HI SB735

Requires all licensed registered nurses and practical nurses in Hawaii to complete continuing competency requirements every two years before license renewal, restoration, or reinstatement, beginning July 1, 2017.

Exempts nurses who maintain active advanced practice registered nurse licenses with current national board certification, hold current national certification in their practice role, or graduated from an accredited nursing program within twelve months of their first renewal date.

Permits nurses graduating 12-24 months before renewal to satisfy requirements with fifteen continuing education hours, one semester credit of post-licensure nursing education, completion of a board-recognized nurse residency program, or other approved learning activities.

Allows the board to extend compliance deadlines on a case-by-case basis for nurses experiencing illness (certified by a physician or APRN) or extended active military duty.

Specifies ten approved learning activity options to satisfy continuing competency requirements, including national certification/recertification, 30 contact hours of continuing education, academic coursework, nursing research, peer-reviewed publications, and preceptorship activities.