The Bayou State's Top 10: Most Valuable Nurses Benefits
Louisiana's highlights for nursing professionals include a generous tax credit for rural providers, distinct regulatory boards for RNs and LPNs, and no mandatory continuing education for active LPNs. Here's the full WeSalute ranking for the top ten professional resources and benefits for nurses in Louisiana:
- Small Town Health Professionals Tax Credit: This is a unique and high-value financial benefit. Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNPs) who practice primary care in a designated rural, Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) may be eligible for a state income tax credit of up to $3,600 per year for up to three years.
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Membership: Louisiana is a member of the NLC. This is a primary benefit, allowing RNs and LPNs who hold a multistate license to practice in any of the 40+ other compact states without needing to obtain an additional license.
- No Mandatory CE for LPNs: A major benefit for Licensed Practical Nurses: The Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE) does not currently require continuing education hours for license renewal, provided the LPN maintains active licensure and practice.
- Flexible Continuing Competency (RNs): To renew an active license, Louisiana RNs have flexibility. They must complete either 30 contact hours of approved CE every two years OR document a minimum of 900 practice hours during the two-year licensure period.
- Louisiana State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): This program provides significant financial aid to advanced practice nurses. Primary Care NPs and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) working in a federally designated HPSA can receive up to $15,000 annually for a three-year commitment to repay educational loans.
- Two Distinct Nursing Boards: Unlike most states, Louisiana has separate regulatory bodies. The Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) regulates RNs and APRNs, while the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE) regulates LPNs. It is critical to know which board governs your specific license.
- Restricted Practice for APRNs: Louisiana is a restricted practice state. APRNs must have a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) with a consulting physician to practice. This agreement must also outline the APRN's prescriptive authority capabilities.
- APRN Prescriptive Authority & CE: To maintain prescriptive authority, APRNs must complete 6 contact hours in pharmacotherapeutics every year (12 hours per 2-year renewal cycle). This is in addition to the standard APRN renewal requirements.
- Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA): The LSNA is the state's premier professional organization. Membership is a joint membership with the American Nurses Association (ANA), providing legislative advocacy, networking, and discounts on ANCC certifications and liability insurance.
- Professional Liability Insurance: While many employers provide malpractice coverage, nurses—especially APRNs managing collaborative agreements—are strongly encouraged to carry their own individual liability insurance policy for personal protection of their license and assets.
It is critical to contact the appropriate Board of Nursing for all official information on licensure, scope of practice, and continuing education. Professional associations like the LSNA are the primary resource for advocacy, networking, and career development.
Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN)
Contact Information:
(Registered Nurses (RN) & APRNs)
Address:
17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Phone: 1-225-755-7500
Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Exami ners (LSBPNE)
Contact Information:
(Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN))
Address:
131 Airline Drive, Suite 301
Metairie, LA 70001
Phone: 1-504-838-5791
