Effective 28 Aug 2008

335.076. Titles, R.N., L.P.N., and APRN, who may use. — 1. Any person who holds a license to practice professional nursing in this state may use the title "Registered Professional Nurse" and the abbreviation "R.N.". No other person shall use the title "Registered Professional Nurse" or the abbreviation "R.N.". No other person shall assume any title or use any abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or devices to indicate that the person using the same is a registered professional nurse.

2. Any person who holds a license to practice practical nursing in this state may use the title "Licensed Practical Nurse" and the abbreviation "L.P.N.". No other person shall use the title "Licensed Practical Nurse" or the abbreviation "L.P.N.". No other person shall assume any title or use any abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or devices to indicate that the person using the same is a licensed practical nurse.

3. Any person who holds a license or recognition to practice advanced practice nursing in this state may use the title "Advanced Practice Registered Nurse", and the abbreviation "APRN", and any other title designations appearing on his or her license. No other person shall use the title "Advanced Practice Registered Nurse" or the abbreviation "APRN". No other person shall assume any title or use any abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or devices to indicate that the person using the same is an advanced practice registered nurse.

4. No person shall practice or offer to practice professional nursing, practical nursing, or advanced practice nursing in this state or use any title, sign, abbreviation, card, or device to indicate that such person is a practicing professional nurse, practical nurse, or advanced practice nurse unless he or she has been duly licensed under the provisions of this chapter.

5. In the interest of public safety and consumer awareness, it is unlawful for any person to use the title "nurse" in reference to himself or herself in any capacity, except individuals who are or have been licensed as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or advanced practice registered nurse under this chapter.

6. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a Christian Science nurse from using the title "Christian Science nurse", so long as such person provides only religious nonmedical services when offering or providing such services to those who choose to rely upon healing by spiritual means alone and does not hold his or her own religious organization and does not hold himself or herself out as a registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, nurse practitioner, licensed practical nurse, nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist, unless otherwise authorized by law to do so.

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(L. 1975 S.B. 108 § 14, A.L. 2007 H.B. 780 merged with S.B. 308, A.L. 2008 S.B. 724)