Application Process
If you are applying for an Arkansas APRN license and you already hold an APRN license in another state(s), you will apply by endorsement in the Arkansas Nurse Portal.
The Arkansas Nurse Portal will enable you to create a user profile account, which is a prerequisite to the application process. A valid personal email address rather than a work email is preferable.
In order to expedite your license application process, there are specific documents and data which should be readily on hand. First, proceed to www.nursys.com. Select the Quick Confirm tab. Scroll down and select, “I agree.” Enter the requested information and download your report. Print the information. This will supply your complete licensing history.
You will also need to access your complete educational history to include the date of graduation for each degree completed. The month and year will suffice for the date of completion.
You should have a copy of your national certification on hand to include the date of original certification, current issue date, and expiration date. The certificate will need to be uploaded as requested (pdf).
Complete and submit the licensure application, along with associated fees. There is a nominal fee for online processing that will be included in the final total. Payment of associated fees may be made by credit card and are paid within the online process prior to submission of the application. Print the final payment screen as this will have a number that is necessary for applying for your criminal background check.
Criminal Background Check
State and federal background checks are required to complete your application. These results are only valid for 12 months. If already on file with ASBN and current (less than one year) you may forego this step. Otherwise, you must utilize the criminal background check (CBC) instructions on the ASBN website. Background checks from other agencies will not be accepted.
The federal CBC requires either:
- Completion of a fingerprint card supplied through ASBN
- Completion of this process through Arkansas Live Scan fingerprint scanning.
Fees associated with the conduction of the state and federal criminal background checks are at the applicant’s expense and are paid within the CBC application.
You need to print a copy of the payment page (Payment Summary) for your records. IMPORTANT: You will need the INA Search number that is located on the application Payment Summary to include on your fingerprint card. It is also used in the Live Scan Process. The CBC information is found here.
Official Transcript
Contact the university/college where you completed your APRN program and have them mail an official transcript to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN), Attn: APRN Department, 1123 S. University Ave., Suite 800, Little Rock, AR 72204
Certification Verification
Have your certification agency submit verification that you passed the certification exam. Verification information should be mailed by the agency directly to the ASBN address above or emailed to Ellen Harwell, Licensing Coordinator, at [email protected].
License Verification Information
RN Licensure Verification
To be licensed as an APRN in Arkansas, you must hold an RN (Arkansas or compact state) license and APRN license.
If you hold RN licensure in a compact state (other than Arkansas), you must submit verification of your RN licensure by logging on to https://www.nursys.com. Choose Nurse License Verification for Endorsement. Submit a verification request. A fee is required.
If you hold RN licensure in a state that is NOT a compact state (does not participate in the Compact State Agreement), you must apply for an Arkansas RN license. To apply for an Arkansas RN license, go to www.arsbn.org
Temporary Permit Information
If you would like a temporary permit, select this during the application process. There is an additional, nonrefundable fee.
In order to be eligible for a temporary permit, you must:
- Submit a copy of the current national certification
- Arkansas state criminal background check result (no violations of ACA 17-87-312)
- Verification of APRN license in another state with fitness to practice
- Active RN license valid in Arkansas
The temporary permit is valid for up to six months, is nonrenewable, and does NOT apply to prescriptive authority.
Upon receipt of the required documents, the temporary permit will be voided and the full APRN license will be issued.
To verify confirmation of a temporary permit or full license being issued, log onto www.nursys.com and follow the instructions for the Quick Confirm access.
Prescriptive Authority
You do not automatically receive Prescriptive Authority with the issuance of your APRN license. The application for Prescriptive Authority must be completed in the Arkansas Nurse Portal.
You must submit an application for prescriptive authority in your nurse portal account. You may request prescriptive authority at a later time (if you are not employed, therefore do not have a CPA or QA plan). Prescriptive Authority includes an additional fee.
IN ADDITION TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION, you are required to submit three (3) items:
- Verification of prescribing hours,
- Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA), and
- Quality Assurance (QA) Plan.
Document should be uploaded within the application or submitted through the nurse portal message center.
Prescribing protocols
APRNs with Prescriptive Authority must have prescriptive protocols (indications for and classifications of legend and controlled substances medications). You must modify the example provided to meet your specialty as this is a generic form.
To prescribe a legend drug, medicine, or therapeutic device not included in the written protocols the APRN shall obtain a specific written or verbal order obtained from the collaborating physician or podiatrist before the prescription or order is issued. The APRN shall document the consultation in the client’s medical records
Do not submit prescriptive protocols to the ASBN unless requested. They must be reviewed and approved yearly by you and your collaborating physician.
Examples and more information is located on the ASBN website under the Adv. Practice tab or by selecting the following link – Prescriptive Protocol Guidelines for APRNs
DEA Application Instructions
Do not apply for a DEA certificate until you receive full APRN licensure and a Prescriptive Authority Certificate number.
If you plan to prescribe Schedules II – V controlled substances, you must apply for a DEA certificate. Submit a copy of your DEA card to the ASBN once received.
TO BEGIN THE ONLINE APPLICATION FOR APRN LICENSURE, SELECT THE FOLLOWING LINK: Nurse Portal
