AZ HB2091

Requires registered and practical nurses to complete 20 hours of continuing education annually beginning April 1, 2013, as a condition of license renewal.

Requires certified nursing assistants to complete 12 hours of continuing education annually beginning April 1, 2013, as a condition of certificate renewal.

Grants the state board of nursing authority to establish rules for continuing education criteria, categories, documentation, carryover provisions, and approved in-service training methods.

Allows the board to grant extensions for licensees unable to meet requirements due to illness, religious missionary activity, foreign residence, or other extenuating circumstances upon written request.

Appropriates $164,618 and 2 FTE positions to the state board of nursing in fiscal year 2012-2013 to implement the continuing education requirements.