I have not received my wallet-sized nursing license in the mail. What do I need to do to get my wallet-sized nursing license?
Effective September 1, 2008, the Board of Nursing (BON) discontinued the issuance of the wallet-sized paper license for nurses renewing their licenses.
The BON does issue a certificate indicating that a nurse has achieved authorization to practice. Nurses receiving this certificate are: (1) graduate nurses who pass the NCLEX® exam and obtain their initial nurse license in Texas; (2) nurses who hold licenses in other states and are obtaining an initial Texas nurse license; or (3) nurses who receive their initial full authorization to practice as advanced practice registered nurses.
Some of my colleagues have a paper wallet-size license, and I have lost mine. Can I get a replacement?
Effective September 1, 2008, the BON will not provide a replacement card if a nurse was previously issued a wallet-size nursing license and no longer has the card.
If I am one of the individuals (LVN/RN/APRN) that recently received a certificate, can my employer or supervisor make a copy?
The answer is YES; however, the rule is specific and states that a nurse shall only allow copying of his or her certificate or temporary permit for the purposes of license verification by employers, licensing boards, professional organizations, nursing programs, and or third party payers for credentialing and reimbursement purposes [Rule §217.15].
Verifying licensure status of a LVN, RN, or APRN is easily accomplished by going to the BON website (www.bon.texas.gov), then Verification and Licensure, then Verify a License Online. In addition, individuals may contact the Board by phone or in writing to verify licensure. Nurses are responsible for protecting their certificate/license number from loss and potential fraudulent or unlawful use.
Is it permissible for my employer to retain a copy of my license certificate?
The answer is YES. However, employers or their designee are encouraged to utilize the Verify a License Online feature, available on the Board’s website, 24-hours a day, to ensure accuracy of a licensee’s status. Verification of a nurse’s license can be obtained in one of three ways: by a nursing license number; or last 4-digits of social security number and birth date; or first and last name of licensee. Supervisors/Administrators are required to verify current licensure status or other compact state privileges/credentials for nurses that they are responsible for administratively [Rule §217.11(1) (V)].