New Hampshire Board of Nursing – Concord, NH

Regulating Nursing Practice and Education

Public Protection and Standards

The New Hampshire Board of Nursing is the state regulatory body dedicated to safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of the public by ensuring that nursing care is provided by qualified and competent professionals. Functioning under the umbrella of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), the Board is headquartered at Eagle Square in downtown Concord. Its primary mandate is to interpret and enforce the Nurse Practice Act, which defines the scope of practice for nursing professionals in the Granite State. By establishing high standards for education, licensure, and practice, the Board ensures that every patient receives safe and ethical care.

Licensure and Certification

The Board oversees the licensure of a wide range of nursing professionals, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). They manage the entire lifecycle of a license, from the initial application and examination eligibility (NCLEX) to biennial renewals. The Board also handles the reinstatement of lapsed licenses and the endorsement process for nurses moving to New Hampshire from other states. As a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), New Hampshire allows multistate license holders to practice in other compact states, facilitating greater mobility for the workforce.

Complaints and Education Oversight

In addition to licensing, the Board of Nursing serves as a quasi-judicial body responsible for investigating complaints filed against licensees. When allegations of misconduct, substance abuse, or incompetence arise, the Board conducts thorough investigations and, if necessary, imposes disciplinary actions ranging from reprimands to license revocation. Furthermore, the Board approves and monitors nursing education programs within the state, ensuring that colleges and training centers meet the rigorous curriculum standards required to prepare future nurses for the demands of the healthcare field.

• Licensing: Issuing credentials for RNs, LPNs, and LNAs.
• Regulation: Enforcing the NH Nurse Practice Act.
• Discipline: Investigating complaints and taking corrective action.
• Education: Approving nursing schools and training programs.
• Compact State: Participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).