314.041 Registered nurse license -- Application -- Examinations -- Use of "R.N.A." by provisional licensee -- Use of "R.N." -- Practice by registered nurse licensed in another state or country -- License by endorsement for graduate of foreign nursing school -- Special license -- Reinstatement -- Limited license

314.041 Registered nurse license -- Application -- Examinations -- Use of

"R.N.A." by provisional licensee -- Use of "R.N." -- Practice by registered

nurse licensed in another state or country -- License by endorsement for

graduate of foreign nursing school -- Special license -- Reinstatement --

Limited license.

(1) An applicant for a license to practice as a registered nurse shall file with the

board a written application for a license and submit evidence, verified by oath,

that the applicant:

(a) Has completed the basic curriculum for preparing registered nurses in an

approved school of nursing and has completed requirements for

graduation therefrom;

(b) Is able to understandably speak and write the English language and to

read the English language with comprehension; and

(c) Has passed the jurisprudence examination approved by the board as

provided by subsection (4) of this section.

(2) Except as authorized by subsection (7) of this section, an applicant shall be

required to pass a licensure examination in any subjects as the board may

determine. Application for licensure by examination shall be received by the

board at the time determined by the board by administrative regulation.

(3) Upon request, an applicant who meets the requirements of subsection (1) of

this section shall be issued a provisional license that shall expire no later than

six (6) months from the date of issuance.

(4) The jurisprudence examination shall be prescribed by the board and be

conducted on the licensing requirements under this chapter and board

regulations and requirements applicable to the nursing profession in this

Commonwealth. The board shall promulgate an administrative regulation in

accordance with KRS Chapter 13A establishing the provisions to meet this

requirement.

(5) An individual who holds a provisional license shall have the right to use the title

"registered nurse applicant" and the abbreviation "R.N.A." An R.N.A. shall only

work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse and shall not engage in

independent nursing practice.

(6) Upon the applicant's successful completion of all requirements for registered

nurse licensure, the board may issue to the applicant a license to practice

nursing as a registered nurse, if in the determination of the board the applicant

is qualified to practice as a registered nurse in this state.

(7) (a) The board shall issue a temporary work permit to practice nursing as a

registered nurse to any applicant who has been licensed as a registered

nurse under the laws of another state or territory, if the applicant is a

currently licensed registered nurse in good standing in each state or

territory in which the applicant has worked.

(b) The board shall issue a license to practice nursing as a registered nurse

to any applicant who has passed the jurisprudence examination

prescribed by the board or its equivalent and who has been licensed as a

registered nurse under the laws of another state or territory if the

applicant is a currently licensed registered nurse in good standing in each

state or territory in which the applicant has worked.

(c) The board shall accept the licensure examination of another state as

sufficient for licensure under this subsection.

(d) The board may require a registered nurse practicing as authorized by this

subsection to submit to a background check as required by KRS 314.103.

icant is a currently licensed registered nurse in good standing in each

state or territory in which the applicant has worked.

(c) The board shall accept the licensure examination of another state as

sufficient for licensure under this subsection.

(d) The board may require a registered nurse practicing as authorized by this

subsection to submit to a background check as required by KRS 314.103.

(e) This subsection shall not apply to an applicant who holds a multistate

license in good standing in a state or territory that is a member of the

Nurse Licensure Compact established in KRS 314.475.

(8) The board may issue a license to practice nursing as a registered nurse to any

applicant who has passed the licensure examination and the jurisprudence

examination prescribed by the board or their equivalent and been licensed as a

registered nurse under the laws of a foreign country, if in the opinion of the

board the applicant is qualified to practice as a registered nurse in this state.

(9) The board shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS

Chapter 13A to establish temporary work permit requirements for a registered

nurse who is a graduate of a foreign nursing school and is pursuing licensure

by endorsement under subsection (10) of this section.

(10) The board shall immediately issue a license by endorsement to practice

nursing as a registered nurse to an applicant who:

(a) Is a graduate of a foreign nursing school;

(b) Provides:

1. Documentation that the applicant has taken and received a passing

score on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX); and

2. One (1) of the following:

a. A satisfactory Credentials Evaluation Service Professional

Report issued by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign

Nursing Schools International, Inc. (CGFNS) or other

international nurse credentialing organization recognized by

the board; or

b. A satisfactory VisaScreen ICHP Certificate Verification Letter

issued by CGFNS or other international nurse credentialing

organization recognized by the board; and

(c) Meets the other requirements of this section.

(11) The applicant for licensure to practice as a registered nurse shall pay a

licensure application fee, and licensure examination fees if applicable, as set

forth in a regulation by the board promulgated pursuant to the provisions of

KRS Chapter 13A.

(12) Any person who holds a license to practice as a registered nurse in this state

shall have the right to use the title "registered nurse" and the abbreviation

"R.N." No other person shall assume the title or use the abbreviation or any

other words, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the person using the same

is a registered nurse. No person shall practice as a registered nurse unless

licensed under this section.

(13) (a) On November 1, 2006, and thereafter, a registered nurse who is retired,

upon payment of a one-time fee, may apply for a special license in

recognition of the nurse's retired status. A retired nurse may not practice

nursing but may use the title "registered nurse" and the abbreviation

"R.N."

(b) A retired registered nurse who wishes to return to the practice of nursing

shall apply for reinstatement.

mber 1, 2006, and thereafter, a registered nurse who is retired,

upon payment of a one-time fee, may apply for a special license in

recognition of the nurse's retired status. A retired nurse may not practice

nursing but may use the title "registered nurse" and the abbreviation

"R.N."

(b) A retired registered nurse who wishes to return to the practice of nursing

shall apply for reinstatement.

(c) The board shall promulgate an administrative regulation pursuant to KRS

Chapter 13A to specify the fee required in paragraph (a) of this

subsection and reinstatement under paragraph (b) of this subsection.

(14) Any person heretofore licensed as a registered nurse under the licensing laws

of this state who has allowed the license to lapse by failure to renew may apply

for reinstatement of the license under the provisions of this chapter. A person

whose license has lapsed for one (1) year or more shall pass the jurisprudence

examination approved by the board as provided in subsection (4) of this

section.

(15) A license to practice registered nursing may be limited by the board in

accordance with regulations promulgated by the board and as defined in this

chapter.

(16) A person who has completed a prelicensure registered nurse program and

holds a current, active licensed practical nurse license from another jurisdiction

may apply for licensure by endorsement as a licensed practical nurse in this

state.