Board of Nursing

If you are a facility that would like to apply to be part of the Nurse Intern Pilot, please complete the documents linked below and return them to HP-licensing@dopl.idaho.gov.

• Nurse Intern Pilot Agreement

If you are a student seeking an authorization letter, please use the application below.

• Nurse Intern Student Application Packet

Idaho Nursing Programs

Boise State University (Boise)

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN)
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) online/distance completion option
• RN-BS online/distance degree
• Post Master’s Doctoral program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Brigham Young University — Idaho (Rexburg)

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN)

Carrington College (Boise)

• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
• Associate of Science in Nursing (RN)
• Nursing Bridge/LPN to RN

College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls)

• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
• Associate of Applied Science Degree (RN)

College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls)

• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
• Associate of Science in Nursing (RN)
• LPN-ADN

College of Western Idaho (Nampa)

• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
• Associate of Science in Nursing (RN)

Eagle Gate College (Boise/Idaho Falls)

• Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN)- RN
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN)
• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)

Grand Canyon University (Meridian)

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN)

Idaho State University (Meridian/Pocatello)

• Idaho State University College of Nursing
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Baccalaureate Completion Nursing Program
  • Master of Science — Nursing Education
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (APRN) (FNP) (PMHNP)
• Idaho State University College of Technology
  • Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
  • Associate Degree Registered Nurse — LPN to RN
  • Veteran — LPN

Lewis-Clark State College (Lewiston)

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN)
• RN to BSN track
• LPN to BSN track

North Idaho College (Coeur d’Alene)

• Practical Nursing (PN)
• Associate of Science Degree (RN)
• Associate Degree Nursing Program — LPN to RN

Northwest Nazarene University (Nampa)

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN)
• Master of Science in Nursing — Leadership and Education
• Master of Science in Nursing — APRN, FNP

NCLEX Results

NCLEX First Time Pass Rates are categorized by calendar year and reflect the results of all current Idaho nursing program graduates. The Idaho Board of Nursing encourages you to contact the individual programs directly if you have questions about their NCLEX data. Click HERE for results.

Nurse Apprentice Program

A nurse apprentice is a currently enrolled nursing student who is employed for remuneration in a non-licensed capacity by an Idaho Board of Nursing approved health care agency.

Instructions for Students

Please reference the PDF link for student application/process:

• Application for Nurse Apprentice – Student

Out of State/Online Nursing Programs

For information regarding requirements/approval for schools located outside of the state of Idaho, email hp-licensing@dopl.idaho.gov.

FBI – Operation Nightingale​

On January 25, 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (“FBI”) publicly announced Operation Nightingale: a federal investigation and enforcement action against a large-scale scheme to produce fraudulent nursing diplomas and supporting documents. The following schools have been identified as Florida-based nursing education programs involved in this scheme. The federal agents involved in Operation Nightingale advise nursing regulatory bodies to carefully review any license applications associated with graduates of these programs: 

• Carleen Home Health School II
• Ideal Professional Institute
• Ideal Professional Institute, Inc.
• Jay College of Health LLC
• Med-Life Institute – West Palm Beach
• Palm Beach School of Nursing
• Quisqueya Health Care Academy
• Quisqueya School of Nursing
• Sacred Heart International Institute Inc.
• Siena College of Health II LLC
• Siena Education Center LLC
• Sigma College
• Sigma Institute of Health Careers
• Sunshine Academy
• Techni-Pro Institute
• The Enfimye Institute

The Idaho Board of Nursing (the “Board”) has been diligently and expeditiously working to identify and investigate any Idaho applicants and/or licensees who attended a fraudulent nursing education program. The Board continues its active investigation into this serious matter and will take any actions necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all Idahoans. Employers who identify licensees who attended a nursing education program named in the FBI announcement should submit the licensee’s name, license number and employing agency or organization to the board. Thank you for your assistance with this serious matter.

Unfortunately, the Board cannot provide you with information about the investigation of any particular licensee or any ongoing investigation. If you have any information about a person that you believe may have violated the Idaho Nurse Practice Act, please fill out a complaint form and submit it to the Board as soon as possible. You can access the electronic complaint form by clicking on the following link: https://ibn.boardsofnursing.org/complaint

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Statement on Operation Nightingale

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) applauds the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Justice Department for their important work on Operation Nightingale. The investigation focused on nursing education programs that were allegedly involved in the sale of false and fraudulent nursing education credentials.

With public safety and welfare as a top concern, NCSBN and our member nursing regulatory bodies partnered with federal and state authorities, helping to identify and monitor individuals who allegedly provided these illegitimate transcripts and credentials that could potentially undermine safe patient care.

Nursing regulatory bodies in affected states have been investigating individual cases and are taking appropriate action, in accordance with their state laws and due process, that includes loss of license.

As the world leader in nursing regulatory knowledge, NCSBN is dedicated to protecting the public and will continue to support our member nursing regulatory bodies as they thoroughly investigate each case, taking the necessary actions to ensure public safety and root out the fraud involved in this case. NCSBN is committed to helping our members identify any additional safeguards and solutions that are needed.

This situation speaks to the importance of nursing regulation and the collective duty to protect the public. NCSBN will continue working with all appropriate nursing regulatory bodies, nursing education program providers, accreditation bodies and authorities to detect, investigate and resolve these matters today and into the future.

NCSBN Fraud Detection Guidance Paper

NCSBN has developed a guidance paper for those who employ and/or educate nurses. The guidance offers recommendations to further protect institutions and employers from nursing applicants providing fraudulent information (e.g., counterfeit license, false nursing diploma, etc.). The link will take you to the NCSBN site where you will be able to download the document.

Individual PDMP Account

• LOGIN – Idaho Prescription Monitoring Program
• FAQ – Prescriber Mandatory Checking
• Idaho PDMP User Support Guide & Registration Instructions
• NarxCare Application Overview

Daily Pharmacy Dispensation Reporting Requirement Applicable to:

• Resident and Non-Resident Drug Outlets
• Prescriber Drug Outlet
• Data Registration & Submission Guide for Dispensers

Monthly Prescriber Sales Reporting Requirement – Applicable to:

• Manufacturer – Includes Virtual
• Wholesale Distributor – Includes Virtual
• Resident and Non-Resident Drug Outlet
• Outsourcing Drug Outlet
• Login/Registration
• FAQ – Authorized Drug Distributor Monthly Prescriber Sales Reporting
• Data Submission Guide for Idaho Practitioner Sales Reporting

PMP Statewide Gateway Integration

Integration of electronic health records (EHR) and Idaho pharmacy Electronic Medical Records (EMR) management systems. Integration is not mandatory. PDMP data is always accessible through the PDMP web portal.

• PMP Gateway-Statewide Integration Product Information
• Gateway Integration Welcome Packet
• Create an Account

Additional Resources:

Opioid Prescribing Guidelines and the Use of the Idaho Prescription Drug Monitoring Database

Echo Idaho – Use of the Prescription Monitoring Program and Board of Pharmacy Metrics

Questions?

For more information on Diversion or the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program email PDMP@dopl.idaho.gov to inquire.

ALL APPLICATIONS

Q. Can I send in my forms electronically?

A. Yes! Please email forms and documents to HP-Licensing@dopl.idaho.gov

Q. How long is the application process?

A. Once the Board of Nursing has received your completed application and all necessary documents your application will move into final review. Final review will take up to 5 business days.

Q. How long can my application remain open?

A. Applications and fees remain valid for one year from the date of submittal.

Q. How do I check my application progress?

A. Go to the Nurse Portal and monitor your progress regularly through the status link.

Q. What is required for a Name Change?

A. Email or upload (PDF preferred) a state issued driver’s license and the impetus (reason) for the name change, such as a Divorce Decree, or Marriage Certificate, or Court Order/Judgment.

Q. How can I best be notified about things that affect my licensure?

A. The Board of Nursing has gone paperless and thus relies on e-mail for communication. Keep your email up to date in the Nurse Portal and sign up for e-Notify via https://www.nursys.com/.

EXAM APPLICATIONS

Q. How do I register for the NCLEX Exam?

A. Visit the Pearson Vue web site at https://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/

Q. How do I find out my NCLEX results?

A. Examination results, available only from your Board of Nursing, will be emailed to candidates within two (5) business days of taking the examination.

Q. When can I re-test if I failed the NCLEX?

A. Exam applicants are eligible to re-test after 45 days.

FINGERPRINTS

Q. Can I send my fingerprints electronically?

A. Law Enforcement or finger printing stations may use LiveScan to scan fingerprints, but the images must be printed onto a card, (any standard fingerprint card will suffice) and mailed to us.

Q. Where do I send my fingerprints?

A. Mail to: Idaho Board of Nursing, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0061

REINSTATEMENT

Q. Why do I have to be fingerprinted when I reinstate my license?

A. As your nursing license is no longer active, and per Board of Nursing requirements, fingerprints are necessary for new applications. [ID Code 54-1401]

Q. Will I have to retake the NCLEX to reinstate my license back to the active status?

A. No, re-taking of the NCLEX is not required for reinstatement. Fingerprints, employment verification and potential completion of Continued Competence Requirements are part of the application process.

TEMPORARY LICENSES

Q. Can I apply for a temporary license alone?

A. You must apply for a renewable license to be eligible for a temporary license. Cost $25

Q. How do I apply for a temporary license?

A. Log into the Nurse Portal and either apply within your application or apply for a temporary application (do not select a Short-term temporary application as this is conditional).

Q. How do I extend my temporary license?

A. Contact the board HP-Licensing@dopl.idaho.gov

Q. What is required for a graduate license?

A. You must have Approval to Test (ATT for the NCLEX); and this temporary license is only good for 90 days, it is conditional and cannot be extended.

VERIFICATION OF LICENSURE

Q. How do I request verification of my licensure via NURSYS?

A. Go to https://www.nursys.com/Select green box on right; “Nurse License Verification for Endorsement,” follow request instructions, and pay designated fee.

Q. How do I request an official verification of my license in Idaho?

A. Individuals who request that a Verification of Licensure be sent to another Board of Nursing (and were actively licensed in Idaho any time after 1989), must request Nurse License Verification for Endorsement through the NURSYS system. NURSYS is a comprehensive electronic information system that includes nurse licensing and disciplinary information and is maintained by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The fee for this service is $30.00 due to NCSBN. You may request this online verification at https://www.nursys.com/and will need to provide your credit card information at that time.

Individuals originally licensed prior to 1989 and who did not maintain an active license through 1989 need to first contact the Idaho Board of Nursing. At that time, licensure data is then uploaded to the NURSYS system for future verification of licensure. Then, the Nurse License Verification for Endorsement is available through the NURSYS system.

For states that do not currently participate in the NURSYS Nurse License Verification for Endorsement option (California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania), individuals need to submit the Idaho Board of Nursing Licensure Verification Form. (LINK TO PDF FORM ATTACHED)

Q. How do I request license verification from California?

A.  ONLINE RN/APRN – https://www.breeze.ca.gov/, Submit “Request for License Letter,” with fee
MAIL – Attach a check or money order payable to “BRN” and mail to:

California Board of Registered Nursing
Attn: Renewals
Unit PO Box 944210
Sacramento, CA 94244-2100

ONLINE LPN/LVN: https://bvnpt.ca.gov/consumers/license_verification.shtml
MAIL – Attach check or money order payable to “BVNPT”

California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive – Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833-2945

Q. How do I request license verification of Idaho APRN license for another Board?

A. Each State BON has their own form, in general, but we will accept an email with a release and required information.

OTHER TOPICS

 Q.  What is an acceptable Certification for Advance Practice documentation for the application process?

A. Within the application process, national certifications are accepted from the awarding body, or the applicant (including wall certificate or wallet card – but no screen shots).

Q. What is a compact license and how do I apply?

A. Idaho residents can learn more and apply for a Compact License by visiting https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm.

Q. Where do I find the FAQs for prescriber mandatory checking of controlled substances?

A. PRESCRIBER MANDATORY CHECKING FAQ (link to PDF)

Q. What is needed for Employment Verification?

A. The Employment Verification form is designed for the applicant to complete. Please sign and date the top portion and then send it to the employer for completion and transmittal via email to the Board of Nursing at HP-Licensing@dopl.idaho.gov
Note: If the form does not come from the employer (or 3rd Party), it may be rejected.

Q. What is an acceptable transcript or affidavits of graduation?

A. Transcripts and Affidavits of Graduation must be received by the original institution or a transcript service and sent to the Idaho Board of Nursing either by mail or via email HP-Licensing@dopl.idaho.gov

Q. What are guidelines for reporting practice violations to the Board of Nursing?

A. Nurses who are grossly negligent or reckless in performing nursing functions or who otherwise violate the Nursing Practice Act or Board of Nursing Rules shall be reported to the Board of Nursing.

“Minor incident” means conduct that does not indicate the nurse’s continuing to practice poses a risk of injury or harm to the patient or to another person. Minor incidents need not be reported to the Board of Nursing if all of the following factors are present:

Potential risk of physical, emotional or financial harm or injury to the patient due to the incident is very low; and

The incident is a one-time minor event with no pattern of poor practice; and

The nurse exhibits a conscientious approach to and accountability for his/her practice by following policies/procedures relative to the incident (i.e., notifying supervisor, calling physician, completing an incident report); and

The nurse appears to have the knowledge and skills to practice safely.

The presence of contributing or mitigating circumstances may be taken into consideration.  The Board recommends that:

An incident/variance report be completed for all minor incidents-to include a complete description of the incident, patient record number and witnesses; and

the nurse manager maintains the records of minor incidents and document the action taken to correct or remediate the problem; and

Three minor incidents in one year be evaluated by a peer review or administrative committee to determine if a report to the Board of Nursing is Nothing in these Guidelines is intended to prevent or discourage direct reporting to the Board of Nursing.

Q. What are the continuing education requirements for an APRN?

A. Continuing Education Requirements for renewing an APRN license include completing 30 contact hours of continuing education during the renewal period, which shall include 10 contact hours in pharmacology if the nurse has prescriptive authority. Contact hours will be prorated for APRNs whose initial license was issued midway into a renewal period (e.g. a new graduate whose initial license is valid for 1 year is required to attest to 15.0 contact hours of continuing education and 5.0 contact hours in pharmacology-related content).

State Board of Nursing Board Members:

Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APR) Advisory Committee:

Related Links:

What does a regulatory Board do?

How to Become a Board Member?

Board of Nursing History and Governance