§457-8.5 Advanced practice registered nurse; qualifications; recognition; endorsement; fees. [1998 amendment effective January 31, 1999.] (a) The board shall grant recognition as an advanced practice registered nurse; provided the nurse has:
(1) A current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in this State;
(2) An unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all other states in which the nurse has a current and active license;
(3) A master's degree in nursing as specified in rules adopted by the board or a current certification for specialized and advanced nursing practice from a national certifying body recognized by the board; provided that certified nurse midwives shall have current certification from a national certifying body recognized by the board; and
(4) Paid appropriate fees.
(b) The board shall grant recognition as an advanced practice registered nurse to a certified nurse midwife who meets the requirements of subsection (a).
(c) Any person who has been recognized by the board as an advanced practice registered nurse shall use the title "Advanced Practice Registered Nurse" and the abbreviation "A.P.R.N.", or specialty title and abbreviation in accordance with rules adopted by the board. No other person shall assume the title "nurse" or in any manner imply that the person is a nurse except as provided in sections 457-7 and 457-8 or use the abbreviation "A.P.R.N." or any other words, letter, sign, or device to indicate that the person using the same is an advanced practice registered nurse. [L 1994, c 277, §1; am L 1995, c 88, §4; am L 1996, c 150, §4; am L 1998, c 279, §2]