Board of Examiners for Nursing - Hartford, CT

Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing

Nursing Licensure and Regulation

The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing, housed within the Department of Public Health at 410 Capitol Avenue, is the state regulatory body responsible for overseeing the nursing profession in Connecticut. The Board's primary mandate is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that all nurses practicing in the state are qualified and competent. The Board works in conjunction with the Department of Public Health (DPH) to administer the licensure process for Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). They establish the standards for nursing education programs and approve schools of nursing within the state to ensure they meet the rigorous educational requirements necessary for licensure. The Board is composed of members appointed by the Governor, including both licensed nursing professionals and public members, ensuring a balanced perspective on regulatory matters.

Discipline and Hearings

One of the Board's most critical functions is the adjudication of complaints and disciplinary actions against licensed nurses.

• Investigations: The Board reviews allegations of professional misconduct, negligence, substance abuse, and other violations of the Nurse Practice Act.
• Hearings: The Board conducts formal administrative hearings to determine if a nurse's license should be suspended, revoked, or properly restricted to protect the public. These hearings are open to the public.
• Scope of Practice: The Board issues declaratory rulings and guidelines to clarify the scope of practice for nurses, helping to resolve ambiguities regarding specific medical procedures and responsibilities.
• License Renewal: While the administrative processing of licenses is handled by the DPH Licensing Section, the Board sets the continuing education and renewal requirements that professionals must meet.

Contact and Location

The Board's administrative offices are located in the state health complex on Capitol Avenue. Professionals seeking to renew their license or applicants checking the status of their credentials are encouraged to use the online eLicense portal, as this is the most efficient way to manage licensure. The physical office is part of a secure state facility. Visitors attending public hearings or board meetings should be prepared for security screening. The location is well-served by public transportation, with the CTfastrak line stopping nearby.