Alaska CRNAs must hold both an active Alaska RN license and an Alaska CRNA authorization before practicing in the state. The CRNA authorization cannot be submitted until the RN license has been issued, but the two applications can be initiated in sequence with relatively quick turnaround once the RN license posts. This guide covers fees, timelines, the temporary CRNA permit, and additional requirements for locum tenens independent contractors.
Alaska Board of Nursing Contact Information
Alaska Board of Nursing (BON)
Robert B. Atwood Building
550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501-3567
Phone: (907) 269-8161
Email: boardofnursing@alaska.gov
Website: Alaska Board of Nursing
Alaska CRNA Licensing: At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licenses Required | Alaska RN license (prerequisite) + Alaska CRNA authorization |
| RN License Fees | $375 (application fee, license fee, fingerprinting) |
| CRNA Application Fee | $50 |
| CRNA Authorization Fee | $60 |
| Prescriptive Authority Fee | $50 |
| Total CRNA Fees | $160 |
| Combined Total | $535 (RN + CRNA) |
| Temporary CRNA Permit Fee | $0 |
| CRNA Application Timeline | Approximately 4 weeks after RN license is issued, for a properly completed application |
| Compact State | No. All CRNAs must apply for Alaska RN and CRNA licenses to practice in the state. |
CRNA License Application
Alaska requires CRNAs to hold an active Alaska RN license before the CRNA authorization application can be submitted. Both applications are completed through your MyAlaska account. Start by setting up your account, then apply for the RN license first. Once the RN license has been issued, submit the CRNA authorization application.
- Step 1: Create your MyAlaska account and apply for RN licensure by endorsement
- Step 2: Once the RN license is issued, submit the CRNA authorization application (PDF instructions available on the BON website)
Monitor your application status through the MyAlaska licensing portal. If the licensing examiner finds items missing, you will be notified in your MyAlaska account.
Licensing Fees
RN License
- $375 (application fee, license fee, fingerprinting)
CRNA Authorization
- $50 application fee
- $60 CRNA authorization fee
- $50 prescriptive authority fee
- CRNA subtotal: $160
Combined total: $535
Temporary CRNA permit fee: $0
Licensing Timeline
Alaska issues a nonrenewable temporary CRNA permit under Alaska BON statute 12 AAC 44.530. The temporary permit is issued at no additional cost.
Eligibility requirements:
- Holds a current Alaska RN license, AND
- Is currently certified as a CRNA in another state or jurisdiction, OR is awaiting national certification results
Practice conditions under the temporary permit:
CRNAs practicing under a temporary permit may only do so under the supervision of:
- The medical director of an anesthesia service
- An anesthesiologist, or
- Another CRNA
This supervision condition applies specifically to temporary permit holders. Once the permanent CRNA authorization is granted, this restriction no longer applies.
Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting is required for the RN license as part of a federal background check. Follow the steps below:
- Visit the Alaska Board of Nursing website
- Locate the “Fingerprint Request” section on the right-hand side of the page.
- Log into (or create) your MyAlaska account.
- Provide your address information. The board will mail you a fingerprint card to complete and return.
Important: The Alaska Board of Nursing has specific requirements for fingerprint cards. Follow their instructions carefully. Cards that are unclear or use the wrong card type will cause delays in your RN license being granted.
DEA Registration
You will need an Alaska address registered on your DEA license before starting any assignment where you will be prescribing. This is not a prerequisite for the CRNA authorization itself, but it is required before you can legally prescribe in the state.
Most locum tenens CRNAs transfer their existing DEA license to Alaska immediately before an assignment begins rather than purchasing an additional license. Either approach is acceptable. Changes to your DEA registration can be made through the DEA Diversion Control Division website.
Note: Transferring an existing DEA license to a new state can take up to 5 business days. Plan accordingly.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
Any CRNA with prescriptive authority is required to register with Alaska’s PDMP before prescribing in the state. Registration is free and completed online through the Alaska PDMP website.
Business License
Alaska locum tenens CRNAs working as 1099 independent contractors are required to obtain an Alaska business license before signing a WMS contract. While a business license is not required to practice medicine in Alaska, it is required to operate as an independent contractor.
Most CRNAs set up a simple Assumed Business Name (sole proprietorship). Some choose to form an LLC or register an existing LLC in Alaska as a foreign entity. If you have questions about which structure is right for your situation, consult a CPA before registering.
Registering a Sole Proprietorship (Assumed Business Name)
- Visit the Alaska business license registration website
- Line of business: 62 – Health Care and Social Assistance
- NAICS code: 621999
Registering an LLC in Alaska
The first step is selecting a registered agent, a person or business authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. WMS and many of the CRNAs we work with use the law firm Baxter Bruce & Sullivan as their registered agent.
Step 1: Get a Registered Agent
- Call Stefanie Wolter at Baxter Bruce & Sullivan (907-789-3166) and let her know you’d like to register your LLC in Alaska using them as your registered agent.
- Sign an engagement letter and pay their fee ($265 + tax, annual). You’ll need to provide your LLC name and member information.
- Once complete, they will provide an entity number needed for the LLC application.
Step 2: Register Your LLC in Alaska
- Register your LLC online through the Alaska business entity registration portal.
- NAICS code: 621999
Step 3: Register for an Alaska Business License
- Once your LLC is registered, use the entity number provided to register for an Alaska business license.
- Owner Type: Entity | Line of Business: 62 – Health Care and Social Assistance | NAICS code: 621999
Registering a Foreign LLC: If you have an existing LLC formed outside Alaska, register it as a Foreign Entity using the same registered agent and NAICS information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alaska issue a temporary CRNA permit?
Yes. Alaska issues a nonrenewable temporary CRNA permit at no additional cost under Alaska BON statute 12 AAC 44.530. To be eligible, you must hold a current Alaska RN license and be either currently certified as a CRNA in another state or jurisdiction, or awaiting national certification results. CRNAs practicing under a temporary permit may only do so under the supervision of the medical director of an anesthesia service, an anesthesiologist, or another CRNA.
Do I need my RN license before applying for CRNA authorization in Alaska?
Yes. The Alaska RN license is a prerequisite for the CRNA authorization. You cannot submit the CRNA application until the RN license has been issued. The two applications are completed in sequence through your MyAlaska account.
How long does Alaska CRNA licensing take?
The RN license follows the standard 8-10 week initial review timeline. Once the RN license is issued, a properly completed CRNA authorization application processes in approximately 4 weeks. Plan for a combined timeline of roughly 3-4 months from initial application to CRNA authorization, depending on application completeness.
Is Alaska a compact state for CRNA licensing?
No. Alaska is not a compact state. All CRNAs must apply for both an Alaska RN license and an Alaska CRNA authorization to practice in the state, regardless of licenses held elsewhere.
What are the total fees for Alaska CRNA licensing?
The combined total is $535. The RN license fees are $375, covering the application, license, and fingerprinting. The CRNA authorization fees are $160, covering the application fee ($50), CRNA authorization fee ($60), and prescriptive authority fee ($50). The temporary CRNA permit has no additional fee.
Do I need a DEA license registered in Alaska before starting an assignment?
Yes, if you will be prescribing. You do not need an Alaska DEA address for the CRNA authorization itself, but you must have one before prescribing in the state. Most locum tenens CRNAs transfer their existing DEA license to Alaska just before an assignment begins. Transfers can take up to 5 business days.
Why do I need a business license for locum tenens work in Alaska?
Alaska requires independent contractors to hold a state business license to conduct business in the state. Because WMS CRNAs work as 1099 independent contractors rather than employees, a business license is required before a contract can be signed. Most CRNAs register a sole proprietorship, though an LLC is also an option.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
Wilderness Medical Staffing (WMS) is a team of experienced staffing experts. We provide locum tenens staffing of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs. We specialize in placing excellent, compassionate providers in rural clinics, hospitals, and communities across the continental Northwest and Alaska.
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