Initial Licensing & Renewal Information
Rhode Island Nurses Should be Aware of Phone Scam
Rhode Island nurses have been the target of a scam in which people pose as investigators from the Rhode Island Board of Nursing Registration and Nursing Education (the BON) or the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Callers will falsely state that a nurse’s license is suspended or under investigation and they will request information, like financial information, or an APRN NPI number and DEA registration number.
The BON staff use the email address on file for all correspondence and never request personal information over the telephone.
If you receive a call or other notification stating your license is under investigation or has been suspended, please contact Lynda D’Alessio, Director of Nursing at Lynda.dalessio@health.ri.gov.If you are a target of a scam, please contact the FBI’s Boston Field Office at 857-386-2000 or the DEA Duty Line at 571-362-8 487. You may also report the threat with the FBI online at https://ic3.gov.
Renewal notices are sent out 60 days before your expiration date. RENEW ONLINE
If you have never been licensed, apply. Make sure that you have completed the requirements and submit all the necessary paperwork. MORE
Board Approved Guidances
On April 10, 2023, the Board of Nursing Registration and Nursing Education voted to adopt American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Scope and Standards of Practice and ANA’s Code of Ethics for Nurses pursuant to RIGL section 5-34-7(3) for use by Board of Nursing (BON) members.
On June 12, 2023, the BON recommended the following guidelines for reinstatement of RN licensure:
- RNs who have not practiced nursing for up to two years, no remediation is recommended.
- RNs who have not practiced nursing for at least two years and up to five years will be required to take a Board-approved competency test, to provide confirmation of a passing grade on the test, and to provide clinical demonstration and proficiency.
- RN' who have not practiced nursing for more than five years will be required to complete and pass a Board-approved RN refresher course—which shall include a pre-test and post-test and to demonstrate clinical competency.
At the March 18, 2024, Board of Nursing (BON) meeting, the BON approved two refresher courses offered for nurses that require remediation or refreshing of skills for reinstatement of licensure. The Board reviewed the course content for both the University of Delaware and Boston College in Massachusetts courses. The cost of class will be paid by the licensee/applicant.