§ 5-34-45. Licensure of APRNs. (a) An applicant for initial licensure to practice as an APRN shall:

(1) Submit a completed, written application and appropriate fees as established by the board of nursing;

(2) Hold a current RN license or privilege to practice and shall not hold an encumbered license or privilege to practice as an RN in any state or territory;

(3) Have completed an accredited graduate or postgraduate level APRN program in one of the three roles (RNP, CRNA, or CNS) and at least one population focus;

(4) Be currently certified by a national certifying body recognized by the board of nursing in the APRN role and population foci appropriate to educational preparation;

(5) Report any criminal conviction, nolo contendere plea, Alford plea, or other plea arrangement in lieu of conviction;

(6) Have committed no acts or omissions that are grounds for disciplinary action as set forth in this chapter; and

(7) Provide other evidence as required by regulation.

(b) The board of nursing may issue an initial APRN license to clinical nurse specialists without a certification exam when:

(1) A national certification exam does not exist for the current population foci; and

(2) The applicant has submitted a portfolio to the board of nursing that includes proof of graduation; course descriptions; official transcript that includes courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and physical assessment; and letters of recommendation from his/her employer attesting to the CNS's practice at the advanced-practice level.

(c) After January 1, 2015, all clinical nurse specialists seeking initial licensure as an APRN must meet all the criteria as stated in this chapter, including national certification in a role and population foci recognized by the board of nursing.

(d) The board of nursing may issue a license by endorsement to an APRN licensed under the laws of another state if, in the opinion of the board of nursing, the applicant meets the qualifications for licensure in this jurisdiction. An applicant for APRN licensure by endorsement shall:

(1) Submit a completed, written application and appropriate fees as established by the board of nursing;

(2) Hold a current license or privilege to practice as an RN and APRN in a state or territory;

(3) Have an unencumbered license or privilege to practice in any state or territory;

(4) Have completed an accredited graduate or postgraduate level APRN program in one of the three roles (CNP, CRNA, or CNS) and at least one population focus or meets the standards for grandfathering as described in this chapter;

(5) Be currently certified by a national certifying body recognized by the board of nursing in the APRN role and at least one population focus appropriate to educational preparation;

(6) Meet continued competency requirements as set forth in board of nursing regulations;

(7) Report any conviction, nolo contendere plea, Alford plea, or other plea arrangement in lieu of conviction;

(8) Have committed no acts or omissions that are grounds for disciplinary action in another jurisdiction; and

(9) Provide other evidence as required by the board of nursing in its regulations.

(e) APRN licenses issued under this chapter shall be renewed every two (2) years according to a schedule established by the board of nursing. An applicant for APRN license renewal shall:

(1) Submit a renewal application as directed by the board of nursing and remit the required fee as set forth in regulation;

(2) Maintain national certification in the appropriate APRN role and at least one population focus, authorized by licensure, through an ongoing recertification maintenance program of a nationally recognized certifying body recognized by the board of nursing; and

(3) Meet other requirements set forth in regulations.

(f) The board of nursing may reactivate or reinstate an APRN license as set forth in board of nursing regulation.

History of Section. (P.L. 2013, ch. 83, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 93, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 3.)