32-1639.03. Qualifications of military service applicants; definition

A. The board shall issue a license to practice as a practical nurse to an applicant who does not meet the requirements of section 32-1637, paragraph 1, relating to graduation from a board approved program, if the applicant otherwise meets all of the following requirements:

1. Submits an application required by section 32-1637 and a verified statement that indicates whether the applicant has been convicted of a felony and, if convicted of one or more felonies, indicates the date of absolute discharge from the sentences for all felony convictions.

2. Passes the examination prescribed by section 32-1638.

3. Answers questions related to whether the person is currently under investigation by another health care related board and whether any disciplinary action has been taken by any jurisdiction related to health professions.

4. Has completed a military program of basic medical training and was awarded a military occupational specialty and performed in that occupational specialty at a level that is substantially equivalent to the academic requirements for a license to practice as a practical nurse or completed any clinical education equivalency or bridge courses determined by the board to be necessary to obtain equivalency.

5. Engaged in the active practice of practical nursing for at least two of the five years before the date of filing the application. An applicant's relevant military service experience in the discharge of the applicant's official duties must be credited in the calculation of the number of years the applicant has practiced as a practical nurse for the purposes of this paragraph.

6. Has not committed an act in any jurisdiction that constitutes grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation of a license to practice as a practical nurse in this state.

7. Has paid any fees required by the board.

B. The board may consider the recommendations in the guide to the evaluation of educational experiences in the armed services published by the American council on education or the council's successor organization when determining if the applicant substantially meets the academic requirements for a license to practice as a practical nurse.

C. The board may issue a temporary license to practice as a licensed practical nurse to an applicant who meets the qualifications in subsection A of this section and as prescribed by the board by rule. The applicant may practice under a temporary license until any of the following occurs:

1. The applicant's license is granted or denied by the board.

2. The temporary license expires pursuant to section 32-1640, subsection B.

3. The applicant fails to comply with the terms of the temporary license.

D. This section does not prohibit a military service applicant from applying for a license to practice as a practical nurse as otherwise prescribed in this article.

E. For the purposes of this section, " military service" means service as an active member of any of the following:

1. The armed forces of the United States.

2. A reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.

3. The national guard.