Nursing License Lookup - Ohio CNA Registry

In Ohio, verifying a nurse's license is critical for ensuring the qualifications and legitimacy of nursing professionals. The Ohio Board of Nursing provides an online tool that allows individuals to verify the license status of nurses. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the nurse license lookup tool in Ohio:

Step-by-Step Instructions to Use Ohio Nurse License Lookup Tool:

1. Visit the Official Website:

   • Start by navigating to the Ohio Board of Nursing website, which is accessible at the Ohio government's official eLicense portal.

2. Access the License Verification Section:

   • On the homepage of the Ohio Board of Nursing, look for a section or link that mentions "License Verification" or “Verify a License.”

3. Enter Search Criteria:

   • In the license verification section, you will typically need to enter specific information to search for a nurse's license. Commonly required information includes:
     • The nurse's name (first and last).
     • License number (if you have it).
     • Social Security Number (SSN) may be requested for more specific searches, though this is often not required for public searches.

4. Conduct the Search:

   • Once you have entered the necessary criteria, proceed with the search by clicking on a button typically labeled "Search," "Submit," or "Find."

5. Review the Results:

   • After submitting your search criteria, the system will display results matching the information provided. Review these results to find the specific nurse you are verifying. Information displayed usually includes:
     • The nurse’s full name.
     • License type.
     • License status (active, inactive, suspended, etc.).
     • Dates of issuance and expiration.

6. Additional Information:

   • If you need more detailed information about a nurse's license, such as disciplinary actions or certifications, there might be links or additional steps on the website to access such details.

Important Regulations or Criteria Related to Nurse Licensure in Ohio:

• Types of Licenses: Ohio issues different types of nursing licenses, such as Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). Ensure that you know which type of license you are verifying.

• Renewal Requirements: Nurses in Ohio must renew their licenses according to the rules set by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Typically, this involves continuing education and adherence to professional standards.

• Disciplinary Actions: The Ohio Board of Nursing has the authority to take disciplinary actions against licenses. Such actions can affect the status of a license and are visible during the license verification process.

• Privacy Considerations: While basic license information is publicly accessible, personal details like SSNs are protected and generally not displayed during public searches.

Using the Ohio nurse license lookup tool is straightforward and an essential practice for employers, colleagues, and patients seeking to confirm the qualifications and status of nursing professionals in Ohio.

In Ohio, the Nurse Aide Registry is managed by the Ohio Department of Health. It maintains the records of all certified nurse aides (CNAs) in the state, ensuring that individuals meet the federal and state requirements to work in long-term care facilities. Here's how you can access the Ohio CNA registry and verify the status of a CNA's certification:

1. Accessing the Registry

You can access the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry online through the Ohio Department of Health's website. The registry is designed to provide public access to verify the certification status of nurse aides in Ohio.

2. Verifying a CNA's Certification

To verify the certification status of a CNA in Ohio, follow these steps:

• Visit the Ohio Department of Health's Website: Locate the section dedicated to the Nurse Aide Registry.
• Search for the CNA: You can search using the CNA’s full name or their certificate number. Enter the required information in the relevant fields.
• Review the Details: After submitting the search, the results will provide details about the CNA's certification status, such as active, expired, or inactive, and any additional endorsements or findings.

3. Additional Details

• Certification Requirements: To be listed on the registry, an individual must successfully complete a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program and pass both the written and skills portions of the state competency examination.
• Maintaining Certification: CNAs in Ohio must perform at least 8 hours of paid work as a CNA every 24 months to maintain their certification. This work must be performed under the supervision of a nurse, and it must be nursing or nursing-related duties.
• Renewal: It is important for CNAs to keep their certification up to date. Any gap in the required work may lead to inactive status, requiring them to retake and pass the competency examination or complete additional training.
• Unique Procedures or Requirements: Unlike some states that might have different categories or levels of CNA certification, Ohio has a straightforward certification process, but with strict employment requirements for maintaining an active status on the registry.

Accessing and understanding the CNA registry in Ohio is vital for employers in the healthcare industry and individuals looking to verify the credentials of a potential care provider. It ensures that all care providers listed on the registry meet Ohio's standards for safety and quality in healthcare services.

In Ohio, Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) and nurses must adhere to specific licensing and regulatory requirements managed primarily by two state entities: The Ohio Board of Nursing for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and the Ohio Department of Health for State Tested Nurse Aides (STNAs), which is the title for CNAs in Ohio.

State Tested Nurse Aides (STNAs)

1. Training and Examination: To become an STNA in Ohio, candidates must complete a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP), which typically involves at least 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of clinical experience. After completing training, candidates must pass a competency evaluation program.

2. Registration: After passing the evaluation, STNAs must be listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry. This registry maintains records of those who have met the state's qualifications and passed the necessary evaluations.

3. Renewal: STNA certifications in Ohio need to be renewed every two years. This requires the aide to have worked at least 7.5 consecutive hours or a total of 8 hours in the paid provision of nursing-related services during the previous 24 months.

Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

1. Licensing Requirements: For both RNs and LPNs, licensure by the Ohio Board of Nursing involves completing an accredited nursing program and passing the relevant National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN for registered nurses and NCLEX-PN for practical nurses).

2. Renewal: Nursing licenses in Ohio must be renewed every two years. Licensees must complete continuing education credits to qualify for renewal. RNs and LPNs need 24 hours of continuing education every two years, with specific requirements for pain management and substance abuse training in certain cycles.

3. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs): APRNs, which include Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), require additional certification and a valid RN license. They must also have a collaboration agreement with a physician and be recognized by the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Recent Updates and Changes

In recent years, there has been a focus on adjusting the scope of nursing practices and educational requirements to address healthcare needs more effectively. Notable updates include changes in prescribing authorities for APRNs and enhanced trainings related to opioid prescriptions and nonpharmacological pain management strategies.

Relevant Official Resources

For detailed and up-to-date information, prospective CNAs, RNs, LPNs, and APRNs should refer to the following official resources:

• Ohio Board of Nursing: This board provides comprehensive resources for all categories of nursing professionals, including application forms, renewal information, and continuing education requirements. Ohio Board of Nursing Website

• Ohio Department of Health: This department handles regulations and listings for STNAs. Their site offers essential resources on training programs and the aide registry. Ohio Department of Health - Nurse Aide

By accessing these resources, individuals can ensure compliance with all state-specific requirements and stay informed about any changes affecting their professions.