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Connecticut Registered Nurse Reinstatement and reactivation

Explore late renewal, reinstatement and return-to-practice steps.

Last researched

Source-linked research. Check the conditions for each requirement and confirm your circumstances with the board.

Use the boxes to track your preparation. Checking an item does not verify compliance.

Which return-to-practice route applies

  • CT says there is no inactive status for RN licenses; a licensee either keeps the license current or lets it lapse due to nonrenewal.

    Applies when: For Connecticut RN licenses.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      There is no inactive status for licenses; a licensee would either need to keep the license current or let it lapse due to non-renewal.

  • After 90 days following expiration, the license becomes void and the licensee must apply for reinstatement.

    Applies when: For CT health care practitioner licenses, including RN licenses.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      all licenses issued by the PLIS have a grace period of 90 days following expiration during which time the licensee may continue to practice and renew the license. On the 91st day, the license becomes void and the licensee must apply for reinstatement.

Can I practice while waiting?

  • The licensee may continue to practice and renew during the 90-day grace period after expiration.

    Applies when: For CT licensees within the 90-day post-expiration grace period.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      all licenses issued by the PLIS have a grace period of 90 days following expiration during which time the licensee may continue to practice and renew the license.

  • Eligible reinstatement applicants may practice under a 120-day non-renewable temporary permit while reinstatement is pending.

    Applies when: For applicants who hold a current, valid RN license in another U.S. state or territory and are otherwise eligible.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      Applicants for reinstatement who hold a current, valid registered nurse license in another U.S. state or territory are eligible for a 120-day non-renewable temporary permit to practice nursing in Connecticut pending licensure reinstatement.

  • An applicant out of active clinical practice for longer than 3 years is not eligible for the temporary permit.

    Applies when: For RN reinstatement applicants out of active clinical practice.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      If you have been out of the active clinical practice of nursing for a period longer than three years you are not eligible for temporary permit.

CE and return-to-practice education

  • RN reinstatement applicants out of active, clinical practice for longer than 3 years and less than 5 years must complete an approved refresher course.

    Applies when: For reinstatement applicants in that out-of-practice cohort.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      all reinstatement applications from nurses who have been out of the active, clinical practice of nursing for longer than three years and less than five years are required to complete an approved refresher course.

  • RN reinstatement applicants out of practice longer than 5 years must complete an approved refresher course and successfully complete the NCLEX-RN examination.

    Applies when: For reinstatement applicants out of active, clinical practice for more than 5 years.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      Applicants who have been out of practice longer than five years are required to complete an approved refresher course and successfully complete the NCLEX-RN examination;

Application and documents

  • RN reinstatement applications are accepted online only.

    Applies when: For CT RN reinstatement filings.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      Applications are only accepted online.

  • Applicants must submit a brief written summary of professional activities since graduation, including work history, lapses in active practice, and, if not practicing, plans for employment and how skills will be refreshed.

    Applies when: For CT RN reinstatement applicants.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      A brief written summary of the applicant's professional activities since graduation from nursing school, including work history (positions, dates, duties), any lapses in active practice as a nurse, and if not currently practicing as a nurse, an explanation of your plans for employment and describe how you intend to refresh your nursing skills;

  • Applicants must arrange a letter from the appropriate authority verifying most recent nursing experience, employment, dates, and clinical performance.

    Applies when: For CT RN reinstatement applicants.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      A letter submitted directly to this office from the appropriate authority verifying your most recent nursing experience confirming your employment, dates and evaluation of clinical performance.

  • Applicants must provide verification of all RN licenses held, current or expired; Nursys can be used electronically where available.

    Applies when: For CT RN reinstatement applicants with prior RN licenses.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      Verification of all RN licenses held, current or expired. Most states utilize the the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's Nursys System to verify licenses electronically.

Fees †

  • †

    Could not confirm from the available official evidence.

  • Most jurisdictions charge a fee for written verification from non-Nursys states, but CT does not state the amount.

    Applies when: When a state does not participate in Nursys.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      Most jurisdictions charge a fee for this service. Please contact the jurisdiction for fee information.

Published processing times

  • Once the completed online application form is received, the temporary permit will be issued within 15 business days.

    Applies when: For eligible RN reinstatement applicants seeking the temporary permit.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      Once the completed online application form is received, a temporary permit will be issued within 15 business days.

  • The temporary permit is 120 days and non-renewable.

    Applies when: For eligible RN reinstatement applicants in Connecticut.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      eligible for a 120-day non-renewable temporary permit to practice nursing in Connecticut pending licensure reinstatement.

Board and official links

  • Connecticut Department of Public Health, RN Licensure.

    Applies when: For CT RN reinstatement submissions and supporting documents.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      Connecticut Department of Public Health RN Licensure

  • Phone (860) 509-7603; fax (860) 707-1981; email dph.nursingteam@ct.gov.

    Applies when: For CT RN licensure questions in the reinstatement instructions.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. portal.ct.gov ↗
      Phone: (860) 509-7603 Fax: (860) 707-1981 Email: dph.nursingteam@ct.gov