(A) The board shall examine all candidates for licensure as nurses, pass upon their qualifications to practice nursing in this State, and issue each successful applicant a license. A license is the property of the State and subject to return upon demand.

(B) A license must be issued in the person's legal name as verified by a birth certificate or other legal document acceptable to the board. If a licensee changes her or his name after a license has been issued, notification of the change must be filed with the board within fifteen business days, accompanied by a copy of the legal document that authorizes the change. A licensee's name may not be changed on a record in the office of the board without written authorization for the change and an adequate identification of the applicant.

(C) A statement verifying current license status may be secured from the board by a licensee who submits adequate identification and a written statement explaining the reason for the request, if the reason is satisfactory to the board.

(D)(1) The board may issue a temporary or limited license to practice nursing, in accordance with this subsection, or as may be provided for in regulation, to an applicant:

(a) for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse, a registered nurse, or as a licensed practical nurse, if the applicant's preliminary credentials have been approved and whose fee has been paid;

(b) for licensure by endorsement as an advanced practice registered nurse, a registered nurse, or as a licensed practical nurse, for up to sixty days, unless further authorized by the administrator or designee, pending completion and approval of the application, if the applicant has filed an application, paid the fee, and has produced a valid license to practice in another jurisdiction;

(c) while participating in a refresher course for up to ninety days, unless further authorized by the administrator or designee, when the applicant is seeking reinstatement of a lapsed or an inactive license or licensure by endorsement and must submit evidence of nursing competence before returning to nursing practice.

(2) An applicant who has failed the licensing examination is not eligible for a temporary permit to practice nursing.

(3) The board or department may immediately cancel a temporary permit or license that was issued based upon false, fraudulent, or misleading information provided by an applicant.

HISTORY: 2004 Act No. 225, Section 1; 2008 Act No. 194, Section 4.