To practice as an APRN in Kentucky, you must maintain:
- A current Kentucky RN license or a current RN multistate, compact license and
- A current Kentucky APRN license, including a current national certification in a KBN approved population foci that is on file with the Board
Practicing without a current RN license, APRN license, and national certification is a violation of Kentucky law and subjects an individual to disciplinary action.
Licensure Information
Elimination of the X-waiver
The X-waiver is a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certification that allowed clinicians to prescribe buprenorphine (Suboxone) for treating patients who struggle with opioid addiction.
On December 29, 2022, the President signed the omnibus appropriations bill. The House passed the measure on December 23, 2022, after the Senate passed it the day before. With the bill’s passage, the requirement that healthcare providers possess a DEA X-waiver to prescribe buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder was eliminated, effective immediately.
The bill also introduced new training requirements for all prescribers. These requirements will not go into effect until June 21, 2023. The DEA and Substance Abuse and Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are working to provide further guidance. The Board understands that the DEA will follow up with additional information on these requirements in the near future.
Dr. Gupta Applauds Omnibus Appropriations Bill That Will Expand Access to Treatment for Substance Use Disorder | ONDCP | The White House
Board staff is reviewing the repeal of the X-waiver requirement and the potential necessitated regulatory changes to comply with its elimination. Any proposed regulatory changes will need to be reviewed and recommended by the Kentucky APRN Council and the Practice Committee to be presented to the full Board. Once the Board has voted on any accepted changes, the amendments will be filed with the legislative research commission for promulgation. The full Board is currently scheduled to meet again in February. Assuming the Board passes approved amendments, the regulations would likely be filed in March. Once filed, there will be a two-month comment period, before it goes before the legislative committees for consideration. It is too early for Board staff to provide an estimated timeline for the promulgation, or a date that any amendments might take effect.
Moreover, Kentucky statute further mandates APRN prescription limits. Board staff cautions APRNs who may consider prescribing buprenorphine without having sufficient training and education. All nurses are “responsible and accountable for making decisions that are based upon the individuals' educational preparation and experience and shall practice with reasonable skill and safety.” See Kentucky Revises Statutes 314.021(2). The x-waiver is the only requirement that has been eliminated. Any other prescribing requirements under state and federal statute and regulation are still in effect.
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Obtain your APRN License in Kentucky
Select the following applicable option:
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Apply for your initial Kentucky APRN license using your current Kentucky RN license or your current multistate RN license.
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Endorse your APRN license issued by another state using your current multistate RN license.
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Reinstate your lapsed Kentucky APRN license using your current Kentucky RN license or current multistate license.
Licensure Renewal (September 15 – October 31)
Nurse licensure renewal occurs every year between September 15 – October 31. Information regarding renewals and the renewal application will be available during that time period. Please visit the KBN website during that time period for additional information.
Nurse Licensure Compact (Multistate, Compact LPN or RN License)
Obtain information about the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for LPN and RN licenses, including information on primary state of residence and what to do if you are moving to or from another compact state. There is not currently an APRN compact.
Additional Licensure Information
Continuing Education
Practice
Substance Use Disorder – KARE Program
Obtain information about the Kentucky Alternative Recovery Effort (KARE).
How to File a Self-Complaint or Complaint Regarding the Actions of an APRN
Obtain information about how to file a self-complaint or complaint regarding the actions of an APRN.
Disciplinary Monitoring
Obtain information about disciplinary monitoring.
Legal
Obtain information regarding laws applicable to your license, legal opinions, information on administrative hearings, and proposed regulations.
Reporting Criminal Convictions, Actions in Another State, and Termination or Suspension of Professional or Business License
KRS 314.109 – Reporting a Criminal Conviction
Any person under the jurisdiction of the board shall, within ninety (90) days of entry of an order or judgment, notify the board in writing of any misdemeanor or felony criminal conviction, except traffic-related misdemeanors other than operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, in this or any other jurisdiction. The person shall submit a certified or attested copy of the order and a letter of explanation.
Pursuant to 201 KAR 20:230, in addition to the other requirements, to be eligible for renewal of licensure, applicants shall submit certified copies of court records of any misdemeanor or felony convictions with a letter of explanation. Documentation must be received by the board and reviewed by the board prior to the application being processed. If you will need to submit documentation during the renewal process, you are encouraged to do this at the beginning of the renewal period. Traffic misdemeanors, other than DUIs, do not have to be reported to the Board during renewals.
201 KAR 20:230 – Reporting Actions in Another State
Pursuant to 201 KAR 20:230, in addition to the other requirements, to be eligible for renewal of licensure, applicants shall submit certified copies of any disciplinary actions taken in other jurisdictions with a letter of explanation or report any disciplinary action pending on nursing or other professional or business licenses in other jurisdictions.
KRS 314.108 – Reporting the Discipline, Termination, or Suspension of a Professional or Business License
(1) Any person licensed by the board shall, within thirty (30) days of the entry of a final order, notify the board in writing if any professional or business license that is issued to the person by any agency of the Commonwealth or any other jurisdiction is subject to disciplinary action. The person shall submit a certified copy of the order and a letter of explanation.
(2) An applicant for licensure shall notify the board in writing if any professional or business license that was issued to the person by any agency of the Commonwealth or any other jurisdiction is surrendered or terminated under threat of disciplinary action, or is refused, suspended, or revoked, or if renewal of continuance is denied. The person shall submit a certified copy of the order and a letter of explanation with his or her application.