Directory
Mandatory and specialty topics
Child abuse recognition and reporting
Mandated-reporter training is one of the most common state-specific requirements, and often must come from a listed provider.
How to choose
- Use the state's approved-provider list, not a general accreditation badge.
- Check the curriculum version and date — some states update content.
- Look for free public options such as state agency training.
Sourced state mandates
- New York: Child abuse identification and reporting training from an approved provider; updated requirement dated November 17, 2026. Source(opens in new tab) (observed)
- Pennsylvania: 2 hours of approved child abuse recognition and reporting training each biennial RN renewal. Source(opens in new tab) (verified)
Infection control
Some states require infection control and barrier precautions training on a fixed cycle.
How to choose
- Confirm the provider is on the state list if one exists.
- Employer annual training may not be equivalent.
Sourced state mandates
- New York: Infection control and barrier precautions training every four years from an approved provider. Source(opens in new tab) (observed)
Human trafficking
Several states require trafficking awareness courses with specific hours.
How to choose
- Check whether the state requires a board-approved provider for this topic.
- Confirm hours and frequency.
Sourced state mandates
- Florida: 2 hours every renewal; the certification-based CE exemption does not apply. Need not come from a board-approved provider, per the board. Source(opens in new tab) (verified)
Implicit bias
Implicit bias content is required in some states, sometimes even in otherwise exempt cycles.
How to choose
- Look for implicit bias named in course objectives.
- Record it on its own line in your tracker.
Sourced state mandates
- California: Implicit bias requirement under AB 1407, effective January 1, 2023, including for first-time renewers exempt from the 30 hours. Source(opens in new tab) (verified)
Pain management and opioids
Prescriber-focused requirements often apply to APRNs with prescriptive authority rather than all nurses.
How to choose
- Check whether the requirement targets prescribers only.
- Confirm whether pharmacology designation is also needed.
Sourced state mandates
None cited yet. Check your board.
Domestic violence
Some states require periodic domestic violence education.
How to choose
- Note the frequency — it may not be every renewal.
Sourced state mandates
- Florida: 2 hours every third biennium, in addition to the 24 required hours; board approved. Source(opens in new tab) (verified)
Dementia and older adult care
Requirements here tend to depend on practice setting.
How to choose
- Check whether your setting triggers the requirement.
- Prefer current evidence-based content.
Sourced state mandates
None cited yet. Check your board.
Medical errors prevention
Patient safety and error-prevention courses are mandated in some states.
How to choose
- Board approval may be required for the mandated version.
Sourced state mandates
- Florida: 2 hours of Prevention of Medical Errors each biennium; board approved. Source(opens in new tab) (verified)
Nursing law, jurisprudence and rules
State-specific law and rules courses must match that state's practice act.
How to choose
- A law course for one state does not satisfy another.
- Check board approval.
Sourced state mandates
- Florida: 2 hours of Florida Laws & Rules each biennium; board approved. Source(opens in new tab) (verified)
- Texas: Nursing jurisprudence and ethics is a targeted Texas topic; check the Board FAQ for when it applies. Source(opens in new tab) (observed)
Ethics
Ethics is often paired with jurisprudence content.
How to choose
- Check whether your state wants ethics as a standalone or combined course.
Sourced state mandates
None cited yet. Check your board.
Mental health and impairment
Workplace impairment and mental health topics appear in some state lists.
How to choose
- Check frequency and approval requirements.
Sourced state mandates
- Florida: 2 hours of Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace, required every other renewal; board approved. Source(opens in new tab) (verified)
Pharmacology
Mostly relevant to APRNs. Designated pharmacology hours are usually a subset of a course's total.
How to choose
- Check the certificate shows designated pharmacology hours.
- Track separately from general hours.
- See whether your plan includes pharmacology or charges extra.
Sourced state mandates
None cited yet. Check your board.