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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    State Board of Nursing

    The State Board of Nursing protects the health and safety of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the licensure/certification and regulation of the practice of professional nurses.

    Nurse Licensure Compact
    Nursing Licensure Guide

    Nurse Licensure Compact

    Nurses who live in Pennsylvania can apply to care for patients in more than 30 other states and U.S. territories.

    This new opportunity comes as Pennsylvania fully joins three interstate health care compacts, which allow qualified health care professionals to streamline the application process to prove they meet all requirements to provide care to patients in other compact member states.

    Learn more

    The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing is responsible for regulating practice of nursing and dietetics-nutrition through licensure, registration, certification and discipline of those engaged in the practice of nursing and dietetics-nutrition in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Board regulates registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, licensed dietitian-nutritionists, certified registered nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, as well as the unlicensed practice of those professions.  Under this authority, it is the role of the Board to determine on a case-by-case basis whether a professional under its jurisdiction engaged in immoral or unprofessional conduct by departing from, or failing to conform to, an ethical or quality standard of the profession.  All Pennsylvania licensees are reminded to review the requirements of professional licensure as set forth in the Practice Acts and Board Regulations to aid in their patient care that is consistent with the ethical or quality standards of the professions.

    The Board is also responsible for approving and disciplining nursing education programs for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified registered nurse practitioners.   All Pennsylvania-approved programs are reminded to review the requirements and standards for nursing education as set forth in the Practice Acts and Board Regulations.

    Pennsylvania Nursing Graduates:  

    Please note that, when you request a Graduate Nurse Temporary Practice Permit along with your initial license application, your permit will now be issued immediately upon receipt of all the following items in PALS: 

    1. Your completed application, 

    2. Payment of your $70 permit fee along with your $95 initial licensing fee, and 

    3. Education verification from your Pennsylvania nursing program confirming your successful graduation 

    A complete checklist with instructions can be found at www.pals.pa.gov by clicking on the "Application Checklist" tab. In the pop-up window, select the State Board of Nursing in the drop-down menu, then choose your desired permit type and method obtained. 

    GRADUATE NURSES:

    4 Steps to apply for Licensure by Exam

    Step 1:  Review the Nursing Licensure Guide to plan your work start date.

    Step 2:  Read these tips to avoid processing delays.

    Step 3:  Register with PearsonVUE to take the NCLEX®.

    Step 4:  Submit an online application to the Board.

    Note:  Testing Accommodations require a completed Accommodation Form.

     

    Persons of all backgrounds interested in helping during Pennsylvania’s time of need are welcome to sign up at the State Emergency Registry for Volunteers in PA.

    Board Laws and Regulations

    Regulations

    RN Law

    PN Law

    Nurse Licensure Compact Act (PDF)

    Act 48 of 1993 - Schedule of Civil Penalties

    Contact us

    Call us

    1-833-DOS-BPOA - Available Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

    Call us

    Email us

    ST-NURSE@pa.gov - Note: This mailbox is reserved for receipt of documentation specific to letters of good standing, exam information, disciplinary documents, transcripts and other education or employment verifications, and any other outside agency or related communications.

    Email us

    Mailing address

    State Board of Nursing P.O. Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649

    Mailing address

    Physical address

    2525 N 7th Street Harrisburg, PA 17110

    Physical address

    Get support

    To contact the Board with general or application questions or assistance related to your license, application and/or for any technical support pertaining to the PA Licensing System known as PALS, please reference the link below.

    Create a Ticket

    Courier Address

    PA Dept of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Attn: State Board of Nursing , 2 Technology Park, Harrisburg, PA 17110-2919

    Deliver with a Courier

    Please note that neither the Board/Commission, nor its staff or counsel, are permitted to provide legal advice or advisory opinions, including interpretations of the law or regulations, or any indication as to how the Board would vote on any given case or scenario.  You are invited to contact a private attorney or professional organization for advice or guidance.