The federal Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA) dictates a certain amount of minimal prerequisites that a person needs to obtain Certified Nursing Assistance and Licensed Vocational/Practical Nusing certifications.
However, above and beyond those federally mandated prerequisites, each state is left individually to decide it’s own criteria, as well. Thus, a person licensed in one stay may not have his licensed recognized in another state.
Is there an easy reference guide where I can see which states recognize which licenses? I’m currently a CNA in Utah, and am trying to get into school for my LPN–but I’d like to move along to California at some point in the near future, and am worried about what sorts of complications may come up. Any help would be appreciated!
Until someone with more specific knowlage comes and answeres your question, I’ll try to relate a kinda, half way related experience.
I recently moved from New Mexico to Nevada, and I had to apply for recoprocity for my paramedic license. EMT’s and Paramedics have a national regestry that is generally followed for standards. Because I was nationally regestered Nevada did not require me to take any tests, but Clark County required me to take a protocol exam. I was also required to have a physical, and to have an employer arranged.
I do know that for some paramedics coming into New Mexico from other states are frequently refresher classes needed to bring them up to the New Mexico standards. IIRC the class was appx 24 hours.
I dont know if it is similar for nurses, but I would guess it is kinda sorta similar.