If you did not renew your CNA license on time, or your license has changed from active to inactive in status, you will be required to reinstate your CNA license as opposed to renewing it. The reinstatement process is more in-depth than the renewal process. In this article, we will look at the reasons why your license will require reinstatement as opposed to renewal, the requirements for reinstatement, and how to reinstate your license.
When You Need to Reinstate Your License
There are several reasons you may need to reinstate your CNA license. These include the following.
- Your license has been expired for an extended period of time.
- You have not been employed as a CNA for the required number of hours as required by your state.
- Your license has been suspended due to complaints of abuse or negligence.
- You submitted an application for renewal without disclosing specific information, such as recent criminal convictions. This is considered a fraudulent application.
Requirements for CNA License Reinstatement
Reinstatement requirements for a CNA license vary from state to state, and they also vary depending on the reason you need your license reinstated. For example;
- If you need your license reinstated because it expired recently, the requirements are the same as renewing your license, but with an additional fee.
- If you need your license reinstated because you have not been employed continuously as a CNA and your license was marked null and void, reinstatement requirements will be similar to the requirements for getting a new CNA license.
- If you need your license reinstated because it was revoked due to complaints of abuse or negligence, you will need to contact your state's nursing board or licensing authority. This will be to determine if you are eligible to have your CNA license reinstated and the steps you will need to take to clear your reputation.
- If you need your license reinstated because you submitted a fraudulent renewal application, you will need to demonstrate that the reason you lost your license was due to only one fraudulent application. You must also disclose any information that you neglected to provide originally.
Steps to Reinstating Your CNA License
In order to reinstate your CNA license, you will need to submit proof of previous CNA licensure, training, and employment. Then, depending on the reason you need to reinstate your CNA license, you will also need to take the following steps.
- If you need to have your license reinstated due to a recently expired license, you will, usually, only need to submit a reinstatement application with a fee for delinquency.
- If you need to have your license reinstated due to a license that has been expired for a long time or that is void due to lack of continuous work as a CNA, you will need to go through the process of obtaining a new CNA license. This will include applying for a new license, passing a background check, and taking the CNA certification exam. Some states may also require you to complete CNA training again.
- If you need to have your license reinstated because you had it suspended because of abuse or negligence complaints, you will need to contact your state's licensing board for information on whether you are able to reinstate your license, and the process by which to do it.
- If you need to have your license reinstated due to a previously submitted fraudulent application, you will need to submit a reinstatement application with full disclosure of the information you previously omitted or lied about.
Because the reinstatement process can take several weeks to complete (and most states do not allow you to work without an active license), you may also need to apply for a temporary CNA license. Your eligibility to receive a temporary license will depend on the reason your license needs to be reinstated. Most states will grant you a temporary license at least once.
When to Seek Legal Counsel
When you receive complaints of abuse or neglect against your CNA licensure, you may need to seek legal counsel prior to contacting your state's nursing board or licensing authority. Your legal counsel will review your situation and potentially be able to help you clear your name and/or get your license reinstated.
