Pa. nurses having trouble renewing licenses due to COVID-19 pandemic

PITTSBURGH — Nurses are having a hard time renewing their licenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to local leaders.

The Pa. Board of Nursing’s review page is loaded with one complaint after another from people who say they have been trying to get their nursing license to practice or a renewal, and some say they have been waiting for six months.

“They’ve cashed my check and they’re saying it’s pending, and that was at the beginning of October,” said Lori Hornack, a registered nurse.

In September, Hornack realized her license had lapsed a few days prior, so she filled out the necessary paperwork and sent it in along with a payment to the Pa. Board of Nursing.

Within days she told Channel 11 the board cashed her check, but she still has not gotten her license. And she isn’t the only person dealing with this problem.

One person commented on the website that they have gotten no responses from the board, and another said they have been trying to renew their license for six months.

The Pa. Department of State sent Channel 11 the following statement regarding these issues:

"The Department of State recognizes the vital role that nurses play in protecting public health, especially since the COVID-19 emergency disaster declaration. The renewal periods for some nursing licenses were extended twice this year in order to allow those serving patients during this unprecedented time the ability to continue working without having to worry about their licenses lapsing. As of this morning, nearly 85% of nurses whose renewals are due by Saturday, October 31 have successfully renewed their licenses.

“Without more information about these particular applicants, we cannot determine the causes of the issues they are having with their licensing renewals. The Department of State encourages all applicants to refer to the Nursing Navigator, which provides current processing timelines and tips for reducing processing times: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/Nursing-Guide.aspx. Applicants with questions may refer to the PALS dashboard. That dashboard can be found at https://www.pals.pa.gov/#/page/AnonymousSupportTicket”

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