KRS 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) 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 licens e 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 co mpletion 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:

1. Is a currently licensed registered nurse in good standing in each state or

territory in which the applicant has worked; and

2. Meets the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.

(b) The board shall issue a license to practice nursing as a registere d 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:

1. Is a currently licensed regist ered nurse in good standing in each state or

territory in which the applicant has worked; and

2. Meets the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.

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

for licensure un der this subsection if the applicant meets the requirements of

subsection (1) of this section.

(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.

(8) The boa rd 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 requir ements 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 satisfacto ry 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 regi stered 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 regi stered 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) 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 ret ired 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 pro mulgate 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 ex amination 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 w ho 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.