How does Maine RN license renewal work if there's no CE requirement?
Maine RNs renew biennially on the anniversary of their birth date. The Board sends a renewal notice at least 30 days before the expiration date by mail or electronic means. The RN completes the renewal application and pays the renewal fee (not to exceed $100) before the expiration date. The Board verifies accuracy and issues a renewed license for two years. Since January 1, 2020, all applications must be completed online.
Is Maine in the NLC nursing compact?
Yes. Maine became a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) with the NLC Final Rules effective January 2, 2024. Maine-licensed RNs who qualify for compact membership hold a multistate license allowing practice in all NLC member states. Because Maine has no RN CE requirement, Maine-based compact licensees face no CE obligation at renewal — the most permissive situation for nurses living in Maine.
Does Maine's no-CE rule apply to APRNs too?
No. The absence of CE applies only to the RN license layer. Maine has a significant CE requirement for APRNs: a minimum of 50 contact hours per two-year period, with at least 30 hours in Category I CE, under Maine Board of Nursing Chapter 8. APRNs with prescriptive authority must include 3 of those hours specifically on opioid prescribing. APRNs who do not prescribe medications must document 15 pharmacology contact hours. See maine-np.md for full APRN CE requirements.
Where can I renew my Maine RN license?
Maine RN license renewal is completed online through the Board's renewal portal, accessible from https://www.maine.gov/boardofnursing/licensing/renew-license.html. Effective January 1, 2020, all applications must be submitted online. The Board sends renewal notices at least 30 days before expiration. RNs who have not received a notice should contact the Board to confirm their current address and email address are on file.