Before being considered for licensure as a licensed practical nurse, either by endorsement or examination, under Section 61-3-19 NMSA 1978, an applicant shall:

A. furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has successfully completed an approved program of nursing for licensure as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse and has graduated or is eligible for graduation; and

B. at the cost to the applicant, provide the board with fingerprints and other information necessary for a state and national criminal background check.

History: 1953 Comp., § 67-2-15, enacted by Laws 1968, ch. 44, § 15; 1973, ch. 182, § 1; 1977, ch. 220, § 10; 1991, ch. 190, § 10; 1997, ch. 244, § 12; 2001, ch. 137, § 7; 2003, ch. 276, § 7.

The 2003 amendment, effective June 20, 2003, inserted "or registered nurse" following "licensed practical nurse" in Subsection A.

The 2001 amendment, effective June 15, 2001, added the Subsection A designation and added Subsection B.

The 1997 amendment, effective June 20, 1997, substituted "applicant has successfully completed an approved program of nursing for licensure as a licensed practical nurse and has graduated or is eligible for graduation" for former language relating to an approved high school course or the equivalent and completed a state approved course for licensed practical nurses.

The 1991 amendment, effective June 14, 1991, substituted "61-3-19 NMSA 1978" for "67-2-16 NMSA 1953" in the introductory paragraph; deleted "four-year" preceding "high school" in Subsection A; substituted "a state approved course" for "an approved course" in Subsection B; and made a minor stylistic change in Subsection A.

Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 61 Am. Jur. 2d Physicians, Surgeons and Other Healers §§ 51 to 62.

70 C.J.S. Physicians, Surgeons, and Other Health-Care Providers § 19.