Healthy Communities

Arkansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee

Purpose | Vision | Mission | Goals | Arkansas Statistical Data
 

The Arkansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee (AMMRC) began with the passage of Act 829 of 92nd General Assembly Regular Session, 2019. The AMMRC was developed with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Building US Capacity to Review and Prevent Maternal Deaths and is modeled after well-established review committees in the United States.

To improve maternal health outcomes, you must begin with understanding the factors that contribute to maternal mortality. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) established inter-and intra-agency agreements to identify maternal deaths and to access records to facilitate committee review. Through data collection and analysis of clinical factors, preventability, and social determinants, the AMMRC seeks to identify factors that lead to poor maternal health outcomes and to make recommendations that will decrease maternal mortality and morbidity.

Membership

The AMMRC is a multidisciplinary committee whose members represent the Arkansas Department of Health's five public health regions and various specialties, facilities, and systems that interact with and impact maternal health.

Twenty-one members have been appointed by the Arkansas Secretary of Health. Membership consists of specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, anesthesiology, nursing, psychiatry, mental/behavioral health, nurse midwifery, public health, hospital association, patient advocacy, and more. Recruitment of new AMMRC members may occur annually as needed unless a specific type of expertise is required during the year for a case review (Example: domestic violence).

All AMMRC members serve in a volunteer capacity and do not receive compensation for participation in the review process. ADH Family Health Branch formed an internal workgroup to provide administrative support for the committee.

Resources

Reports

What is maternal mortality?

In understanding maternal mortality or deaths, several terms exist depending on what and who the term is being used for (i.e., surveillance and reporting, public education, grant applications, etc.). Below are a few common terms and definitions:

Scope

The scope of cases for Arkansas review is all pregnancy-associated deaths or any deaths of women during pregnancy or up to 365 days after pregnancy ends. In July 2020, committee members set forth exclusion criteria for abstraction (i.e., motor vehicle accidents and out-of-state residents). Deaths are identified from a review of death certificates, based on the cause of death, a pregnancy check box selection, or linkage of vital records by searching death certificates of women of reproductive age and matching them to birth or fetal death certificates in the year of or the year prior to the woman’s death.

Purpose

The purpose of the AMMRC is to identify and characterize maternal deaths with the goal of identifying prevention opportunities.

Vision

To protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans by eliminating preventable maternal deaths in Arkansas.

Mission

Optimize health for all Arkansans to achieve maximum personal, economic, and social impact.

Goals

The goals of the AMMRC are to:

Arkansas Statistical Data

In 2018, the total number of live births in Arkansas was 36,748. There were 40 reported maternal deaths. This included all deaths of women during pregnancy and within one year of the end of pregnancy from any cause.

Based on the exclusion criteria set forth by the committee members, 10 cases were excluded from the scope of review for Arkansas, and the remaining 30 cases were selected to be abstracted and reviewed. The 2018 cases determined to be outside the scope for review by the AMMRC included:

Quarterly Meetings

The AMMRC meets quarterly to review select cases and make recommendations about each case based on the case narrative and abstracted data. These are closed meetings. Members of the public or press will not be allowed at AMMRC meetings. If members of the public or press show up uninvited at a meeting, they will be notified that the AMMRC meetings are not open to the public and will be asked to leave. Members of the public or press will be offered the opportunity to engage with ADH staff about the work at a separate time outside of the AMMRC meetings. The committee examines the cause of death and contributing factors. This multidisciplinary group assembled for the first official meeting in January 2020.

For questions, please contact: AMMRC@ARKANSAS.GOV

ADH COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

COVID-19 Vaccination Locations | Vaccine FAQ | Vaccine Plan | Forms and Resources | Volunteers
 

Each week, vaccine clinics will happen in each of the five public health regions. Some clinics will be first-come, first-served, but reservations can be made at others. See the table below for full details, or call the ADH vaccine clinic call-center at 1-800-985-6030.

Doses will be available to those who are currently eligible, which now includes all of Phase 1-B. There is no out-of-pocket expense for the vaccine. People should bring their insurance cards to the clinic. If they do not have insurance, the vaccine will be available at no charge.

Click here for a list of locations offering vaccinations by appointment. To make reservations, call Call 1-800-985-6030.

ADH Vaccine Clinics

Date Address City County Time
4/14 Van Buren Co Fairgrounds, 1827 Hwy 16E Clinton Van Buren 9am - 3pm
4/14 White Co LHU, 112 Brantly Rd Searcy White 12pm - 3pm
4/14 Stone Co LHU, 204 Whitfield Ave Mountain View Stone 8am - 3pm
4/14 Independence Co LHU, 120 Weaver Ave Batesville Independence 8:30am - 3:30pm
4/14 Lawrence Co LHU, 1050 W. Free Walnut Ridge Lawrence 8:30am - 3:30pm
4/14 Ashley Co, First Baptist Church, 203 E Parker St, Hamburg Ashley 10am - 2pm
4/14 Jefferson Co LHU, 2306 Rike Drive Pine Bluff Jefferson 8am to 4pm
4/14 Union Co LHU, 301 American Road El Dorado Union 8am to 4pm
4/14 Van Buren Co Fairgrounds, 1827 Hwy 16E Clinton Van Buren 9am - 3pm
4/14 Ashley Co, First Baptist Church, 203 E Parker St Hamburg Ashley 10am - 2pm
4/14 Crittenden Co LHU, 901 N. 7th St West Memphis Crittenden 8am to 4pm
4/14 Sebastian Co LHU, 3112 S. 70th Street  Fort Smith Sebastian 8am to 4pm
4/15 Searcy Co-Searcy Co Civic Center, 515 Zack Rd Marshall Searcy 9am - 6pm
4/15 Jefferson Co LHU, 2306 Rike Drive Pine Bluff Jefferson 8am to 4pm
4/15 Union Co LHU, 301 American Road El Dorado Union 8am to 4pm
4/15 Crittenden Co LHU, 901 N. 7th St West Memphis Crittenden 8am to 4pm
4/15 Sebastian Co LHU, 3112 S. 70th Street  Fort Smith Sebastian 8am to 4pm
4/15 North Little Rock Community Center, 2700 Willow St North Little Rock Pulaski 9:30am to 2pm
4/15 St. Francis Co LHU, 413 N Division St Forrest City St. Francis 8:30am - 4pm
4/15 Greene Co LHU, 801 Goldsmith Rd Paragould Greene 8am - 3pm
4/15 Jackson Co LHU, 1505 N Pecan St Newport Jackson 8:30am - 3:30pm
4/15 Columbia Co LHU, 207 S Jefferson Magnolia Columbia 8am - 4pm
4/15 Desha Co, McGehee LHU, 100 East Oak St McGhee Desha 9am until supplies run out
4/15 Hot Springs Co LHU, 2204 Sullenberger Ave Malvern Hot Springs 10am - 2pm
4/15 Searcy Co-Searcy Co Civic Center, 515 Zack Rd Marshall Searcy 9am - 6pm
4/15 St. Francis Co LHU, 413 N Division St Forrest City St. Francis 8:30am - 4pm
4/15 Clay Co Piggott LHU, 1009 Garfield Piggott Clay 9am - 3pm
4/16 Jefferson Co LHU, 2306 Rike Drive Pine Bluff Jefferson 8am to 4pm
4/16 Union Co LHU, 301 American Road El Dorado Union 8am to 4pm
4/16 Crittenden Co LHU, 901 N. 7th St West Memphis Crittenden 8am to 4pm
4/16 Sebastian Co LHU, 3112 S. 70th Street  Fort Smith Sebastian 8am to 4pm
4/16 Marion Co Fairgrounds, 513 E Seawall Ave Summit Marion 9am - 3pm
4/16 Prairie Co-Hazen Community Center, 906 E Front St Hazen Prairie 9am - until supplies run out
4/16 Cleveland Co LHU, 409 E Magnolia Rison Cleveland 8:30am - 4:30pm
4/16 Marion Co Fairgrounds, 513 E Seawall Ave Summit Marion 9am - 3pm
4/16 Prairie Co-Hazen Community Center, 906 E Front St Hazen Prairie 9am until supplies run out
4/16 Cleveland Co LHU, 409 E Magnolia Rison Cleveland 8:30am - 4:30pm
4/16 Monroe Co LHU, 306 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive Brinkley Monroe 9am until supplies run out
4/16 Fulton Co LHU, 510 S Main St Salem Fulton 8am - 3pm
4/16 Mississippi Co-Blytheville, Gov Ballroom, ANC College, 2501 S. Division Blytheville Mississippi 9am - 2pm
4/16 Poinsett Co LHU, 102 Liberty St Marked Tree Poinsett 9am - 3:30pm
4/20 Calhoun Co LHU, 1119 Prestress Dr Hampton Calhoun 1:30pm - 5:30pm
4/20 Lee Co LHU, 141 North Hicky Marianna Lee 9:30am - 5pm
4/20 Union Co LHU, 301 American Road El Dorado Union 9:30am - 5pm
4/20 Crittenden Co LHU, 901 N. 7th St West Memphis Crittenden 9:30am - 5pm
4/20 Sebastian Co LHU, 3112 S. 70th Street Fort Smith Sebastian 9:30am - 5pm
4/21 Lee Co LHU, 141 North Hicky Marianna Lee 8am - 4pm
4/21 Dallas Co LHU, 201 Spring St Fordyce Dallas 12pm - 4pm
4/21 Union Co LHU, 301 American Road El Dorado Union 8am - 4pm
4/21 Crittenden Co LHU, 901 N. 7th St West Memphis Crittenden 8am - 4pm
4/21 Sebastian Co LHU, 3112 S. 70th Street Fort Smith Sebastian 8am - 4pm
4/22 Lee Co LHU, 141 North Hicky Marianna Lee 8am - 4pm
4/22 Union Co LHU, 301 American Road El Dorado Union 8am - 4pm
4/22 Crittenden Co LHU, 901 N. 7th St West Memphis Crittenden 8am - 4pm
4/22 Sebastian Co LHU, 3112 S. 70th Street Fort Smith Sebastian 8am - 4pm
4/23 Lee Co LHU, 141 North Hicky Marianna Lee 8am - 4pm
4/23 Union Co LHU, 301 American Road El Dorado Union 8am - 4pm
4/23 Crittenden Co LHU, 901 N. 7th St West Memphis Crittenden 8am - 4pm
4/23 Sebastian Co LHU, 3112 S. 70th Street Fort Smith Sebastian 8am - 4pm

ADH Health Equity Strike Team Clinics

Date Address City Time
4/16 Dumas Community Center, 18 Belmont St Dumas 8am - 5pm
4/17 St. Mark's Baptist Church, 5722 W. 12th Street Little Rock 11am - 4pm
4/24 Longley Baptist Church, 9900 Geyer Springs Rd Little Rock 8am - 5pm
4/25 New Haven Baptist, 404 W St West Helena 11am - 3pm
4/30 PB Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Dr Pine Bluff 10am - 1pm
5/1 First Baptist Church Main St., 2015 Main St North Little Rock 11am - 3pm
5/1 Mosaic Church, 6221 Col Glenn Rd A Little Rock 10am - 1pm
5/5 Arkansas Baptist College, 1600 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr Little Rock 10am - 11am

Non-ADH Vaccine Clinics

 

 

Oral Health Surveillance

Oral Health Surveillance systems are designed to measure and monitor the burden of oral disease. Data collected can be used to:

Arkansas 3rd Grade Basic Screening Survey 2019-2020

One key element to any oral health surveillance system is simple and consistent Basic Screening Survey (BSS) collection. The BSS tools were developed by the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors to provide states with a consistent model for monitoring oral disease in a timely manner, at the lowest possible cost, with minimum burden on survey participants, and that will support comparisons within and between states.

Introduction

Tooth decay (cavities) is the most common disease in the United States among children. Children with untreated tooth decay can have tooth pain and infections. This can affect your child’s overall health, such as issues with eating, talking, playing, and learning.

One method to reduce the incidence of tooth decay at an early age is the application of dental sealants.

Why Is This Report Important?

This report is important to know the current oral health status of third-grade children in Arkansas.

We use the Basic Screening Survey (BSS) created by The Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) to gather information. The BSS is a tool that can help us, oral health advocates, researchers, policymakers, and other partners with important information for future programs and recommendations in Arkansas.

When Did The Survey Take Place?

During the 2019-2020 school year.

Where Did The Survey Take Place?

The dental hygienists traveled to the schools and performed the oral health screening. A total of 65 schools in Arkansas took part in the BSS.

What Information Was Collected From The Students?

We gathered the BSS information from Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and the dental hygienist report to create the AR BSS Survey Collection:


About The Oral Health Condition Screening:


About The Students Who Took Part In The Survey:


Key Findings & Quick Facts:


What Did We Learn From These Results?

These results highlight the need to continue oral health interventions in Arkansas. Dental disease continues to affect the lives of many children in Arkansas. This also highlights the continued need for evidence-based practices for preventing oral disease to improve children’s oral health.

Another point this data highlighted were disparities (differences) based on race/ethnicity, geographic region (based on the Public Health Region), and house income (based on NSLP schools).

Differences between…

Group

Oral health condition concern

Possible reasons for the difference

Race/Ethnicity

Hispanic students

A high percent of decay experience
  • Socioeconomic status
  • Language barrier
  • Uninsured for dental care
  • Legal status
  • Mistrust of health professionals
  • Additional studies can  help understand why Hispanic students had more decay experience

Race/Ethnicity

African

American students

1.) A high percent of untreated decay

2.) High percent of need for dental treatment

3.) The lowest percent of dental sealants
  • Socioeconomic status
  • A difficult relationship with the medical community
  • Mistrust for medical professionals
  • Uninsured for dental care
  • Additional studies can help understand why African American students had more untreated decay and need dental treatment

Geographic area (PHR)

Northeast PHR

1.) A high percent of untreated decay

2.) High percent in need of dental treatment, the urgent need for dental

3.) Low percent for the presence of dental sealants
  • Rural region of Arkansas that has counties with a short number of dental health professionals
  • Access to a dentist is still a primary concern
  • Low oral health literacy may also affect lack of participation in sealant programs

NSLP

(socioeconomic status)

Students attending schools with 50% or more NSLP eligibility

1.) A high percent of decay experience

2.) High percent of untreated decay

3.) High percent need for dental treatment
  • Uninsured for dental care
  • Socioeconomic status
  • Access to dental care
  • Low number of dentists who participate as a Medicaid provider

How Can We Improve The BSS For Next Time?

One issue from this BSS is the percent of missing student background data from the Arkansas Department of Education. This will have to be considered in future surveys whether it would be better to collect student background and oral health screening at the same time.

What Next Steps Are We Taking Based On This BSS?

We must continue the work with oral health partners and stakeholders and strive in educating and providing resources to Arkansas communities to prevent oral health diseases, especially among those at an early age.

Recommendations for a healthy mouth include:

To read the full report, click here.

COVID-19 Vaccination Locations

Vaccine Clinics | Vaccine FAQ | Vaccine Plan | Forms and Resources | Volunteers
 

All Arkansans age 16 or older are now eligible to receive the vaccine.

Use the map or table below to reach out to your local pharmacy or provider to let them know you need the vaccine.

A registration code is not required by ADH.

Please only contact one provider.


 

 

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

 

 

COVID-19 Guidance About Monoclonal Antibodies

In November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization to allow the use of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients.

What are monoclonal antibodies? 

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic your immune system’s ability to fight off harmful viruses. Bamlanivimab and casirivimab + imdevimab are monoclonal antibodies that are specifically designed to protect against the spike protein of COVID-19. These proteins are designed to stop the virus from entering the human cells.

Who can get this treatment?

Non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate symptoms with less than 10 days since symptom onset & high-risk factors including:

These medications are NOT approved for use in patients who are hospitalized due to COVID-19 or require oxygen therapy. Benefits of treatment have not been observed in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies may be associated with worse clinical outcomes when given to patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen ventilation. Individual administration sites may have additional criteria for use of these monoclonal antibody therapies in patients.

These medications will be available at no cost to patients, although health care facilities may charge for administering the medicine.


Resources

​Long-term Care Facilities

​

Locations in Arkansas receiving monoclonal antibodies

 
 

Public Health Reporting

Click here to report COVID-19
 

CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement

Please click here or use the link below to submit a COVID-19 provider agreement form to the Arkansas Department of Health. You can also print a CDC provider agreement form here to help you gather the necessary information, but you must enter the data into the electronic form in order to submit it to ADH.

The video below has additional information about the process.

 
 

Performance Management System

The Arkansas Department of Health is in the process of developing an agency-wide Performance Management System to improve the agency’s performance and increase accountability. The new system will provide a mechanism to guide the agency’s performance not only within the agency but also among the community partners and people it serves. The new system consists of several inter-related components as shown in the diagram above.

Performance Scorecards
ADH Performance Management System
Performance Measures Dashboard
State Health Assessment
State Health Improvement Plan
Strategic Plan
Center/Regional Strategic Work Plans
Workforce Development Plan
Quality Improvement Plan

Quality Improvement Plan

ADH Performance Management System | Performance Measures Dashboard | State Health Assessment |
State Health Improvement Plan | Strategic Plan | Center/Regional Strategic Work Plans |
Workforce Development Plan

 

The successful accomplishment of the goals and objectives outlined in the Performance Management System depends on the extent to which all staff demonstrate a commitment to continually improve the work they are doing. This is commonly referred to as Continuous Quality Improvement and it is defined as a CULTURE, shared across individual, unit, and agency levels, where the examination of processes, systems and programs for potential improvements, and the implementation of improvement initiatives, is a routine part of daily work.

Developing a culture of Continuous Quality Improvement is a priority at ADH and a Quality Improvement Plan has been developed to guide this work.

The goal:

The focus:

Our values:

Our work:

Workforce Development Plan

ADH Performance Management System | Performance Measures Dashboard | State Health Assessment |
State Health Improvement Plan | Strategic Plan | Center/Regional Strategic Work Plans | Quality Improvement Plan

 

The measures of the Performance Management system, and the goals of its constituent components, cannot be achieved without a well-trained and skilled workforce. Developing such a workforce requires the identification of gaps in knowledge, skills, and abilities through the assessment of both organizational and individual needs and addressing those gaps through targeted training and development opportunities. The Arkansas Department of Health’s philosophy on training and education is to provide employees with an ongoing mechanism to enhance their skills and knowledge, leading to job mastery and applied professional development; ultimately resulting in better production in the workplace.

Utilizing the results of the 2017 Association of State and Territorial Officers Public Health Workforce Interest and Needs Survey as well as a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis by an ADH internal workforce development workgroup, a comprehensive Workforce Development Plan has been developed. The Plan roadmaps the agencies’ goals and objectives to maintain a highly skilled workforce that is prepared to deliver public health essential services and respond to public health emergencies. In addition to these goals and objectives, the Plan also identifies resources, roles, and responsibilities that are required to successfully implement it. Five goals and eleven objectives for addressing training and development needs were identified.

Center-Regional Strategic Work Plans

ADH Performance Management System | Performance Measures Dashboard | State Health Assessment |
State Health Improvement Plan | Strategic Plan | Workforce Development Plan |
Quality Improvement Plan

 

It was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic that working across ADH Branches, Centers, and Local Health Units was essential in combating the public health crises. As a result, the Strategic Work Plans which will be developed will reflect specific action steps that will be taken, across organizational divisions, to support the goals and objectives of the interim COVID-19 Strategic Plan, as well as identifying action steps that are unique to Centers, ADH Regions and Local Health Units.

State Strategic Plan

ADH Performance Management System | Performance Measures Dashboard | State Health Assessment |
State Health Improvement Plan | Center/Regional Strategic Work Plans | Workforce Development Plan |
Quality Improvement Plan

 

The updated ADH Strategic Plan will reflect both the State Health Assessment and the State Health Improvement Plan and establish ADH’s strategic priorities using measurable and time bound goals and objectives.

In late 2019 and early 2020, ADH held a five-month long exercise, involving over 70 people from ADH and community organizations to identify strategic priorities for the agency to update the 2016-2019 Strategic Plan. The exercise began with the results of a Strategic Planning Survey that all ADH employees had a chance to respond to. The employees were asked to provide input on what health outcomes and health behaviors the agency should focus on. With this feedback as a starting point, participants in the strategic planning exercise drew from the draft State Health Assessment 2020 and identified eight primary focus areas. This next step of this exercise was the identification of measurable objectives and work plans to operationalize the established goals.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Agency’s immediate priorities changed. The leadership decided to develop an interim strategic plan to provide direction to the ongoing mitigation of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of this interim plan may be different but many of the issues identified during the development of the State Health Assessment and the strategic planning exercise will be reflected in the interim COVID-19 Strategic Plan.

State Health Improvement Plan

ADH Performance Management System | Performance Measures Dashboard | State Health Assessment |
Strategic Plan | Center/Regional Strategic Work Plans | Workforce Development Plan |
Quality Improvement Plan

 

The State Health Improvement Plan is a long-term, systematic plan to address issues identified in the State Health Assessment. Its purpose is to describe how ADH in collaboration with its community partners, will work together to improve the health of all Arkansans. The State Health Improvement Plan will help all partners develop strategies for making policy and system level changes, establish priorities for action, and aid in the development and implementation of programs/policies. It will also help the Agency identify the best use of resources in achieving public health goals.

State Health Assessment

ADH Performance Management System | Performance Measures Dashboard | State Health Improvement Plan |
Strategic Plan | Center/Regional Strategic Work Plans | Workforce Development Plan |
Quality Improvement Plan

 

The State Health Assessment 2020 (SHA) provides scientific evidence of the health status of people in Arkansas. It is the foundation upon which the State Health Improvement Plan and the ADH Strategic Plan are based. It is an updated edition of the 2013 publication “Arkansas’s Big Health Problems and How We Plan to Solve Them”. The State Health Assessment has two complementary components: a report which is available in printed and electronic versions and an electronic scorecard.

State Health Assessment Report

The purpose of the State Health Assessment report is to provide information on the health of Arkansans including risk factors contributing to poor health outcomes for identified populations. In addition to data, the book identifies public health, health care, and other resources available in the community to help improve the health status of Arkansans. The report is also the foundation for the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), which serves as a blueprint for actions to be taken to address the issues identified in the Assessment.

Access to the full State Health Assessment 2020, as well as specific chapters, can be found here.

State Health Assessment Scorecard

For the first time, the State Health Assessment report is accompanied by an electronic ‘Scorecard’ which illustrates data trends for many of the issues highlighted in the report. This scorecard provides historical data to illustrate how the health issues have evolved over time and what the current trends are. Unlike the book version, the Scorecard primarily presents data in graphics and sometimes tabular formats, highlighting multiple year trends of behaviors, diseases, and deaths. Since the Scorecard does not provide extensive narrative and the illustrations contain layers of information, tools have been created to assist users. A brief PowerPoint presentation provides basic guidance on how to navigate through any Scorecard, while a more detailed video provides more comprehensive guidance on how to navigate through the SHA Scorecard specifically. 

 

Performance Measures Dashboard

ADH Performance Management System | State Health Assessment | State Health Improvement Plan | Strategic Plan |
Center/Regional Strategic Work Plans | Workforce Development Plan | Quality Improvement Plan

 

The identification of measurable objectives is an essential component of a Performance Management System in order for the effectiveness of programs, policies, and processes to be assessed. These objectives, as well as our performance in achieving these, will be presented in the Performance Measures Dashboard, which will be routinely updated with new data to demonstrate continuous assessment of performances associated with these objectives. The dashboard will function as a comprehensive planning guide as well as a monitoring tool. As a planning guide, the dashboard will explain the issues, highlight proven strategies, specify Agency action plans, and identify partners who will play a role in implementing the action plans.  As a monitoring tool, the dashboard will contain baseline data and data trends illustrating performances.  These data will be regularly updated to enable progress and performance to be monitored.

COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

COVID-19 Vaccination Locations | Vaccine Clinics | Vaccine FAQ | Vaccine Plan | Forms and Resources | Volunteers

 

Though the development of a COVID-19 vaccine has followed an accelerated timeline, safety has been the top priority.

Who is eligible to get the vaccine in Arkansas?

All Arkansans age 16 or older are now eligible to receive the vaccine.

How can I get the vaccine?

Eligible Arkansans can make an appointment at a community pharmacy. Vaccine clinics and events may also be available in your area through hospitals, health care providers, or your worksite. Click here for a list of clinics. For those who work in education, the district, facility, or college/university should determine how many doses are needed, and then reach out to an ADH Local Health Unit or a community pharmacy to schedule a vaccination clinic. Call 1-800-985-6030 for assistance finding a vaccine in your area or to sign up for an ADH clinic.

.

Resources for Public

Resources for Health Care Workers
Pharmacies providing vaccine to health care workers in phase 1A

Resources for Providers

 

ASBAT - Filing a Complaint

Overview of Responsibilities

The board is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints placed against athletic trainers and has authority to conduct investigations, enforce regulations and impose sanctions when a violation of law or regulation has occurred.

The Handling of Complaints

The Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training receives complaints against its licensees and will determine if the complaint falls within its jurisdiction. If the complaint is within the board’s jurisdiction, an investigation will be conducted.

The Complainant is notified of the board’s decision on each complaint. You should note, however, that the proper conduct of an investigation can be a time-consuming process and it may be several months before the investigation is completed and a decision is reached.

If a violation of the law or regulation has occurred, the board may give the licensee an opportunity to come into compliance with the law or regulation, or the board may determine that other action is necessary. If there is no violation of law or regulation, the file on the complaint is closed.

If the investigation should result in a formal hearing, the board may subpoena persons to testify at that hearing if it is believed that their testimony is essential to the case.

Filing a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted on the complaint form. It is important that you include as much fact as is available, including such things as the date(s) of the alleged action, the licensee’s full name and address, the exact nature of the complaint, the names of other individuals who might be involved and their relationship to the complaint, as well as any other information which will assist in the investigation.

The board will acknowledge receipt of your complaint, may contact you for additional information and will notify you of the board’s decision concerning the complaint.

ASBAT - Licenses and Forms

Licenses:

Forms:

ASBAT - Board Information

The Board is composed of five members appointed by the Governor for terms of three years. Four members are athletic trainers licensed to engage in athletic training in the state of Arkansas. One member is a consumer who is not actively engaged in or retired from the practice of athletic training, medicine, physical therapy, or employment by an athletic department of an accredited educational institution. This member is a full voting member.

Board Members
Ronald J. Carroll, AT, Chairman
Terry DeWitt, AT, Secretary/Treasurer
Chris Turnage, Public Member
Natalie Trotter, AT Member
Michael Neal, AT
Joe West, Assistant, Attorney General, Attorney for the Board
Nancy Worthen, Executive Director, Staff
Lyndsey Collins, Administrative Specialist III, Staff

Minutes: For Board minutes earlier than 2019, contact the Athletic Training Board office:

Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training

The Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training was created by Act 1124 of 2001. Prior to that time, a committee appointed by the Governor worked with the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy to license and regulate the activities of Athletic Trainers.

The Board is a licensing and regulatory organization created to issue licenses for athletic training and to uphold the standards prescribed by statute to protect the health of the public.

Roster:

Resources:

Rules:

Staff
Russell Burns, Director
Office Address Phone
Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training 4815 W. Markham St., Slot 73
Little Rock, AR 72205		 (501) 683-4076

ASBPT - Disciplinary Action

From May 28, 2009 to Present

ASBPT - Continuing Education

Please select a form below to view and print:

Continuing Education Procedures

I. Requirements:

II. Jurisprudence Exam:

III. Approval of CEU Programs:

IV. Content of CEU Programs/College Courses for CEUs:

V. Failure to Comply

ASBPT - Filing a Complaint

Overview of Responsibilities

The board is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints placed against physical therapists and physical therapist assistants and has authority to conduct investigations, enforce regulations and impose sanctions when a violation of law or regulation has occurred.

The Handling of Complaints

The Board of Physical Therapy receives complaints against its licensees and will determine if the complaint falls within its jurisdiction. If the complaint is within the board's jurisdiction, an investigation will be conducted.

The Complainant is notified of the board's decision on each complaint. You should note, however, that the proper conduct of an investigation can be a time-consuming process and it may be several months before the investigation is completed and a decision is reached.

If a violation of the law or regulation has occurred, the board may give the licensee an opportunity to come into compliance with the law or regulation, or the board may determine that other action is necessary. If there is no violation of law or regulation, the file on the complaint is closed.

If the investigation should result in a formal hearing, the board may subpoena persons to testify at that hearing if it is believed that their testimony is essential to the case.

Filing a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted on the enclosed complaint form. It is important that you include as much fact as is available, including such things as the date(s) of the alleged action, the licensee's full name and address, the exact nature of the complaint, the names of other individuals who might be involved and their relationship to the complaint, as well as any other information which will assist in the investigation.

The board will acknowledge receipt of your complaint, may contact you for additional information and will notify you of the board's decision concerning the complaint.

ASBPT - License Verification

If you did not find the licensee you were looking for please check the Physical Therapist Compact Commission Verification Webpage to see if the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant holds a compact privilege in Arkansas. For the Physical Therapist Compact Commission Verification Webpage, please click https://purchase.ptcompact.org/Verify.

ASBPT - Forms and Links

Please select a form below to view and print:

Links

ASBPT - Online Services

ASBPT - Rules

ASBPT - Applying for Licensure

Please select a file below to view and print:

ASBPT - Board Information

The Board consists of five members appointed by the Governor for three year terms. Four of those members are to be from each congressional district in order to provide statewide representation of physical therapists. One member shall not be engaged in or retired from the practice of physical therapy and shall serve as the representative of the public interest. This is a voting member but shall not participate in examination administration.

The Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy was created by Act 1232 of 1991. Prior to that time licensing was by the Arkansas Medical Board.

The Board is a licensing and regulatory organization created to protect the public from incompetent, unprofessional and unlawful practice of physical therapy. Laws are established to set forth standards for the practice of physical therapy, continuing education and testing, and to define the scope and limitations of practice. The board receives, investigates and adjudicates complaints against licensees. The most important function of the board is consumer protection.

Board Members
Sam Denton, PT Member
Velvet Medlock, PT Member
Rob Jordan, PT Member
Rob Tillman, PT Member
Don Pierce, Public Member
Sara Farris, Attorney for the Board
Staff Members
Nancy Worthen, Executive Director
Lyndsey R. Kinsey, Administrative Specialist III

Minutes: For board minutes earlier than 2020, contact the ASBPT office.

Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy

Criminal Background Checks

Effective February 20, 2020, the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy will implement fingerprint-based criminal background checks under ArCA §17-93-303(b) and ArCA §17-93-304(b). This requirement will apply to all new applicants and reinstatements as of February 20, 2020. Please review the applications for licensure form and reinstatement form for instructions pertaining to this new requirement.

Physical Therapy Licensure Compact

The Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PTLC) is a state-based solution to the challenges of interstate licensure portability for physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs). It will improve patient access to physical therapy services by giving eligible licensees in participating states a faster, less expensive alternative to traditional licensure.

On March 5, 2019 Governor Hutchinson signed into law HB 1421, which establishes the Interstate Physical Therapy Licensure Compact in Arkansas. The PT Compact Commission has continued to work on establishing the various systems necessary to issue Compact Privileges and Arkansas will actively issue and accept Compact Privileges beginning February 28, 2020.

The Compact Commission has set a fee of $45, and the Arkansas fee of $50 was adopted by the Arkansas Board on July 18, 2019 to be effective after new Rules are adopted.

Information regarding the availability of compact privileges and the procedure for applying for a privilege is available online at www.ptcompact.org.

Individuals applying for a compact privilege to Arkansas must pass the AR state Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam. The exam is to be completed on the Board's website.

Board Staff
Nancy Worthen, Executive Director
Lyndsey R. Kinsey, Administrative Specialist III

Board Meetings:

Resources:

Office Address Phone Fax
Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy 9 Shackleford Plaza
Suite 3
Little Rock, AR 72211		 (501) 228-7100 (501) 228-0294
 

ABESPA - About

The Board is comprised of seven members. These include professionals in speech-language pathology and audiology (at least 2 from each field), a consumer representative, and a senior citizen representative. The members are appointed by the Governor for three-year terms and may serve two full consecutive terms. Board members may be reimbursed for expenses, but otherwise receive no compensation.

Current Board Members Location Term Expiration
Elizabeth Williams
MS, CCC-SLP
Board Chairperson		 Fayetteville, AR 6.30.20
Aimee Cloud
MS, CCC-SLP
Treasurer		 Conway, AR 6.30.20
Dr. Andrea Sieczkowski
Board Member		 Maumelle, AR 6.30.22
Geraldine Sterling
MS, CCC-SLP
Vice Chair		 Little Rock, AR 6.30.21
Dr. Randall Cummings
Senior Representative		 Hot Springs Village, AR  6.30.22
Dr. Zachary Ward
Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA
Board Member		 Little Rock, AR 6.30.21

*New Position Available: Consumer Representative

Board Meetings:

ABESPA - Disciplinary Action

What is the Arkansas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA)?

The Arkansas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) was created by the Arkansas Legislature to safeguard the public’s health, safety, and welfare. ABESPA is responsible for consumer protection through the regulation of speech-language pathology and audiology practice.

Individuals who seek the provisions of speech-language pathology and audiology services are entitled to receive quality care. In pursuit of that goal the Board’s mission is to assure a process is provided by which consumers may file complaints against licensees or persons practicing speech-language pathology or audiology without a license.

Who can/should file a complaint?

A complaint should be filed by anyone who believes that an individual has acted illegally, irresponsibly, or unprofessionally in providing care to a client. The most effective complaints are those that contain verifiable, firsthand information. The Board cannot act on anonymous complaints. To that end all complaints must include a signature.

What types of complaints does ABESPA handle?

What types of complaints are outside of ABESPA’s jurisdiction?

How do I file a complaint?

A complaint must be submitted in writing and signed before it can be processed. Individuals who file complaints are notified in writing of the status of their complaint throughout the process.

When submitting a complaint, a statement should be provided in the individuals own words, which explains the nature of their complaint. Provide as much detail as possible as well as any copies of documents, such as patient records, photographs, contracts, correspondence, etc. that can be used as evidence. Original copies should not be provided. Dates, times, and the type of service received should be included when possible. It is not necessary to cite sections of the law that have allegedly been violated.

How are complaints processed?

Notification of the receipt of the complaint will be mailed to the complainant. While confidential and not public record, the board must disclose information to the licensee regarding the complaint. Licensees who are named in the complaint are given 30 days to respond to any accusations.

Complaints are reviewed by board members at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The board may dispose of the complaint informally through correspondence or conference or may forward the complaint to an investigation officer.

If forwarded to an investigator, that investigator may contact the complainant during the course of the investigation.

Are licensees required to report unprofessional conduct by colleagues?

The ABESPA Code of Ethics mandates that the licensee is responsible for reporting alleged misrepresentation or violation of the act or rules to the Board.

Resources:

ABESPA - Consumer Information

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What is the Arkansas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA)?

The Arkansas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) was created by the Arkansas Legislature to safeguard the public’s health, safety, and welfare. ABESPA is responsible for consumer protection through the regulation of speech-language pathology and audiology practice.

Individuals who seek speech-language pathology and audiology services are entitled to receive quality care. In pursuit of that goal, the Board’s mission is to assure there is a process where consumers may file complaints against licensees or persons practicing speech-language pathology or audiology without a license.

What does the Board Do?

Audiologists

Who is an Audiologist?

Audiologists are healthcare professionals who provide patient-centered care in the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of hearing, balance, and other auditory disorders for people of all ages. Hearing and balance disorders are complex with medical, psychological, physical, social, educational, and employment implications. Those hearing and balance disorders can be assessed, treated, and rehabilitated by an audiologist. Treatment services require audiologists to have knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, as well as interpersonal skills to counsel and guide patients and their family members through the rehabilitative process. Audiologists provide professional and personalized services to minimize the negative impact of hearing and balance disorders, leading to improved outcomes and a higher quality of life.

What does an Audiologist do?

Requirements for Licensing

Speech-Languagte Pathologists

Who is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Speech, language, and swallowing disorders result from a variety of causes, such as a stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, Parkinson’s disease, a cleft palate, or autism spectrum disorders.

What does Speech-Language Pathologist do?

Requirements for Licensing

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

Who is a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

Speech-language pathology assistants are individuals who, following academic and on-the-job training, performs tasks as prescribed, directed, and supervised by licensed speech-language pathologists.

What does Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant do?

Requirements for Licensing

SLPA Licensing Information

Helpful Consumer Links

ABESPA - Application Information

HOME | LICENSEES | APPLICANTS | CONSUMER INFORMATION | ABOUT
LICENSE SEARCH | ONLINE CE INPUT | ONLINE LICENSE RENEWAL

 

Upon initial licensure, an applicant is granted a grace period to work while his/her initial application is being processed. Upon receipt of a completed application packet, a letter will be sent to the applicant granting the grace period. Below are the licensure requirements listed by licensure type.

In order to apply for licensure, you may complete an application online then mail it in with the $140.00 application fee via check or money order, as well as the required documentation listed below. Transcripts and Verifications of Licensure must remain in a sealed envelope.

Below are the requirements listed by license type:

Important Documents:

ABESPA - Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

In Arkansas, a registration process is used to recognize and approve the use of Speech Language Pathology Assistants and Aides in all settings. Individuals who wish to work as a speech-language pathology assistant or a speech-language pathology aide must register with his/her supervising speech-language pathologist with the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA), or the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). The setting where the Speech Language Pathology Assistant will be used dictates which agency the individuals register with:

Once the appropriate application is completed and approved, the names of the supervising SLP, SLP-Assistant, and SLP-Aide are placed on a registration list by each agency and all lists are submitted to ABESPA. Individuals registering with ABESPA are approved through June 30 and must re-register by July 1 each year. Individuals registering with ADE are approved through August 31 and must re-register by September 1 each year.

A registration number is assigned to the SLP-Assistant and a memo with this number is provided each time the SLP-Assistant registers or renews registration. This memo verifies that the SLP-Assistant is registered and can be submitted to Medicaid. In the future if an individual registers with another agency, the initial registration number will be used.

Resources:

Helpful links for SLP-A registration information:

ABESPA - Licensee Renewal Information

HOME | LICENSEES | APPLICANTS | CONSUMER INFORMATION | ABOUT
LICENSE SEARCH | ONLINE CE INPUT | ONLINE LICENSE RENEWAL

 

*Looking for SLPA-Related information, click here.

Renewal Information

Renewal notices are sent annually in April. All licenses shall be renewed annually by July 15, to avoid delinquent renewal fees. Please remember all licenses expire on June 30th of each year.

Mailed Renewals

Renewals that are mailed to the Board office will be processed as quickly as possible. Remember they must be postmarked by July 15th or be considered delinquent. If you wish to confirm that we have received your renewal documentation, we recommend sending it via certified mail.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

CPEs shall consist of a series of planned learning experiences beyond the educational programs that have led to the degree that qualifies one for licensure. The licensee must participate in CPE activities of at least ten (10) clock hours for each license period (July 1 through June 30 of each year). At least five (5) of these hours must be in Content Area I. Dual licensees must complete fifteen (15) clock hours with a minimum of five (5) hours in each discipline from Content Area I. Renewal of a license shall be contingent upon the licensee fulfilling the CPE requirements, submitting an annual CPE report, and maintaining evidence for possible audit.

Provisional and full licensees are not required to complete a report of continuing professional education and will not be audited during the initial licensing year, but will need to submit the report to document a minimum of ten (10) hours for the next licensing period (7/1 to 6/30). There is no exemption for the year in which the provisional license is converted to a full license unless it occurs in the initial licensing year.

Full instructions including definitions of content areas and audit information can be found in Section 9 of the rules and regulations.

Audits

Annually, the Board will select licensees for audit. Audits are randomly selected and licensees will be notified by mail. Licensees who are audited are required to submit verification of CPE’s submitted, including information regarding date, the content of course, and number of hours.

Inactive Status

Inactive status is available for licensees who wish to no longer practice in the state of Arkansas. To apply for inactive status the licensee must hold a license that is active. If inactive status is requested more than 30 days after expiration, late fees will apply. Requests for inactive status must be made to the Board in writing.

Delinquent Renewals

Delinquent renewals will be accepted by the board through the mail. A licensee is considered delinquent if it is postmarked after July 15, and a late fee will apply. In order to renew after July 15, a licensee must contact the Board to receive the additional required documentation.

Resources:

Important Documents:

Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

HOME | LICENSEES | APPLICANTS | CONSUMER INFORMATION | ABOUT
LICENSE SEARCH | ONLINE CE INPUT | ONLINE LICENSE RENEWAL

 

IMPORTANT NOTICES

Updated Rules:

Announcements & Resources:

Are You?

The function of the Board is to examine the credentials and qualifications of Speech-Language Pathologists, Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, and Audiologists who wish to provide services to the people of Arkansas, and to issue licenses or registration to those individuals who meet the standards set forth in §17-100-101 et seq. The Board acts on behalf of consumers by handling complaints to ensure that quality speech-language pathology and audiology services are delivered to the public.

Office Address Phone Fax
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology 4815 W. Markham, Slot 72
Little Rock, AR 72205-3867		 501-682-9180 501-682-9181

ASBN - Spouse

For purposes of Arkansas licensure, a spouse is an individual who is currently married to an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran.

There are several situations in which a spouse would need licensure information; each situation below identifies services available in each of these circumstances.

Situation 1:

Are you the spouse of an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran and do you already have a nursing license in Arkansas?

Renewal Application Information 

You will submit the appropriate Renewal Licensure Application.  During the process of completing your application, you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

You will have a choice to select either “Yes, Spouse of uniformed service member” or “Yes, Spouse of uniformed service veteran”.

You will need to upload supporting documents.

Supporting documents for the spouse of a uniformed service member include one of the following:

Supporting documents for a spouse of a uniformed veterans include one of the following:

Support Services available in Situation 1

Situation 2:

Are you the spouse of an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran and do you already have a nursing license in another state?

Licensure by Endorsement: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Endorsement Application. During the process of completing your application you will answer an eligibility question that asks, “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?"

You will have a choice to select either “Yes, Spouse of a uniformed service member” or “Yes, Spouse of a uniformed service veteran”.

You will need to upload supporting documents.

Supporting documents for the spouse of a uniformed service member include one of the following:

Supporting documents for a spouse of a uniformed include one of the following:

Support Services available in Situation 2

Situation 3:

Are you the spouse of an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran? Are you a recent nursing education program graduate that has not taken the licensure examination?

Licensure by Exam: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Initial by Exam Licensure Application. During the process of completing your application, you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

You will have a choice to select either “Yes, Spouse of a uniformed service member” or “Yes, Spouse of a uniformed service veteran”.

You will need to upload supporting documents.

Supporting documents for the spouse of a uniformed service member include one of the following:

Supporting documents for a spouse of uniformed include one of the following:

Support Services available in Situation 3

ASBN - Uniformed Service Veteran

For purposes of Arkansas licensure, a uniformed service veteran is an individual who is a former member of the United States uniformed services discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

There are several situations in which a uniformed service veteran would need licensure information; each situation below identifies services available in each of these circumstances.

Situation 1:

Are you a uniformed service veteran that has been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and do you already have a nursing license in Arkansas?

Renewal Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Renewal Licensure Application. During the process of completing your application, you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

You will select “Yes, Uniformed service veteran.”

You will need to upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:

Support Services available in Situation 1

Situation 2:

Are you a uniformed service veteran that has been honorably discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and do you already have a nursing license in another state?

Licensure by Endorsement: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Endorsement Application. During the process of completing your application you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

You will select “Yes, Uniformed service veteran.”

You will need to upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:

Certificate of Release; or

Support Services available in Situation 2

Situation 3:

Are you a recent nursing education program graduate that has not taken the licensure examination? And, are you a uniformed service veteran that has been under conditions other than dishonorable?

Licensure by Exam: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Initial by Exam Licensure Application.  During the process of completing your application you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

You will select “Yes, uniformed service veteran."

You will need to upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:


Resources:

 

Uniformed Service Education, Training, Experience, or Service–Issued Credential

Arkansas State Board of Nursing allows an individual who has graduated from one of the listed military programs, to submit application and sit for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) NCLEX®. If an individual is already licensed, refer to endorsement of a license. 

Support Services available in Situation 3

ASBN - Uniformed Service Member

For purposes of Arkansas licensure, a uniformed service member is an individual who is currently serving in an active or reserve status in the United States Air Force, United States Army, United States Coast Guard, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, United States Space Force, or National Guard; an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps; or an active or reserve member of the United States Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service.

There are several situations in which a uniformed service member would need licensure information; each situation below identifies services available in each of these circumstances.

Situation 1:

Are you a uniformed service member member and do you already have a nursing license in Arkansas?

Renewal Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Renewal Licensure Application. During the process of completing your application, you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

You will have a choice to select either “Yes, Uniformed service member – I elect to Waive the Application fee” or “Yes, Uniformed service member – I elect to PAY the Application fee.”

You will need to upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:

Support Services available in Situation 1:

Situation 2:

Are you a uniformed service member and do you already have a nursing license in another state?

Licensure by Endorsement: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Endorsement Application. During the process of completing your application, you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

Please select “Yes, Uniformed service member."

You will need to upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:

Support Services available in Situation 2

Situation 3:

Are you a recent nursing education program graduate that has not taken the licensure examination? And, are you a uniformed service member?

Licensure by Exam: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Initial by Exam Licensure Application. During the process of completing your application you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

Please select “Yes, Uniformed service member.”

You will need to upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:

Uniformed Service Education, Training, Experience, or Service–Issued Credential

Arkansas State Board of Nursing allows an individual who has graduated from one of the listed military programs, to submit application and sit for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) NCLEX®. If an individual is already licensed, refer to the endorsement of a license.

Support Services available in Situation 3

ASBN - Military

Introduction

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

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


Military Designation

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


Associated Arkansas Nurse Practice Act (NPA) & Rules

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

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

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


Licensure Portability Between States

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

There is specific licensure information that should be reviewed:


Educational Opportunities

Resources

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

ASBN - APRN Renewal Post Expiration (Late)

This application is for nurses that wish to renew an existing inactive/expired Arkansas APRN license. It is NOT an application for on time renewal 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.

Additional instructions are located within the online renewal system as you progress through the renewal process.

General Instructions

  1. APRN Late Renewal Application
    • No application is complete until all required documentation (if applicable) and fees are received.
  2. Fee Information
    • Click here for current fees.
    • The accepted method of payment is with credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover).
    • Verify that the charges are correct before submitting application.
    • ALL FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE.
    • Late renewal fees are added to regular renewal fee.
    • You will receive a payment receipt by email which should be printed as proof of payment.
  3. APRN licensure requirements include:
    • Maintenance of National Certification related to you area of certification, and
    • Active unencumbered Arkansas RN license OR active unencumbered multistate compact RN license.
    • If out of practice greater than two (2) years a refresher course or extensive orientation is required.
    • If you have Prescriptive Authority, additional requirements include five (5) hours of pharmacotherapeutics continuing education in your area of APRN certification within the last two (2) years. Note: 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 APRN’s 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.

ASBN - RN Approved Baccalaureate Degree Programs

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. Mollie Manning, Chair
E-mail:mmanning@astate.edu

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY
Department of Nursing
Dean Hall
Russellville, AR 72801-2222
Phone: (479) 968-0383; Fax: (479) 968-0219
www.atu.edu 
Dr. Shelly Daily, Chair
Email:sdaily@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. Janet Gardner, Director
Email: jgardner@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

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

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 
Dr. Kymberly Beard, Chair
Email: beardk@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 - Post-Baccalaureate Programs

Arkansas State University
Department of Nursing
P.O. Box 910
State University, AR 72467
Phone: (870) 972-3074

Arkansas Tech University
Department of Nursing
Dean Hall
Russellville, AR 72801-2222
Phone: (479) 968-0383; Fax: (479) 968-0219
www.atu.edu 
Dr. Shelly Daily, Chair
E-mail: sdaily@atu.edu

Harding University
Carr College of Nursing
Box 12265
Searcy, AR 7 2149
Phone: (501) 279-4476; Fax: (501) 279-4669
www.harding.edu 
Dr. Susan Kehl, Dean
E-mail: skehl@harding.edu

Henderson State University
College of Nursing
HSU Box 7803
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Phone: (870) 230-5015; Fax: (501) 230-5390
www.hsu.edu 
Dr. Shelly Austin, Chair
E-mail: austins@hsu.edu

University Of Arkansas
Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
606 Razorback Rd.
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: (479) 575-4280; Fax: (479) 575-3218
http://online.uark.edu/nurse
Dr. Susan Patton, Director
E-mail: skpatton@uark.edu

University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences
College of Nursing
4301 West Markham, Slot 529
Little Rock, AR 72250
Phone: (501) 686-7997

University Of Central Arkansas
Department of Nursing
201 Donaghey Ave
Conway, AR 72035
Phone: (501) 450-3119 

ASBN - CE Broker

The license renewal process and CE requirements have not changed and at this time the use of CE Broker is not mandatory. However, we encourage our licensees to take advantage of the benefits available through a free Basic Account.

CE Broker is an electronic tracking system for continuing education (CE) that will allow you to have access to a 100 percent free Basic Account. This account provides an easy way to track your completed CE online and simplifies the process of maintaining your CE records and completion certificates.

CE Broker helps nursing professionals in Arkansas track your CE progress. This easy electronic workflow streamlines the ability for you to track your CE history and maintain your documentation or professional portfolio for personal, academic, employment or license renewal purposes.

With CE Broker, licensees and some education providers will be able to electronically enter CE course completion certificates through the tracking system. The information is maintained within CE Brokers centralized database. This simplifies the process of tracking your continuing education with easy reporting, digital storage for your certificates, and a credit counting CE compliance transcript all in one online portal.

Key features of the CE Broker free Basic Account include:

How do I register with CE Broker?

Go to CE Broker and click “account options.” Select “Arkansas” and register for the account of your choosing. You can register for a free Basic account with just your license. The Basic Account will let you report, see your current compliance status, and search for courses. You may opt to use CE Broker’s paid service, but it is not required.

Once you have created your account and logged into the system, click “Report CE” and find the option that best applies. You will need to answer a few questions and then attach the documentation that the Board requires. If you are using your mobile app, you can take a picture of your documentation and upload it via your phone or tablet.

Don’t wait until the last minute to claim your account. If you have questions call the CE Broker Support Center  M-F, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Eastern time at 1-877-434-6323.

Remember, do not forward your CE documentation to the ASBN. Documentation should be sent to CE Broker. If you have registered for your account with CE Broker, the Board will review your records in CE Broker electronically when conducting renewal audits.

Additional CE Broker Options

There are other account options available through CE Broker, such as Professional and Concierge Accounts. These are paid accounts, but are priced reasonably to give all licensees access to them.

With a Professional Account, in addition to other features, CE Broker builds a personal Compliance Transcript, which automatically calculates what specific requirements you have left to complete.

A Concierge Account comes with a dedicated Account Manager who will retrieve completion certificates, report hours on your behalf, and ensure you are ready for renewal on time.

ASBN - Medication Assistants (Certified)

Act 1423 of the 2005 Arkansas legislative session authorized the use of trained and certified medication assistants in nursing homes in Arkansas. Medication Assistants are required to successfully complete an education program and pass a certification exam before being allowed to function in the role of Medication Assistant Certified (MA-C) in a nursing home.

Medication Assistants are utilized in over 30 states in the United States and have proven to effectively reduce the number of medication errors in nursing homes. The use of medication assistants in Arkansas nursing homes will allow the nurse to spend more time focusing on the residents and supervising the care given by the CNA’s, resulting in quality care for our most vulnerable population.

Approved MA-C Programs

Arkansas State University – Mtn. Home 
1600 So. College
Mtn. Home, AR 72653
Dr. Julia Gist, Dean
870-508-6154

Applications

Resources

ASBN - Insulin & Glucagon Administration Training Programs

Pursuant to the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as it existed on July 1, 2011, the 2011 Arkansas General Assembly passed a law pertaining to the administration of glucagon by trained volunteer school personnel to Arkansas public school students who are diagnosed with diabetes. Further, the 2015 Arkansas General Assembly passed a law pertaining to the administration of insulin by trained volunteer school personnel to Arkansas public school students who are diagnosed with diabetes.

These laws allow trained volunteer school personnel in the absence of the school nurse to administer glucagon, insulin or both to a child diagnosed with diabetes in an emergency situation. Consequently, the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, in collaboration with the Arkansas School Nurses Association and diabetic experts, worked together to identify and approve Insulin and Glucagon Administration Training  programs that meet the requirements of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Rules, Chapter 9.

Approved Training Programs

Certifications of Training

Certificates of Approval

Certificates of Participation

COVID-19 Guidance for Self Home Isolation

WHAT IS ISOLATION?

Isolation is for people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

If you have COVID-19, being in isolation means you must stay home and away from others while you are infectious in order to stop the spread of the virus to anyone else.

LENGTH OF ISOLATION

If you have COVID-19 with mild symptoms, you must isolate until:

​If you have COVID-19 and are not experiencing any symptoms, you must isolate until:

If you have severe COVID-19 and have been hospitalized or if you have a weakened immune system, you must isolate until:

RESTRICTIONS DURING ISOLATION

Additional Help

For immediate sheltering needs for people who are homeless or displaced or cannot safely quarantine at home, please call (501) 661-2136.

For all other issues, contact the ADH call center at (800) 803-7847.

 

 

COVID-19 Reports

General:

Briefing Slides:
These slides are posted any day there is a press briefing.

Educational Institutions:
Report on Educational Institutions with 5 or More Active Cases
*This report is generally released on Mondays and Thursdays.

Active Cases:
This report is generally released on Mondays and Thursdays.

Nursing Homes:
This report is generally released once a week.

Congregate Settings:
This report is generally released once a week.

Contact Tracing:
These reports are generally released on Tuesdays.

Occupational:

Percent Positivity Map

 

 
 

ASBN - LPTN Renewal - Post Expiration (Late)

This application is for nurses who wish to renew an existing inactive/expired Arkansas license. It is NOT an application for on time renewal, 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 process to reactivate an inactive/expired license. 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 Post Expiration Application Informatoin

2.  Fee Information

3.  Post Renewal Information

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

ASBN - RN Renewal - Post Expiration (Late)

This application is for nurses who wish to renew an existing inactive/expired Arkansas license. It is NOT an application for on time renewal, 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 process to reactivate an inactive/expired license. 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 Post Expiration Renewal Application Information

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.  Post Renewal Information

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

ASBN - LPN Renewal - Post Expiration (Late)

This application is for nurses who wish to renew an existing inactive/expired Arkansas license. It is NOT an application for on time renewal, 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 process to reactivate an inactive/expired license. 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 Post Expiration 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.  Post Renewal Information

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

Plan Review and Submission Portal

The Arkansas Department of Health has introduced and implemented a new ELECTRONIC Plan Submission portal.

WELCOME to the Arkansas Department of Health Plan Review page. The mission of the Arkansas Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans. The plan review process is one important factor in attaining this mission.

The purpose of a plan review process is to ensure that development or building projects comply with the adopted policies and codes. Staff review plan submissions for proposed projects. Plan reviews are coordinated through multiple divisions Engineering (Civil projects: drinking water, civil drawings, drinking wells, etc.), Protective Health Codes (Plumbing, Natural Gas), and Environmental (Retail Food, Wholesale/Manufactured food, Public Swimming Pools/Spas). This coordinated process helps to ensure that all pertinent codes/policies are followed in the design and execution of the project. 

Adhering to the ADH Guiding Principles, the Plan Review staff work diligently to review all projects in a timely manner. While staff is allotted up to 30 days to complete a review, review times vary depending on numerous factors. To ensure the most efficient process, providing complete submissions referencing the current adopted codes is necessary. For more information contact the appropriate division(s).

Plans may now be submitted electronically along with electronic forms and electronic pay capabilities. ADH has also implemented electronic review software, Bluebeam Revu. This is beneficial for submitters who are out of town and out of state thus saving time, gas, and money.

ADH Plan Review Divisions:

Plan Submissions:

Plans may be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically. Plans may be brought in person by contacting the proper division and setting an appointment for review*. If the submitter is unable to wait for review, plans may be dropped off and staff will review them and send documentation of the review. Plans may also be mailed to the ADH central office in Little Rock. For proper routing, each division has a specific slot number that must be included on the address.

*(Please note that appointments or building access may be limited or ceased during the Covid-19 pandemic).

Paper Plan submissions are accepted in the same manner they have been in the past. Each submission should consist of complete plans with all pages required for each specific division required, all associated forms/applications/documents, and associated fees.

All project submissions require a Project Cost Estimate worksheet and Plan Review fee. Projects that are multiple departments (e.g. Plumbing and Retail food) share 1 form and 1 Plan Review Fee. For this example, Plumbing costs and Food establishment costs are added to get the total project cost. The Plan Review fee is then calculated as 1% of the project cost (minimum $50 and maximum $500).

Electronic Plan submissions are submitted through https://planreview.adh.arkansas.gov/. Those submitting plans electronically are required to create a unique user account. The Project Cost Estimate sheet can be electronically filled out and plans submitted as attachments. Please submit attachments as PDF or CAD files. Photos or .JPEG attachments are allowed but they cannot be utilized in the electronic review process and must be printed out for use/review. Upon submission, staff will issue an invoice for payment. Due to system requirements, payment cannot be made until after 9:00 am the following day. Staff will not review or release any approvals until payment is confirmed.  

Staff can attach approval letters or other documentation of the review as an attachment to the file or send via email or postal service.

Divisional:

Retail Food (mobile, kiosk, pushcart, brick & mortar) requires a retail food permit application and initial annual permit fee at the time of submission. Click the Retail Food link here for the Plan Review Packet.

In addition, plans should provide the following:

Manufactured Food also requires a food permit application and initial annual permit fee at the time of submission. Click the Manufactured/Wholesale Food Link here for the Plan Review Packet. Consult the webpage for additional submission requirements.

Plumbing Plan Review submission requirements are contained here.

Engineering-Water and Sewer Utility submission requirements here.

NOTE: HVAC has moved to the Department of Labor.

Divisional Plan Contacts Phone
Retail Food:
Chuck Dumas		 501-661-2163
Manufactured/Wholesale Food:
Louis Nevala
Brad Tubbs		 501-661-2171
Swimming Pools/Spas:
Cole Kitchens		 501-661-2171
Plumbing/Natural Gas:
Josh Hazlewood
Pam McCullah
Bill Sims		 501-661-2022
501-661-2650
501-661-2648
Engineering:
Lance Jones
Jeff Stone		 501-661-2623
Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Links:

MCH - Public Comments on Five-Year Plan

Faith-Based Outreach

Linking Communities of Faith to Public Health

Who We Are

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) understands the important role that faith plays in helping people have better health outcomes. Faith leaders are trusted messengers within their communities and are on the front lines of fighting many of the health issues that are affecting our communities. The Arkansas Department of Health respects the diversity of religious belief and practice of all people. We believe that all communities of faith and public health can work well together to promote the common goal of improving health and well-being of people, families and communities.

What We Do

The Office of Faith-based Outreach works to inform, educate and empower communities of faith to take an active role in their health. We believe that everybody should have an opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Realizing that communities of faith reach a broad audience, we work with you to identify and address community health concerns, as well as support projects, initiatives and research that will enable every Arkansan to achieve their optimal level of health and well-being.

There is no one right way to improve the health of everyone in a community. The most successful efforts involve different people all working together. We work in collaborative partnership with different ADH programs and community organizations to strengthen, expand resources, and find solutions that will have a lasting positive impact on health. These partnerships also help to build a stronger foundation so that hard-to-reach and at risk persons can have better health.


How May We Help?

Nutrition for Women, Children, and Adolescent Girls

Arkansas residents are facing hardships as a result of COVID-19. Many individuals and families are experiencing economic challenges for the first time and need help. It is important now more than ever to achieve the best physical health possible. Arkansas WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women infants and Children) can help. WIC provides a wide variety of select healthy foods for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, babies, and young children up through five years of age.

Getting Real About Hospital Readmissions

People who are admitted to the hospital sometimes have many health problems. When someone is discharged from the hospital, it is important that they take good care of themselves so that they will not be readmitted to the hospital too early. For people who live in the Arkansas Delta, early readmissions occur more often, are expensive and can often be prevented. In collaboration with the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, we engage faith-focused groups in a process that enables identifying and responding to community resources as it relates to preventable hospital readmissions.

The Power 2B Whole Regional Summits

The Power 2B Whole Regional Summits are an annual gathering of ADH public health professionals, faith and spiritual leaders, community organizations, community stakeholders and advocates that come together to develop solutions, introduce new strategies and fuel collaborations to build healthy and sustainable communities. The original event slated to take place this fall, has been postponed to Fall 2021 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Power 2B Whole organizers will continue to monitor the latest information from health officials to ensure a safe and exciting event for everyone.

Tobacco Free Communities of Faith

Helping people become tobacco free is a major step towards having tobacco free communities. When it comes to quitting tobacco products or using e-cigarettes, different people need different types of support to quit and stay tobacco and nicotine free. Communities of faith provide a place of acceptance and support for those trying to quit. Tobacco Prevention and Cessation offers a variety of trainings and community education designed to help both youth and adults to stop using tobacco and nicotine products, including “No Menthol Sunday”, a National African American Prevention Network program.

Stroke is No Joke

Stroke is a sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to inadequate blood flow! Not knowing stroke signs and symptoms, or what to do when someone is having a stroke could cost someone their life. Data from the Arkansas Stroke Registry shows that many people experiencing stroke symptoms are NOT calling 911, but instead are arriving to emergency rooms in their private car. ADH in partnership with UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation Stroke Program, educates Arkansas hospitals, communities, including faith communities on stroke signs and symptoms using the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.

Get Vaccinated

Vaccines are a key part of public health, saving millions of lives and billions of dollars by preventing diseases.  Arkansas immunization rate are low and this means many people aren’t protected and are at risk for illnesses that are preventable.  Faith communities and faith leaders can be extremely helpful in encouraging healthy behaviors and educating communities about the importance of immunizations.  We offer free preventive education workshops, as well as provide training on how to conduct a mass flu clinic for your community.

Get Vaccinated: Prevention and You!

Interventions that promote vaccinations are more effective when communities of faith are engaged in the process.  ADH in partnership with ImmunizeAR, offers tools and resources that support community engaged teaching. The toolkits have everything you need to conduct a workshop, including a leaders manual, participant booklet, PowerPoint presentation (with presenter notes) and handouts for the participants. Everything is downloadable and available to print from the following sites:

Living with Chronic Illness

Many Arkansans live with chronic illness and pain, such as uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, cancer, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic conditions and illnesses are constantly changing; a person may feel fine one day, but unable to get out of bed the next day. Many people turn to their faith family for guidance, acceptance and support during difficult health times. If you know someone suffering with a chronic illness, there are many things you can do to help. We offer chronic disease self-management education, as well as resources to help people cope and adapt to chronic illness.

Mental and Emotional Wellness

People are hurting. Faith leaders report that more and more people are coming through their doors struggling with addictions, anxiety, and depression. Research shows there is a strong mind-body connection through which mental, emotional, social, occupational, spiritual and environmental factors can directly affect our health. When these things are out of balance, things such as disease, depression, alcohol or drug misuse and suicide can occur. Your faith community can become a healing community. We provide support through trainings that include substance abuse and misuse, as well as suicide awareness and prevention.

Wellness for Women, Adolescents, Infants, and Children

Communities of faith have a genuine concern about the health of their members and broader community.  As a trusted source, you have the power to make a positive impact on health.  ADH is committed to improving the health of women of childbearing age, adolescents, children, infants, and children with special health care needs.  We support the development of family-centered, community-based, coordinated systems of care.  Learn how you can support better health and well-being for your community.

Moms and Babies Welcome!

For many people, communities of faith are the center of community life; places where physical and spiritual well-being can be nourished and nurtured. Research has shown that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants and more families are deciding to offer the natural nutrition that breast milk provides. We can help you create healthy, friendly faith communities for breastfeeding families.

Know the Signs and Act in Time for Heart Attack

Early symptoms, such as mild or stuttering chest pain, are identified as major risk factors for heart attack. Adults often ignore these warnings and put themselves at risk for significant damage to the heart muscle, or even death. Most heart damage occurs within the first two hours of heart attack. ADH partners with the Arkansas STEMI Advisory Council and American College of Cardiology to help bring Early Heart Attack Care (EHAC) educational materials to Arkansans. EHAC education teaches people to recognize the early signs and symptoms of heart attack to increase usage of 911 when suspected. To order your materials, complete the form found here and submit as instructed (a version in Spanish is available on the Arkansas STEMI Advisory Council page). Another ADH partner is the American Heart Association which provides online education on heart attack warning signs. More information can be found here. 

Dose of Reality

Communities of faith are often the first to recognize brokeness and are places of refuge for those addicted to prescription pain medicines. Communities of faith are insturmental in helping to address, educate and prevent this growing substance abuse crisis. Learn how you can help! We provide Dose of Reality training for faith leaders and places of worship.

Hometown Health

Healthy communities are places where people live, learn, work, play and worship.  Health interventions that incorporate faith or spiritual elements have proven to be the most achievable.  We understand this matters to you.  The Hometown Health Program supports you in efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles among your faith community. We help you to identify health needs specific to your community of faith and offer tools and resources to help your community take charge of their health.  Whatever health goal you would like to achieve—we can help.

 

We Would Love to Hear from You!
If you are interested in any of these programs or would like more information please contact:

Office Contact Phone Email
Arkansas Department of Health
Kimberly Hayman
Faith-based Outreach Coordinator		 501.280.4545 Kimberly.Hayman@arkansas.gov

Whatever you need--health education, disease prevention, health promotion, or training--we have it. If we don't have it, we will do our best to find it.
 

Materials & Resources

COVID-19 Resources for Communities of Faith

The following resources are meant to support specific needs and interests of diverse communities of faith. This page will be continually updated as we learn more.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Treatment Information

CDC COVID-19 Guidance for Communities of Faith

COVID-19 Ask the Doctor

COVID-19 Download Signage

Drive-Thru Testing

FAITH Network Toolkit

FAITH Specific Guidance for Communities of Faith

Mental Health

Minority Health

COVID-19 Burials, Funerals, Memorials

Every faith community has unique practices to honor the deceased, however due to COVID-19 traditional practices and rituals may need to be changed. The following are considerations for communities of faith.

General Resources:

Faith-Specific:

Additional Resources:

The following community organizations share our passion for improving health and support efforts of the Office of Faith-based Outreach.

  

 

Connect with us:

  

ASBN - License Verification

The public, licensees, nursing employers, and other state boards or organizations can obtain verification of licensure information to confirm if an individual holds a current, valid nursing license in Arkansas. Arkansas has paperless licensure since an Arkansas license is issued and maintained electronically.

Do not accept the blue plastic card or a copy of the license verification report as a reliable verification that the person is licensed; check license verification for yourself.

The following options are available for verification of an Arkansas nursing license:

  1. Nursys® Nurses' verification
    • ​The Nursys licensure and disciplinary database is the repository of data provided directly from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and is primary source equivalent. For participating states, go to www.nursys.com. If the original state of nurse licensure is not a Nursys® participant, contact the original state licensing board. NOTE: To verify Arkansas RNP and LPTN licenses you must access the ASBN Registry Search. Access and view or download discipline documents as applicable.
  2. ASBN Registry Search\License Verification
    • The Arkansas State Board of Nursing license verification portal is a database for license lookup and is considered a primary source of verification. For verification of an Arkansas license, go to https://arsbn.boardsofnursing.org/licenselookup.

Resources:

COVID-19 Recursos en Español


Línea Telefónica para Vacunas: 1-800-985-6030

Los Arkansianos incluidos en la Fase 1-C son ahora elegibles para obtener la vacuna contra COVID-19. Al principio no habrá suficientes vacunas disponibles para todos los solicitantes, pero se obtendrán suministros adicionales cada semana y se trabajará para que estén disponibles lo más rápido posible.

Use el mapa o tabla que se encuentra en seguida para contactar a su farmacéutico local o proveedor y dejarle saber que usted necesita la vacuna.

 

El ADH no requiere un código de registro.

Favor de contactar solamente un proveedor.

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

Vacuna Contra COVID-19

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.

 

Aislamiento and Cuarentena

     

 

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

 

 

COVID-19 Contact Tracing

How has contact tracing changed as cases have increased?
Due to a high volume of new cases that may exceed our ability to reach every close contact, ADH is following CDC recommendations and prioritizing cases who were exposed within the previous six days. This means it is possible that you will not be reached by a contact tracer.

What should I do if I am positive?
You may still hear from a contact tracer, but you should go ahead and notify anyone you believe you may have exposed as well as your employer. Close contacts are generally those people who were within 6 feet of you for at least 15 minutes total beginning two days before your symptoms started or two days before your test was collected if you do not have symptoms.

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. A quarantine is needed because you may develop COVID-19 anytime during the virus’s incubation period. 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 in case you already have COVID-19 but don’t have any symptoms yet. You will still be required to complete the quarantine, even if your test comes back negative, because you could still develop the illness later in the quarantine period.

What data is available?
The latest reports from our contact tracing partners are available here.

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 a period of time because you may develop COVID-19 anytime during the virus’s incubation period. Click here for details on the quarantine process. 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 in case you already have COVID-19 but don’t have any symptoms yet. You will still be required to complete the quarantine period, 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?
Case investigators 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. However, the high volume of new cases may exceed our ability to contact every person. ADH is following CDC recommendations and is prioritizing cases that were exposed within the previous 6 days. This means that some contacts won’t be reached. 

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. It is also possible that your exposure was more than six days earlier, so your case was not prioritized. 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 have questions or need additional information.

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 person in the SARA (Situational Awareness Response Assistant) Alert system.

What number will they call from?
Case investigators will call from a variety of phone numbers. It’s possible you won’t recognize the number, but it’s important to answer or return the call if it goes to voicemail. A contact tracer will then follow up and reach out to your close contacts. This call will come from a different phone number. Many of our contact tracers will use these numbers:

UAMS/COPH will be using 501-686-5875. If calling a land line it will identify UAMS as the caller, this UAMS identifier will not show if the call is to a cell.

How can I verify the call is legitimate?
The case investigator and contact tracer will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card. If the caller ever discusses money, that’s a sign that it is not a legitimate Department of Health investigator. If you want to verify that you have been contacted by a Health Department case investigator or contact tracer, you may call (800) 803-7847.
If you haven’t spoken to a tracer on the phone to enroll in the automated SARA Alert program for reporting symptoms, beware of text messages asking you to click on a link. It could be a scammer. A tracer will not send you any links to click before speaking with you on the phone.
If you believe you have been contacted by a scammer posing as an official, you can report these calls to the Attorney General’s office online at www.ArkansasAG.gov, by emailing OAG@ArkansasAG.gov or by calling (800) 482-8982. Please note the time of the call and the number it came from when you report it.

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.

Will I receive a letter allowing me to return to work?
ADH will no longer issue documentation stating when an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 may return to work or other obligations. Employers are to use the guidance on isolation in determining their own return to work policy.

How can I apply to be a contact tracer?
The Arkansas Department of Health has contracted with two firms, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) and Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC), to handle contact tracing. 

 

 

 
 

 

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 Plan

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)

Quality Assurance Guidelines for APRNs

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 Arkansas 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 or it has been denied and the reason for the denial. You may NOT practice under a CPA until you receive an approval letter.

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).
  13. The APRN and collaborative physician must both initial the requested category of controlled substances.

In order to be eligible for the prescribing waiver, the APRN must complete at least 24 hours of initial training which is offered through organizations such as American Association of Nurse Practitioners (www.aanp.org). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a free eight hour Data-waiver course for treatment of opioid use disorder.

Upon completion of the training, the APRN must submit a copy of the CE, a new collaborative practice agreement (CPA) to the ASBN with language indicating you are requesting the DATA Waiver, and supply evidence that your collaborating physician also has a DATA waiver. The ASBN will notify the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) once the criteria is met and the DEA will then assign a special identification number to be included on all buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid dependency treatment. This is in addition to the APRN’s regular DEA number.

In order to qualify, the Arkansas APRN must:

ASBN will then forward to DEA the required documents indicating eligibility.

Submit a copy of the waiver to the Arkansas Nurse Portal message center – choose APRN prescriptive authority.

In summary, submit to the ASBN a copy of the 24 hours CE training, CPA with DATA Waiver language, Quality Assurance Plan, and evidence that your collaborating physician has obtained a DATA Waiver from the DEA. Be sure to add this to your prescriptive protocols. Once obtained, you must forward a copy of the DEA Certificate to the ASBN for your file.

 

ASBN - Adv Practice Registered Nurse Initial by Exam

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).

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.

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 your report. Print the information. This will supply your complete licensing history.

All applicants for initial licensure must provide a notarized statement (on company letterhead) attesting the applicant has practiced as a registered nurse for a minimum of two-thousand (2,000) hours. Click here for the form. 

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 certification, 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 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 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 application.

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 ellen.harwell@arkansas.gov

LICENSE VERIFICATION INFORMATION

RN Licensure Verification

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

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, you must also apply for an Arkansas RN license.
If you hold a multistate 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:

  1. Submit an official transcript showing your degree and APRN role/specialty directly from your school
  2. Arkansas state criminal background check result (no violations of ACA 17-87-312)
  3. Verification of your eligibility to sit for your respective certification exam

The temporary permit is valid for 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 issues, 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 for Prescriptive Authority must be completed in the Arkansas Nurse Portal.

You may apply online for Prescriptive Authority which is included at the end of your APRN application. 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.

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 in your application.

Prescribing protocols

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

To prescribe a legend drug, medicine or therapeutic device not included in the written protocols the APRN shall obtain a specific written or verbal order obtained from the collaborating physician or podiatrist before the prescription or order is issued.  The APRN shall document the consultation in the client’s medical record.

Do not submit prescriptive protocols to the ASBN unless requested. They must be reviewed and approved yearly by you and your collaborating physician.

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 II - V controlled substances, you must apply for a DEA number #. Submit a copy of your DEA # card to the ASBN once received.

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 an APRN license in another state(s), you will apply by endorsement in 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 and is accessed at www.arsbn.org. A valid personal email address rather than a work email is preferable.  

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 your 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 certification, current issue date and expiration date.  The certificate will need to be uploaded as requested (pdf).

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
  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 applicant's expense and are paid within the CBC application.   

You 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 application 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 ellen.harwell@arkansas.gov.

LICENSE VERIFICATION INFORMATION

RN Licensure Verification 

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

If you would like a temporary permit, select this during the application proves. There is an additional, nonrefundable fee.

In order to be eligible for a temporary permit, you must:

  1. Submit an official transcript showing your degree and APRN role/specialty directly from your school
  2. Arkansas state criminal background check result (no violations of ACA 17-87-312)
  3. Verification of APRN license in another state with fitness to practice
  4. Active RN license valid in Arkansas

The temporary permit is valid for 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 issues, 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 for Prescriptive Authority must be completed in the Arkansas Nurse Portal.

You may apply online for Prescriptive Authority which is included at the end of your APRN application. 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.

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

  1. Verification of prescribing hours,
  2. Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA), and
  3. Quality Assurance (QA) Plan.

These documents should be uploaded in The CPA and QA must be signed by the APRN and the collaborating physician(s).

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.

To prescribe a legend drug, medicine or therapeutic device not included in the written protocols the APRN shall obtain a specific written or verbal order obtained from the collaborating physician or podiatrist before the prescription or order is issued.  The APRN shall document the consultation in the client’s medical records

Do not submit prescriptive protocols to the ASBN unless requested. They must be reviewed and approved yearly by you and your collaborating physician.

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 II - V controlled substances, you must apply for a DEA certificate. Submit a copy of your DEA card to the ASBN once received.

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

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

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

6. Criminal Background Check Information

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

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

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 §17-3-102 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 here 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.

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.

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 - Approved RN Associate Degree Programs

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

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY - BEEBE
P.O. Box 909
Searcy, AR 72145
Phone: (501) 207-6215; Fax: (501) 2076263
www.asub.edu
Cindy Smith, Director
Email: casmith@asub.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 
Katlyn Steimel, Director
Email: ksteimel@cccua.edu

ASU – NEWPORT  (ARNEC) 
Christopher Hicks, Director  
Phone: (870) 512-7833; Fax: (870) 512-7715                                                                   

BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE - POCAHONTAS (ARNEC) 
1410 Hwy. 304 East
P.O. Box 468
Pochahontas, AR 72455
Phone: (870) 248-4000, ext. 4174; Fax: (870) 248-4100
www.blackrivertech.edu
Tonya Hankins, Director
Email: tonya.hankins@blackrivertech.edu

OZARKA COLLEGE - MELBOURNE (ARNEC) 
Katie Wilson, Chair
Phone: (870) 368-2081; Fax: (870) 368-2075

SOUTHARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE (ARNEC) 
Sherri Arrington, Director
E-mail: yhoof@southark.edu 
Phone: (870) 864-7136; Fax: (870) 864-7104

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COSSATOT (ARNEC) 
Kim Dickerson, Chair
(Nashville Campus Office Location)
Phone (870) 584-1147; Fax: (870) 642-8212

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS RICH MOUNTAIN (ARNEC) 
Charla K. Hollin, Director
Phone: (479) 394-7622; Fax: (479) 394-2828

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE – HOPE - TEXARKANA (ARNEC) 
Lori Arnette, Director
Phone: (870) 722-8505; Fax: (870) 722-8511

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE - MORRILTON (ARNEC) 
Angie Moore, Chair
Phone: (501) 977-2063; 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 and WEST MEMPHIS)
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 STATE UNIVERSITY - THREE RIVERS
#1 College Circle
Malvern, AR 72104
Phone: (501) 332-0303; Fax: (501) 467-3680
www.coto.edu 
Melinda Sanders, Dean
Email: msanders@atutr.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

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 
Shanna Pryor, Dean
Email: spryor@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

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH
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 AT LITTLE ROCK 
Department of Nursing
2801 South University Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: (501) 916-5150; Fax: (501) 916-3146
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

ASBN - Approved Practical Nursing Programs

ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE-BLYTHEVILLE
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
2501 S. Division St., P. O. Box 1109
Blytheville, AR 72316
Phone: (870) 780-1285; Fax (870) 762-3376
www.anc.edu 
Hilary Gilliam, Director
Email: hgilliam@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 STATE UNIVERSITY - THREE RIVERS
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@asutr.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, Director
Email: tonya.hankins@blackrivertech.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: amcjunkins@np.edu
Phone:  (501) 760-4295

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 
Sherri Arrington, Director
Email: sarrington@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 

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) 977-2063; Fax (501) 977-2049
www.uaccm.edu 
Angie Moore, Program Chair
Email: mooreangie@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 Director
Email: Jessica.Schroader@uaht.edu                                                              

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FORT SMITH
PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM 
P. O. Box 3649
Fort Smith, AR 72913
Phone: (479) 788-7715; Fax (479) 424-6856
www.uafs.edu 
Frankie Allred, Executive Director                                                                                                                              
Email: granki.allred@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.

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 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 Health Guidances

ADH Guidances
NOTE: There is no quarantine requirement in effect at this time for travelers arriving in or returning to Arkansas.

The following Directives have been changed to Guidances effective February 26, 2021:

Barber Shops, Body Art Establishments, Cosmetology Establishments, Massage Therapy Clinics/Spas, and Medical Spas
Bar or Club Operations
Business Guidances
Casinos
Community and School-Sponsored Team Sports
Community-School Sponsored Music and Theater Guidance
Day Camps
Elective Procedures
Effective April 1, 2021: Face Coverings | Spanish
Gym, Fitness Center, Athletic Club, and Weight Room
Large Indoor Venues
Large Outdoor Venues
Long-term Care Facilities Visitation, Screening, and Staffing
Overnight Camps
Pools
Restaurant Dine-in Operations

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.aacn.org		 PCCN (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

Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education
https://www.cbdce.org

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

BC-ADM

 

 

CDCES

 

 

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 American Board of Certification for Gastro Nurses
www.abcgn.org		 CGRN
 CGN		 RN
 LPN

Healthcare Quality

 National Association for Healthcare Quality
www.nahq.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 Association of Legal Nurse Consultants
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)
Neuroscience American Board of Neuroscience Nursing
www.abnncertification.org		 ABNN, CNRN RN

Nurse Practitioner

 American Academy Association 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
www.oncb.org		 ONC RN

Otorhinolaryngology

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

Pain Management

 American Society for Pain Management Nursing
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
Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) Certification https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified/pccn-adult PCCN  

Radiology

 Radiologic Nursing Certification Board
www.certifiedradiologynurse.org

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)
https://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 Certification
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.midwife.org

CNM

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

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

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

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
For information, inquiries, feedback and comments contact us.