For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings respectively ascribed to them:
(1) BOARD or BOARD OF HEALTH. The Alabama State Board of Health.
(2) DEPARTMENT. The Alabama Department of Public Health.
(3) RURAL AREA or UNDERSERVED AREA. Any county in the State of Alabama in which a city or municipality is located which has a single hospital serving such city or municipality where the average daily census for such hospital is 25 or less, or a county meeting such other definition of "rural area" or "underserved area" as the board may adopt.
(4) NURSING DEGREE. A degree granted by an appropriately accredited institution of higher learning following at least a two year full-time course of study and entitling the recipient to be examined for certification as a registered professional nurse by the Alabama State Board of Nursing.