. 

 

Mike Burdine, RN                                                                                      
President
RN (associate) | Term expires October 1, 2019

Mike Burdine, of White Hall, is a registered nurse and fills the position for one of the associate degree nurses on the Board.  He received his associate degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  Burdine works at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock   He wants to serve on the Board to bring the perspective of a long term bedside nurse who intends to remain in direct patient care.  Burdine is married with two adult children and, in his spare time, enjoys sailing, kayaking and gardening.

 

 

Neldia Dycus, RN    
RN (diploma) | Term expires October 1, 2021  

Neldia Dycus, from Cabot, is a registered nurse and works at the   Arkansas  Department of Health as a Regional Director.  Previously she practiced at Baptist Medical Center as a staff nurse for labor and delivery and ICU, and as a chief nurse at St. Anthony CHI and St. Vincent North CHI.  She earned a nursing diploma from the Baptist School of Health, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and master degrees in health services administration and human resource development from Webster University. Dycus also has a post-graduate certificate in public health from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. When asked why she wanted to serve on the Board, she said, "I have been interested in serving on the board for many years.  I see it as a way to contribute to my profession and to give back to the nursing community." Dycus is married to Dennis Dycus and has one daughter, 2 stepsons and six grandchildren.  Her hobbies include drawing, writing and reading.

 

Jasper Fultz, LPN
LPN   | Term expires October 1, 2023

Jasper Fultz, of Augusta, is a licensed practical nurse. He has been employed at White County Medical Center for over 30 years. Fultz’s awards include the Arkansas Nursing Compassion Award and the Arkansas Business Healthcare Hero. He hopes to make a positive difference in nursing by serving on the Board and feels his many years experience will be beneficial to the Board.

 

 

Melanie Garner, LPN 
LPN | Term expires October 1, 2020

 Melanie Garner, of Fort Smith, is a licensed practical nurse and graduated from Westark Community College. Garner has worked in women’s health and public health and is a Certified Lactation Consultant. She is a lifelong resident of Sebastian County and is married with a son, daughter-in-law and foster grandson who will soon be adopted. Garner wants to serve on the Board to serve her state and profession and to ensure that all respondents have a fair hearing. Her hobbies include exercising, reading and Beth Moore Bible studies. 

 

Yolanda Green, LPN 
LPN | Term expires October 1, 2021

Yolanda Green, of Jacksonville, is a licensed practical nurse.  She graduated from Arkansas State University in Newport. Green has over nine years of experience in psychiatric nursing at the Arkansas State Hospital.   Green states, “I believe nursing is one of the most important occupations.  We can positively or negatively affect at person’s healing process.  By serving on the Board, I want to make sure that the public is being served by the best nurses.” In her spare time, she likes to read, bowl and is a movie buff.

 

Stacie Hipp, RN
Secretary
RN (BSN or higher)  | Term expires October 1, 2020

Stacie Hipp, of White Hall, began her nursing career in 1996 after graduating from the Jefferson School of Nursing diploma program.  She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2010 and graduated December 2016 with  a master’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas. Hipp is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society-Kappa Rho at Large, International Association of Forensic Nurses, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association. She is an an advanced practice registered nurse at White Hall Family Medicine in White Hall and a sexual assault nurse examiner at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Pine Bluff. Hipp said, “I want to serve on the Board because I want to be part of a team of different disciplines that all have one goal in mind, which is to protect the public by ensuring nurses at all levels provide safe and effective care that is achieved through proper education and by continuing education." She is married with three children and one grandson and loves to spend time with family and enjoys forensics.   

 

Rachel Sims, RN
RN | Term expires October 1, 2021

Rachel Sims, of Little Rock, is a registered nurse and fills an at-large registered nurse or licensed practical nurse position on the Board. She learned her bachelor's degrees in nursing and dietetics from the University of Central Arkansas and is certified from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Sims also has certifications in Advanced Injection Training and Advanced Laser Resurfacing Certified and works at Little Rock Plastic Surgery. Previously, she worked at Conway Regional Medical Center. Sims stated, "I want to represent my field of nursing to make positive changes to ensure patient safety. In 2017, Sims was named as AY's (About You magazine) Best Healthcare Professional. In her spare time, she enjoys running.

ASBN - Board Meeting Minutes

2020

2019

2018

ASBN - Annual Reports

*For any Annual Report older than 2017, contact the Board of Nursing Office at 501-686-2700

ASBN - Program Director & Faculty Information

The Program Director and Faculty Information area of the ASBN website is developed for the purpose of providing access to resources for program directors and faculty who teach in Arkansas nursing programs.

Affidavit of Graduation (AOG) Portal

Presentations

Resources:

ASBN - Approved Nursing Programs

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing approves programs preparing registered nurse and practical nurse candidates for licensure. The Nurse Practice Act requires that the Board prescribe minimum standards, approve curricula and survey educational programs through its authorized representative.

In order to qualify for licensure as a nurse in any state in the United States, an individual must graduate from a board approved nursing program. The Arkansas Board of Nursing has set minimum standards that each educational program must meet in order to obtain initial approval and maintain continued board approval. These standards can be found in the Rules, Chapter 6.

​​Approved Nursing Education Programs

Arkansas Nursing Education Program Progressioon Model

ASBN - NCLEX Exam

The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX®) is a computer adaptive exam designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities of the entry-level practitioner. Passage of the exam is a part of the process used by Boards of Nursing when determining eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

Exam Statistics

Arkansas Programs - 5 Year NCLEX Licensure Exam Results

National NCLEX Licensure Exam Results

Testing Resources

ASBN - Loans & Scholarships

In 2009 Act 9 was passed which authorized additional funding for the nursing student loan program. Act 9 was designed to encourage nurses to teach in Arkansas nursing education programs. To be eligible for the loan, the applicant must be an Arkansas resident enrolled in accredited nursing program and be teaching or hired to teach in a nursing program located in Arkansas. 

ASBN - Refresher Course Information

Refresher courses are designed for the nurse who has been out of practice for a period of time. All ASBN approved refresher courses include a didactic and clinical component. Nurses desiring to reactivate a license after a period of five or more years must complete a board approved refresher course before reactivation of the nursing license. 

Note: Contact hours obtained from a refresher course cannot be used to meet the requirements for license renewal.

 

Approved Refresher Coureses
Contact Level Type Additional Requirements
Baptist Health School of Nursing
Dianna Wilson, RN
11900 Colonel Glenn Rd., Ste 1000
Little Rock, AR  72210
501.202.7918
dianna.wilson@baptist-health.org		 RN
LPN		 Correspondence  
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Karen Stenstrom, RN
Director of Health Training
1900 28th Ave. South
Moorhead, MN  56560
218.299.6586
karen.stenstrom@minnesota.edu
www.cts.minnesota.edu		 RN
LPN		 Online
South Dakota State University
Linda Lemme
Program Assistant II
Dept. of Continuing Education
College of Nursing
Wagner Hall 207, Box 2275
Brookings, SD  57007-0098
605.688.5745
SDSU.ContinuingNursingEducation@sdstate.edu		 RN
PN		 Online ASBN Nurse Practice Act

Resources:

ASBN - Diabetic Educator

In compliance with the Diabetic Self Management Act of 1997 (ACA§23-79-601 et seq.) the Arkansas State Board of Nursing developed a process to certify RNs who provide education in the management of Diabetes. This certification allows for insurance reimbursement for the education.

Diabetic Educator Guidelines

To be certified by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) as a Diabetes Self-Management Educator, the applicant must:

  1. Hold an active Arkansas license as a registered nurse.
  2. Hold current certification as a Certified Diabetic Educator (CDE) by the American Diabetes Association; or 
  3. Have successfully completed a diabetes educational program, approved by the ASBN, which complies with the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs as developed by the American Diabetes Association.
  4. Submit completed notarized Initial Certification for Diabetes Self-Management Educator Application, along with a non-refundable fee of $25.00.
  5. Submit notarized documentation from the ASBN approved education program coordinator and preceptor that applicant has successfully completed both didactic and practicum sessions; or 
  6. Submit proof of current certification as a CDE by the American Diabetes Association. 

See ASBN Rules and Regulations for information regarding renewal. Please contact the Director of Nursing Education, if you have questions.

 

Resources:

Approved Training Programs

Certifications of Training

Certificates of Approval

Certificates of Participation

ASBN - Accrediting Organizations

Act 86 of 2001 requires nurses to complete certain continuing education requirements in order to renew their license. The continuing education must be recognized by a Board approved continuing education accrediting organization/approval body.

Accrediting Organizations/Approved Approval Bodies of Continuing Education

When considering a continuing education activity, the brochure or information about the activity should list the organization that is the accrediting organization/approval body.  On the certificate of participation, the accreditation statement must stand alone and be similar to: “This continuing nursing education activity was approved by (this is where the accrediting organization/approved body is found), an accredited approver by…”

The Board of Nursing will accept nursing continuing education activities approved by the following organizations/bodies PROVIDED that the appropriate documentation and contact hour assignment has been made and meets all other guidelines as set forth by the ASBN Rules.  This list will be updated as needed.

ASBN - Workshops

ASBN is currently not offering workshops.

ASBN - Online Courses

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing partners with Table Mesa online hosting platform. The courses below are located on the Table Mesa platform. Click on the course title to view each course description, objectives and other related information. Register for a FREE Table Mesa account in order to access the courses.

Register for Table Mesa account:

Instructions to register for FREE Table Mesa account

 

Online Continuing Education Course Information


Title: Advanced Practice Nursing in Arkansas

Description: This ASBN 2 Contact Hour CE course provides Arkansas APRNs with current information regarding the statutes passed in the Arkansas General Assembly. Rules and regulations applicable to the APRN are discussed to facilitate managing scope of practice.

 Objectives: Upon completion of the course the learner will:

CE Information: Approved by ASBN for 2.0 contact hours. This course module meets 2 hours of pharmocotherapeutics as required for APRNs with prescriptive authority. Completion of the examination must occur to receive contact hours.

 Certificate: A certificate of completion will be available for download after successful completion of the examination.

Target Audience: Arkansas Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Cost: Free

Instructions: This mandatory course is located on the Table Mesa platform. Register for a FREE Table Mesa account, or access an existing account in order to access the course and test.

As you set up your Table Mesa account, please keep the following items in mind:

Review the course material via clicking on the Table Mesa link. Following completion of the course, complete the examination, with a mandatory score of 70 percent or better.

For direct link to Table Mesa, click here.

 

Title: Prescription Drug Abuse and Misuse

Description: This ASBN 1 Contact Hour CE course provides Arkansas APRNs with information relevant to issues associated with prescription drug abuse and misuse. Rules and regulations applicable to the APRN are discussed to facilitate managing scope of practice.

Objectives: Upon completion of the course the learner will:

CE Information: Approved by ASBN for 1.0 contact hours. This course module meets 1 hour of pharmocotherapeutics as required for APRNs with prescriptive authority. Completion of the examination must occur to receive contact hour.

Certificate: A certificate of completion will be available for download after successful completion of the examination.

Target Audience: Arkansas Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Cost: Free

Instructions: This mandatory course is located on the Table Mesa platform. Register for a FREE Table Mesa account, or access an existing account in order to access the course and test.

As you set up your Table Mesa account, please keep the following items in mind:

Review the course material via clicking on the Table Mesa link. Following completion of the course, complete the examination, with a mandatory score of 70 percent or better.

For direct link to Table Mesa, click here.

 

Title:  Arkansas Nurse Practice Act

Description: The purpose of the nurse practice act course is to promote, protect and preserve the public health, safety and welfare by means of regulating the practice of nursing and schools of nursing within the state.

Objectives: Upon completion of the course the learner will:

CE Information: Approved for 2.0 contact hours. NCSBN is accredited as an approver of continuing education in nursing by boards of nursing in Alabama.

Certificate: A certificate of completion will be available for download after successful completion of the examination.

Target Audience: Arkansas nurse in every practice setting at every level of practice.

Cost: $15.00

Prices subject to change. Please check online at NCSBN Learning Extension for current pricing.

Instructions: 

This course is located on the NCSBN Learning Extension platform. Enroll for FREE at NCSBN Learning Extension to create an account.

As you access NCSBN Learning Extension,

 For direct link to NCSBN Learning Extension, click here.

 

Title: PN Scope of Practice and Behaviors Course

ASBN - Continuing Education

Continuing education for license renewal and reinstatement was mandated by Act 86 of the 2001 Arkansas legislative session. The regulations were put into effect beginning July 1, 2003. Random audits for compliance with the continuing education requirements are conducted.

Active licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses must complete the continuing education requirement by one of these methods prior to each bi-annual renewal.  (1) 15 contact hours of appropriately accredited practice-focused activities, OR (2) Hold a current nationally recognized certification/recertification, OR (3) Completed a minimum of one college credit hour course in nursing with a grade of C or better during licensure period.  Reinstatement from inactive status/late renewals of less than five years must complete 20 contact hours of appropriately accredited activities.  For each renewal, advanced practice registered nurses with prescriptive authority must complete an additional five contact hours of pharmacotheraputics related to their specialty certification. Additional Advance Practice Registered Nurse continuing education information is located under the ASBN-APRN link to the left. 

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing offers different avenues for continuing education.  Select one of the links below for a complete listing of all options that are offered.  For questions regarding continuing education information, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions above.    

Continuing Education Opportunities
Workshops
Online Courses

ASBN - Compact

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES - PUBLIC HEARING ON MAY 12, 2020

Historically, in 1999, the Arkansas Legislature passed the original Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and it was implemented in July 1, 2000. The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) referred to as the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an updated version of the previous 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) and other states that have joined the NLC.

The Arkansas legislature passed the newNLC at the 2017 General Assembly and this allowed the state to enter into the NLC. The official implementation date for the new NLC was January 19, 2018. There are new features in the provisions of the legislation of the NLC. Licensing standards are aligned in NLC states so all applicants for a multistate nursing license are required to meet the same standards. One of those requirements includes that in order to obtain a multistate license, new licensees must meet 11 uniform licensure requirements as identified here - Uniform Licensure Requirements for a Multistate License. So just because a nurse is licensed in an NLC state, it does not mean a multistate license was automatically issued. The nurse may just have a single state license. The status of a nursing license can be verified for participating states (Arkansas is a participating state) at www.nursys.com. If the original state of nurse licensure is not a Nursys® participant, contact the original state licensing board.

Under mutual recognition, a nurse may practice across state lines unless otherwise restricted. In order to achieve mutual recognition, each state must enact legislation authorizing the NLC. States entering the compact also adopt administrative rules and regulations for implementation of the compact.

Nurses must follow the laws and regulations of the state in which nursing practice occurs. In the case of electronic practice (telenursing), nurses must adhere to the practice standards of the state in which the client receives care.Under mutual recognition, a nurse may practice across state lines unless otherwise restricted.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

Historically, in 2002, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Delegate Assembly approved the adoption of model language of a licensure compact for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Only those states that have adopted the RN and LPN/VN enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact may implement a compact for APRNs. On March 15, 2004, Utah became the first state to enter into the APRN Compact. Iowa followed in 2005. At this time no date has been set for the implementation of the APRN Compact.

APRNs are not issued a license under the NLC. The APRN must have an active Arkansas APRN license or a multistate license with the privilege to practice in Arkansas.


General Information about the NLC

Did You Know?

Related Videos

Fact Sheets

 

ASBN - Adv. Practice

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are registered nurses who have been educated beyond the requirements for a registered nurse in one of the four roles of advanced practice nurses – Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).

If your certification expires and it is not your regular time to renew your license, DO NOT submit another renewal application. Instead, if your certification lapses DO NOT PAY FOR YOUR RENEWAL (you WILL NOT receive a refund) and follow the instructions below:

Licensure Applications for APRN
Advanced Practice Application - Initial
Advanced Practice Application - Endorsement
Verify Hours of RN Practice (effective July 1, 2019)
Advanced Practice Licensure Verification Form for Endorsement Applicants
Verification of National Certification
Verify Hours of APRN Practice
Prescriptive Authority Applications for APRNs
(Prescriptive Authority is not automatically provided with an Arkansas APRN License)
Prescriptive Authority Application - Initial 
Prescriptive Authority Application - Endorsement 
Verify Hours of Prescribing
Prescriptive Authority Verification Form for Endorsement Applicants

Collaborative Practice Agreement - Use the example below.
*Remember this is not a business contract.

Review the laws for APRN Prescribing prior to submitting a Collaborative Practice Agreement.

Prescriptive Protocols (You are welcome to use one of the examples below making changes as needed)

DEA Registration

Prescriptive Authority: DEA Registration Instructions

An advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority must obtain a DEA registration number to prescribe controlled substances (schedule III,IV &V only).

A.    APRNs holding a certificate of prescriptive authority may contact the New Orleans office of the DEA to receive an application for a DEA registration number. Do not apply for the DEA registration prior to being issued Prescriptive Authority.  The toll-free phone numbers are: 888/514-7302 or 888/514-8051.  The DEA now has forms on-line for registration of advanced practice nurses.  The application form can be found on the web at the Diversion Control Program web site: www.DEAdiversion.usdoj.gov. At the website, select “ New Registration Applications."  The form is available in PDF format.  It is necessary to have Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader to access the form.  There are two versions of the form available:    

(1) An on-line form.  This version allows the user to complete the form on-line and submit.  It is much quicker. The form can then be signed and mailed to the DEA.  You must have a credit card to pay the fee.

(2) A paper form can be requested. Call the above number and request form to be mailed to you.

Common questions concerned controlled substance applications are answered in the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of the website, or applicants can contact the Registration Call Center at 800-882-9539.
 

B.    When completing the DEA registration application you should:

    Enter your advanced practice license number (not your certificate of prescriptive authority number).  You do not have a state-controlled substance number.
    Indicate that you may prescribe, administer, dispense or procure schedule III, IV and V narcotic and non-­narcotic substances.

C.    The ASBN Rules require that you send a copy of your DEA number for your file. 

Please send the copy via the Arkansas Nurse Portal message center; choose prescriptive authority.

The Pharmacy Services of the Arkansas Department of Health is responsible for enforcing the Controlled Substances Act. A copy of the Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Controlled Substances and the List of Controlled Substances for the State of Arkansas may be obtained by phone, (501) 661-2325, or mail:

Arkansas Dept. of Health Pharmacy Services
4815 West Markham, Slot 25
Little Rock, AR 72205

Prescriptive authority may be terminated by the Board of Nursing for failure to maintain current active APRN licensure or violation of any state or federal law or regulation applicable to prescriptions.

If you have any questions, please contact us.  Pharmacists may contact us to verify prescriptive authority or for any other information related to the new law and regulations.

Advanced Practice Continuing Education Mandatory 

In an effort to help curtail the national epidemic of opioid abuse, new prescribing guidelines have been enacted for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Arkansas.

Act 1208 of A.C.A. §20-7-704 specifically states that all APRNs issued a certificate of prescriptive authority after December 31, 2015, shall obtain a minimum of three (3) hours of prescribing education which includes information on maintaining professional boundaries and the prescribing rules, regulations and laws that apply to APRNs in the state within two (2) years of issuance of the prescriptive authority certificate (ASBN Rules, Chapter 4, Section VIII, A.7.). In order to meet this requirement, you will need to complete two courses, Advanced Practice Nursing in Arkansas (2 contact hours) and Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse (1 contact hour). 

APRNs with prescriptive authority shall complete five (5) contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics continuing education in the APRN’s area of certification each biennium prior to license renewal. Effective January 1, 2017, two (2) of the prescribing hours must contain information related to maintaining professional boundaries and the prescribing rules, regulations and laws that apply to APRNs in Arkansas (ASBN Rules, Chapter 4, Section III,F.7.). In order to meet this requirement you will need to complete the course Advanced Practice Nursing in Arkansas (2 contact hours). This is to be completed prior to renewal of your license.

In order to help APRNs meet these requirements, continuing education courses have been prepared. After review of each course a post-test is to be completed with a mandatory score of 70 percent or better. Once completed, a certificate will be available for download. Please note that this requirement has not been satisfied until you are in possession of the certificate of completion.

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing partners with Table Mesa online hosting platform.  The mandatory courses are located on the Table Mesa platform.  You will need to register for your FREE Table Mesa account in order to access the courses and tests.

As you set up your Table Mesa account, please keep the following items in mind:

Instructions to register for FREE Table Mesa account:  Table Mesa Instructions

Direct Link to Table Mesa (follow registration instructions above): https://www.mytablemesa.com/account/registermain

For assistance with Table Mesa, e-mail support@mytablemesa.com 

ASBN - Forms

Online Services

Nursing Roster Request

Applications must be submitted through creation of a nurse portal account.

Criminal Background Checks and Fingerprint Card Request System

 

Read all information and choose fingerprint method below.

Arkansas law requires criminal background checks. A state and federal criminal background check is required if they are not already on file with Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) within the last 12 months of application. Background checks from other agencies are not accepted.

Fees associated with conduction of the state and federal criminal background checks are at the applicant’s expense and are paid within this online system. A fee of $36.25, in addition to a processing fee, is required to process the state and federal criminal background checks. After submission of your request, you will receive two automatically generated email notifications, an Arkansas GovPay receipt and Request Acknowledgement. These emails will be sent to the email address that you provide.

FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CONTACT THE ARKANSAS STATE POLICE OR THE FBI ABOUT THE STATUS OF YOUR CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.

Arkansas State Police Criminal Background Check

The State Criminal Background Check information is obtained within this system; no additional form is completed or submitted to Arkansas State Board of Nursing or the Arkansas State Police.

Federal Criminal Background Check

The Federal Criminal Background Check requires that your fingerprints are used to check the criminal history records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Fingerprint information is obtained in one of two ways, EITHER by 1) Arkansas Live Scan fingerprint scanning or 2) Ink based fingerprint card. Refer to the respective instructions contained herein.
Note: Out of state Endorsement applicants will need to either come to Arkansas to have Federal fingerprints live scanned or request the Ink based fingerprint card method.

1) Arkansas Live Scan fingerprint scanning

Arkansas Live Scan is the ONLY vendor approved to conduct digital scanning of fingerprints for Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Obtaining fingerprints via Arkansas Live Scan is a wonderful option with significant benefits such as:

Considerably faster return of results - typically within a week as compared to 4-6 weeks or longer with ink based finger printing;
High quality fingerprints ensure accuracy and minimize mistakes; and
Efficient images with no messy ink process; no fingerprint card is required

There is an additional $15.00 fee that each applicant pays to Arkansas Live Scan when having a live scan conducted.

Click here to download instructions for Arkansas Live Scan fingerprinting scanning.

2) Ink based Fingerprint Card

To have your fingerprints obtained via the ink based option you MUST use the fingerprint card provided by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. The fingerprint card will be mailed to you for completion and submission for the federal criminal background check. Arkansas State Board of Nursing typically receives results in 4 – 6 weeks; at times it may be longer.

When you request a fingerprint card through this system, it will be mailed to the address you provide. You must use the fingerprint card provided by ASBN. Refer to the instructions for directions on how to complete and mail the fingerprint card.

Click here to download instructions for obtaining, completing and submitting an ink based fingerprint card.

 

REQUEST CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS (CBCs) & DETERMINE FINGERPRINT COLLECTION METHOD

Choose one method.

Downloads & Resources
Criminal Background Check Instructions
Diabetes Self Management Educator Application and Requirements
Diabetes Self Management Educator Renewal Application and Instructions
Education Department Online Application Additional Documents Cover Page
Employment Verification Form
Individual Offering Approval Form
Multistate Nursing License Application and Instructions
Program RN/PN Verification
Special Accommodation for NCLEX® Exam Information and Request Form
Disciplinary
Aftercare Meetings Report
Employer Acknowledgement
Enforcement Treatment Provider Report
Medication Report
Performance Evaluation Report
Personal Report
Reinstatement Forms
Reinstatement Current Medication List
Reinstatement Personal Report
Reinstatement Request Form
Work History Form

ASBN - Licensing

The Nurse Practice Act requires that any person practicing as a registered nurse, advanced practice nurse, registered nurse practitioner, practical nurse, or psychiatric technician nurse in this state shall be licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. The Nurse Practice Act requires biennial license renewal for practicing nurses. Nurses who allow their licenses to lapse and who have not practiced nursing during the preceding licensure period may be reinstated upon request, payment of the renewal fee, late penalty, and after meeting the continuing education requirements.Nurses who do not renew are in good standing as long as they do not practice nursing in Arkansas, but must meet all requirements when reactivating license.  

Temporary permits may be issued to Arkansas licensed nurses who are graduates of a nursing program. This permit allows a nurse to practice between graduation and receipt of results of the first examination for which the licensee is eligible. Temporary permits may be issued to qualified RN and LPN endorsement applicants holding current licensure in other states.  

RNs and LPNs holding an active license from a compact multistate which is their primary state of residence may practice nursing in Arkansas.

Resources
License Verification Information
e-Notify
Fees
COVID-19
Continuing Education Information
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) 
Application Information
Licensure by Endorsement Information
Licensure by Examination Information
Renewal of Arkansas License
Criminal Background Checks

ASBN - ArNAP

Arkansas Nurses Alternative Program (ArNAP)

The Arkansas Nurses Alternative to Discipline Program (ArNAP) is an abstinence-based, non-disciplinary monitoring program, which was legislatively created in 2017(See Ark. Code Ann. 17-87-801 et seq.) to help licensed nurses and applicants for licensure, who have a drug or alcohol abuse problem, or addiction. Even though the program is voluntary, you are expected to comply with all aspects of your agreement and contract. Failure to comply with your specific requirements will result in a referral to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN or Board). Most disciplinary actions taken by the Board are permanently reflected on your license and may affect your future abilities to obtain employment.

Resources
ArNAP Handbook
Aftercare Meetings Report
Monthly Self-Report
Notification of Changes in Information
Notification of Travel
Performance Evaluation Report
Prescription Medication Report
Request for Reinstatement and Return to Nursing Practice
Treatment Provider Report

Address:
1123 S. University Ave.
Suite 800
Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: 501-683-0016
Fax: 501-686-2714

ASBN - Discipline

The Arkansas Nurse Practice Act and its Rules provide that the Board may deny, suspend, revoke, limit, or otherwise discipline any license to practice nursing or certificate of prescriptive authority for certain causes.

The Board is able to regulate the practice of licensed nurses through its disciplinary process.  Pursuant to Arkansas Code §17-87-309, the Board has the authority to deny, suspend, revoke, or limit any license to practice nursing or to otherwise discipline a licensee who is guilty of conduct outlined in that law.

Grounds for Discipline

Enforcement Forms

Reinstatement Forms

Disciplinary Process

File a Complaint:

For the Arkansas State Board of Nursing to take action on a nurse’s license to practice there must be a violation of the Nurse Practice Act. Please review Grounds for Discipline. If you suspect a nurse has violated the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act you should report it. If you are a licensed nurse in Arkansas you are obligated by law to report violations of the Nurse Practice Act to the Board. You may file a complaint online at https://arsbn.boardsofnursing.org/complaint. If there is insufficient information to conduct the investigation, the complainant will be contacted for additional information provided the complainant contact information is completed. If there is insufficient information to identify the correct nurse a complaint cannot be opened.

 

Disciplinary FAQs:

Coming soon.

 

Discipline Actions:

In accordance with the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act and the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, the Arkansas State Board of Nursing took the following action after individual hearings: click here.

Disciplinary Documents and Board Orders may be downloaded and printed from Nursys.com or https://arsbn.boardsofnursing.org/licenselookup.

For any Disciplinary Actions older than 2017, contact the Board of Nursing Office at 501-686-2700.

 

Contract Investigators:

Hopkins Investigations
Jon Hopkins
P.O. Box 1751
Searcy, AR 72145
501.256.8775
detjonhopkins@gmail.com

Bendi Bowers
P.O. Box 605
Paragould, AR 72451-0605
bbowersrn@yahoo.com
 

Pay Civil Penalty Fines

We apologize for the inconvenience, but Arkansas State Board of Nursing is currently unable to accept civil penalty payments online. Send a check or money order to:

Arkansas State Board of Nursing
1123 S. University, Suite 800
Little Rock, AR 72204.  

You must include on the memo portion of the check that it is for a fine and include your nursing license number.

ASBN - Education

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing approves programs preparing registered nurse and practical nurse candidates for licensure. The Nurse Practice Act requires that the Board prescribe minimum standards, approve curricula and survey educational programs through its authorized representative.

The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX®) is a computer adaptive exam designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities of the entry-level practitioner following graduation from an approved nursing education program. Additional NCLEX® information is located under the ASBN-NCLEX Exam hyperlink to the left..

Continuing education for license renewal and reinstatement was mandated by Act 86 of the 2001 Arkansas legislative session. The regulations were put into effect beginning July 1, 2003. Random audits for compliance with the continuing education requirements are conducted.

Resources:

ASBN - Laws & Rules

The Arkansas Nurse Practice Act is the most important piece of legislation related to nursing practice. The Arkansas Nurse Practice Act states in Subchapter 2, Section 17-87-203, Powers and duties, that “The Arkansas State Board of Nursing shall have the following powers and responsibilities:

  1. (A)  Promulgate whatever regulations it deems necessary for the implementation of this chapter.
  2. (B)  No regulation promulgated hereafter by the board shall be effective until reviewed by the Legislative Council and the House Interim Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor and the Senate Interim Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor or appropriate subcommittees thereof of the Arkansas General Assembly.”

The regulation, when it becomes effective, is part of the ASBN Rules.  

To practice nursing in Arkansas, it is your responsibility to be informed on both the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act and ASBN Rules. The Arkansas Nurse Practice Act and ASBN Rules can be downloaded free of charge 

Nurse Practice Act

Position Statements

Rules 

Proposed Rules 

Resources

COVID-19 County Data

County Name

Total Number of COVID-19 Positive Cases

Total Number of Recovered Cases

Total Number of Deaths

Arkansas

38

22

0

Ashley

78

55

1

Baxter

24

15

0

Benton

2917

2206

20

Boone

29

15

1

Bradley

52

34

2

Calhoun

1

0

0

Carroll

187

133

5

Chicot

154

96

3

Clark

58

55

0

Clay

64

44

3

Cleburne

102

72

4

Cleveland

27

26

0

Columbia

85

35

4

Conway

66

34

3

Craighead

467

403

7

Crawford

196

107

1

Crittenden

765

594

13

Cross

88

80

1

Dallas

10

6

0

Desha

54

33

1

Drew

70

40

2

Faulkner

545

315

3

Franklin

26

12

1

Fulton

15

9

0

Garland

271

187

1

Grant

44

31

0

Greene

121

99

0

Hempstead

57

45

1

Hot Spring

582

55

0

Howard

98

71

1

Independence

61

49

0

Izard

23

19

1

Jackson

31

25

0

Jefferson

726

616

28

Johnson

253

174

0

Lafayette

21

14

1

Lawrence

102

83

9

Lee

761

583

2

Lincoln

1041

1011

11

Little River

40

38

0

Logan

53

32

0

Lonoke

162

93

1

Madison

198

158

0

Marion

11

3

0

Miller

126

99

2

Mississippi

194

123

3

Monroe

16

7

0

Montgomery

5

3

0

Nevada

104

78

3

Newton

7

5

0

Ouachita

20

18

0

Perry

34

25

0

Phillips

155

91

3

Pike

9

7

0

Poinsett

61

51

3

Polk

75

69

0

Pope

468

352

4

Prairie

21

14

0

Pulaski

2258

1504

59

Randolph

53

39

1

Saline

319

219

2

Scott

12

7

0

Searcy

12

7

0

Sebastian

548

286

5

Sevier

726

605

7

Sharp

57

42

5

St. Francis

863

832

3

Stone

17

12

0

Union

252

212

13

Van Buren

33

29

2

Washington

3853

2637

31

White

92

73

1

Woodruff

7

5

0

Yell

668

451

3

Total

21,839*

15,729

281

*Total Number of Positive Cases (N = 22,622)
**The Arkansas Department of Health has 783 positive cases where there is not a defined county and 435 recovered cases, which could not be included in the table above.

 

 

ASBN - About

Established by the Arkansas Legislature in 1913 to safeguard the life and health of its citizens, the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) achieves its mission by developing standards for safe nursing care, approval of nursing schools and regulating licenses to practice nursing.

In addition to the Nurse Practice Act and Rules, there are position statements and guidelines for nurses to follow. The ASBN is responsible for enforcing these laws and rules pertaining to the regulation of nurses, nursing education and nursing practice.

Structure

The ASBN is comprised of thirteen Arkansas residents appointed by the Governor for terms of four years, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Members shall not be appointed to more than two consecutive terms.

Five registered nurses - one diploma school graduate, two associate degree graduates, two  baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree graduates  
Two advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) with one being an APRN holding a certificate granting prescriptive authority.      
Three licensed practical nurses or licensed psychiatric technician nurses 
One member shall be an at-large licensed registered nurse or licensed practical nurse   
One lay person representing consumers of health care services  
One member shall be sixty years of age or older and shall be the representative of the elderly    
At least one member who is a licensed registered nurse or APRN also shall be a nursing program educator.    
All hold Arkansas licenses and are actively practicing in their license category.  

Each registered nurse must be an Arkansas resident with at least five years of successful experience as a registered nurse in nursing practice, administration, or teaching; be licensed in Arkansas as a registered nurse and been employed as a registered  nurse for at least three years immediately preceding appointment, two of which shall have been in Arkansas.

Each advanced practice registered nurse must be an Arkansas resident with at least five years of experience as an advanced practice registered nurse; be licensed in Arkansas as an advanced practice registered nurse and been actively engaged in nursing for at least three years immediately preceding appointment, two of which shall have been in Arkansas.

Each practial nurse or licensed psychiatric technician nurse must be an Arkansas resident with at least five years of successful experience as a practical nurse or psychiatric technician nurse or as a teacher in an educational program to prepare practitioners of nursing; be licensed in Arkansas as a licensed practical nurse or licensed psychiatric technician nurse and been employed as a licensed practical nurse or licensed psychiatric technician nurse for at least three years immediately preceding appointment, two of which shall have been in Arkansas.

Office hours are 8am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Office Address Phone Fax
Arkansas State Board of Nursing 1123 South University Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72204 501-686-2700 501-686-2714

 

What Are The Board's Functions?

Issuing Licenses

There are over 54,000 licenses issued by the Board in the following categories:

After completing basic nursing programs, RNs and LPNs must pass nationally standardized examinations. LPTNs must have passed a state licensure exam.

RNPs have completed a nurse practitioner program in addition to their RN program.  Initial RNP licensure is no longer available. To be licensed as an APRN, an RN must complete a graduate-level or post-graduate-level advanced practice nursing program and hold certification from a Board approved nationally recognized certifying body.

The Board also issues certificates of prescriptive authority to eligible APRNs and credentials Diabetes Self-Management Educators.


Acting on Complaints

If a nurse is found to have violated the Nurse Practice Act or Rules that govern nursing practice in Arkansas, the Board may take disciplinary action and/or impose a civil penalty. The disciplinary action may include a letter of reprimand, probation, suspension or revocation of the license. A non-disciplinary letter of warning may be issued on certain types of complaints to give notice that the continuation of such acts will result in disciplinary action.

The board investigates complaints about nurses for practice or behavior that may be unsafe, incompetent, unethical, related to substance abuse or a violation of other laws or rules.

Nurses practicing in Arkansas on a license from another compact state may be issued an order to cease and desist practicing in this state in response to a complaint.

Anyone may submit a complaint to the board about a nurse’s practice or behavior. The complaint must be in writing, but it does not have to be signed.  

Approving Nursing Programs

The Board approves programs that prepare individuals to apply for LPN & RN licensure. There are 29 PN and 28 RN programs in the state. These schools are surveyed for continued approval. 

Diabetes self-management courses, leading to certification as a Diabetes Self-Management Educator, are also approved by the Board. 

Only persons licensed by the Board or holding a license from a compact state which is their primary state of residence may practice nursing in Arkansas.  

A twenty-four-hour online system is available for verification of a nurse’s current Arkansas licensure status. The licensure status of RNs and LPNs from compact states can be verified by contacting the Board in the nurse’s primary state of residence.


Who Can Practice In Arkansas?

Only persons licensed by the Board or holding a license from a compact state which is their primary state of residence may practice nursing in Arkansas.  

A twenty-four-hour online system is available for verification of a nurse’s current Arkansas licensure status. The licensure status of RNs and LPNs from compact states can be verified by contacting the Board in the nurse’s primary state of residence. 

Nurse Licensure Compact

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact which allows RNs and LPNs residing and licensed in one compact state the privilege of working in all other compact states.


When Does the Board Meet?

Open to the public, Board meetings are held every month except March, August, and December. Meeting dates are available on the board website or from the board office. For groups of five or more contact the board office for seating availability.
 

For More Information:

Education
Nursing Education Programs 501.686.2786

Licensure
Examination 501.686.2710
Endorsement 501.686.2708

Practice
Complaints   501.686.2711
Practice Questions  501.686.2788

Advanced Practice
Licensure, Complaints
Prescriptive Authority  501.686.2706

Renewals
501.682.8091

Office Hours  8:00 – 4:30, M - F
Phone: 501.686.2700
Fax: 501.686.2714
www.arsbn.org

Needs Assessment & Applications

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), specifically the Family Health Section in the Center for Health Advancement, is responsible for carrying out the Title V Maternal & Child Health (MCH) Block Grant functions. As a recipient of the federal block grant, Arkansas is required to complete a statewide needs assessment every five years and develop a plan of action for addressing priorities identified during the process.

The goals of the ADH and the Arkansas Department of Human Services (ADHS) are to provide a document with quality data specific to Arkansas’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) population groups that sets a foundation for addressing and evaluating progress on identified health priorities; includes input from families and health experts as key processes within the needs assessment process; and, is readily available for use by others who make decisions about and/or develop, provide, and evaluate services to the Arkansas’s MCH population groups.

MCH and the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Program uses the needs assessment to guide Title V activities for the years 2015-2020. A five-year plan that addresses national and state priorities and sets targets for improvement will be developed using this information. In interim years, changes in Arkansas’s MCH population groups’ strengths and needs will be assessed and monitored and may lead to changes in the identified state priorities, state performance measures, and/or targets set for national and state performance measures. 

We Need Your Input!

Arkansas's MCH Program is soliciting input on the draft of its five-year Needs Assessment and state plan priorities for MCH services for years 2021 through 2025. The plan’s main goal is to improve the health and well-being of women, infants, children and families, including children with special health care needs. The information collected will help guide strategies and activities over the next five years.

Answer questions to the best of your ability. If you feel uncomfortable about answering a question, then skip to the next question.
NOTE: Comments received are summarized and respondents are not identified

 

Title V Block Grant Application

The Arkansas Title V Maternal and Child Health FY 2020 Application/FY 2018 Annual Report is available here . Previously submitted Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Applications and Annual Reports may be viewed on the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) website.

The Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Program State Snapshot produced by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the HRSA, presents high-level data and the executive summary from the most recent Application and Annual Report.

Title V and Family Health Programs

Title V originated as part of the Social Security Act in 1935 and is one of the largest federal block grant programs. This legislation was the origin of the federal government's pledge of support to states in improving the health of mothers and children throughout the nation. Since the original authorization, Title V has been amended several times to reflect the increasing national interest in maternal and child health (MCH) and well-being. One of the first changes occurred when Title V was converted to a block grant program in 1981, resulting in the consolidation of seven categorical programs into a single block grant. These programs were:

Over the past three decades, several additional amendments to Title V have occurred which were intended to offer states flexibility with the block grant in responding locally to MCH needs while assuring accountability for the use of federal and state funds. The current requirements include planning activities to support several key MCH indicators and then reporting on progress. Some examples of those indicators are immunization rates, teen pregnancy rates, and the percentage of children with special health care needs whose families partner in decision-making and are satisfied with services received. States are also allowed to develop and report on additional indicators that support local needs.

The purpose of the Title V MCH Services Block Grant Program is to create federal/state partnerships to develop service systems to meet MCH challenges which include but are not limited to the following:

The conceptual framework for services of the Title V MCH block grant is envisioned as a pyramid with four tiers of services and for which infrastructure building services is the base. Title V is the only federal program that provides services at all levels.

Tier of Service Examples
1st level - infrastructure building services needs assessment, policy development, quality assurance, planning evaluation
2nd level -population-based services newborn screening, immunization, injury prevention, oral health, public education
3rd level - enabling services transportation, case management, WIC
4th level - direct health care services basic health services, services for (gap filling) CSHCN


For additional information on Arkansas’ Title V Program national outcome measures, national performance measures, state performance measures, expenditures and related Title V Arkansas discretionary grants, click here.

Maternal and Child Health

Overview

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is committed to improving the health of women of childbearing age, adolescents, children, infants, and children with special health care needs. Located within the Family Health Section (under the Center for Health Advancement Division), our staff supports the development of family-centered, community-based, coordinated systems of care.

Maternal and Child Health (MCH) started as part of the Social Security Act (SSA) in 1935 and is one of the largest federal block grant programs. It focuses on maternal, infant, child and adolescent health including children with special health care needs. SSA was the origin of the federal government's pledge of support to states in improving the health of mothers and children throughout the nation. Since the original act, MCH has been changed several times to reflect the growing national interest in maternal and child health and well-being. One of the first changes occurred when MCH became a block grant program in 1981, resulting in a merge of seven categorical programs into a single block grant. Most recently MCH has asked states to prioritize their focus according to the needs of the state.

Priorities to support our vision reflect the specific needs identified through a state five-year needs assessment process. This process includes a team approach to including MCH stakeholders, especially families. Based on direction given by the federal Maternal & Child Health Bureau, Arkansas MCH has arranged these web pages according to age groups and related programs:

Women’s Health and Family Planning – Women of childbearing years (ages 18-44) – see our programs and information about Text4baby, Breastfeeding, Women’s and Maternal Health, Reproductive Life Plan, Contraceptives, Maternal Mortality, and related resources.

Infants (birth to 1 year of age) – see our programs and information about Infant Hearing, Hospitals, Newborn Screening, Infant Mortality, Safe Sleep, and related resources.

Child (ages 1-12) & Adolescent (Youth 12 to 25 years of age) Health –  see our programs and information about - Developmental Milestones, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Parent Support, School Health, Providers, Teens, Adolescent Resources, and other related resources.

Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) – The Arkansas Department of Human Services (ADHS) administers the CSHCN Program through the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services - see programs and information about Community Contractors, Transition, Medical Home, provider information, resources for contractors, and related resources here.

Cross-Cutting/Life Course – Strategies and programs that affect multiple ages from birth to women – see our programs and information about WIC, home visiting, rural health, immunizations, tobacco cessation, obesity, infant mortality, and well visits.

An important partner in our work to improve maternal and child health is the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP). AMCHP is a national resource, partner and advocate for ADH MCH leaders and others working to improve the health of women, children, youth and families, including those with special health care needs.

Resources:

For more information about Maternal and Child Health, or information regarding maternal and child health in Arkansas, please contact our office.

Office Address Phone Fax
Arkansas Department of Health
Family Health Branch		 5800 W. 10th St.
Suite 810
Little Rock, AR 72204		 501-661-2021 501-661-2464

COVID-19 Guidance for Behavioral and Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic could be a source of stress, fear, or anxiety for many Arkansans. The ADH has resources below for coping with this stress.

If you currently visit a provider for mental health services, these services can now be accessed by telephone or tele-video. Contact your established provider for more information.

Arkansas’s Community Mental Health Centers have also temporarily changed their services to utilize tele-video or telephone technology whenever possible. The Arkansas Lifeline Call Center can direct you to the center closest to you.

Arkansas Lifeline Call Center

The Arkansas Lifeline Call Center (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7. This call center housed within the ADH answers calls from Arkansans to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call takers can route Arkansans to local resources.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Disaster Distress Helpline

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. This line offers services specific to COVID-19.

CDC Resources

CDC has a webpage with additional resources for stress and coping. This page offers information for the following topics:

ADH Resources

 

 

ASBO - Jurisprudence Course

Arkansas State Board of Optometry The following instructions will allow you to complete the Jurisprudence requirements to renew your license next year. Click here for the Course Questions and the questions will be loaded into an Adobe document for you to print-out. A Free Adobe program can be downloaded by clicking here.

After you have printed out the questions, supplied the answers, and mailed to the Board of Optometry Office, with a check for $35.00, you will receive an acknowledgement and one hour C.E. credit.

The current Rules and Regulations are here, as well as the Optometry Law.

If you have questions, send e-mail to aroptometry@sbcglobal.net or call (501) 268-4351.

The Board Office Address:

Arkansas State Board of Optometry
P.O. Box 512
Searcy, AR 72145

Arkansas State Board of Optometry

Board Members

Name Address Phone
Bryant B. Ashley, O.D., President 3418 Camp Robinson Road
North Little Rock, AR 72118		 501-758-1015
Herman Ginger, O.D., Vice President 2701 Hazel
Pine Bluff, AR 71603		 870-535-7690
Robert W. Smalling,O.D., Secretary 119 N. Main St.
Warren, AR 71671		 870-226-6731
Howard F. Flippin, O.D., Executive Director 404 W. Vine Ave.
Searcy, AR 72143		 501-268-4351
Mitchell E. Gentry 101 Orchid Dr.
Searcy, AR 72143		 501-827-1578
William L. White 4509 Bunker Hill
North Little Rock, AR 72116		 501-690-8892
Shane Ford, O.D. 3005 Fountain Dr.
Conway, AR 72034		 501-329-9851
Daniel Hennessy, O.D. 4200 N. Rodney Parham - Suite 101
Little Rock, AR 72212		 501-687-0800
Kevin O'Dwyer, Attorney at Law 211 Spring Street
Little Rock, AR 72201		 501-372-4144

 

Board Meetings

Meeting Minutes (for older meeting minutes, contact the ASBO office)

Rules

Resources

 

Office Address Phone Fax
Arkansas State Board of Optometry

404 W. Vine Avenue
Searcy, AR 72143

P.O. Box 512
Searcy, AR 72145

 501-268-4351 501-268-4361

Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board

The purpose of the Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board (ADLB) is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. This is accomplished by providing for the licensing and regulation of persons engaged in the practice of dietetics as established by the Dietetics Practice Act in l989.

The Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board members appointed by the Governor meet regularly to process new and renewal licensure applications. The state of Arkansas currently licenses over 793 dietitians in the state. The licensure year is December 1 through November 30 per the Dietetics Practice Act 392 of 1989.

The Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board was established by Act 392 of 1989 and amended by Acts 786 of 1991 and 250 of 1997. This legislation provides for the definition, examination, and licensing of dietitians. It also defines the duties and powers of the Board.

The Notice of Rulemaking linked below will be published in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette on April 12, 2020 – April 14, 2020. The Notice of Rulemaking gives instructions for leaving a comment. The public comment period ends May 13, 2020.


Board Members & Staff

The Board is comprised of five (5) persons, all of whom are Arkansas Residents, with the following qualifications: three (3) Board members are Licensed Dietitians; two (2) Board members are representatives of the public at large. The members of the Board are appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the Senate and serve staggered terms of five (5) years each beginning January 15 of odd-numbered years. The dietetic professional members are selected from a list of ten (10) names submitted to the Governor by the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition. Each of these Licensed Dietitian Board members have been practicing dietitians for at least five (5) years preceding their appointment.

Functions of the Board

Duties of the Board include the licensure and regulation of individuals qualified to engage in the practice of dietetics and other nutrition care services.

At least two (2) regular meetings of the Board are held each calendar year, and at the first regular meeting every two (2) years, the Board elects a chairperson and vice-chairperson. Special called meetings may be held at the discretion of the chairperson or at the written request of any three (3) members of the Board. All regular meetings of the Board are open to the public. Reasonable notice of all meetings are given in the manner prescribed by the laws of this State.

A quorum of the Board consists of three (3) members. A secretary of the Board is elected by the Board and holds office at the pleasure of the Board.

Board Member Title Term Expiration
Kimberly Jabonski, MS., RD., LD. Chair 01.15.2021
Amber Binz Vice Chair, Member of Public 01.14.2023
Rosalea Hyland, MS., RD., LD. Secretary 01.15.2025
Billie Haynes Member of Public 01.15.2020
Debra Head, PhD., RD., LD. Member of Public 01.15.2025
Justine M. Flowers
501.580.9294		 Administrative Secretary

Board Meetings

Rules

Forms


Continuing Education

The law that established licensure for dietitians in Arkansas also specified that for renewal of that license, every licensed dietitian would yearly complete twelve (12) hours of continuing education(CE). The CE would be approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration or its designee. These Continuing Education Guidelines provides additional information regarding this process.


License Verification

To request verification of Licensure, please send email to ardiet@arkansas.gov, Fax request to 501-843-0878, or call the Board at 501-580-9294. Verification is not available online.
 

Resources:

 

Office Address Phone Fax
Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board P.O. Box 1016
North Little Rock, AR 72115		 501-580-9294 501-843-0878

Arkansas Board of Nursing

COVID-19
 

Arkansas Nurse Portal

Apply for Arkansas License or Certificate

Criminal Background Checks

 Verify License or Certificate

Submit Address or Name Change

 Renew Arkansas License or Certificate

To contact us, please email the Arkansas Board of Nursing.

 

Catch up with us on social media!

APB - Forms

Licensee Forms

Active Licensees:
Licensed Psychological Examiner - 395
Licensed Psychological Examiner - Independent Status - 267
Licensed Psychologist - 606

Licensees and Applicants - Utilize the links on the left-hand side of the page for forms related to your licensure status.

License Verification:

 

Psychologists Forms

Forms must include a cover letter with each submission. Incomplete submissions will not be processed by the Board nor will the incomplete submission be returned to you.

Board Meeting Agenda Items: If you would like to have an item on the Board meeting agenda, it must be in the office by the 1st of the month. The request must be submitted in writing and mailed to the Board office. Facsimiles and e-mails will not be accepted.

This includes applications for credential reviews.The application must be complete and ready for review by the 1st of the month to be considered at the Board meeting.

 

Licensed Psychological Examiner Independent Status Forms

Forms must include a cover letter with each submission. Incomplete submissions will not be processed by the Board nor will the incomplete submission be returned to you.

Board Meeting Agenda Items: If you would like to have an item on the Board meeting agenda, it must be in the office by the 1st of the month. The request must be submitted in writing and mailed to the Board office. Facsimiles and e-mails will not be accepted.

This includes applications for credential reviews. The application must be complete and ready for review by the 1st of the month to be considered at the Board meeting.

 

Licensed Psychological Examiner Forms

Forms must include a cover letter with each submission. Incomplete submissions will not be processed by the Board nor will the incomplete submission be returned to you.

Board Meeting Agenda Items: If you would like to have an item on the Board meeting agenda, it must be in the office by the 1st of the month. The request must be submitted in writing and mailed to the Board office. Facsimiles and e-mails will not be accepted.

This includes applications for credential reviews. The application must be complete and ready for review by the 1st of the month to be considered at the Board meeting.

 

Provisional Licensees Forms

Forms must include a cover letter with each submission. Incomplete submissions will not be processed by the Board nor will the incomplete submission be returned to you.

Board Meeting Agenda Items: If you would like to have an item on the Board meeting agenda, it must be in the office by the 1st of the month. The request must be submitted in writing and mailed to the Board office. Facsimiles and e-mails will not be accepted.

This includes applications for credential reviews. The application must be complete and ready for review by the 1st of the month to be considered at the Board meeting.

 

Technicians Forms

Forms must include a cover letter with each submission. Incomplete submissions will not be processed by the Board nor will the incomplete submission be returned to you.

Board Meeting Agenda Items: If you would like to have an item on the Board meeting agenda, it must be in the office by the 1st of the month. The request must be submitted in writing and mailed to the Board office. Facsimiles and e-mails will not be accepted.

This includes applications for credential reviews. The application must be complete and ready for review by the 1st of the month to be considered at the Board meeting.

 

New Applicants

Forms must include a cover letter with each submission. Incomplete submissions will not be processed by the Board nor will the incomplete submission be returned to you.

Board Meeting Agenda Items: If you would like to have an item on the Board meeting agenda, it must be in the office by the 1st of the month. The request must be submitted in writing and mailed to the Board office. Facsimiles and e-mails will not be accepted.

This includes applications for credential reviews. The application must be complete and ready for review by the 1st of the month to be considered at the Board meeting.

 

Mobility Programs & Forms

Forms must include a cover letter with each submission. Incomplete submissions will not be processed by the Board nor will the incomplete submission be returned to you.

Board Meeting Agenda Items: If you would like to have an item on the Board meeting agenda, it must be in the office by the 1st of the month. The request must be submitted in writing and mailed to the Board office. Facsimiles and e-mails will not be accepted.

This includes applications for credential reviews. The application must be complete and ready for review by the 1st of the month to be considered at the Board meeting.

Application Packets Available:

 

Voluntary Inactive/Retired Licensees

Forms must include a cover letter with each submission. Incomplete submissions will not be processed by the Board nor will the incomplete submission be returned to you.

Board Meeting Agenda Items: If you would like to have an item on the Board meeting agenda, it must be in the office by the 1st of the month. The request must be submitted in writing and mailed to the Board office. Facsimiles and e-mails will not be accepted.

This includes applications for credential reviews. The application must be complete and ready for review by the 1st of the month to be considered at the Board meeting.

 

Mailing List

Forms must include a cover letter with each submission. Incomplete submissions will not be processed by the Board nor will the incomplete submission be returned to you.

We accept credit card payments.  Payment information is included on the form.

Charge: $100.00 for a mailing list of active licensed Psychologists and Psychological Examiners in Arkansas.

The mailing list will be in Excel and will consist of the following for active and voluntary inactive licensees:

License Type Address
Abbreviation City
License Number State
Highest Degree Zip
Title Work Phone
First Name E-Mail
Middle Name License Began
Last Name License Expires

APB - Complaints & Ethical Violations

One of the responsibilities of the Arkansas Psychology Board is to investigate complaints about the individuals licensed by the Board. Therefore, in order to protect the citizens of Arkansas, the Board will only post the final findings on all substantiated ethical violations. This list is NOT inclusive and will be updated periodically. Any concerned citizen or entity can file a complaint about the practice of a licensee with the Board. Please read the following carefully the procedures for filing complaints with the Board.

Note: Complainants will waive rights, patient and otherwise, to confidentiality as part of the process of the complaint being investigated. This is an unavoidable aspect of the process due to the legal nature of the process.

All complaints must be in writing: A formal complaint must be made in writing and the document must be signed and dated. Complaints will not be accepted by email or phone. Please use the complaint form provided. Please add sheets as needed behind the form.  Complaints will not be considered to be filed until they are received in writing.

See Ethical Violations below. All Forms are located here.

Send your form/letter to:

Arkansas Psychology Board
ATTN: Complaints Committee
101 East Capitol, Suite 415
Little Rock, AR 72201

Be Detailed in Reporting the Complaint.

It is important to give as much detail as possible when making your complaint.  Please provide:

Resources:

 

Ethical Violations

This is a partial listing of the ethical violations on file in the Board office. This list will be updated periodically. When you click on the name of the licensee, then a pdf document will open. That document will consist of the final findings as related to that particular case. If someone is NOT on this list and you would like the final findings from their case, please contact the Board office by selecting the Contact Us option on this webpage.

Arkansas Psychology Board

Mission Statement

The Arkansas Psychology Board is composed of nine members appointed by the Governor of the State of Arkansas to staggered terms of five years. The Board is charged by law with regulating the practice of psychology in the State of Arkansas including, but not limited to, examining and passing upon the qualification of applicants for the practice of psychology. The major responsibility of the State Board is insure that the people of the State of Arkansas are protected from misrepresentation, unethical practice, and/or incompetence in the practice of psychology.

The Board is charged by law with administering its duties consistent with the Act under which it was organized and authorized to regulate the practice of psychology consistent with the Administrative Procedures Act and in the interest of the public of the State of Arkansas.

Board Information

Name Title Term Expiration
Dr. Edward Kleitsch, Ph.D. Chair December 31, 2023
Dr. J. Art Gillaspy, Ph.D. Secretary December 31, 2019
Dr. Betty Everett, Ph.D. Treasurer December 31, 2019
Dr. Joyce Fowler, Ph.D. Member December 31, 2023
Ms. Marcia Fuller, M.A. Member December 31, 2023
Dr. Lisa Fitzgibbons, Ph.D. Member December 31, 2023

Staff

Susan Cooper, Administrative Director

Please contact for:

Brandi Thompson, Administrative Specialist III

Please contact for:

Upcoming Meetings: 

If you would like to have an item on the Board meeting agenda, it must be in the office by the 1st of the month. The request must be submitted in writing and mailed to the Board office. Facsimiles and e-mails will not be accepted. This includes applications for credential reviews. The application must be complete and ready for review by the 1st of the month to be considered at the Board meeting.

Please plan accordingly!

*Dates are subject to change.

Meeting Minutes: for past meeting minutes, contact us at 501-682-6167.

Online Services:

Resources:

 

Special Announcements

 

Rules

2009 Rules and Regulations (Engrossed)
Search / View Arkansas Code
Chapter 97 Updated
ACT 129
Duty to Warn Ark. Code Ann. Sec. 20-45-201 et seq

 

Normal business hours are defined as Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM, closed for lunch, then, 1:00 PM until 4:30 PM. In addition, the Board office will close on regularly scheduled legal holidays.

Office Address Phone Fax
Arkansas Psychology Board 101 E. Capitol
Suite 415
Little Rock, AR 72201		 501-682-6167 501-682-6165

ASBP - FAQs

How do I apply for...

Please go to the ASBP Licensee Information page here and select the appropriate application. Instructions are included with the application.

How do I...

How do I report...

What are the requirements for...

How do I contact...

Where do I find...

ASBP Online Services

License Maintenance and Online Renewals

Pharmacy Roster Search/License Verification

If you would like to verify a pharmacy or pharmacist within the state of Arkansas, you may search online at the link below.  Consumers may also search for a pharmacy or pharmacist using this helpful search tool. You may search by license number, first/last name, company name or city.

Past disciplinary actions, are also available by contacting us here.  All current displinary actions can be viewed using the roster search tool below.

ASBP Licensee Information

Pharmacist's Newsletter

Arkansas Pharmacy Support Group Helpline - 870-636-0923

Special Notice About the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy Newsletter
The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy has designated this Newsletter as an official method to notify pharmacists licensed by the Board about information and legal developments. Please read this Newsletter and keep it for future reference because this Newsletter will be used in hearings as proof of notification of the Newsletter’s contents. Please contact the Board Office (501-682-0190) if you have questions about any of the articles in this Newsletter.

For achived editions of the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy Newsletter, contact us here.

2019:

You can reach the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy by calling (501) 682-0190 or you can e-mail the agency at: asbp@arkansas.gov. Let us hear from you. 

If you need information regarding licensure transfer or other pharmacy information on the national level you can reach the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy at (847) 698-6227 or you can contact NABP on their web page at nabp.pharmacy There is an area on the NABP web page where you can contact them by e-mail.

 

Forms and Instructions

Pharmacist Licenses/Permits
Change of Pharmacist in Charge
Change of Pharmacist in Charge Extension Form 
License by Examination   
License by Reciprocity   
Pharmacist License Reinstatement Form 
Compounding Questionnaire 
Nursing Home Consultant 
Preceptor Application 
Foreign Applicants 
Administer Immunization Certification
Interns
Intern Application 
Intern Training Plan
Affidavit of Experience 
Pharmacy Technicians 
2020 Pharmacy Technician Application
2020 Pharmacy Technician Reinstatement
Business Licenses
Retail Pharmacy Application - In State 
Retail Pharmacy Application - Out of State 
Hospital Pharmaceutical Services 
Institutional Pharmaceutical Services 
Wholesale Distributor of Legend Drugs 
Supplier of Medical Equipment, Legend Devices, and Medical Gas (DME license) 
Wholesale Distributor of List I Chemicals 
Charitable Clinic Application 
Pharmacist in Charge Compliance Affidavit
Other Forms
Criminal Background Check Identity Verification Form 
BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2018 THE ARKANSAS STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY WILL NO LONGER REVIEW AND APPROVE EDUCATION SESSIONS AS CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS, THAT ARE NOT CO-SPONSORED/DEVELOPED BY THE ARKANSAS STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS, CALL THE BOARD AT 501-682-0190.
CE Approval Request Form * See Notice Above*
Change Form (Name, Address, or Employment) 
Closing of Pharmacy Form 
Complaint Form 
Inspection Request Form 
Mailing List Order Form
Wall Certificate Request Order Form
Request for Waiver Form 
Medical Release Form
Other Resources
Purple Book: Lists of Licensed Biological Products with Reference Product Exclusivity and Biosimilarity or Interchangeability Evaluations
Orange Book: Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations
Samples of protocols, authority to administer immunizations, and sample forms for immunizations/vaccines 
Drug Categories for Emergency Kits in Long-Term Care Facilities
Drug Categories for Emergency Kits in Crisis Stabilization Units
Suggested Procedures When Buying or Selling a Pharmacy 
Effects of New Federal Meth Act on Arkansas Pseudo Law 
Multidose Memorandum of Understanding 
DBHS OBHS Regulation 4 Waiver
Suspicious Order Report System (SORS)

ASBP Complaints and Feedback

Fill out my online form.

Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy

The Board is currently accepting visitors by appointment only.

 

Who We Are

The purpose of the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy is to promote, preserve, and protect the public health, safety, and welfare by and through the effective regulation of the many aspects of the drug delivery system.
The agency licenses and regulates not only pharmacists and pharmacies, but also the distribution system where there is sale, delivery, or distribution of prescription drugs, medical gases, durable medical equipment, and legend devices.

To accomplish the mission the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy must test the pharmacists; license, regulate, and discipline all licensees; and act as an expert in the dissemination of information regarding the laws and regulations which govern the practice of pharmacy and its related fields.

The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy provides many services to the public, other state agencies, and the pharmacists. Some of the services provided by the agency include:

Upcoming Meetings/Hearings:

Board Meetings:

Other Meetings:

Meeting Minutes: for past meeting minutes and/or disciplinary actions, contact the ASBP here.

Quick Links:

Rules

 

          

 

Office Address Phone Fax
Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy 322 South Main Street
Suite 600
Little Rock, AR 72201		 501-682-0190 501-682-0195

 

  

ATSC Programs

UCA Annual Evaluation Report 2016 Conclusion on ATSC Programs:

ATSC-funded programs represented a broad array of efforts to address health challenges in the state of Arkansas during 2016. Program efforts had a marked return on investment in extramural funds and generated substantial potential savings in healthcare costs (e.g., through identifying health conditions before emergency care is needed). ATSC-funded programs endeavor to continue contributing to life expectancy gains such as those experienced across Arkansas over the last several years. Given the scale of health concerns confronting Arkansans in this century, it is unrealistic to expect a few million dollars of tobacco funding to resolve all problems. Nonetheless, ATSC-funded programs appear to be able to perpetuate a culture of health by raising awareness of critical health concerns, engaging in cross-sector collaborations with entities outside of healthcare sectors, and generating health-related services that might not otherwise be affordable.

The purpose of the annual report is to assess progress for the 2016 calendar year for each of the seven programs funded under the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission (ATSC). Progress is shown through activities related to program indicators that were created by program directors, in consultation with the evaluation team, and approved by the ATSC. Program activities are evaluated each quarter, and this annual report serves as the culmination of activities recorded across the four quarterly reporting periods.

The annual report consists of six parts:

  1. an infographic of the collective impact of the seven programs in 2016
  2. a brief of the purpose and structure of the report
  3. an overview of ATSC and the flow of funding to health programs
  4. an overview of health challenges in Arkansas and how ATSC-funded programs are targeting these challenges
  5. individual program progress in 2016
  6. a conclusion accompanied by references


ATSC Programs

ATSC Programs’ Online Grants Database

The links below provide information on the yearly grants issued by the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission (ATSC) and Programs created under the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act of 2000. The year listed will provide a list of the funding entity, grants awarded, a brief grant description, the grant amount, along with additional grant information. The grants listed are an exhausted and complete list of all Master Settlement Dollars dedicated to grants within the state. If you have questions about any specific grant, please feel free to contact the issuing agency.

The links below provide additional information on each of the ATSC Programs:

ATSC Reports

ATSC FY20 Commission Meeting Minutes:

ATSC FY19 Commission Meeting Minutes:

Annual Reports:

Biennial Reports:

Quarterly Reports:

Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission (ATSC) is to provide oversight and assessment of the performance of the seven (7) programs funded by the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act of 2000.

 

Commissioners

John Henderson, MD 
Commission Chair
Physician, Unity Health 
Speaker of the House Appointee (term expires 9.30.2019)

Alex Johnston 
Commission Vice-Chair 
Director, Department of Rural Services, Arkansas Economic Development Commission
AEDC Permanent Designee

Andrea Allen
Commission Executive Committee Member
Deputy Director, Arkansas State University Delta Center for Economic Development
Governor Appointee (term expires 10.1.2021)

Jerri Clark 
Commissioner
Director, School Health Services, Arkansas Department of Education
ADE Permanent Designee

Mary Franklin 
Commissioner
Director, Division of County Operations, Arkansas Department of Human Services
ADHS Permanent Designee

Nick Fuller 
Commissioner
Deputy Director, Arkansas Department of Higher Education
ADHE Permanent Designee

Ken Knecht, MD
Commissioner
Physician, Arkansas Children's Hospital
Senate President Pro Tempore Appointee (term expires 9.30.2021)

Roddy Lochala, DO 
Commissioner
Physician, Family Practice Clinic
Attorney General Appointee (term expires 10.1.2017)

Nathaniel Smith, MD, MPH 
Commissioner 
State Health Officer, Secretary of Health, Arkansas Department of Health

Commission Staff
April Robinson, Administrative Specialist III

 

Upcoming Meetings

April 8, 2020
10am to 12pm
ATSC Commission Meeting
101 East Capitol Ave., Suite 108
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-683-0074

 

Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission Programs

 

The UAMS Centers on Aging's mission is to improve the quality of life for older adults and their families through two primary missions: an infrastructure that provides quality interdisciplinary clinical care and innovative education programs.

 

 

 

The Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health (COPH) educates a public health workforce and advances the health of the public by investigating the causes, treatments, and prevention of human health problems. The College's mission of improving the health of all Arkansans is realized through teaching and research as well as service to elected officials, agencies, organizations, and communities.

 

 

UAMS East Regional Campus provide healthcare outreach services to seven counties including St. Francis, Lee, Phillips, Chicot, Desha, Monroe, and Crittenden counties. UAMS East Regional Campus, formerly known as the Delta Area Health Education Center (AHEC), was established in 1990 with the purpose of providing health education to under-served populations in the Arkansas Delta region.

 

 

Arkansas Biosciences Institute (ABI), the agricultural and biomedical research programs of the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act, is a partnership of scientists from Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Arkansas State University, the University of Arkansas-Division of Agriculture, the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. ABI supports long-term agricultural and biomedical research at its five member institutions and focuses on fostering collaborative research that connects investigators from various disciplines across institutions.

 

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program (TPCP) includes community and school education prevention programs, enforcement of youth tobacco controls laws, tobacco cessation programs, health communications, and awareness campaigns. The TPCP also sponsors statewide tobacco control programs that involve youth to increase local coalition activities, tobacco-related disease prevention programs, minority initiatives and monitoring, and evaluation. TPCP follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Best Practices for Tobacco Control 2014 as a guide for program development.

 

 

The Tobacco Settlement Medicaid Expansion Program (TS-MEP) is a separate component of the Arkansas Medicaid Program that improves the health of Arkansas by expanding healthcare coverage and benefits to targeted populations. The program works to expand Medicaid coverage and benefits in four population: 1) Expands Medicaid coverage and benefits to pregnant women with incomes ranging from 138%-200% of the Federal Poverty Level; 2) Expands inpatient and outpatient hospital reimbursements and benefits to adults age 19-64; 3) Expands non-institutional coverage and benefits to seniors age 65 and over; 4) To reduce the developmental disabilities waiting list.

 

 

The Arkansas Minority Health Initiative (MHI) was established in 2001 through Initiated Act I to administer the Targeted State Needs for screening, monitoring, and treating hypertension, strokes, and other disorders disproportionately critical to minority groups in Arkansas by 1) increasing awareness, 2) providing screening or access to screening, 3) developing intervention strategies (including educational programs) and developing/maintaining a database. 

 

Coverage Areas

 

 

 

 

 

Click on the map above for the TPCP Sub-Grantee Coverage Area Map. Click here for the MISRGO Sub-Recipients Coverage Area Map.

 

Quick Links:

 

Office Address Phone Fax
Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission 101 E. Capitol Avenue
Suite 108
Little Rock, AR 72201		 501-683-0072 501-683-0078

Contact:
April Robinson, Administrative Specialist III

COVID-19 Media Library

Print Media

COVID-19 Print Ad | Spanish | Marshallese

 

Digital Media

Wash Your Hands (jpg) | Spanish
Stay Home (jpg) | Spanish
Social Distance (jpg) | Spanish

 

Videos

Wash Your Hands: 30 sec | 15 sec | Spanish
Stay Home if You're Sick | Spanish
Public Places | Spanish
Get Tested | Spanish
Stay Home | Spanish
Symptoms | Spanish
Stop The Spread | Spanish
Wear a Mask: 30 sec | 15 sec

 

 

COVID-19 Guidance About Chloroquine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the removal of Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to treat COVID-19.  The announcement follows the FDA’s determination that CQ and HCQ are unlikely effective treatments for COVID-19. In addition, the FDA further indicated the potential benefit does not outweigh the potential serious cardiovascular events and other adverse effects that can be caused by CQ and HCQ.2

Based on this information, the Arkansas Department of Health has updated its guidance related to hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. The utilization of CQ and HCQ for treatment of COVID-19 should be avoided in both outpatient and hospitalized settings. HCQ that has been distributed through the Strategic National Stockpile is no longer authorized under the EUA to treat hospitalized patients for COVID-19, unless they had already started treatments. 

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine should be administered, prescribed and dispensed for FDA approved medical conditions under supervision of a patient’s healthcare provider.

Healthcare professionals currently in the middle of treating patients with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine as part of the EUA should refer to the Frequently Asked Question document developed by the FDA, which can be located at the provided link: https://www.fda.gov/media/138946/download.

Please note, information provided is constantly updated and could be subject to change.

Resources:

 

 
 

COVID-19 Guidance for Orthotists, Prosthetists, and Pedorthists

Effective May 4, 2020 (modified May 28, 2020) are the Guidelines for Orthotic, Prosthetic, and Pedorthic Routine Care Reopening.

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) recognizes that due to the COVID-19 crisis Arkansans have been unable to receive routine care from orthotists, prosthetists or pedorthists since its voluntary suspension on March 27, 2020. The ADH in conjunction with the Arkansas Orthotists, Prosthetists, and Pedorthists Advisory Board of now advise that the voluntary suspension will end effective on May 4, 2020, as long as practitioners adhere to the following measures to address the safety of employees, patients, and themselves.

Screening:

Screening is a key strategy to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in a facility. Signage should be placed at the facility entrance to alert patrons not to enter if they are sick or have symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever, or shortness of breath. Screen all patients, visitors, and staff upon arrival at the facility with temperature checks and a questionnaire regarding COVID symptoms as well as possible exposure to COVID-19 (travel or contact). Do not allow any staff member, patient, or visitor who answers “yes” to a screening question to enter the facility; direct them to contact their PCP. Post signage on windows and doors stating that patients with a fever or cough, or those who have had contact with someone with COVID-19, must reschedule their appointment. A screening questionnaire can be found here.

Patients who meet the following criteria should NOT be treated by practitioners at this time:Have returned from international travel or from hotspots within the U.S. within the last 14 days;

  • Have a fever of 100.4°F or greater (practices should use a digital thermometer to check each patient prior to treatment);
  • Have a cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell;
  • Had contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19 within the previous 14 days;
  • Have compromised immune systems and/or present with severe chronic disease (may treat ASA class I, II, or III).

​Protective equipment and hygiene measures

  • All practitioners and staff must wash hands or use hand sanitizer before and after each patient encounter.
  • All practitioners and staff must wear face masks. A cloth face covering is sufficient.
  • Wear gloves for any contact with patients or patient devices. Change gloves after each patient.
  • Require patients to wear cloth face coverings or a face mask while in the office.
  • Discuss safety protocols with patients as appointments are made, including need to wear a face covering at the visit. Advise that if they become ill prior to visit, they need to postpone the visit.
  • Reduce patient and staff contact with paperwork; encourage electronic registration before arrival.

Social distancing measures.

Infection control and disinfection practices.

Note: Modified May 28, 2020, to allow for the treatment of patients in ASA class I, II, or III, instead of only those in classes I and II.

Downloads:

For the most up-to-date information and support, visit https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/

 

COVID-19 Guidance for Homeless Shelters and Services

This guidance is provided to assist homeless shelters and entities that serve the homeless. The Arkansas Department of Health endorses this guidance extracted from the CDC website and intended to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

For immediate quarantine and isolation sheltering needs for homeless or displaced individuals, please call 501-661-2136.

More comprehensive information is on the CDC website here.

Persons experiencing homelessness may be at risk for infection during an outbreak of COVID-19. This interim guidance is intended to support response planning by homeless service providers, including overnight emergency shelters, day shelters, and meal service providers.

CDC has developed recommendations for homeless service providers about how to protect their staff, clients, and guests.

These precautions should be put into practice.

Additional guidance recommended by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials includes 

COVID-19 Guidance for Self Home Quarantine

We want to keep you informed regarding the novel coronavirus and inform you about how to self home quarantine.

If you have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19, your medical provider will recommend that you home quarantine. You must remain home for 14 days after you had last contact with that the person who tested positive or left that country to prevent the spread of the virus.

Self home quarantine for 14 days will protect your family and community. Click here to see how to self home quarantine.

Self home quarantine means:

If you begin to have symptoms such as fever, cough, or trouble breathing, or if you otherwise feel sick, contact your health care provider. 

 

COVID-19 Guidance for Dentists

Effective June 15; Revised June 22, 2020 to reflect CDC revisions June 17, 2020 **Treatment Consideration of Patients below.

On May 11, Arkansas dental facilities and dental health care providers (DHCP) resumed clinical services while adhering to the Directive on Resuming Elective Dental Services. Since dental work often creates aerosols, it carries an added risk of spreading COVID-19, especially to the DHCP, who may then spread it to others. The Arkansas Department of Health Directive and associated Guidelines follows the peer-reviewed recommendations of the CDC and other professional organizations in a conscientious effort to keep patients, DHCP and the community safe. In light of recent updates and new information from the CDC, the Guidelines for Resuming Non-Urgent/Non-Emergent Elective Services have been revised to reflect the current knowledge for safely practicing dentistry during the pandemic.

 
Screening Guidelines
  • To address asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission, implement source control (require facemasks or cloth face coverings) for everyone entering the dental setting (DHCP and patients), regardless of whether they have COVID-19 symptoms.
    • Ask patients to provide their own face covering or provide disposable mask at the time of appointment.
  • Actively screen everyone (DHCP and patients) on the spot for fever (≥100.4°F) and symptoms of COVID-19 (described below) immediately upon entering the facility.
  • Patients/DHCP who meet the following criteria SHOULD NOT BE TREATED (or remain at work) at this time:
    • Has a fever of 100.4°F+ or greater (use digital thermometer to check each person entering facility);
    • Have symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell);
    • Had contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19 within the previous 14 days;
    • Awaiting a pending COVID-19 test result;
    • Have compromised immune system. 
Management of Patients
 
Patients with an acute respiratory illness may present for dental treatment at outpatient dental settings. It may not be possible to know the cause of any patient’s illness, so it is always important to follow this guidance and standard precautions. 
  • Seek to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections in healthcare settings by adhering to respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette. Advised to place proper signage within the facility as reminders.
  • All patients should be screened in a phone interview prior to the appointment.  Patients with an acute respiratory illness should be identified during a phone screening interview and defer treatment unless it is an emergency case. This emergency patient should be asked to remain in their automobile until summoned directly to the treatment area with a preferred time toward latter part of schedule.
  • Reception rooms should:
    • Follow screening guidelines for all patients as indicated above;
    • Only allow the patient and caregiver, if patient is a minor or elderly that requires assistance, into the office/reception area. If possible, place seating arrangement to allow maximum distance between patients;
    • Provide tissues and no-touch receptacles for used tissue disposal;
    • Remove all magazines, journals, TV remotes, toys or any other objects that may typically be handled by patients.  
Treatment Considerations of Patients 
 
While maintaining an adherence to the proper screening and disinfectant protocols that have been established, the DHCP may utilize their own professional judgement regarding patient flow and treatments that are performed. Examples of dental procedures according to relative risk for aerosol generation is found at the conclusion of this document. Universal precautions are to be strictly followed in order to minimize the possibility of disease transmission. Because of the frequent production of aerosols during dental treatments, the ADH recommends the following:
  • Dental team members that are 65 years of age and older may provide dental treatment provided said member passes the daily screening process.
  • The ADA has provided guidelines for mask types for consideration for dental healthcare providers for utilization during patient treatment. Utilization of N95 masks, or comparable type, is the recommended standard for the treatment team (dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant) which provides the lowest risk of infection to the DHCP during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clerical staff should always wear surgical masks or cloth face mask. For additional guidance, refer to the ADA's Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit.
  • Patient and dental healthcare workers should perform hand hygiene (e.g., hand washing with antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic handwash) after possible contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials.
  • Routine cleaning and disinfection strategies used during influenza seasons can be applied to the environmental management for COVID-19 (see links below).
  • Patients should use a preprocedural mouth rinse of 1% hydrogen peroxide or 0.2% provodine to reduce the oral microflora.
  • If treatment requires the use of dental instruments which produces aerosols:
    • In addition to the typical eye protection and gloves, the treatment team members are to utilize face shields (or goggles) and a long sleeve jacket or disposable gown.
      • Cloth gowns can be laundered and reused indefinitely;
      • Due to the shortage of such PPE, disposable gowns may be worn the entire day unless visibly soiled or the integrity of the gown is compromised.
    • Using a dental dam is considered the best isolation of the treatment area.
      • Place HVE (high-volume evacuation) as close to the surgical site as possible to capture the generated aerosols;
      • Ultrasonic or piezo instrumentation may be utilized but highly recommend the usage of a four-handed approach to better capture generated aerosols;
      • Other HVE devises such as Isolite, Dry Shied, SafetySuction, Zirc Mr. Thirsty, etc. may be deemed suitable.
    • Implement procedures to minimize exposures after procedures:
      • Ask patients to wash their hands for 20 seconds and to wear their mask when they leave the treatment area;
      • When possible, provide all necessary information to patients in the procedure room to avoid congregation at the front desk/waiting area on their way to exit the clinic; 
      • Complete paperwork electronically before or after the appointment if possible.
    • Allot longer appointment times for proper disinfecting protocols while also following the recommended time (product label) for the disinfectants to remain on surfaces in order to be effective (revised June 22).
Procedure Room Disinfection
  • Personnel must wear recommended PPE to wipe down all surfaces.
  • Clean and disinfect procedure room surfaces (including faucet handles and all other handles in room).
  • Follow the contact times, as appropriate for the disinfectant product used, assuring the surface being disinfected stays wet for the duration of the recommended time (refer to product label).
  • Gloves should be doffed upon leaving the treatment room, immediately followed by performing hand hygiene procedures; face shields should be disinfected prior to next patient care.
  • Signage to indicate room is clean and ready for next patient 
Information on disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19:
Procedure for Disinfection of PPE:
Considerations for COVID-19 Positive Results in Patients or Staff Member
 
It is generally assumed that all patients and dental personnel (DHCP) are being screened daily when arriving to the dental facility. A daily log for monitoring purposes should also be part of office protocols in the event contract tracing is necessary should a team member, or patient, reports a positive COVID-19 test result.
Any patient or staff member that reports signs or symptoms related to COVID-19 should be sent to the most convenient local testing facility; it is advisable to call ahead before arriving. 
  • A patient that tests positive should not be treated for 14 days from the test date and has met criteria as ‘recovered’. The exception are patients reporting pain that requires immediate attention;
    •  Such emergency patient may be treated if all precautions are taken as outlined previously in the ADH guidelines;
    • The positive patient must be seen for emergency care at the end of the day to eliminate potential viral spread to other patients.
  • Any staff member that tests positive for COVID-19 are to not return to the dental facility until 14 days have passed from the time the test was conducted;
    • An essential staff member may return to work after 10 days providing:
      • Works in an isolated work area apart from other employees;
      • No longer show symptoms;
      • Always wears a mask, allowing 10-minute breaks every two hours outside the facility or to eat.
References:

Resources:

 

 
 

COVID-19 Guidance for High Risk Individuals

We here at ADH want to keep you informed regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Specifically, we want to inform you about considerations for high risk individuals.

Older adults and those with serious chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. Older adults, and those with serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease tend to have lower immunity and can see worsening of their health condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends some important measures these individuals can take to reduce the risk of getting sick with the disease, as listed below.

The Arkansas Department of Health is also working diligently with health care providers across the state to educate and inform them about the needs of patients at high risk and how to address them.

Resources

 

 
 

COVID-19 Guidance for Getting Tested

We here at ADH want to keep you informed regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Specifically, we want to inform you about considerations for testing.

If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath OR if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 call ahead to your health care provider or schedule a test at a Local Health Unit. Testing is available.

Over the past week, capacity for COVID-19 testing at commercial labs has increased significantly, resulting in shortened turnaround times.

Those at higher risk for serious illness include older adults and people with underlying chronic medical conditions. People who are considered high risk should contact their health care provider early, even if symptoms are mild.

Health care providers will decide if testing for COVID-19 is necessary based on your symptoms and known exposures. Providers can test through private labs.

The ADH is monitoring Arkansans with possible exposure to COVID-19. Depending on travel history, or exposure to people with confirmed COVID-19, some individuals may be placed under home quarantine. If symptoms of COVID-19 do not develop prior to the last date of quarantine, these people will be free to resume their normal activities.

PART II--ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR COVID-19 PATIENTS

Subpart A--Coverage of Testing and Preventive Services

(Sec. 3202) This section specifies the process for private health insurance plan issuers to reimburse providers of COVID-19 diagnostic tests. Specifically, a reimbursement rate negotiated for such test prior to the public health emergency declared on January 31, 2020, continues to apply for the duration of the emergency. If a reimbursement rate was not negotiated prior to the emergency declaration, an issuer may either negotiate such rate or pay the provider's cash price.

Additionally, test providers must publish the cash price of tests on their websites; HHS may assess a civil penalty for violations of this requirement.

ADH current billing codes and amounts for COVID-19 testing:
COVID-19 Testing Procedure Code Amount
87635 $77.00
U0002 $77.00

Mass Testing Events Calendar

Search testing events using the box in the upper-left hand corner or scroll through all entries using the arrows in the upper-right hand corner. Click on any column to order by those entries.

Testing & Screening Locations

 

Resources:


CDC Guidance

CDC has a a webpage with additional guidelines on COVID-19. Click here to access this guidance.

 

COVID-19 Guidance for Healthcare Providers

We here at ADH want to keep you informed regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Specifically, we want to inform you about considerations for health care professionals.

Health care professionals have an increased risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Care providers can minimize risk of exposure when caring for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients by following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) guidance, which may be found here.

To view the Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed COVID-19 issued by the Arkansas Department of Health, click here.

Resources: 


For Health Care Providers Only

For Healthcare Providers who want to speak with an Arkansas Department of Health physician about testing at ADH or who have other COVID-19 questions, call1-844-930-3023.


Evaluating Persons Under Investigation (PUIs)

At this time, ADH is only performing tests Arkansans with possible high risk exposure to COVID-19. Depending on travel history, or exposure to people with confirmed COVID-19 some individuals may be placed under home quarantine by the ADH.

Health care professionals with patients experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should use COVID-19 testing that is now available through commercial laboratories, such as LabCorp or Quest.

Please only call the ADH Outbreak Response section at 1-800-803-7847 if you have any questions or want to consult with ADH regarding testing for high risk patients, such as close contacts confirmed positive patients.  

Recommendations for Reporting, Testing, and Specimen Collection

Resources:

For more information on reporting click here.

To watch COVID-19 Testing Frequently Asked Questions, click on the image below.
 




Caring for Confirmed or Possible COVID-19 Patients

How COVID-19 Spreads

Based on what is currently known, COVID-19 spreads mostly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets among close contacts.

How to Protect Yourself

Adhere to CDC recommendations for infection prevention and control (IPC):

Resources:

CDC Guidance

CDC has a webpage with additional guidelines on COVID-19 for health care professionals. CDC provides information on:

Global case numbers are reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation report. For U.S. information, visit CDC’s COVID-19 in the U.S. This following location list is found here.


FDA Guidance

FDA has a hotline (1-888-INFO-FDA) available 24 hours a day for labs to call regarding difficulties obtaining supplies for collecting patient samples for COVID-19 testing, including swabs, media needed for transport, and conservation of the samples. Labs can reach out at CDRH-EUA-Templates@fda.hhs.gov with any questions related to diagnostic development.

Resources


Additional COVID-19 Resources

 

COVID-19 Guidance for Pharmacies

Top 10 Things You Can Do to Prepare

The Arkansas Department of Health and Arkansas Pharmacists Association strongly recommends that all pharmacies take the following actions:

  1. Use calming and reassuring language when patients ask for information.
  2. Have a fact sheet available to answer questions from patients on prescription refills, emergency supplies, payer coverage of medications, and other Rx-related information.
  3. Encourage patients to have appropriate medications on hand to treat viral symptoms, so they will not have to go out if they develop COVID-19.
  4. Establish a process for older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions to obtain medications without waiting in line such as utilizing pharmacy drive-through window option or medication delivery service if available.
  5. Report unusual patient complaints, surges in symptoms of fever, cough, or respiratory distress, or surges in sales volumes of cold and flu medications, over-the-counter painkillers, or hand sanitizer.
  6. Implement infection control procedures, especially for clinic waiting areas:
    • Provide a mask to customers who are coughing or sneezing.
    • Make sure staff maintain a distance of 3 feet from asymptomatic patients and at least 6 feet from those actively coughing.
    • Regularly clean and disinfect counters, waiting areas, and other spaces where public interaction occurs with an EPA-approved disinfectant. Clean at least every hour or after every 10 patients, whichever is more frequent.
    • Place alcohol-based hand sanitizer next to the checkout window so people can sanitize their hands after using common items, like the pen used to sign for prescriptions.
  7. Monitor all staff for sickness regularly. Take temperatures once per shift and send them home if they have symptoms of a respiratory infection.
  8. Update sick leave policies to place employees on sick leave if a family member is sick and to develop a post-illness return-to-work procedure.
  9. Take recommended actions for unprotected exposures (e.g., not using recommended personal protective equipment, an unrecognized infectious patient contact).
  10. Know your active standing orders, collaborative practice agreements, and memorandums of understanding. Know the most up to date timelines on when you may be receiving certain capabilities or products (vaccines, therapeutics, testing).

Resources:


Call Center

ADH has activated a call center to answer questions from health care providers and the public about the novel coronavirus. During normal business hours (8:00am – 4:30pm, Monday - Friday), urgent and non-urgent calls, please call 1-800-803-7847. After normal business hours, urgent calls needing immediate response, please call 1-800-554-5738.

Additional Resources

 

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
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