justicedao/ipfs_state_laws huggingface dataset:
851-031-0006 Initial Licensure by Examination – Practical Nurse (PN) and Registered Nurse (RN) (1) An individual may apply for an initial PN license or RN license by submitting a completed application, which includes: (a) The Board’s initial application by examination form; (b) Payment of the fee as applicable in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2; (c) Confirmation of graduation from a nursing education program as defined in section (2) of this rule; (d) Proof of passing the NCLEX®-PN or NCLEX®-RN depending on the level of licensure sought; and (e) Completion of a national fingerprint-based criminal background check as defined in OAR 851-001-0115. (2) Confirmation of graduation from a nursing education program includes: (a) For graduates of Oregon nursing education programs, verification of graduation by the nursing program administrator. (b) For graduates of non-Oregon nursing education programs that have an NCLEX® code: (A) An official transcript that includes the degree, diploma or certificate awarded, the graduation date, and documentation of a clinical component as defined in OAR Chapter 851 Division 6; and (B) Verification that the nursing education program is approved by the appropriate regulatory body. (c) For graduates of international nursing education programs that do not have an NCLEX® code, a credential evaluation that includes: (A) Confirmation of completion of a nursing education program approved by the appropriate regulatory body; (B) Theory and clinical hours completed; (C) Verification that the education is comparable to an Oregon nursing education program; and (D) If available, licensure details from the issuing authority. (3) An applicant may attempt to pass the NCLEX® four times. After four attempts each subsequent attempt requires a completed retake application, which includes: (a) The Board’s retake form; (b) Payment of the applicable fee in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2; and (c) Documentation of completion of an NCLEX® review course; or (d) An individualized study plan that addresses specific content for areas not passed based on the most recent candidate performance report and study methods, such as self-study, tutors, or study groups. (4) Incomplete applications expire 12 months from the initial submission date. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 676.850, ORS 678.040, ORS 678.050, ORS 678.101, ORS 678.111, ORS 678.150 & ORS 678.415 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 676.850, ORS 678.040, ORS 678.050, ORS 678.101, ORS 678.111, ORS 678.150 & ORS 678.415 History: BN 23-2025, amend filed 11/20/2025, effective 01/01/2026 BN 6-2025, amend filed 02/21/2025, effective 03/01/2025 BN 17-2022, amend filed 12/27/2022, effective 01/01/2023 BN 3-2022, amend filed 02/18/2022, effective 03/01/2022 BN 26-2021, amend filed 11/22/2021, effective 12/01/2021 BN 6-2021, amend filed 06/21/2021, effective 07/01/2021 BN 6-2019, amend filed 07/03/2019, effective 08/01/2019 BN 1-2019, temporary amend filed 02/22/2019, effective 03/01/2019 through 08/15/2019 BN 9-2005, f. & cert. ef. 12-21-05 BN 9-2003, f. & cert. ef. 10-2-03 BN 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 3-6-03 BN 10-1998, f. & cert. ef. 8-7-98
851-031-0008 Competency Requirements (1) All applicants must complete a one-hour pain management education program developed by the Oregon Pain Management Commission or through a Board approved nursing education program at initial or endorsement licensure and every 36 months thereafter. (2) All applicants must complete two hours of cultural competency continuing education (CE) every other renewal cycle. (3) Starting January 1, 2028, all renewal applicants must complete the required CE hours for their license type before submitting their renewal application: (a) LPN or RN applicants, 20 hours within two years; (b) Nurse emeritus applicants, 10 hours within two years; or (c) All Oregon NP and CRNA applicants must provide primary source evidence of national certification. (d) Clinical Nurse Specialist’s without current national certification, must complete 75 hours within five years. (4) All reinstatement or disciplinary reinstatement applicants must complete the following amount of CE: (a) If the license has expired for more than 90 days but no more than two years, 20 hours; (b) If the license has been expired for more than two years but no more than three years, 30 hours; (c) If the license has expired for more than three years but no more than four years, 40 hours; (d) If the license has expired for more than four years but no more than five years, 50 hours; or (e) If the license has been expired for more than five years, 60 hours. (5) The CE listed in sections (1) and (2) of this rule may be counted toward the applicant’s required number of CE hours under section (3) or (4) of this rule. (6) An LPN or RN renewal applicant may satisfy the requirement in subsection (4) of this rule by providing proof of passing the NCLEX® at the level of licensure sought within two years prior to submission of the renewal application form. (7) Unless otherwise indicated in this rule, all CE must be in nursing topics relevant to the applicant’s level of licensure. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 678.150, ORS 678.040, ORS 678.050, ORS 678.370, ORS 678.372, ORS 678.375, ORS 678.380, ORS 678.385 & ORS 678.390 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 678.010-ORS 678.150 & ORS 678.360-ORS 678.390 History: BN 23-2025, adopt filed 11/20/2025, effective 01/01/2026
851-031-0035 Temporary License for Spouses and Domestic Partners of Active-Duty Armed Forces of the United States Stationed in Oregon (1) A temporary license to practice Registered Nursing (RN) or Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) shall be issued to the spouse of active-duty armed forces personnel when the following requirements are met: (a) A completed application and payment of fee is received by the Board; and (b) Submission of a copy of the military orders assigning the active-duty member to an assignment in Oregon; and (c) The spouse holds a current license in another state to practice nursing at the level of application; and (d) The license is unencumbered and verified as active and current through processes defined by the Board. (2) The temporary license shall expire on the following date, whichever occurs first: (a) Oregon is no longer the duty station of the active armed forces member; or (b) The license in the state used to obtain a temporary license expires; or (c) Two years after the issuance of the temporary license; or (d) When no longer a spouse or domestic partner of an active-duty armed forces member. (e) This temporary license is not renewable. If the dates in section two of this rule are exceeded and the spouse continues to practice in Oregon, the spouse must apply for an active Oregon license. The active license must be obtained using the processes and fees established for permanent licensure. Continuing to work in Oregon when the temporary license has expired will be considered practicing without a valid license and is subject to Board action. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 678.440 & ORS 678.150 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 678.440, ORS 678.150 & ORS 678.308 History: BN 23-2025, amend filed 11/20/2025, effective 01/01/2026 BN 6-2021, amend filed 06/21/2021, effective 07/01/2021 BN 12-2019, adopt filed 11/22/2019, effective 01/01/2020
851-031-0039 Initial Licensure by Endorsement – PN and RN (1) An individual who holds or has held a practical, vocational or registered nurse license in another state or U.S. territory may apply for licensure by endorsement by submitting a completed application, which includes: (a) The Board’s initial application by endorsement form; (b) Payment of the applicable fees in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2; (c) Confirmation of graduation from a nursing education program as defined in section (2) of this rule; (d) Proof of passing the NCLEX® for type of licensure sought ; (e) Completion of pain management CE as defined in OAR 851-031-0008; (f) Completion of a national fingerprint-based criminal background check as defined in OAR 851-001-0115; and (g) If the individual’s license is not active in the issuing state or U.S. territory, completion of CE as defined in OAR 851-031-0008, based on how long the license has been expired. (2) Confirmation of graduation includes: (a) An official transcript that includes the degree, certificate, or diploma awarded, the graduation date, and documentation of a clinical component as defined in OAR 851-006-0030; and (b) Verification that the nursing education program was approved by the appropriate agency in the state or U.S. territory. (c) A credential evaluation for graduates of international nursing education program that does not have an NCLEX® code, which includes: (A) Confirmation of completion of a nursing education program approved by the appropriate regulatory body; (B) Theory and clinical hours completed; (C) Verification that the education is comparable to an Oregon nursing education program; and (D) If available, licensure details from the issuing authority. (3) Incomplete applications expire 12 months from the initial submission date. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 678.040, ORS 678.050, ORS 678.150 & ORS 678.415 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 678.040, ORS 678.050, ORS 678.150 & ORS 678.415 History: BN 23-2025, amend filed 11/20/2025, effective 01/01/2026 BN 6-2025, amend filed 02/21/2025, effective 03/01/2025 BN 26-2021, amend filed 11/22/2021, effective 12/01/2021 BN 6-2021, adopt filed 06/21/2021, effective 07/01/2021
851-031-0041 Governor Declared Emergency (1) During an emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to ORS 401.165 and subject to terms and conditions that the Board may impose, a limited LPN or RN license may be issued to an applicant who holds active unencumbered nursing licensure at the same level in another state or U.S. jurisdiction when the following requirements are met: (a) A completed application and payment of fee is received by the Board; and (b) Using instructions provided by the Board, the applicant must arrange for primary source verification of the active unencumbered nursing license in another state or jurisdiction. (2) The limited license shall expire on the following date, whichever occurs first: (a) The Oregon Governor-Declared Emergency declaration expires; or (b) The license in the state or jurisdiction that was used to obtain the limited license expires; or (c) Two years after the issuance of the limited license. (3) Non-Renewable Limited License: A limited license for a governor-declared emergency is not renewable and expires based on whichever occurs first in OAR 851-031-0041(2). The individual must apply for permanent Oregon LPN or RN licensure by endorsement to continue working as a nurse in Oregon. Continuing to work in Oregon after the limited license has expired, and without an active permanent Oregon nursing license at the same level is considered practicing without a valid license and is subject to Board action. (4) Reinstatement of Limited License: A previously issued expired limited license may be reactivated if the following are true: (a) A new state of emergency has been declared by the Governor; and (b) The individual has not been issued permanent Oregon nursing licensure by endorsement; and (c) Holds active unencumbered nursing licensure at the same level in another state or U.S. jurisdiction. (d) A qualified applicant must: (A) Submit a completed r einstatement application and fee to the Board; and (B) Using instructions provided by the Board, the applicant must arrange for primary source verification of the active unencumbered nursing license in another state or jurisdiction. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 678.050 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 678.050 History: BN 23-2025, amend filed 11/20/2025, effective 01/01/2026 BN 6-2025, amend filed 02/21/2025, effective 03/01/2025 BN 5-2024, adopt filed 06/20/2024, effective 07/01/2024 BN 8-2023, temporary adopt filed 11/22/2023, effective 01/01/2024 through 06/28/2024
851-031-0042 Initial Licensure – APRN (1) An individual may apply for initial licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) by submitting a completed application that includes: (a) The Board’s APRN application form for the license type and population focus area sought; (b) Payment of the applicable fees in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2; (c) Verification of an Oregon RN license; (d) Official transcript confirming graduation date and degree or certificate awarded from a graduate or post-master’s level nursing education program that: (A) Has national accreditation from a national nursing accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the applicant graduated; and (B) Includes preparation in advanced health assessment, advanced physiology and pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology. (e) Completion of a national fingerprint-based criminal background check as described in OAR 851-001-0115; (f) Complete a one-hour pain management education program as described in OAR 851-031-0008(1) ; (g) If applicable, primary source verification of APRN licensure held in another state or U.S. territory; and (h) For CRNA and NP applicants, verification of national certification congruent with license type and population focus. (2) If internationally educated, a credential evaluation that shows the following: (a) Completion of a nursing education program authorized by the appropriate regulatory body; (b) The course hours for theory and clinical components; and (c) Equivalency to a U.S. graduate level nursing education program; or (d) If the education was completed prior to January 1, 2011, equivalency to an advanced practice certification program in the same licensure type and population focus. (3) Incomplete applications expire 12 months from the initial submission date. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 678.023, ORS 678.282, ORS 678.285, ORS 678.370, ORS 678.380, ORS 678.390 & ORS 678.372 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 678.023, ORS 678.282, ORS 678.285, ORS 678.370, ORS 678.380, ORS 678.390 & ORS 678.372 History: BN 23-2025, adopt filed 11/20/2025, effective 01/01/2026
851-031-0043 Prescriptive and Dispensing Authority (1) An individual who holds or is applying for an Oregon APRN license may apply for prescriptive authority by submitting a completed application, which includes: (a) Completion of the Board’s prescriptive authority application form; (b) Payment of the applicable fees in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2; (c) Documentation of at least 45 contact hours of pharmacology education; and (d) Documentation of: (A) CRNAs, clinical education in pharmacotherapeutics that includes management of clients congruent with the specialty role sought; or (B) CNSs, clinical education in client management, including pharmacotherapeutics, that is comparable to requirements for completion of a nurse practitioner program; (C) NPs, clinical education in client management, including pharmacotherapeutics. (2) An APRN applicant educated prior to January 1, 2011, can satisfy subsection (1)(c) and (d) of this rule by providing evidence of continuous APRN licensure, in good standing in another state or U.S. territory with full independent practice and prescriptive authority. (3) An individual who holds or is applying for an Oregon CNS or NP license may apply for dispensing authority by submitting a completed application, which includes completion of the Board’s dispensing authority application form. (4) Prescriptive and dispensing authority expires with the APRN license. (5) Prescriptive or dispensing authority may be renewed by submitting a completed application, which includes: (a) Completion of the Board’s prescriptive or dispensing authority form; (b) Payment of the fee in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2; and (c) Attestation that the applicant reviewed the Board’s prescriptive and dispensing authority education video. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 678.150 & ORS 678.285 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 678.370, ORS 678.372, ORS 678.375, ORS 678.380, ORS 678.385 & ORS 678.390 History: BN 23-2025, adopt filed 11/20/2025, effective 01/01/2026
851-031-0048 Renewal of License (1) A nursing license is valid for two years from the date it is issued. Licensees must apply for renewal by 11:59 p.m. on the date of their license expiration to be considered timely. (2) An individual may apply for renewal before the expiration of their license by submitting a completed application, which includes: (a) The Board’s renewal application form for the license type being renewed; (b) Payment of the applicable fees in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2; (c) Effective January 1, 2028, completion of the CE requirements in OAR 851-031-0008; and (d) Completion of the state records criminal background check as defined in OAR 851-001-0115. (e) For all APRN applicants, verification of RN licensure, and (f) For CRNA applicants and NP applicants initially licensed after January 1, 2011, verification of current national certification congruent with license type and population focus. (3) A license expired for more than 90 days must apply for reinstatement as described in OAR 851-031-0051. (4) Incomplete applications expire 12 months after submission date. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 678.040, ORS 678.375, ORS 678.101, ORS 678.150, ORS 678.282, ORS 678.285, ORS 678.370, ORS 678.372 & ORS 678.380 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 678.040, ORS 678.101 & ORS 678.150 History: BN 23-2025, amend filed 11/20/2025, effective 01/01/2026 BN 11-2023, temporary amend filed 12/29/2023, effective 01/01/2024 through 06/28/2024 BN 3-2022, amend filed 02/18/2022, effective 03/01/2022 BN 26-2021, amend filed 11/22/2021, effective 12/01/2021 BN 6-2021, adopt filed 06/21/2021, effective 07/01/2021
851-031-0051 License Reinstatement (1) An individual whose LPN, RN, or APRN license has been expired for more than 90 days may apply for reinstatement by submitting a completed application, which includes: (a) The Board’s reinstatement application form for the license type being reinstated; (b) Payment of the applicable fees in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2; (c) Completion of a national criminal fingerprint-based background check as described in OAR 851-001-0115; (d) Completion of continuing education as applicable in OAR 851-031-0008. (e) For all APRN applicants, verification of RN licensure, and (f) For CRNA applicants and NP applicants initially licensed after January 1, 2011, verification of current national certification congruent with license type and population focus. (2) An individual whose LPN, RN, or APRN license has been revoked or voluntarily surrendered is not eligible for reinstatement under this section but may apply for disciplinary reinstatement under OAR 851-031-0055. (3) Incomplete applications expire 12 months from the initial submission date. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 678.150, ORS 678.040, ORS 678.375, ORS 678.380, ORS 678.282, ORS 678.285, ORS 678.370 & ORS 678.372 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 678.040 & ORS 678.140 History: BN 23-2025, amend filed 11/20/2025, effective 01/01/2026 BN 26-2021, amend filed 11/22/2021, effective 12/01/2021 BN 6-2021, adopt filed 06/21/2021, effective 07/01/2021
851-031-0052 Exceptions to Rules (1) An applicant or licensee may request that the Board make an exception to one or more of the licensing requirements described in OAR 851-031-0006 to 851-031-0051 on a form provided by the Board. (2) The Board considers each exception request on a case-by-case basis and may grant an exception request at its discretion, except that the Board will not grant any exception to a requirement established by statute. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 678.150 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 678.040, ORS 678. 050, ORS 678.101 & ORS 678.370-678.390 History: BN 23-2025, amend filed 11/20/2025, effective 01/01/2026 BN 6-2025, adopt filed 02/21/2025, effective 03/01/2025
851-031-0055 Disciplinary Reinstatement (1) An individual whose license has been revoked or voluntarily surrendered may apply for disciplinary reinstatement under this rule by submitting a completed application, which includes: (a) The Board’s disciplinary reinstatement application form for the license type being reinstated; (b) Payment of the applicable fees in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2 ; (c) Completion of a national fingerprint-based criminal background check as described in OAR 851-001-0115; (d) Completion of the applicable continuing education as described in OAR 851-031-0008. (e) For all APRN applicants, verification of RN licensure, and (f) For CRNA applicants and NP applicants initially licensed after January 1, 2011, verification of current national certification congruent with license type and population focus. (2) An applicant under this rule is also subject to OAR 851-001-0015. (3) Incomplete applications expire 12 months after submission date. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 678.040, ORS 678.150, ORS 678.282, ORS 678.285, ORS 678.370, ORS 678.372, ORS 678.375 & ORS 678.380 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 678.040 & ORS 678.150 History: BN 23-2025, amend filed 11/20/2025, effective 01/01/2026 BN 6-2025, amend filed 02/21/2025, effective 03/01/2025 BN 26-2021, amend filed 11/22/2021, effective 12/01/2021 BN 6-2021, adopt filed 06/21/2021, effective 07/01/2021
851-031-0065 Standards for individualized re-entry plans The applicant choosing to complete an individualized plan for re-entry must submit, in writing, the following for Board approval: (1) Summary of nursing education and practice with rationale for use of an individualized plan for re-entry into nursing practice; (2) Anticipated timeframe for completing all required components, including acquisition/ demonstration of current knowledge and required supervised clinical practice; (3) Clinical competencies/outcomes to be achieved and the mechanism for evaluating competence in nursing practice on completion of the plan; (4) Plan for obtaining and demonstrating knowledge/competence in nursing. (5) Plan for obtaining 120 hours of theory and 160 hours of clinical supervision at the appropriate level of licensure. An additional 160 hours may be required by the Board based upon preceptor feedback. The plan must identify: (a) The agency or agencies and contact person(s) where required supervised clinical experience will be obtained. A signed contract/agreement with each agency is required. The contract/agreement must include but is not limited to: (A) Learning objectives/outcomes for the re-entry experience; (B) Provisions for client and re-entry nurse safety; (C) Unit(s) on which the experience is to occur with the name of the preceptor on each unit, if applicable; (D) A provision allowing the agency to nullify the contact/agreement in the event of client safety issues. (b) The name and credentials of the registered nurse preceptor(s). Each nurse preceptor must: (A) Hold a current unencumbered registered nursing license in Oregon; (B) Agree to directly supervise and evaluate the re-entry nurse; (C) Have no less than two years of registered nursing experience, of which at least six months must be in the setting in which the clinical experience is to occur; and (D) Be recommended by the nurse executive or immediate supervisor in that setting. (6) Documentation of successful completion of the individualized re-entry plan must be provided in writing, and must include: (a) Completion of program objectives/outcomes; (b) Completion of required supervised clinical practice hours; (c) Achievement of predetermined competencies; and (d) Recommendation for licensure by clinical preceptor and nurse manager. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 678.150 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 678.150, ORS 678.050 & ORS 678.113 History: BN 6-2021, adopt filed 06/21/2021, effective 07/01/2021