KRS § 314.051 — KY Code / Title XXVI / Chapter 314 / Section 314.051
314.051 Practical nurse license -- Application -- Examinations -- Use of "L.P.N.A." by provisional licensee -- Practice by practical nurse licensed in another state or country -- License by endorsement for graduate of foreign nursing school -- Use of "L.P.N." -- Special license -- Reinstatement -- Limited license
Status: in_force

314.051 Practical nurse license -- Application -- Examinations -- Use of

"L.P.N.A." by provisional licensee -- Practice by practical nurse licensed

in another state or country -- License by endorsement for graduate of

foreign nursing school -- Use of "L.P.N." -- Special license --

Reinstatement -- Limited license.

(1) An applicant for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall file with

the board a written application for a license verified by oath, that the applicant:

(a) Has completed the required educational program in practical nursing at

an approved school of nursing and has completed requirements for

graduation therefrom;

(b) Is able to understandably speak and write the English language and to

read the English language with comprehension; and

(c) Has passed the jurisprudence examination approved by the board as

provided by subsection (4) of this section.

(2) The applicant for licensure to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall pay a

licensure application fee, and licensure examination fees if applicable, as set

forth in a regulation by the board.

(3) Except as authorized by subsection (8) of this section, an applicant shall be

required to pass a licensure examination in any subjects the board may

determine. Application for licensure by examination shall be received by the

board at the time determined by the board by administrative regulation.

(4) The jurisprudence examination shall be prescribed by the board and be

conducted on the licensing requirements under this chapter and board

regulations and requirements applicable to the nursing profession in this

Commonwealth. The board shall promulgate an administrative regulation in

accordance with KRS Chapter 13A establishing the provisions to meet this

requirement.

(5) Upon request, an applicant who meets the requirements of subsection (1) of

this section shall be issued a provisional license that shall expire no later than

six (6) months from the date of issuance.

(6) An individual who holds a provisional license shall have the right to use the title

"licensed practical nurse applicant" and the abbreviation "L.P.N.A." An L.P.N.A.

shall only work under the direct supervision of a nurse and shall not engage in

independent nursing practice.

(7) Upon the applicant's successful completion of all requirements for licensed

practical nurse licensure, the board may issue to the applicant a license to

practice as a licensed practical nurse if, in the determination of the board, the

applicant is qualified to practice as a licensed practical nurse in this state.

(8) (a) The board shall issue a temporary work permit to practice nursing as a

licensed practical nurse to any applicant who has been licensed as a

licensed practical nurse under the laws of another state or territory, if the

applicant is currently a licensed practical nurse in good standing in each

state or territory in which the applicant has worked.

(b) The board shall issue a license to practice nursing as a licensed practical

nurse to any applicant who has passed the jurisprudence examination

prescribed by the board or its equivalent and who has been licensed as a

licensed practical nurse under the laws of another state or territory if the

applicant is currently a licensed practical nurse in good standing in each

state or territory in which the applicant has worked.

(c) The board shall accept the licensure examination of another state as

sufficient for licensure under this subsection.

(d) The board may require a licensed practical nurse practicing as authorized

by this subsection to submit to a background check as required by KRS

314.103.

(e) This subsection shall not apply to an applicant who holds a multistate

license in good standing in a state or territory that is a member of the

Nurse Licensure Compact established in KRS 314.475.

(9) The board may issue a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse to any

applicant who has passed the licensure examination and the jurisprudence

examination prescribed by the board or their equivalent, and has been licensed

or registered as a licensed practical nurse or a person licensed to perform

similar services under a different title, under the laws of a foreign country if, in

the opinion of the board, the applicant meets the requirements for a licensed

practical nurse in this state.

(10) The board shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS

Chapter 13A to establish temporary work permit requirements for a licensed

practical nurse who is a graduate of a foreign nursing school and is pursuing

licensure by endorsement under subsection (11) of this section.

(11) The board shall immediately issue a license by endorsement to practice

nursing as a licensed practical nurse to an applicant who:

(a) Is a graduate of a foreign nursing school;

(b) Provides:

1. Documentation that the applicant has taken and received a passing

score on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX); and

2. One (1) of the following:

a. A satisfactory Credentials Evaluation Service Professional

Report issued by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign

Nursing Schools International, Inc. (CGFNS) or other

international nurse credentialing organization recognized by

the board; or

b. A satisfactory VisaScreen ICHP Certificate Verification Letter

issued by CGFNS or other international nurse credentialing

organization recognized by the board; and

(c) Meets the other requirements of this section.

(12) Any person who holds a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in this

state shall have the right to use the title "licensed practical nurse" and the

abbreviation "L.P.N." No other person shall assume the title or use the

abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the

person using the same is a licensed practical nurse. No person shall practice

as a licensed practical nurse unless licensed under this chapter.

(13) (a) Beginning November 1, 2005, for a licensed practical nurse who is

retired, upon payment of a one-time fee, the board may issue a special

license to a licensed practical nurse in recognition of the nurse's retired

status. A retired nurse may not practice nursing but may use the title

"licensed practical nurse" and the abbreviation "L.P.N."

(b) A retired licensed practical nurse who wishes to return to the practice of

nursing shall apply for reinstatement.

(c) The board shall promulgate an administrative regulation pursuant to KRS

Chapter 13A to specify the fee required in paragraph (a) of this

subsection and reinstatement under paragraph (b) of this subsection.

(14) Any person heretofore licensed as a practical nurse under the licensing laws of

this state who has allowed the license to lapse by failure to renew may apply

for reinstatement of the license under the provisions of this chapter. A person

whose license has lapsed for one (1) year or more shall pass the jurisprudence

examination approved by the board as provided in subsection (4) of this

section.

(15) A license to practice practical nursing may be limited by the board in

accordance with regulations promulgated by the board and as defined in this

chapter.