One Time Content Specific Requirements
Suicide Prevention
In August of 2022, Kentucky programs of nursing began including suicide prevention as part of their curriculum.
Requirement: A minimum of 2 contact hours in suicide prevention which includes:
- 1 contact hour in suicide prevention generally; and
- 1 contact hour that addresses:
- Chronic toxic stress and secondary traumatic stress potentially increasing the incidence of suicide amongst nurses;
- A confidential and standardized pathway to care for nurses that addresses screening, assessing, safety planning, referrals, and follow-up for nurses at risk for suicide;
- Systems of care, evidence-informed approaches, and best practices to reduce suicide rates; and
- Ethical legal considerations for caring for patients and nurses who are suicidal.
Who Must Complete the Suicide Prevention Course?
- Nurses who graduated from a nursing program
- outside of Kentucky; or
- Program of nursing prior to August of 2025 and have not previously completed suicide prevention.
When must it be completed?
Within the first 3 years of licensure
How often must it be completed? Only once.
Kentucky Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma
In December of 2011, Kentucky programs of nursing began including pediatric abusive head trauma shaken baby syndrome as part of their curriculum.
Requirement: 1.5 contact hours and which may be applied to the continuing education required for the earning period in which it is completed.
Who must complete this course?
- Nurses who graduated from a nursing program outside of Kentucky; and
- Nurses who graduated from a Kentucky program of nursing prior to December of 2011
When must it be completed? Within the first 3 years of licensure
How often must it be completed? Only once.
Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma CE provider list.
Free course offerings in Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma through TRAIN for Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma
Domestic Violence CE Course
In May of 1998, Kentucky programs of nursing began including domestic violence in their curriculum.
Requirement 3 contact hours which may be applied to the continuing education required for the earning period in which it is completed.
Who must complete this course?
- Nurses educated at a nursing program outside of Kentucky, and
- Nurses who graduated from a Kentucky program of nursing prior to May of 1998.
When must it be completed? Within the first 3 years of licensure.
How often must it be completed? Only once.
KBN approved providers who offer domestic violence continuing education. https://kbn.ky.gov/KBN%20Documents/ce_dv.pdf
Free course offerings on domestic violence through TRAIN.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Infusion Therapy
Before an LPN may perform infusion therapy they must complete a course in infusion therapy as required by 201 KAR 20:490. https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/020/490/
An amendment to the regulation requires programs of nursing for LPNs to begin including the material in the curriculum for students admitted after September 15, 2019. This course may be applied to the continuing education required for the earning period in which it is completed.
Who must complete the continuing education course?
- Nurses educated at a nursing program outside of Kentucky; and
- Nurses who were admitted to a Kentucky program of nursing prior to September 15, 2019.
When must it be completed?
- Prior to performing infusion therapy
How often must it be completed? Only Once.
KBN approved providers who offer Infusion Therapy Courses list. https://kbn.ky.gov/KBN%20Documents/ce_iv.pdf
Annual - Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Continuing Education
Completion of at least 5 contact hours is required every earning period. Courses in forensic medicine or domestic violence continuing education courses will meet this requirement. These hours may apply to the total number of hours required for the earning period.
Who must complete this requirement? All nurses who hold a SANE credential.
When must it be completed? During the earning period for renewal, November 1 through October 31.
Annual - Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) Pharmacology Requirements
All APRNs are required to complete at least 5 contact hours in pharmacology every earning period.
Who must complete this requirement? All APRNs
When must it be completed? During the earning period for renewal, November 1 through October 31.
How often? Every earning period
APRNs Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with a CAPA-CS are required to complete at least 1.5 of the 5 contact hours in the dual subjects of pharmacology and either pain management, or addiction disorders, every earning period.
Who must complete this requirement? All APRNs with a CAPA-CS
When must it be completed? During the earning period for renewal, November 1 through October 31.
How often? Every earning period
Provider lists
You will find additional information related to continuing education requirements for licensure renewal on the following page. https://kbn.ky.gov/continuing-education/Pages/Continuing-Education-Requirements.aspx