Nursing License Lookup - North Carolina CNA Registry

License Lookup Information

Verifying a nurse's license in North Carolina is an essential process for employers, patients, and other stakeholders to ensure that a nurse is qualified and permitted to practice within the state. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the nurse license lookup tool in North Carolina:

Step-by-Step Instructions for North Carolina Nurse License Lookup

  1. Visit the Official Website

    • Go to the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) website. This site provides access to the official nurse license verification tool.
  2. Access the License Verification Section

    • Find the section labeled "License Verification" or "Verify License." This is typically available directly from the homepage or under a specific tab like "Public."
  3. Enter Nurse Information

    • You will need to enter specific details about the nurse whose license you want to verify. Typically, you can search by:
      • Nurse's name (first and last)
      • License number (if you have it)
    • Some tools may also offer advanced search options, such as searching by location or license type.
  4. Submit the Search

    • Click the 'search' button or equivalent to process your query.
  5. Review the Results

    • The search results should provide detailed information about the nurse’s license status. Look for:
      • License type (e.g., RN, LPN)
      • License number
      • Status of the license (active, expired, or disciplinary actions)
      • Issue and expiration dates
  6. Additional Verification or Details

    • If additional information is needed or available, such as details about any disciplinary actions or qualifications, follow the instructions provided on the site. This might involve clicking on the nurse's name or license number to access more detailed records.

Regulations and Criteria Related to Nurse Licensure in North Carolina

  • Education and Examination: Applicants for a nursing license in North Carolina must have completed an approved nursing education program and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

  • Renewal: Nursing licenses must be renewed periodically. The NCBON provides specific guidelines and deadlines for renewal, including continuing education requirements.

  • Multi-State Licensure: North Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to hold one multistate license with the privilege to practice in other compact states.

  • Disciplinary Actions: The NCBON has the authority to impose disciplinary actions on licenses for various violations, which can include suspension, revocation, or imposition of fines.

Using the North Carolina nurse license lookup tool efficiently ensures that stakeholders can verify the licensing status of nurses and thereby uphold the standards of healthcare provision in the state. Always ensure that the information you’re depending on is up to date and retrieved directly from the NCBON’s official website or through their approved channels.

Registry Information

In North Carolina, the CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Registry is maintained by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). This registry is an essential resource for verifying the certification status of CNAs, ensuring that they are properly qualified to provide care.

How to Access the CNA Registry in North Carolina

To access the North Carolina CNA Registry and verify a CNA’s certification, you can follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the North Carolina Health Care Personnel Registry Section (HCPR) website. This site provides the necessary portal to access the registry.

  2. Navigate to the Verification Page: Look for a link or a section on the website labeled something like "Health Care Personnel Registry Data Portal" or "Verify Registry Listing."

  3. Enter Required Information: Typically, you'll need to enter specific details to proceed with the verification, such as the CNA’s name, Social Security Number, or a unique certification number.

  4. Submit the Request: After entering the necessary information, submit your request to view the status and details of the CNA’s certification.

  5. Review the Information: The provided data will include the CNA’s certification status, expiration date, and any public findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property.

Additional Details and Requirements

  • Renewal of Certification: In North Carolina, a CNA must renew their certification every two years. To qualify for renewal, the CNA must have worked, performing nursing or nursing-related services for monetary compensation, for at least 8 hours within the past 24 months under the supervision of a registered nurse.

  • Reinstatement: If a CNA’s certification lapses, they may need to retake the CNA training program and pass the competency exam again to reinstate their certification, especially if they have not worked as a CNA for a specified period.

  • Testing and Training Requirements: Individuals must successfully complete a state-approved training program and pass both the written and skills portions of the competency examination to be listed on the North Carolina CNA Registry.

  • Employment Eligibility: Verification from the CNA Registry is often required by employers to confirm that a CNA has an active and in-good-standing certification before they can be employed.

By maintaining rigorous standards and a straightforward process for accessing CNA information, North Carolina ensures the integrity and quality of care provided by nursing assistants across the state.

State-Specific Regulations

In North Carolina, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and nurses must adhere to specific licensing and regulatory requirements set by state agencies. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements and regulations for both CNAs and nurses:

For Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs):

  1. Training and Examination: Prospective CNAs in North Carolina must complete a state-approved training program. These programs typically offer at least 75 hours of instruction, combining classroom learning with practical hands-on experience. After completing the training, candidates must pass the state competency examination to be listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry.

  2. Registry: Once qualified, CNAs must be listed in the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry, which is maintained by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). This listing is essential for employment in any nursing home or health care facility.

  3. Renewal: To maintain their listing on the registry, CNAs need to provide proof of employment in the field for at least 8 hours every 24 months performing nursing or nursing-related services for compensation under the supervision of a registered nurse.

For Nurses (RN and LPN):

  1. Licensure: Both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are licensed by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON). To obtain licensure, candidates must successfully complete an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

  2. Continuing Education: RNs and LPNs are required to maintain their license by completing continuing education (CE) activities. North Carolina nurses need to complete specific CE requirements based on different compliance alternatives provided by the NCBON every two years.

  3. Renewal: Nursing licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal process involves affirming the completion of required continuing education units, compliance with state laws governing practice, and payment of a renewal fee.

Recent Updates or Changes:

North Carolina has been active in easing restrictions and expanding practice scopes for nurses, especially advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), to address healthcare access issues. These changes might involve variations in supervision requirements or scopes of practice.

Links to Official Resources:

  • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) - Nurse Aide I Registry: NCDHHS Nurse Aide
  • North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON):
    • For information on licensing for RNs and LPNs: NCBON

It's crucial for CNA candidates, nursing students, and practicing nurses to frequently check these websites for the most current information regarding regulations and necessary procedures.