ALERT

Due to a high volume of licensure applications average processing time is 30 business days. To check the receipt of your application, please go to the Board web site at www.nursing.ohio.gov and click on “verification”. You will be redirected to the licensure verification website used by the Board. Enter your last and first name into the correct fields and press the “Search” button. If your application has been entered into the system, your name will appear in the list displayed. Select yourself from the search results by clicking on your name. You will then be taken to a page displaying your specific information.

Once your name appears in the system, it will display as “pending” until your license is issued.  We encourage you to wait the full 30 business days before contacting us as there is generally no additional information that we can provide.

Currently the Board is receiving hundreds of calls and e-mails daily about the status of licenses, so your call or e-mail may not be returned immediately. We have seen an increase in licensure volume over the last several years and remain committed to issuing licenses as quickly as possible.

We appreciate your patience.

Email is available at licensure@nursing.ohio.gov

BCI&I Background Checks

Effective immediately, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI&I) will generally only accept electronic fingerprints for FBI and BCI background checks. Fingerprint cards will only be accepted by BCI&I (with an exemption form) for one of the following reasons:

1) Applicant's home address is 75 miles or more from the nearest Webcheck location;
2) Amputations or missing digits (Webcheck 4.0 only);
3) Out-of-state applicant;
4) Poor quality prints (Not able to capture at WebCheck location, provide name of location where the background check was attempted on the waiver form);
5) BCI/FBI rejects from original electronic submission. Note: The original reject letter must accompany the fingerprint card (s); and
6) Public Housing Organization background checks.

Please refer to the background check instructions that are attached to the on-line licensure by examination and endorsement applications. Individual instructions for Community Health Workers, Dialysis Technicians, and Medication Aides are located above the link for each specific application.

NOTICE: Medication Aide Pilot Program

On March 26, 2009, the Medication Aide Pilot Program will end.  On or after that date, any nursing home or residential care facility located in the State of Ohio may utilize one or more medication aides to administer prescription medications to its residents, subject to the following conditions:

1. Each individual used as a medication aide must hold a current, valid medication aide certificate issued by the board under Chapter 4723. Of the revised code;
   
   
2. the nursing home or residential care facility shall ensure that the requirements of section 4723.67, ORC are met.

Ohio Center for Nursing Site Launched

The Ohio Center for Nursing was established to promote nursing as a career in Ohio. It is generally understood that the nursing shortage is expected to continue as the current workforce approaches retirement age. Presently the center is solely web based and coordinated by the Ohio Board of Nursing. The site's content is reviewed and managed by representatives consisting of Board members and staff, nursing associations' representatives and other interested parties.

Individuals interested in becoming a nurse can obtain information on nursing as a career, nursing education programs, and tuition assistance. Interested parties will find nursing workforce data and additional sources for data. By linking with nursing centers in Ohio and throughout the country, you can identify innovative strategies for recruitment and retention of nurses.

This new nursing information resource can be found at www.ohiocenterfornursing.org .

Recent Additions

Emergency Planning:  Influenza Pandemic

Experts believe a worldwide outbreak, or Pandemic, of influenza will happen someday. The exact timing is not known, but it is certain to drastically change everyday lives. These changes may include temporary closing of schools or cancellation of events, disruption of normal services such as utilities and some shortages, and in particular, changes will impact the delivery of healthcare.

Since August 2006, Ohio Board of Nursing staff has been involved in a cooperative effort with multiple State agencies to address and plan for the possibility of influenza Pandemic. (Click Here)