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In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Kim Reynolds has again extended a number of emergency proclamations that provide for licensing relief provisions. The most recent proclamation, dated August 21, 2020, may be seen in the document at this LINK.
All nursing-related provisions have been extended through September 20, 2020.
The new sections are:
68: temporary licenses authorized
69: 5-year inactive allowed to practice
70: nursing education through simulation
73: in-person continuing education suspended
74: license renewals suspended
76: background checks suspended
84: 91-days to take the NCLEX extended
110: electronic meetings permitted
111: no need for in-person hours for records request
The Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON) has a web page specific to the COVID-19 pandemic which lists the correspondence we have sent out to licensees, employers and nurse educators since the beginning of the emergency. See the web page at this LINK.
Renewing Your License On Time
The hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have been especially difficult on all front-line healthcare workers. The IBON members and staff express their thanks and gratitude for the sacrifices, dedication and commitment you have made to serve those in need of healthcare services during this unprecedented time. You are appreciated and needed!
The current emergency proclamations allow for the suspension of license renewals during this time. The IBON, however, still encourages nurses to plan on renewing their license(s) on time. If you need assistance with renewing your license or have questions about accessing the online licensure system, see the following board staff list to locate help from the appropriate department: STAFF. If you need help remembering your license renewal date, the IBON strongly encourages signing up for reminders through the free NURSYS e-Notify system.
Another variance granted through the emergency proclamations is exemption of the continuing education (CE) requirements for RN and LPN licenses. ARNPs must still continue the requirements for continuing education as set forth by their certifying bodies and the current law regarding CE education for opioid prescribing. All Iowa-licensed nurses must continue to take their Mandatory Reporter training, as required by the law, through the Iowa Department of Human Services.
The Future of Nursing 2020-2030
The World Health Organization declared 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife in an effort to acknowledge the vital role that nurses and midwives provide in the health services field. No one could have ever imagined what the year held when it was declared - and we aren't yet through it!
With a view of the future in mind, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) was wrapping up the activities behind their new report, The Future of Nursing 2020-2030, but decided to add a new statement of tasks for committee members to study due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and the NAM has delayed the release of the new report until Spring 2021. The new statement of tasks may be found HERE.
In a recent webinar hosted by the NAM, experts came together to discuss the role nurses play in assuring health equity, public health emergencies, and the COVID-19 pandemic. See the webinar recording HERE. Public comment can be sent to Future of Nursing committee at this email address: FutureofNursing2030@nas.edu
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