Nursing (RN)RI
Rhode Island Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
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Rhode Island Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Rhode Island registered nurse licenses are regulated by the Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education, under the Rhode Island Department of Health. Rhode Island rejoined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) effective January 1, 2024.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | RI Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Expiration | March 1 |
| CE Hours Required | 10 contact hours |
| Mandatory CE Topics | 2 hrs substance abuse + 1 hr Alzheimer's |
| Renewal Fee | $135 (RN); $45 (LPN) |
| Compact State (NLC) | Yes (rejoined January 2024) |
| Online Renewal | Yes — RIDOH Online Services |
Continuing Education Requirements
RN and LPN — 10 Contact Hours Every 2 Years
- 10 contact hours of approved CE per renewal cycle
- 2 hours must be related to substance abuse (mandatory every renewal)
- 1 hour Alzheimer's Disease training (one-time requirement)
- CE must be approved by the RI Board or recognized organizations (ANCC, professional nursing organizations, approved nursing school departments)
- Self-attestation: Nurses sign a statement attesting to CE completion at renewal
Rhode Island-Specific Notes
- Compact state (rejoined 2024). After January 1, 2024, eligible RI residents receive multistate licenses. Existing single-state license holders should apply for multistate status at next renewal or earlier if needed.
- March 1 expiration. All nursing licenses expire on March 1 every 2 years.
- Renewal notices sent by January 1 of the expiration year.
- Low CE requirement. At 10 hours, Rhode Island has one of the lowest CE requirements in the US.
- Six-month CE extension available for hardship circumstances (granted by the Board).
- Registration code does not change. Save it for use at every renewal.
- Retain CE documentation for 4 years.
- RIDOH uses email for all correspondence. Keep your email address current (avoid work/school emails that may change).
- Military expedited licensure available for active duty, veterans (honorable discharge), and military spouses.
How to Renew
- Complete 10 contact hours of approved CE (including 2 hrs substance abuse)
- Complete Alzheimer's training if not previously done
- Log in to RIDOH Online Services
- Complete the renewal application and attest to CE completion
- Pay the $135 renewal fee (RN)
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| RN Renewal | $135 |
| LPN Renewal | $45 |
Contact Information
Rhode Island Department of Health — Board of Nursing
- Website: health.ri.gov/licensing/nurses
- Phone: (401) 222-1800
- Email: michele.monroe@health.ri.gov
- Address: 3 Capitol Hill, Room 103, Providence, RI 02908-5097
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the Rhode Island Board of Nursing before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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