Frequently Asked Questions - Nursing

Thank you for visiting the Nursing FAQs. Here you will find the answers to many of your profession-specific questions. Please visit OPR’s General FAQs which will answer many of your general licensing questions, including online services access.

Nurse Licensure Compact

• I hold an active multistate license in another state. What do I need to do to practice in Vermont?
• I want to apply for a multistate license in Vermont. What do I need to do?
• I have a single state license in Vermont and a multistate license in another state. Now that Vermont is a compact state, what happens to my single state license?
• I am applying for a multistate license, can I get a provisional license while my criminal background check is pending?
• Can I apply for a single state license while I wait for my multistate license to be approved?

Criminal Background Checks

• Why are criminal background checks being required of all nurses?
• When will I be required to have my background check completed?
• I am currently a licensed nurse; will I be able to continue practicing while waiting for my CBC results?
• What do I do if I cannot easily get an appointment to have my prints done due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Will I have to complete another CBC for my Vermont nursing license?
• I have a Vermont nursing license and now am applying for a different nurse license type; do I have to repeat my criminal background check?
• I have done a criminal background check for another agency; can I use that for my nursing criminal background check?

Initial Licensure and Endorsement

• I want to apply for a license by “Examination”, what do I do?
• I want to apply for a license by “Endorsement” (RN, LPN, and APRN), what do I do?
• I want to apply for a license by “Endorsement” (LNA), what do I do?
• How do I update my information with the office?
• How to I retrieve my login information?
• How do I request a verification of my license?

Renewal

• What happens if I do not renew my license on time?
• Do I need documentation of my practice hours to renew?
• Will my practice hours be subject to an audit?

APRN

• I am applying for endorsement from a state that does not require a collaborative provider, do my hours and experience outside of Vermont count toward the transition to practice hours, or do I still need a collaborative provider agreement?
• I have a DEA from another State, do I need a separate one to prescribe controlled substances in Vermont?
• Who can be a collaborative provider?
• I am an independent practitioner and am adding a new APRN specialty, do I need a collaborative provider?
• I am in an APRN nursing program, who can be a preceptor for my clinical rotations?

I hold an active multistate license in another state. What do I need to do to practice in Vermont?

Vermont is a compact state. If you hold a multistate license in another state, you are able to practice in Vermont under your multistate license and you do not need take any additional steps to practice in Vermont. If you are planning to make Vermont your primary state of residence, apply for a Vermont multistate license once you have established residency. Effective January 2, 2024, a multistate licensee who changes their primary state of residence to another party state must apply for a multistate license in the new party state within 60 days.

I want to apply for a multistate license in Vermont. What do I need to do?

Please visit our NLC webpage for eligibility and the most up to date information!

To apply, please log in to your online services account and apply.

Click here for Registered Nurse application instructions.

Click here for Licensed Practical Nurse application instructions.

I have a single state license in Vermont and a multistate license in another state. Now that Vermont is a compact state, what happens to my single state license?

RNs and LPNs who hold a compact license in another state no longer need to maintain their Vermont RN or LPN license to practice in Vermont. Your license will expire at the end of the renewal cycle, and you may disregard renewal notices which will be sent automatically.

I am applying for a multistate license, can I get a provisional license while my criminal background check is pending?

In accordance with NLC regulations, OPR cannot issue a provisional multistate license (MSL) to an RN or LPN. You can request a Vermont single state provisional license within your application which authorizes you to practice only in Vermont. If you have an active multistate license from another compact state and you are moving to Vermont, you can practice in Vermont under your current multistate license while you wait for your Vermont multistate license.

If you are applying for a multistate license in Vermont, your multistate privileges will not be issued until all requirements are met including the successful completion of your criminal background check.

Can I apply for a single state license while I wait for my multistate license to be approved?

No, you cannot have 2 pending applications for the same profession type. If you plan to hold a Vermont MSL but would like a provisional license to work in VT while waiting for your background check, complete the provisional license request form within the application. The provisional license authorizes practice only for the state of Vermont.

Why are criminal background checks being required of all nurses?

The criminal background check requirement is being initiated foremost for the purpose of enhancing public protection. It also brings Vermont into alignment with national nursing regulatory standards and maintains consistency with licensure requirements for all nurses practicing in the State. Click here for general information on criminal background checks.

When will I be required to have my background check completed?

OPR will be opening up this new requirement in phases. You will receive an email with information on the timing and process.

Planned implementation:

• LPN – The CBC requirement opened with your renewal in December 2021. Click here for renewal instructions.
• LNA – The CBC requirement will open with your renewal in summer of 2022. Click here for renewal instructions.
• Single State RNs – The CBC requirement will open no later than with your renewal in early 2023. Click here for renewal instructions.

Dates are subject to change, please make sure your email address is up to date and check back frequently for the most up to date information.

I am currently a licensed nurse; will I be able to continue practicing while waiting for my CBC results?

Yes. If you are currently a licensed LPN or RN who has initiated the CBC process your ability to practice will not be impacted while we wait for the results.

What do I do if I cannot easily get an appointment to have my prints done due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

At this time, it is important to do your due diligence to complete the fingerprint requirement as it is a requirement for your licensure. Within Vermont, fingerprint services are available at Vermont Identification Centers and some local law enforcement agencies. If you are out of state, please contact a local law enforcement agency in your area.

Will I have to complete another CBC for my Vermont nursing license?

You will not have to complete another CBC as long as you remain active in the same license type.

If your license expires for an extended period of time OR you change credential types, you may be required to complete a new CBC.

I have a Vermont nursing license and now am applying for a different nurse license type; do I have to repeat my criminal background check?

If you are applying for a new nurse licensure type, for example, LNA to LPN, LPN to RN, or RN to APRN and had completed a background check for your current license within 12 months of your new application, you do not have to repeat your criminal background check. If your criminal background check was completed more than 12 months from the application for your new license type, you must complete another background check.

If you are applying for a new multistate LPN or multistate RN license, Nurse Licensure Compact Rules require that you complete a new criminal background check before the multistate license can be issued.

I have done a criminal background check for another agency; can I use that for my nursing criminal background check?

Federal regulations prohibit the sharing of criminal background reports between agencies. Only the requesting agency is authorized to view your CBC results. You will need to obtain a new criminal background check for your nursing application with OPR.

I want to apply for a license by “Examination”, what do I do?

1. Review statutes and rules which govern your profession. Credential specific application instructions may be referenced on the corresponding credential page.
2. You will need to register for an account (if you have not already) or login to an existing account. Do not create an additional account if you already have one. If you are unsure if you have an account, click the “forgot user id” link on the login page and enter your information. If no account is found, you will need to register for one.
3. Once you are logged in, click Apply for Individual License and complete the online application. You will pay at the end of the application with a debit card, credit card or ACH (savings or checking account).
4. Immediately after submitting your application, please contact Pearson Vue to register for your examination. You will need to work directly with the exam service to register, schedule, pay for and take your exam. If you receive a deficiency email from the office after you submit your application stating you still need to register with Pearson Vue, please remember you must email the office confirming your registration is complete to become eligible to test. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing.
5. OPR will notify you by email when you are approved to sit for the exam. You may check your status online at any time for more information.
6. The exam service will send OPR notification of your passing score, at which time your license will be issued. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing.

I want to apply for a license by “Endorsement” (RN, LPN, and APRN), what do I do?

1. Review the statutes and rules which govern your profession. Credential specific application instructions may be referenced on the corresponding credential page.
2. You will need to register for an account (if you have not already) or login to an existing account. Do not create an additional account if you already have one. If you are unsure if you have an account, click the “forgot user id” link on the login page and enter your information. If no account is found, you will need to register for one.
3. Once you are logged in, click Apply for Individual License and complete the online application. You will pay at the end of the OPR application with a debit card, credit card or ACH (savings or checking account). Within the online application there is a link to the NURSYS website. If your State participates with NURSYS you will need to request your verification to be transmitted from NURSYS to OPR.
4. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing and keep an eye on your email. OPR will notify you by email if there are additional items required for your application. You may check your status online at any time for more information.
5. Once you application has met the requirements, your license will be issued. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing.

I want to apply for a license by “Endorsement” (LNA), what do I do?

1. Review the statutes and rules which govern your profession. Credential specific application instructions may be referenced on the corresponding credential page.
2. You will need to register for an account (if you have not already) or login to an existing account. Do not create an additional account if you already have one. If you are unsure if you have an account, click the “forgot user id” link on the login page and enter your information. If no account is found, you will need to register for one.
3. Once you are logged in, click Apply for Individual License and complete the online application. You will pay at the end of the OPR application with a debit card, credit card or ACH (savings or checking account). Please allow 3-5 business days for processing and keep an eye on your email.
4. You will need to contact your initial state of licensure as well as the most recent state you are licensed in to request a verification to be sent directly to the office. It is important to make this request as soon as possible as verifications can take time. Note: There is a link to the verification of licensure form within the online application as well as on the office website to print (each state may have a fee for this request).
5. OPR will notify you by email if there are additional items required for your application. You may check your status online at any time for more information.
6. Once your application has met the requirements, your license will be issued. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing.

How do I update my information with the office?

Log in to your online licensing account where you can update your address (mailing, physical and public), phone number and email.

How to I retrieve my login information?

From the online licensing login page, please request your User ID. Once you have your User ID, you may request to reset your password.

How do I request a verification of my license?

Licenses can be verified free of charge at any time by visiting our Licensee Lookup database. This database serves as the primary source for verification of education, training, and examination history.

To request an official hard copy verification be sent to another state or jurisdiction, please log in to the online account associated with your license and click “Request Verification”. Once the online request is submitted and the fee is paid, the verification will be mailed within 3-5 business days.

What happens if I do not renew my license on time?

If you do not complete your renewal by midnight of the day your license expires, late penalties will go into effect per 3 V.S.A §127(d)(1).

You will still be able to renew by logging in to your account and clicking “Renew License”. Any penalties associated with your late renewal will need to be paid in order for your license to be renewed. You may contact the renewal clerk if you wish to receive the form to request relief from the reinstatement penalty.

You typically will receive three (3) courtesy notifications to your email on file when it is time to renew. You are required to keep your email contact info up to date in the online system. It is solely the licensee’s responsibility to know the date their license expires and to renew on time if you intend to continue practicing in your profession.

Do I need documentation of my practice hours to renew?

The current practice is that you will not be asked to upload a verification letter at the time of renewal. However, you may be selected in an audit, at which time you will need to obtain a letter verifying your practice hours. Remember that you are required to attest to the accuracy of all information contained in your application.

Please refer to the statutes and rules for the number of hours required for your credential.

Will my practice hours be subject to an audit?

Yes. 30 days after the renewal period ends, OPR conducts an audit. A percentage of licensees are chosen at random. You will be notified by email if you are chosen for an audit and again if the office requires additional information.

I am applying for endorsement from a state that does not require a collaborative provider, do my hours and experience outside of Vermont count toward the transition to practice hours, or do I still need a collaborative provider agreement?

If you have 2400 hours and 24 months or more of experience in your specialty, you are not required to have a collaborative provider, even if those hours were obtained outside of Vermont. You should complete a APRN Attestation of Completion of Transition to Practice form and upload it into your endorsement application.

I have a DEA from another State, do I need a separate one to prescribe controlled substances in Vermont?

The DEA requires that a practitioner obtain a separate DEA registration in each state. For more information see DEA Registration.

Who can be a collaborative provider?

Part 9-9 of the Administrative Rules of the Board of Nursing require the following for a provider to be qualified to function as a collaborative provider for an APRN: A collaborating provider may be a Vermont APRN, a medical doctor licensed under 26 V.S.A. Ch. 23, or an osteopathic physician licensed under 26 V.S.A. § Ch. 33. An APRN may have more than one collaborating provider. A collaborating provider must be actively licensed in good standing and possess at least four years of practice experience.

I am an independent practitioner and am adding a new APRN specialty, do I need a collaborative provider?

Even if you have completed your transition to practice for an initial specialty, an APRN with fewer than 12 months and 1,600 hours for any additional role and population focus must have a formal agreement with a collaborating provider that is actively licensed in good standing and possess at least four years of practice experience in the same role and population focus or specialty as the APRN.

I am in an APRN nursing program, who can be a preceptor for my clinical rotations?

An APRN or medical doctor with an active, unencumbered Vermont license and experience in the same role and population focus, working directly with program faculty, may serve as a preceptor. PA’s may not serve as APRN student preceptors.

For more answers to commonly asked questions, please visit our General FAQ page.

For more information, please contact us.