KRS 314.051: Practical nurse license -- Application -- Examinations -- Use of "L.P.N.A."

by provisional licensee -- Practice by practical nurse licensed in another state or country -- License by endorsement for graduate of foreign nursing school -- Use of "L.P.N." -- Special license -- Reinstatement -- Limited license.

(1) An applicant for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall file with the board a written application for a license verified by oath, that the applicant:

(a) Has completed t he required educational program in practical nursing at 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) The applicant for licensure to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall pay a licensure application fee, and licensure exam ination fees if applicable, as set forth in a regulation by the board.

(3) An applicant shall be required to pass a licensure examination in any subjects 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.

(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) 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.

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

"licensed practical nurse applicant" an d the abbreviation "L.P.N.A." An L.P.N.A.

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

independent nursing practice.

(7) Upon the applicant's successful completion of all requirements for licensed

practical nurse licensur e, the board may issue to the applicant a license to practice

as a licensed practical nurse if, in the determination of the board, the applicant is

qualified to practice as a licensed practical nurse in this state.

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

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

practical nurse under the laws of another state or territory if the applicant:

1. Is currently a licensed p ractical 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 licensed practical nurse

to any applicant who has passed the jurisprudence examination prescribed by

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

nurse under the laws of another state or territory if the applicant:

1. Is currently a licensed practical 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 under this s ubsection if the applicant meets the requirements of

subsection (1) of this section.

(d) The board may require a licensed practical nurse practicing as authorized by

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

(9) The board may issue a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse to any

applicant who has passed the licensure examination and the jurisprudence

examination prescribed by the board or their equivalent, and has been licensed or

registered as a licensed practi cal nurse or a person licensed to perform similar

services under a different title, under the laws of a foreign country if, in the opinion

of the board, the applicant meets the requirements for a licensed practical nurse in

this state.

(10) The board shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter

13A to establish temporary work permit requirements for a licensed practical nurse

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

endorsement under subsection (11) of this section.

(11) The board shall immediately issue a license by endorsement to practice nursing as a

licensed practical 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 Int ernational, 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.

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

shall have the right to use the title "licensed practical nurse" and the abbreviation

"L.P.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

licensed practical nurse. No person shall practice as a licensed practical nurse

unless licensed under this chapter.

(13) (a) For a licensed practical nurse who is retired, upon payment of a one -time fee,

the board may issue a special license to a licensed practical nurse in

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

nursing but may use the title "licensed practical nurse" and the abbreviation

"L.P.N."

(b) A retired licensed practical nurse who wishes to return to the practice of nursing shall apply for reinstatement.

(c) The board shall promulgate an administrative reg ulation 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 practical nurse under the licensing laws of this state wh o 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 practical nursing may be limited by the board in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board and as defined in this chapter.