Ala. Admin. Code r. 610-X-4-.02
Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024
Section 610-X-4-.02 - Qualifications Of Applicants For Licensure(1) The applicant for licensure shall: (a) Be a high school graduate or the equivalent, as determined by the Board.(b) Be of good moral character. A criminal background check may be conducted by the Board at its discretion.(c) A criminal fingerprint or other biometric-based background check shall be conducted prior to issuance of multistate licensure or application by endorsement.(d) For registered nurse licensure, graduated or successfully completed all requirements for graduation from an approved registered nursing program in Alabama, or an approved registered nursing program located in another jurisdiction or territory that substantially meets the same educational criteria as Alabama programs. In the case of an applicant for licensure by endorsement, if the nursing education program did not include clinical experience sufficient to meet the same educational criteria as Alabama programs, the applicant's continuing education and work experience in nursing may be considered, at the discretion of the Board.(e) For practical nurse licensure, granted or successfully completed an approved practical nursing program in Alabama, or an approved practical nursing program located in another jurisdiction or territory that substantially meets the same educational criteria as Alabama programs. 1. In the case of an applicant for licensure by endorsement, if the nursing education program did not include clinical experience sufficient to meet the same educational criteria as Alabama programs, the applicant's continuing education and work experience in nursing may be considered, at the discretion of the Board.2. Education training and/or service completed through the Air Force Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Program (BMTCP) - 4N051-5 Skill Level or the ARMY LPN Program 68WM6 is acceptable as completion of an approved nursing program and meets the licensed practical nursing education requirement.3. Students in prelicensure Registered Nurse programs who have successfully completed all didactic coursework, skills, and clinical learning experiences necessary to fulfill the requirements of a Practical Nursing program may be eligible to apply for the NCLEX-PN for licensure as a practical nurse by education equivalency, at the discretion of the Board. (i) Following a review of the applicant's transcript to verify completion of all required clinical learning experiences, skills, and theory, the Board may authorize the applicant to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, at its discretion, provided that the student must successfully complete an ABN-approved course on LPN scope of practice prior to receiving approval to sitting for the NCLEX-PN.(2) An applicant shall provide a valid social security number prior to the Board issuing a license.(3) Be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. Individuals who are not legally present in the United States are not eligible for licensure.(4) In the event that a nurse holding an Alabama single state license elects to apply for an Alabama multistate license, the licensee shall provide evidence of having earned sufficient continuing education credit. The continuing education credit requirement shall be prorated.(5) In the case of applicants for initial multistate licensure or initial licensure by endorsement, submit fingerprints or other biometric data for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency or its successor entity. The application must be on file with the board prior to submission of fingerprints or other biometric data.(6) In addition to all other requirements for licensure as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, an applicant for a multistate license shall satisfy the following requirements: (a) If a graduate of a foreign prelicensure education program not taught in English or if English is not the native language of the applicant, successfully passed an English proficiency examination that includes the components of reading, speaking, writing, and listening.(b) Is eligible for or holds an active, unencumbered license.(c) Has not been convicted or found guilty, or has entered into an agreed disposition, of a felony offense under applicable state or federal criminal law.(d) Has not been convicted or found guilty, or has entered into an agreed disposition, of a misdemeanor offense related to the practice of nursing as determined on a case-by-case basis.(e) Is not currently enrolled in an alternative program.(f) Is subject to self-disclosure requirements regarding current participation in an alternative program.(g) Has a valid United States Social Security number.(7) An applicant who is ineligible for or is denied a multistate license may be eligible for single state licensure, at the discretion of the Board.Ala. Admin. Code r. 610-X-4-.02
Filed September 29, 1982. Amended: Filed: August 9, 1988; effective September 15, 1988. Amended: Filed: February 1, 1994; effective March 8, 1994. Repealed and New Rule: Filed May 29, 2001; effective July 3, 2001. Repealed and New Rule: Filed September 29, 2004; effective November 1, 2004. Amended: Filed November 26, 2007; effective December 31, 2007.Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXV, Issue No. 02, November 30, 2016, eff. 1/5/2017.Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVI, Issue No. 10, July 31, 2018, eff. 9/3/2018.Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVII, Issue No. 11, August 30, 2019, eff. 9/9/2019; operative 1/1/2020.Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XL, Issue No. 02, November 30, 2021, eff. 1/14/2022.Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XL, Issue No. 10, July 29, 2022, eff. 9/12/2022.Rule 610-X-4-.01 was renumbered to 610-X-4-.02 as per certification filed November 26, 2007.
Author: Alabama Board of Nursing
Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 34-21-20, 34-21-21, 34-21-22.