Important Notice, Guidelines for Registering for the Criminal Background Check

On November 1, 2009, the Georgia Board of Nursing will no longer accept fingerprint cards from Endorsement applicants for criminal background checks.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! Out of State Applicants must come to Georgia to Complete Fingerprint Background Checks.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

On April 29, 2009, Governor Perdue signed HB 475, which became effective on that date.

The new law changes the requirements for licensure of registered professional nurses in Georgia, including requirements for licensure by endorsement.  

The new law supersedes and replaces the guidelines Board adopted on December 19, 2008 about petitions for rule waiver or variance by applicants for endorsement.  It is no longer necessary for applicants for licensure by endorsement to file rule petitions under the GBON December 19, 2008 guidelines in order to become licensed in Georgia.  The new law does not affect or preclude filing rule petitions for reasons other than compliance with the GBON December 19, 2008 guidelines.

	Definition of a Nontraditional Nursing Education Program
	Instructions for Nontraditional Nursing Education Program Applicants
	On June 11, 2009, the spread of the H1N1 flu virus caused the World Health Organization to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6, the highest level. Georgia officials are currently preparing for the H1N1 influenza campaign and the seasonal influenza campaign that will be conducted during fall and winter. The Department of Community Health is asking all health professionals to serve as emergency response volunteers by signing up to assist with the 2009-2010 novel H1N1 vaccine immunization plan. For more information and to sign up for the online volunteer pool at www.servga.org.

Effective Immediately

Upon receipt of your original pocket card, note the expiration date.  THE BOARD WILL NOT MAIL RENEWAL NOTICES, NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT BY EMAIL IF YOU HAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS ON FILE WITH THE BOARD.  A renewal notice will be mailed out only to those without email addresses. It is your responsibility to renew your license on or prior to your expiration date.  Paper renewals will only be available by request.  If you need a paper renewal, you may contact the Georgia Board of Nursing at (478) 207-2440.

It is the nurse’s responsibility to notify the Georgia Board of Nursing of any changes in demographic information, which would include any change in email addresses.

All registered nurses and nursing students are able to sign up for important Board updates at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/rn/, under online services, to receive Board news.

The Georgia Board of Nursing consists of eight members appointed by the Governor and is responsible for the regulation of registered professional nurses and advanced practice registered nurses: seven registered professional nurses and an eighth consumer member. As part of their responsibilities, Board members develop rules and regulations that set the standards for nursing practice and education, provide the minimum qualifications for licensure, and ensure that disciplinary process is implemented in a fashion that guarantees due process and public protection.

Registered nurses engage in the care of the ill, and promote and maintain health among individuals and groups. This care is delivered as a result of an assessment of the health status, establishment of a nursing diagnosis, setting nursing goals based upon the identified needs, and then implementing and evaluating the care delivered.

Advanced practice registered nurses include nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, psychology/mental health, and certified nurse midwives. Advanced nursing practice is practice by a registered professional nurse who meets the educational, practice, and national certification requirements specified by the Georgia Board of Nursing, and is authorized to practice by the Board.

Board meetings are open to the public and are generally held at the Office of Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division office located at 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia. Meeting dates, time and location are posted on this website. Persons wishing to submit complaints or other matters for Board consideration should submit the matter in writing to the office.