NEW YORK NURSE: October 2009
Registration fees for both registered nurses and licensed practical nurses increased this fall for the first time in 20 years. The surcharge applies to both initial licensing fees and re-registration fees.
For current RN and LPN licensees, the rate will increase $8 for the three-year licensing period. There will be a $5 increase in nurse practitioner certification fees. The initial licensing fee for nurses will increase to $143.
The increase, which was signed into law by Gov. David Paterson, will affect all professionals licensed under Title 8 of the Education Law except physicians, physician assistants, and specialist assistants.
The new rates went into effect on Sept. 25 and will apply to license payments received on or after that date. If you have already received a bill for your re-registration fee but have not yet paid, you will not have to pay the new rate. Pay the amount listed on the bill. If you have not yet received a bill, it will include the higher fee when it arrives. The increase will appear on bills going out after Sept. 25. Bills are now going out for licensees whose registration periods begin on or after Feb. 1, 2010.
“We are hoping to be able to utilize these funds to upgrade technology, hire needed staff, provide better service to our customers, and, most importantly, increase public protection,” said Barbara Zittel, executive secretary of the State Board for Nursing. She spoke about the increase during her report at the NYSNA Convention.
More information is available at the Office of the Professions website: www.op.nysed.gov.