How to check RN status?

Katnip, RN · Jun 22, 2005

Go to the website for the state board of nursing you want to search in. They should have a place to check on licenses.

I'd tell you exactly what it's called, but I'm sure each state has a slightly different set up.

rjflyn, ASN, RN · Jun 22, 2005

What information you get on line varies with the state. FOr example I have licenses in NC, MI and FL that are currently active. NC just lists license number and exp date. MI number, town and zip code. Fl list practice location and number with dates. I have a couple others exp and inactive and the infomation that goes with these varies as well.

Rj:rolleyes:

Jussurfin · Jun 22, 2005

Hi~ A while back (as in probably a year ago or so) I remember reading a thread on how people can go to a website and type in a name and they can check if that person currently has an RN license (possibly for LPNS and other health care professionals, not sure) and actually get that person's personal address and other info. Does anyone know what I"m talking about and what that website would be? Thanks!

Here is an address that provides links for the Boards of Nursing (or facsimile) of all 50 states.

http://www.pdcfornurses.com/statelicensing.asp

At these home pages, you will have to look or search for the words "license verification" or similar words. There are only a few states that do not have the ability to verify licenses online. Some states limit the search criteria using ONLY the license number, no names allowed. In other states, you can enter the name or license number. And not all states will provide addresses but some do provide the city of residence. (You don't need these web sites to find addresses.) Some states will also provide the reason for disciplinary action, if applicable.

Gigglesforall, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2005

Thanks everyone!

Lukestar · Jun 23, 2005

Hi~ A while back (as in probably a year ago or so) I remember reading a thread on how people can go to a website and type in a name and they can check if that person currently has an RN license (possibly for LPNS and other health care professionals, not sure) and actually get that person's personal address and other info. Does anyone know what I"m talking about and what that website would be? Thanks!

I am pretty sure to check on someone's status you will have to have either thier social security number or their nursing license number. I have to do checks on nurses working at the hospital I work and that is what is required in Louisiana, you can't just type their name in and get information.

nkeele · Jun 23, 2005

I am pretty sure to check on someone's status you will have to have either thier social security number or their nursing license number. I have to do checks on nurses working at the hospital I work and that is what is required in Louisiana, you can't just type their name in and get information.

I know in Washington State all you need is their name because I checked mine. It will give you the licences held, the licence #, whether they are active or not and if there have been any actions taken against any of these licences.

Gigglesforall, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2005

I was also pretty sure all you needed was a name. I feel like it was a national website too and not just for a state. When I originally read the post a year ago people were kind of irate because it did give personal address information for most people. As I was a student and didn't have a license obviously I checked everyone I knew that was an RN and sure enough I got their addresses. If you paid money I believe you could see violations against their license, but I didn't do that.

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2005

I am pretty sure to check on someone's status you will have to have either thier social security number or their nursing license number. I have to do checks on nurses working at the hospital I work and that is what is required in Louisiana, you can't just type their name in and get information.

My licence is with New Mexico and I just typed in my name to find licence

fab4fan · Jun 23, 2005

I was also pretty sure all you needed was a name. I feel like it was a national website too and not just for a state. When I originally read the post a year ago people were kind of irate because it did give personal address information for most people. As I was a student and didn't have a license obviously I checked everyone I knew that was an RN and sure enough I got their addresses. If you paid money I believe you could see violations against their license, but I didn't do that.

Why were you checking other peoples' licenses?

This information should not be for public knowledge, IMO. There are too many weirdos out there, and what if the nurse has a spouse/boyfriend who is abusive and that nurse has a PFA order? The stalker/abuser can just go to the site and find out enough info. to track the nurse down.

I think this info should only be available to the licensee or employers.

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Jun 23, 2005

Why were you checking other peoples' licenses?
This information should not be for public knowledge, IMO. There are too many weirdos out there, and what if the nurse has a spouse/boyfriend who is abusive and that nurse has a PFA order? The stalker/abuser can just go to the site and find out enough info. to track the nurse down.
I think this info should only be available to the licensee or employers.

I totally agree. The public does not need access to this information, especially not with problems such as identity theft on the rise. I am absolutely 100% against listing home address with license information - where any joe stalker can access it. Why are the patients the only ones with rights to privacy?? I think this type of information should be protected. Employers should have some sort of security code (which they should have to apply for) that they would need to enter to access this type of information.

fab4fan · Jun 23, 2005

They shouldn't list any part of the address; even just the town and zip code is enough to give a stalker all he/she needs. I've had ex-patients track me down (granted, they just wanted to say hello; they intended no harm) and I am unlisted in the phone book; it's pretty disconcerting, to say the least.

And I guess I'm wondering why someone who was a student nurse at the time was looking up everyone she knew. I'd be pretty cheesed off if I found out someone did that to me, and I have nothing to hide. It just feels like an invasion of privacy.

ITA with you, NICU, this should be for certain indiv. only, and there should be an access code.