§457-8.5  Advanced practice registered nurse; qualifications; recognition; endorsement; fees; eligibility.  (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)  An unencumbered recognition as an advanced practice registered nurse or similar designation in all other states in which the nurse has a current and active recognition as an advanced practice registered nurse;

     (4)  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 maintain current certification from a national certifying body recognized by the board; and

     (5)  Paid the appropriate fees.

     (b)  The board shall require certified nurse midwives to meet the requirements of subsection (a) in order to obtain recognition and maintain recognition as advanced practice registered nurses.

     (c)  Only a person who has a current, unencumbered recognition from the board to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse shall use the title "Advanced Practice Registered Nurse" and the abbreviation "A.P.R.N.".  No other person shall assume the title "nurse" or in any manner imply that the person is a nurse except as defined in section 457-2 or 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.  Nothing in this section shall preclude a registered nurse who is not recognized by the board as an advanced practice registered nurse and who is currently certified by a national certifying body recognized by the board from using another title designated by certification. [L 1994, c 277, §1; am L 1995, c 88, §4; am L 1996, c 150, §4; am L 1998, c 279, §2; am L 2000, c 8, §1; am L 2004, c 88, §4]