Frequently Asked Questions
General
Licensing Questions || CNA
Licensing Questions
Scope
of Practice || Supervision and Independent Practice
Inactive
Licensure Status Questions
How can I find the status of my application?
You may use Registrations Online Services to check the status of your application online, as well as to update your contact information. During a renewal period, you can also renew your license or certificate using a credit card.
What happens if I answered "yes" to any of the screening questions on the application?
If your application has "yes" answers, it MAY be referred to Board of Nursing staff for processing and/or Board review. The review takes at least two weeks from the date it is received by Board staff. Due to the high volume of applications requiring Board staff review, it could take longer than two weeks. Once the application has been reviewed, there are three actions that can take place:
- If all required documentation is attached to your application, it will be reviewed and if it is found to be in accordance with Board rules and policies, it will be approved and your license will be mailed to you.
- If it is not found to be within the Board rules and policies, it will be placed on the agenda for the next Board meeting and the Board will make the decision on whether or not to approve the application. The Board meets once a month, so this process can take up to 8 weeks before there is a decision on your application.
- If all required documentation is not attached to your application, you will be sent a letter detailing what is missing and what you need to submit before the review of your application moves forward. The length of time this takes depends on how long it takes for you to get the documentation and return it to Board staff, and whether or not it will need to be presented to the Board for a decision.
Will my criminal background prevent me from becoming licensed?
Neither the Nurse Practice Act nor the Nurse Aide Practice Act has any automatic exclusions to licensure based on a criminal background; however, you will need to check with the school of nursing or the nurse aide training program to see if your crime(s) will either prevent you from becoming admitted to their program or disallow you from performing clinical practice as a student. The Board only reviews those individuals who apply for licensure after graduating from a Board-approved nursing/nurse aide program.
All crimes, regardless of whether or not they were/are deferred, must be reviewed by the Board. In determining whether to issue a license, the Board considers the crime itself, any pattern of criminal behavior, when the crime(s) occurred, any rehabilitation since the crime(s), and its relevance to nursing practice. As a regulatory body, the Board's primary mission is to safeguard the life, health, property, and public welfare of the people of this state.
Are application fees refundable?
No. All fees are nonrefundable.
What should I do if I lost my wallet license and want a new one?
Visit this web page for information about how to request a duplicate license.
What if I need an official verification for another state licensing Board for my employer or credentialing agency?
Visit this web page for information about nursing license verifications.
Does Colorado have reciprocity with other state boards?
There is no reciprocity. Each applicant must apply for licensure in Colorado either by exam or by endorsement.
Is Colorado a compact state?
Colorado will become a compact state effective October 1, 2007. Please visit our Nurse Licensure Compact web page for further information.
For more information, see also the website of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Which application should I use?
Complete the CNA application for original certificate by exam (through Pearson Vue) if:
- You have never been licensed or certified as a CNA in any state or territory in the U.S.
- You have completed a Board-approved CNA training program in COLORADO.
- You have completed a Board-approved practical or professional nursing program in the state of Colorado, or in any state or territory in the U.S., and you wish to obtain a CNA certificate. Please note: you must take the exam in Colorado through Pearson Vue before applying for your CNA certificate.
Complete the CNA application for original certificate by endorsement if:
- You currently hold an ACTIVE CNA license or certificate in any state or territory in the U.S.
What if I completed a CNA training program in another state but I do not currently hold an active certificate in any state or territory in the U.S.?
You are eligible for your Colorado CNA certificate by exam. You must contact Pearson Vue to register to take the exam in Colorado.
What are the requirements to reinstate my Nurse Aide Certification?
You must either have performed paid nursing care activities in any state or territory of the United States, for at least 8 hours within the last 24 months, or have passed both the written and skills exams approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing for nurse aide certification within the last 24 months.
If you meet these requirements, you will need to complete the application to reinstate a lapsed CNA certificate.
What happens if I have not completed the requirements to reinstate my Nurse Aide Certification?
Your certificate cannot be reinstated at this time. You must apply to take both the written and skills exams approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing for nurse aide certification. This application can be obtained on the Pearson Vue website.
What if my CNA certificate was suspended, revoked, or voluntarily surrendered, and I want to reapply?
You must take the CNA exam through Pearson Vue FIRST, then apply for your CNA certificate by exam. Please note: there is no guarantee that you will be certified once you take the exam. The Board of Nursing considers each applicant on a case-by-case basis.
What if I failed the CNA exam and need to retake it?
There is no waiting period before you are eligible to take the exam again. Contact Pearson Vue to schedule a new test date. Please note: Each time you must retake the test, you must also pay the fee for each section of the test you need to retake. The current fees are:
$70 for the skills test
$25 for the written test
$95 for both skills and written testsYou will be contacted within 10 days after your payment has been received with your new test date.
I am an EMT, am I eligible to take the CNA exam without completing a CNA training program?
No. The Board requires that a CNA training (or higher level nursing) program must be completed in order to be eligible to take the exam. You may be able to challenge parts of the class but competencies are different between CNAs and EMTs.
Is there a minimum age requirement to become a CNA?
No. There are high school students enrolled in nurse aide education programs.
I am a nursing student; can I work as a CNA while I complete my education?
Yes. You must have completed at least 5 semester credit hours in nursing fundamentals to meet the minimum requirement to practice as a CNA. You have 120 days from the time you are hired to practice as a CNA to complete the test through Pearson Vue and complete your application for CNA certification. Once you receive your certification, you can practice as a CNA indefinitely, as long as renew your certificate during each renewal period (every two years).
I am a foreign trained nurse; can I become a CNA?
Yes. You must provide documentation that you have completed at least 5 semester credit hours of nursing fundamentals on an official transcript, which must be sent directly to the Board of Nursing from the nursing education facility for review. If you have completed this and received approval from Board staff, you are eligible to take the CNA exam through Pearson Vue.
Supervision and Independent Practice
When is physician supervision required for RNs?
Physician supervision is required when the RN is performing delegated medical functions. The Nurse Practice Act, CRS 12-38-103 (12), requires delegated medical functions to be performed under the responsible direction and supervision of a person licensed under the laws of this state to practice medicine, podiatry, or dentistry.
www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdf
Who may supervise an LPN?
According to CRS 12-38-103 (9), Practice of Practical Nursing, practical nurse services are performed under the supervision of a dentist, physician, podiatrist, or professional nurse authorized to practice in Colorado. LPNs may supervise other LPNs in the practice of practical nursing.
www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdf
Who may supervise an LPT?
According to CRS 12-42-102 (4), licensed psychiatric technicians practice under the direction of a licensed physician and the supervision of a registered professional nurse. www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/PsychTechnicianAct.pdf
Who may supervise a CNA?
According to the Nurse Aide Practice Act, 12-38.1-102 (5), CNA services are performed under the supervision of a dentist, physician, podiatrist, professional nurse, licensed practical nurse, or other licensed or certified health care professional acting within the scope of his license or certificate.
www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NurseAidePracticeAct.pdf
Can a non-nurse supervise an RN?
The Nurse Practice Act does not address and the Board of Nursing has not issued a policy or opinion regarding the circumstances under which a non-nurse can supervise a RN. According to CRS 12-38-103 (10), Practice of Professional Nursing is the performance of both independent nursing functions and delegated medical functions. CRS 12-38-103 (12) requires that such delegated medical functions shall be performed under the responsible direction and supervision of a person licensed under the laws of this state to practice medicine, podiatry, or dentistry. CRS 12-38-103 (10) requires the performance of independent nursing functions to be in accordance with accepted practice standards. Therefore, the individual supervising independent nursing functions must be knowledgeable in the practice standards. Of course, a non-nurse may supervise RNs when the focus of the supervision is on non-nursing job factors such as, but not limited to, attendance, leave utilization, and compliance with policies and procedures.
Who can supervise an LPN?
The Nurse Practice Act, CRS 12-38-103 (9), requires practical nurse services to be performed under the supervision of a dentist, physician, podiatrist, or professional nurse authorized to practice in this state. An individual, not listed above, may supervise LPNs when the focus of the supervision is on non-nursing job factors such as, but not limited to, attendance, leave utilization, and compliance with policies and procedures. www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdf
Under what circumstances can an LPN supervise a RN?
According to CRS 12-38-103 (9), Practice of Practical Nursing, a practical nurse can not supervise an RN in regard to the practice of professional nursing and independent nursing functions. Nor can they supervise delegated medical functions. LPNs may supervise RNs when the focus of the supervision is on non-nursing job factors such as attendance, leave utilization, compliance with policies and procedures unrelated to nursing care. LPNs may supervise other LPNs in the practice of practical nursing other personnel such as CNAs (see the Nurse Aide Practice Act, 12-38.1-102 (5), Practice of a Nurse Aide).
www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdf
www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NurseAidePracticeAct.pdf
Can RNs practice independently?
Yes, when performing independent nursing functions. According to CRS 12-38-103 (10), Practice of Professional Nursing is the performance of both independent nursing functions and delegated medical functions. CRS 12-38-103 (12) requires that delegated medical functions shall be performed under the responsible direction and supervision of a person licensed under the laws of this state to practice medicine, podiatry, or dentistry. In addition, CRS 12-38-128 Independent practice - direct reimbursement, does not prohibit RNs from practicing professional nursing independently for compensation upon a fee for services basis.
www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdf
Can LPNs practice independently?
No, according to CRS 12-38-103 (9), Practice of Practical Nursing, practical nurse services are performed under the supervision of a dentist, physician, podiatrist, or professional nurse authorized to practice in Colorado. However, CRS 12-38-128 does not prohibit an LPN from practicing practical nursing independently for compensation upon a fee-for-services basis when those services are performed under the supervision of a dentist, physician, podiatrist, or professional nurse authorized to practice in Colorado.
www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdf
Can LPTs practice independently?
No, according to CRS 12-42-102 (4), licensed psychiatric technicians practice under the direction of a licensed physician and the supervision of a registered professional nurse.
www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/PsychTechnicianAct.pdf
Can CNAs practice independently?
No, according to the Nurse Aide Practice Act 12-38.1-102 (5), CNA services are performed under the supervision of a dentist, physician, podiatrist, professional nurse, licensed practical nurse, or other licensed or certified health care professional acting within the scope of his license or certificate.
www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NurseAidePracticeAct.pdf
Inactive Licensure Status- Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for inactive status?
Colorado licensed LPNs and RNs who hold active, un-restricted licensure without discipline and whose primary legal residence is Colorado or a non-compact state.
How do I inactivate my license?
Beginning in January 2009, the application to inactivate an active LPN or RN license will be available on-line in the Licensee/Applicant services section of the Board’s web site http://www.dora.state.co.us
Download and print the application and submit it with any required documentation.
Once I submit the application to inactivate my license, how long will it take to process?
It will take approximately fourteen days to process completed applications. Incomplete applications, or those applications requiring further information and/or special review will take longer to process.
Will I have to submit a fee to inactivate my license?
No. No application fees are required to inactivate an active license.
Will I be required to renew my license once it has been inactivated?
Yes. You will be required renew an inactive license every two years, during the same renewal period as active RN or LPN licenses. The renewal fee will be at a reduced rate, and will be determined by the Division of Registrations annually.
Will I receive a renewal notice if my license is inactive?
Yes, as long as you ensure that the Board of Nursing has your current address on file. To check to see if the Board has your current address, or to make address and name changes go to the Registrations On-line Services section of the Board of Nursing web site.
Will I be able to practice nursing if my license is in an inactive status?
No. Practicing nursing as defined in sections 12-38-103(9) and (10) C.R.S. without a current, active, un-restricted license in Colorado, or a valid multi-state license is a violation of the Nurse Practice Act and nurses who practice on an inactive license are subject to discipline from the Board.
May I still use the title LPN, RN, licensed practical nurse, or professional nurse if my license is inactive?
Yes. You may still use the titles but you may not actively practice nursing.
What are the requirements to reactivate an inactive license?
Submit the reactivation application, current reactivation fee, and all required supporting documentation as outlined in the application. Note: nurses whose license have been inactive for two years or longer will be required to demonstrate continued competency as outlined in Board Policy 10-03.
Where can I get the application to reactivate an inactive license?
You can download and print the application by going to the Licensee/Applicant services of the Board of Nursing web site: http://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing or you can have this application faxed directly to you by calling (303)894-7800, select option #6, then option #5, and follow the instructions for the Fax Back program. This application will be available in January 2009.
How long will it take to process my reactivation application once I have submitted it to the Office of Licensing?
It will take approximately fourteen days to process completed applications. Incomplete applications, or those applications requiring further information and/or special review will take longer to process.
Are there continuing education unit (C.E.U.) requirements to maintain inactive licensure or to reactivate an inactive license?
No. However, the Board does have continued competency requirements for those whose license has been inactive for two years or longer and want to reactivate. See Board Policy 10-03, for continued competency requirements.
If my license is in Retired/Volunteer nursing license status may I change the status for inactive status?
Yes. However, with a “retired status” the nurse is allowed to practice on a voluntary basis (without monetary compensation) and in “inactive status” the nurse cannot practice nursing even on a volunteer basis.
If my license is inactive may I change the status to retired/volunteer status if I meet the requirements to hold a retired/volunteer license?
No. You must first meet the Continued Competency Requirements as outlined in Board Policy 10-03 , and then you must apply for reactivation of your license. Once your license has been reactivated, if you meet the requirements for Retired/Volunteer status as outlined in the section 12-38-112.5 of the Nurse Practice Act, at your next renewal you may apply to change your licensure to Retired/Volunteer status.
What happens if I do not renew my inactive license?
All licenses (whether active or inactive) not renewed after the standard 60 day grace period will be expired. Those licensees with expired licenses who wish to resume the active practice of nursing in Colorado are required to reinstate their expired license to active status. The same continued competency requirements apply upon submission of a reinstatement application. See Board Policy 10-03
If I am currently facing discipline from the Board may I inactivate my license in lieu of accepting Board action?
No. The nurse is not allowed to avoid disciplinary action by changing the status of his or her license to “inactive.”
If I am changing my primary legal residence to another compact state may I inactivate my Colorado LPN or RN license so that I can maintain licensure in Colorado?
No. The rules of the multi-state nurse licensure compact require licensees to maintain licensure in their state of primary legal residence. Upon applying for and receiving licensure in another compact state your Colorado license will be expired. You cannot maintain inactive licensure in Colorado as long as you legally reside in another compact state.
If I am changing my primary legal residence to another non-compact state may I inactivate my Colorado LPN or RN license so that I maintain licensure in Colorado?
Yes. If your primary legal residence is a non-compact license you may inactivate your Colorado LPN or RN license and it will be designated as a single-state inactive license. Reminder: you will be required to renew your inactive license every two years at a reduced renewal fee.
What happens to my LPN IV Authority, my Advanced Practice Registry, or my Prescriptive Authority if I choose to inactivate my license?
LPN IV Authority, Advanced Practice Authority, and Prescriptive Authority will be cancelled when an LPN or RN elects to inactivate their license. LPNs with inactive licenses are not permitted to practice IV therapy/venous blood sampling, and Advanced Practice Nurses with inactive RN licenses are not allowed to practice as an APN, or prescribe medications if the APN previously had Prescriptive Authority.
If I had Advanced Practice Registry and I inactivate my license may I still use the Advanced Practice titles?
No. Advanced Practice Nurses with inactive RN licenses may not use the titles: Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
If I inactivate my license, and I had LPN IV Authority, Advanced Practice Registry, or Prescriptive Authority and I choose to reactivate my license, will my authorities/registry be automatically reactivated?
No. You must apply for each authority you wish to use and you must meet current requirements at the time of application for those authorities.
- Please Note: Advanced Practice Nurses who choose to inactivate their licenses will not be grandfathered on the Advanced Practice Registry at time of application for reactivation of authorities. All applicants for the Advanced Practice Registry must meet the current requirements at the time of application.
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