How To Renew Your LPN License in Colorado

In Colorado, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are regulated by the Colorado Board of Nursing. In order to maintain your license, it's essential to understand the renewal process, continuing education (CE) requirements, and important deadlines. 

Understanding the renewal cycle 

LPN licenses in Colorado are renewed every two years. The renewal period opens around 4-6 weeks before the expiration date, which falls on August 31 of even years. The Colorado Board of Nursing does not send paper renewal reminders, so it's the nurse’s responsibility to track their renewal date. 

Renewal requirements 

To renew your LPN license in Colorado, you must: 

1. Meet continued competency requirements.
2. Submit the renewal application online via the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations' online portal.
3. Pay the renewal fee, which is usually over $100 (subject to change). 

Continuing education and continued competency 

While Colorado does not have specific continuing education (CE) hour requirements, LPNs must demonstrate continued competency to renew their licenses. Nurses in Colorado can meet the competency requirement by fulfilling one of the following options within the two-year renewal period: 

• Completion of 20 contact hours of CE from a provider recognized by the Colorado Board of Nursing.
• Accumulation of at least 400 hours of active nursing practice.
• Completion of an approved nursing refresher course.
• Possession of a national nursing certification relevant to your practice. 

This flexibility allows LPNs to select the best option for meeting continued competency based on their work schedules and professional development needs. 

Submitting the renewal application 

LPNs can renew their licenses through the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations' online portal. Here are the steps: 

4. Log in to the portal: Ensure your personal and professional details are up to date.
5. Complete the renewal application: Answer questions regarding your continued competency and professional conduct.
6. Pay the renewal fee: The renewal fee is over $100. However, this may vary, so confirm the exact fee on the board's official website before submission.
7. Submit documentation if audited: While documentation of continued competency isn’t required during the application, LPNs must retain evidence of CE or other competency activities for at least four years in case of an audit. 

Renewal fees 

The renewal fee for LPNs in Colorado is over $100, paid online during the application process. Additional fees may apply for late renewals or if a license has expired. 

Late renewal and reinstatement 

If your license expires, Colorado offers a 60-day grace period for late renewal. During this time, you can renew your license by paying the standard renewal fee plus a $15 late fee. Practicing with an expired license is illegal and can result in penalties, including disciplinary actions. 

If your license has lapsed for more than 60 days, you must apply for reinstatement. The reinstatement process involves: 

• Submitting a reinstatement application.
• Providing proof of continued competency.
• Paying a reinstatement fee, which may be higher than the standard renewal fee. 

Verification of license status 

You can verify the status of your Colorado LPN license through the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations' License Lookup tool. It's essential to confirm your license has been successfully renewed and is active before continuing to practice. 

Keeping track of competency records 

While Colorado does not require submission of CE certificates during renewal, LPNs must retain all records demonstrating continued competency for four years in case of an audit. These records include: 

• CE certificates from recognized providers.
• Proof of clinical practice hours.
• Documentation of completed refresher courses or certifications. 

Keeping your records organized in a digital format can make it easier to access and submit if needed. 

Tips for a smooth renewal process 

• Begin early: Start preparing for renewal 3-4 months before your license expiration date.
• Track your competency: Ensure you’ve met one of the competency requirements, such as completing 20 CE hours or accumulating 400 practice hours.
• Stay informed: Regularly check the Colorado Board of Nursing website for any updates on fees or requirements.
• Keep documentation organized: Ensure all CE certificates or work hour logs are stored securely for easy access during an audit. 

By following these steps and staying informed, LPNs in Colorado can maintain their licenses without disruption, ensuring they remain compliant with state regulations and can continue practicing.