§920. Licensure; qualifications; examination; renewal; temporary permits

A.(1) The board shall issue a license to each applicant who applies for licensure as a registered nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse who files an application upon a form and in such manner as the board prescribes, accompanied by such fee as required in R.S. 37:927, and who furnishes evidence to the board that he:

(a) Is of good moral character.

(b) Has completed the requirements of a nursing education program approved by the board which prepares him for initial licensure as a registered nurse.

(c) Passes an examination to the satisfaction of the board.

(d) Has completed certain course work as required by the board.

(e) Is not in violation of this Part and the rules and regulations.

(f) Has committed no acts or omissions which constitute grounds for disciplinary action as defined in R.S. 37:921, or if found guilty of committing such acts or omissions, the board finds, after investigation, that sufficient restitution, rehabilitation, and education have occurred.

(g) Is proficient in the English language if he graduated from a nursing education program offered in a foreign country.

(2) Any individual applying for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse shall submit proof that he holds a current, unencumbered, unrestricted registered nurse license, has satisfactorily completed a formal education program preparing graduates to practice specialized and advanced nursing practice, and holds a current certification for advanced practice granted by a nationally recognized certifying agency whose certification program is approved by the board, or in the absence of the availability of such certification, has met commensurate requirements as may be established by the board. After January 1, 1996, the applicant must show evidence of completion of a minimum of a master's degree with a concentration in the respective advanced practice nursing specialty, except for those applicants who provide documentation that the applicant completed or enrolled in a formalized post-basic education program preparing individuals in the advanced practice nursing specialty as approved by the board prior to December 31, 1995. Those applicants submitting enrollment in a formalized post-basic education program preparing individuals in the advanced practice nursing specialty prior to December 31, 1995, must maintain continuous enrollment prior to December 31, 1995, through completion.

B.(1) The board may by endorsement issue a license to practice as a registered nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse to any applicant who is duly licensed as a registered nurse under the laws of another state, territory, or country, who files an application upon a form and in such manner as the board prescribes, accompanied by the fees required in R.S. 37:927, meets the requirements of Subparagraphs (A)(1)(a), (b), (d), (e), (f), and (g) of this Section and who furnishes satisfactory evidence to the board that he:

(a) Had passed an examination for licensure and met, upon graduation, all other qualifications for licensure as a registered nurse in this state at the time he was initially licensed as a registered nurse.

(b) Holds a current license issued directly from the jurisdiction of his last employment.

(c) Meets other criteria established by the board.

(2) The board may by endorsement issue a license to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse if the applicant has practiced as an advanced practice registered nurse under the laws of another state and, in the opinion of the board, has met the requirements of Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section.

(3) The board may conduct licensure by endorsement only in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection.

C. The board shall authorize the administration of the examination to applicants for licensure as registered nurses.

D. The board may issue temporary permits under rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the board in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

E.(1) The board shall renew the license of each individual licensed under this Part on a schedule to be determined by the board. Each licensee shall submit an application, pay the appropriate renewal fee established by the board, and meet such other requirements of the board prior to the expiration of his license.

(2) Any individual licensed by this Part who is no longer practicing as a registered nurse in this state may, by submitting a written request to the board, be granted inactive status. No payment of an annual licensing fee shall be required by any individual who has been granted inactive status. Such individual may be granted active status by submitting an application form, paying the appropriate fee established by the board, and meeting other such requirements of the board.

(3) Any individual who is no longer engaged in the practice of nursing may be granted a license with a retired status upon filing an application requesting such status and paying the fee established by the board.

(4) Any individual whose license has lapsed by failing to renew the license may have his license reinstated by submitting an application, paying the appropriate fee established by the board, and meeting other such requirements of the board.

F. Upon findings of sufficient evidence that the public health and safety are at risk, the board may require licensees and applicants for licensure to submit to a physical or mental examination by a health care provider designated by the board who is licensed to perform such examination. The licensee or applicant may request a second health care provider to perform an independent medical examination. Refusal of or failure by the licensees or applicant to submit to such examination and to sign for release the findings of such examination to the board shall constitute evidence of any allegations related to such conditions.

Acts 1976, No. 351, §1; Acts 1995, No. 633, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1996; Acts 2016, No. 598, §1.