Act 31 Child Abuse CEU: 3hr class required for initial PA LPN or RN license

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Soo I had no idea this was even a requirement to.obtain initial licensure. My school never even talked about this topic when we got all of our NCLEX and scheduling information. I took my test on 3/17 and have yet to get results of any kind because of this ceu requirement. After I posted a status on fb about my anxious wait, my old nursing instructor was the first one to bring up the ceu requirements and the possibility of my results being on hold until completed. I did them last night online, but I have no idea how long it will take them to send it to the BON. I'm like really p/o that my school did not talk about this AT ALL during the whole 9 months we were there. Has anyone else had the problem of their exam results being on hold until PA SBON receives notification of act 31 ceu completion? If so, how long did it take for your license to be available on BON? I've been trying to reregister with Pearson vue but still getting the good pop up after 48 hours so I am pretty confident that I passed; I would just feel more relieved once I actually see a license number by my name :(.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Keep in mind that while you were in school for nine months, act 31 was only recently passed. Additionally, it is the responsibility off the individual professional to be aware of licensure requirements. The school may have students intending to practice in several different states after graduation. It is unrealistic to expect the school to provide all of that information for all of the students. Again, it comes down to personal responsibility.

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Right I understand that but up until we graduated, how is one to be aware of certain requirements unless throughly researching this topic. The requirement is only for LICENSED professionals and those obtaining a NEW LICENSE..therefore prospective nursing students would not be required to fulfill this new law unless wanting to practice as a LICENSED professional in health care or other field pertaining to children. Also, I've been an LPN for a year and up until this required act came into place effective JANUARY 2015, we were not required to fulfill CEU requirements in order to renew licensure. I wasn't aware that an individual must extensively search on their BON website for any new changes that would potentially affect their active license. Shouldn't it be the acting BON responsibility to provide this information to the public or health care agency that they're implementing this NEW change that only came to light within the last 3 months? And furthermore, with being so close to graduation and going over the other requirements needed to obtain a license to practice as an RN, should it not be the school that the individual is attending to go over this information with a student looking to obtain a new professional.license to practice as a nurse. I mean, they made sure to go over the application process throughly and we're willing to answer any and all questions that we may have. And these instructors and teachers are also required to submit completion of this new act, I thought it would have been common sense. Guess not.

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Did you do the Pitt training? They send to BON.

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Yes I did. Just waiting patiently now. I Ended Up paying For the Quick Results Earlier To Confirm My Passing :)

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

I've posted about this law several times in forum. ;) Your school dropped the ball by not informing graduates of requirement as I've gotten both PSNA and BON emails on topic. Karen

New 2014/2015 graduates applying for initial license: must take 3hr CE course to obtain license with CE provider submitting proof completing course prior to license being issued.

What is Act 31 and who is required to comply with the new law?

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Act 31 of 2014 states that the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA), in conjunction with the Department of Human Services (DHS) is required to ensure that all persons applying for issuance of an initial license as a health-related licensee or funeral director (mandatory reporters under section 6311 of the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) (23 P.S.§ 6311)) shall be required to complete 3 hours of DHS-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements as a condition of licensure.

Additionally, effective with the first license renewal after January 1, 2015, all health related licensees and funeral directors applying for the renewal of a license issued by the Board are required to complete at least 2 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements as a condition of renewal.

Act 31 applies to all health-related licensees (except for licensees of the State Board of Veterinary Medicine), regardless of whether they are subject to the continuing education requirements of the applicable Board. For example, although licensed practical nurses have no independent continuing education requirement at this time, they are required to complete the Act 31 continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements.

PA BON link: Mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training Under Act 31

PA Approved Continuing Education Providers: Mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training Under Act 31

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I also applied for initial licensure in PA having completed my education in NY and had no idea about this. I would have thought my application would be rejected if I was missing any of the requirements. Well I took the nclex on 4/1 and they will likely place my results on hold. Will it still show up in Quick results?

How do i fulfill the requirements? Where can I do it online?

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Yes if you wait 48 hours and pay for quick results it should be available. If you go on PA SBON website and click of board information, there is a link for act 31 ceu requirements and they have a link with all of the pa approved training for the requirement. But, if you want to take a shortcut around having to find it on that website you can also go to keepourkidssafe.org and they also have a list of programs. I did the one on pitts website. It's online, FREE, is worth the 3 required hours, and after completion they will send your certificate of completion directly to the SBON so you do not have to go through the hassel of printing out the certificate and mailing it yourself. Hope this helps ;)

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Thanks! I googled and found this online course https://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu. Do you remember how long it took for them to issue your license after you took the course? I will do it right away and then wait until my quick results are available in just a few hours, hopefully!

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Well I took my test Tuesday, found out Wednesday that I had to do the ceu and did it that day, and I believe my license number showed up on SBON on the following Tuesday so about a week :)

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You said you're a licensed LPN -- do you mean licensed in PA? I got (multiple) emails from the PA BON informing me about the new requirement. And, while it would have been nice if your school had told you about this, it is ultimately your responsibility, as someone seeking a professional license, to research and make yourself aware of the requirements for that license. Glad you were able to get it sorted out.

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I'm a LPN and I'm graduating from a RN program. I never got any notice from the board of Nursing regarding this new law.... Currently, LPN's do not need any CEU's to renew their license. Luckily, my school and employer informed me.

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