Raffensperger touts faster licensing after Georgia shifts to online system

Initial license wait times have dropped from more than 45 days to six, with renewals now processing in less than a day.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger visited Macon Friday to share an update on improvements to the state’s nursing licensing process, which has moved from a paper-based system to an online platform.

Raffensperger said the shift has significantly reduced wait times for nurses seeking licensure. Average wait times for initial licenses have dropped from more than 45 days to just six, and the renewal process can now be completed in less than one day.

Raffensperger spoke about the broader impact faster licensing has on Georgia’s health care system.

“Nurses — that’s almost half a million nurses that we have,” he said. “That’s all about public health, and the sooner we can get them up and running, the sooner they can make money. But also, hospitals and doctors’ offices — they’re waiting for nurses to get their degree and get registered so they can come work for them.”

Raffensperger said the state is continuing to look for additional ways to optimize the licensing system for Georgians.