An Act To Create the State Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Board
Maine Legislature, Session 125, LD 1472
Committee: Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development
Sponsors: WHITTEMORE, DUNPHY, SAVIELLO, THOMAS, BERRY, CAIN, CURTIS, CUSHING, DRISCOLL, GRAHAM, HAYES, INNES
Amends: 5 MRSA §12004-A, 32 MRSA §2101, 32 MRSA §2102, 32 MRSA §2151-A, 32 MRSA §2104, 32 MRSA §2105-A, 32 MRSA §2107, 32 MRSA §2108-A, 32 MRSA §2109, 32 MRSA §2152, 32 MRSA §2152-A, 32 MRSA §2153-B, 32 MRSA §2155, 32 MRSA §2201-A, 32 MRSA §2204-A, 32 MRSA §2205-A, 32 MRSA §2205-B, 32 MRSA §2206, 32 MRSA §2207-A

Legislative Document 
No. 1472 
S.P. 461 
In Senate, April 13, 2011 
An Act To Create the State Advanced Practice Registered Nursing 
Board 
Reference to the Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development 
suggested and ordered printed. 
JOSEPH G. CARLETON, JR. 
Secretary of the Senate 
Presented by Senator WHITTEMORE of Somerset. 
Cosponsored by Representative DUNPHY of Embden and 
Senators: SAVIELLO of Franklin, THOMAS of Somerset, Representatives: BERRY of 
Bowdoinham, CAIN of Orono, CURTIS of Madison, CUSHING of Hampden, DRISCOLL of 
Westbrook, GRAHAM of North Yarmouth, HAYES of Buckfield, INNES of Yarmouth. 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1.  5 MRSA §12004-A, sub-§25-A is enacted to read: 
25-A.   
Sec. 2.  32 MRSA §2101, as amended by PL 1993, c. 600, Pt. A, §108, is further 
amended to read: 
§2101.  Purpose 
The State Board of Nursing is the state regulatory agency charged with protection of 
the public health and welfare in the area of nursing service, with the exception of 
advanced practice registered nurses.  In order to safeguard the life and health of the 
people in this State, an individual who for compensation practices or offers to practice 
professional nursing or practical nursing in this State shall submit evidence that the 
individual is qualified so to practice and that individual must be licensed. It is unlawful 
for an individual not licensed under this chapter to practice or to offer to practice 
professional or practical nursing in this State; to use a sign, card or device to indicate that 
the individual is a professional registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse; or to hold 
oneself out to the public as a professional registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.  
The State Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Board is the state regulatory agency 
charged with protection of the public health and welfare in the area of advanced practice 
registered nursing service. 
Sec. 3.  32 MRSA §2102, sub-§1-A is enacted to read: 
1-A.  Advanced board.  "Advanced board" means the State Advanced Practice 
Registered Nursing Board established under Title 5, section 12004-A, subsection 25-A. 
Sec. 4.  32 MRSA §2102, sub-§2, ¶H, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 670, Pt. C, §6 
and affected by Pt. D, §5, is amended to read: 
H.  Coordination and oversight of patient care services provided by unlicensed health 
care assistive personnel.  Nothing in this paragraph prohibits a nurse in the exercise 
of professional judgment from refusing to provide such coordination and oversight in 
any care setting. The board and advanced board shall adopt, pursuant to Title 5, 
chapter 375, subchapter II-A 2-A, major substantive rules for the application of this 
paragraph to nursing practice. 
Sec. 5.  32 MRSA §2102, sub-§2-A, as amended by PL 2007, c. 316, §1, is 
further amended to read: 
2-A.  Advanced practice registered nursing.  "Advanced practice registered 
nursing" means the delivery of expanded professional health care by an advanced practice 
registered nurse that is: 
State Advanced Practice 
Registered Nursing Board 
Legislative Per Diem 
MRSA §2151-A
B.  Within the advanced practice registered nurse's scope of practice as specified by 
the advanced board by rulemaking, taking into consideration any national standards 
that exist; and 
C.  In accordance with the standards of practice for advanced practice registered 
nurses as specified by the advanced board by rulemaking, taking into consideration 
any national standards that may exist.  Advanced practice registered nursing includes 
consultation with or referral to medical and other health care providers when required 
by client health care needs. 
A certified nurse practitioner or a certified nurse midwife who qualifies as an advanced 
practice registered nurse may prescribe and dispense drugs or devices, or both, in 
accordance with rules adopted by the advanced board. 
A certified nurse practitioner who qualifies as an advanced practice registered nurse must 
practice, for at least 24 months, under the supervision of a licensed physician or a 
supervising nurse practitioner or must be employed by a clinic or hospital that has a 
medical director who is a licensed physician.  The certified nurse practitioner shall submit 
written evidence to the advanced board upon completion of the required clinical 
experience. 
The advanced board shall adopt rules necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter 
relating to advanced practice registered nursing. 
Sec. 6.  32 MRSA §2102, sub-§10, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 316, §2, is amended 
to read: 
10.  Supervising nurse practitioner.  "Supervising nurse practitioner" means a 
certified nurse practitioner who qualifies as an advanced practice registered nurse who 
has: 
A.  Completed 24 months of supervised practice in accordance with subsection 2-A; 
B.  Practiced as an advanced practice registered nurse for a minimum of 5 years in the 
same speciality; 
C.  Worked in a clinical health care field for a minimum of 10 years; and 
D.  Been approved by the advanced board. 
The advanced board shall adopt rules necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter 
relating to supervising nurse practitioners.  Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are 
routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. 
Sec. 7.  32 MRSA §2104, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1993, c. 600, Pt. A, §114, is 
further amended to read: 
1.  Application for approval. An institution desiring to conduct a nursing education 
program to prepare professional nurses, advanced practice registered nurses or practical 
nurses must apply to the board or advanced board and submit evidence that: 
A.  It is prepared to carry out the prescribed professional nursing curriculum, 
advanced practice registered nursing curriculum or the prescribed curriculum for 
practical nursing, as the case may be; and 
B.  It is prepared to meet other standards as established by this chapter and by the 
board or advanced board. 
Sec. 8.  32 MRSA §2104, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1993, c. 600, Pt. A, §114, is 
further amended to read: 
2.  Survey. A survey of the institution and its entire nursing education program must 
be made by either or both the executive director or other authorized appointee of the 
board or advanced board depending on what program is reviewed, who shall submit a 
written report of the survey to the board or advanced board. If, in the opinion of the board 
or advanced board, the requirements for an approved nursing education program are met, 
the institution must be approved as a nursing education program for professional, 
advanced practice registered or practical nurses. 
From time to time as determined necessary by the board or advanced board, it is the duty 
of the board or advanced board, through its executive director or other authorized 
representative of the board or advanced board, to survey all nursing education programs 
in the State. Written reports of the surveys must be submitted to the board or advanced 
board. If the board or advanced board determines that an approved nursing education 
program is not maintaining the standards required by statute and by the board or 
advanced board, notice in writing specifying the defect or defects must be immediately 
given to the institution conducting the program.  If a program fails to correct these 
conditions to the satisfaction of the board or advanced board within a reasonable time, the 
board or advanced board shall take appropriate action pursuant to section 2153 2153-A. 
Sec. 9.  32 MRSA §2105-A, sub-§1-A, as amended by PL 2001, c. 260, Pt. D, §2, 
is further amended to read: 
1-A.  Disciplinary proceedings and sanctions. The board or advanced board shall 
investigate a complaint, on its own motion or upon receipt of a written complaint filed 
with the board or advanced board, regarding noncompliance with or violation of this 
chapter or of rules adopted by the board or advanced board.  Investigation may include a 
hearing before the board or advanced board to determine whether grounds exist for 
suspension, revocation or denial of a license, or as otherwise considered necessary to the 
fulfillment of its responsibilities under this chapter.  The board or advanced board may 
subpoena witnesses, records and documents, including records and documents maintained 
by a health care facility, in an investigation or hearing it conducts.  
The board or advanced board shall notify the licensee of the content of a complaint filed 
against the licensee as soon as possible, but not later than 60 days from receipt of this 
information.  The licensee shall respond within 30 days.  If the licensee's response to the 
complaint satisfies the board or advanced board that the complaint does not merit further 
investigation or action, the matter may be dismissed, with notice of the dismissal to the 
complainant, if any.  
If, in the opinion of the board or advanced board, the factual basis of the complaint is or 
may be true, and it is of sufficient gravity to warrant further action, the board or advanced 
board may request an informal conference with the licensee. The board or advanced 
board shall provide the licensee with adequate notice of the conference and of the issues 
to be discussed. The conference must be conducted in executive session of the board or 
advanced board, or its subcommittee, pursuant to Title 1, section 405, unless otherwise 
requested by the licensee. Statements made at the conference may not be introduced at a 
subsequent formal hearing unless all parties consent.  
If the board or advanced board or its subcommittee finds that the factual basis of the 
complaint is true and is of sufficient gravity to warrant further action, it may take any of 
the following actions it considers appropriate: 
A.  Warn, censure or reprimand; 
B.  With the consent of the licensee, enter into a consent agreement that fixes the 
period and terms of probation best adapted to protect the public health and safety and 
to rehabilitate or educate the licensee. A consent agreement may be used to terminate 
a complaint investigation, if entered into by the board or advanced board, the licensee 
and the Attorney General's office; 
C.  In consideration for acceptance of a voluntary surrender of the license, negotiate 
stipulations, including terms and conditions for reinstatement that ensure protection 
of the public health and safety and serve to rehabilitate or educate the licensee. These 
stipulations may be set forth only in a consent agreement signed by the board or 
advanced board, the licensee and the Attorney General's office; 
D.  If the board or advanced board or its subcommittee concludes that modification or 
nonrenewal of the license is in order, hold an adjudicatory hearing in accordance with 
the provisions of Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter IV 4; or 
E.  If the board or advanced board or its subcommittee concludes that suspension or 
revocation of the license is in order, file a complaint in the District Court in 
accordance with Title 4, chapter 5. 
Sec. 10.  32 MRSA §2105-A, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1993, c. 600, Pt. A, 
§116, is further amended to read: 
2.  Grounds for discipline.  The board or advanced board may suspend or revoke a 
license pursuant to Title 5, section 10004.  The following are grounds for an action to 
refuse to issue, modify, suspend, revoke or refuse to renew the license of an individual 
licensed under this chapter:  
A.  The practice of fraud or deceit in obtaining a license under this chapter or in 
connection with service rendered within the scope of the license issued; 
B.  Habitual substance abuse that has resulted or is foreseeably likely to result in the 
licensee performing services in a manner that endangers the health or safety of 
patients; 
C.  A professional diagnosis of a mental or physical condition that has resulted or is 
foreseeably likely to result in the licensee performing the licensee's duties in a 
manner that endangers the health or safety of the licensee's patients; 
D.  Aiding or abetting the practice of nursing by an individual not licensed under this 
chapter and who claims to be legally licensed; 
E.  Incompetence in the practice for which the licensee is licensed.  A licensee is 
considered incompetent in the practice if the licensee has:  
(1)  Engaged in conduct that evidences a lack of ability or fitness to discharge the 
duty owed by the licensee to a client or patient or the general public; or  
(2)  Engaged in conduct that evidences a lack of knowledge or inability to apply 
principles or skills to carry out the practice for which the licensee is licensed; 
F.  Unprofessional conduct.  A licensee is considered to have engaged in 
unprofessional conduct if the licensee violates a standard of professional behavior 
that has been established in the practice for which the licensee is licensed; 
G.  Subject to the limitations of Title 5, chapter 341, conviction of a crime that 
involves dishonesty or false statement or that relates directly to the practice for which 
the licensee is licensed or conviction of a crime for which incarceration for one year 
or more may be imposed; 
H.  A violation of this chapter or a rule adopted by the board or advanced board; or 
I.  Engaging in false, misleading or deceptive advertising. 
Sec. 11.  32 MRSA §2105-A, sub-§3, as amended by PL 1993, c. 600, Pt. A, 
§116, is further amended to read: 
3.  Confidentiality of information.  Reports, information or records provided to the 
board or advanced board by a health care facility pursuant to this chapter are confidential 
insofar as the reports, information or records identify or permit identification of a patient, 
except that the board or advanced board may disclose confidential information:  
A.  In an adjudicatory hearing or informal conference before the board or advanced 
board or in a subsequent formal proceeding to which the information is relevant; and 
B.  In a consent agreement or other written settlement when the information 
constitutes or pertains to the basis of board or advanced board action. 
A copy of a report, information or record received by the board or advanced board under 
this subsection must be provided to the licensee. 
Sec. 12.  32 MRSA §2105-A, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 2009, c. 47, §2, is 
amended to read: 
4.  Authority to request mental and physical examinations.  For the purposes of 
this section, by application for and acceptance of a license to practice, a nurse is 
considered to have given consent to a mental or physical examination when directed by 
the board or advanced board.  The board or advanced board may direct a nurse to submit 
to an examination whenever the board or advanced board determines the nurse may be 
suffering from a mental illness that may be interfering with the competent practice of 
nursing or from the use of intoxicants or drugs to an extent that they are preventing the 
nurse from practicing nursing competently and with safety to patients.  A nurse examined 
pursuant to an order of the board or advanced board may not prevent the testimony of the 
examining individual or prevent the acceptance into evidence of the report of an 
examining individual in a proceeding under subsection 1-A. Failure to comply with an 
order of the board or advanced board to submit to a mental or physical examination 
results in the immediate suspension of the license of the nurse by order of the District 
Court until the nurse submits to the examination. 
Sec. 13.  32 MRSA §2105-A, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 2009, c. 47, §3, is 
amended to read: 
5.  Nurse health program.   The board and advanced board may establish protocols 
for the operation of a professional review committee as defined in Title 24, section 2502, 
subsection 4-A. The protocols must include the committee's reporting information the 
board considers and advanced board consider appropriate regarding reports received, 
contracts or investigations made and the disposition of each report, as long as the 
committee is not required to disclose any personally identifiable information. The 
protocols may not prohibit an impaired nurse from seeking alternative forms of treatment.  
The board and advanced board may contract with other agencies, individuals, firms or 
associations for the conduct and operation of a nurse health program operated by a 
professional review committee as that term is defined in Title 24, section 2502, 
subsection 4-A. 
Sec. 14.  32 MRSA §2107, as amended by PL 1993, c. 600, Pt. A, §118, is further 
amended to read: 
§2107.  Injunctions 
The Superior Court has jurisdiction, upon information filed by the county attorney at 
the request of the board or advanced board, to restrain or enjoin an individual from 
committing an act declared to be a misdemeanor by this chapter. If it is established that 
the defendant has been or is committing an act declared to be a misdemeanor by this 
chapter, the court shall enter a decree perpetually enjoining the defendant from further 
committing that act. In case of violation of an injunction issued under this section, the 
court may summarily try and punish the offender for contempt of court. Injunction 
proceedings are in addition to, and not in lieu of, all penalties and other remedies 
provided in this chapter. 
Sec. 15.  32 MRSA §2108-A, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1993, c. 600, Pt. A, 
§119, is further amended to read: 
1.  Making information available to the board and advanced board.  Making a 
report or other information available to the board and advanced board under this chapter; 
and 
Sec. 16.  32 MRSA §2108-A, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1993, c. 600, Pt. A, 
§119, is further amended to read: 
2.  Assisting the board and advanced board.  Assisting the board and advanced 
board in carrying out its their duties. 
Sec. 17.  32 MRSA §2109, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 64, §1, is amended to read: 
§2109.  Confidentiality of personal information of applicant or licensee 
For applications for licensure and for renewal of licensure submitted on or after July 
1, 2004, an applicant or licensee shall provide the board or advanced board with a current 
professional address and telephone number, which is the public contact address, and a 
personal residence address and telephone number.  An applicant's or licensee's personal 
residence address and telephone number, and e-mail address if provided by the applicant, 
are confidential information and may not be disclosed except as permitted by this section 
or as required by law unless the personal residence address, telephone number and e-mail 
address have been provided as the public contact address.  Personal health information 
submitted as part of any application is confidential information and may not be disclosed 
except as permitted or required by law. 
Sec. 18.  32 MRSA §2151-A is enacted to read: 
§2151-A.  Appointment; term; removal 
The State Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Board, as established by Title 5, 
section 12004-A, subsection 25-A, consists of 7 members who are appointed by the 
Governor.  A full-term appointment is for 4 years.  Appointment of members must 
comply with Title 10, section 8009.  Members of the advanced board may be removed 
from office for cause by the Governor. 
Sec. 19.  32 MRSA §2152, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1995, c. 379, §6, is further 
amended to read: 
1.  Professional nurses.  Six professional nurses, each of whom: 
A.  Must be a graduate of a state-approved educational program in professional 
nursing; 
B.  Holds a current state license to practice nursing; and 
C.  Has at least 3 years' experience in active practice immediately preceding 
appointment. 
A minimum of 2 professional nurses must be active in an approved educational program 
in nursing.  A minimum of 2 professional nurses must be active in nursing service.  One 
Two of the professional nurse members of the board must be practicing long-term care 
nursing.  One of the professional nurse members of the board must be an advanced 
practice registered nurse; 
Sec. 20.  32 MRSA §2152-A is enacted to read: 
§2152-A.  Qualifications 
Each member of the advanced board must be a citizen of the United States and a 
resident of this State for at least 3 consecutive years prior to appointment and shall file 
with the Secretary of State an oath of office before beginning service.  The advanced 
board is composed of 2 nurse practitioners, one clinical nurse specialist, one certified 
nurse anesthetist, one certified nurse midwife and 2 public members. 
Sec. 21.  32 MRSA §2153-B, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 163, §4, is amended to 
read: 
§2153-B.  Liaison; limitations 
The Commissioner of Professional and Financial Regulation shall act as a liaison 
between the board and the Governor and the advanced board and the Governor.  The 
commissioner may not exercise or interfere with the exercise of discretionary, regulatory 
or licensing authority granted by statute to the board and advanced board.  The 
commissioner may require the board and advanced board to be accessible to the public 
for complaints and questions during regular business hours and to provide any 
information the commissioner requires in order to ensure that the board is and advanced 
board are operating administratively within the requirements of this chapter. 
Sec. 22.  32 MRSA §2155, as amended by PL 1985, c. 724, §17, is further 
amended to read: 
§2155.  Compensation 
Eligible members of the board shall and advanced board must be compensated 
according to the provisions of Title 5, chapter 379. 
Sec. 23.  32 MRSA §2201-A, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 379, §7 and affected by 
§11, is amended to read: 
§2201-A.  Qualifications for advanced practice registered nurse 
An applicant for approval to practice advanced practice registered nursing shall 
submit to the advanced board written evidence verified by oath that the applicant: 
1.  License.  Holds a current license to practice as a registered professional nurse in 
this State; 
2.  Education.  Has successfully completed a formal education program that is 
acceptable to the advanced board in an advanced nursing specialty area; and 
3.  Credential.  Holds a current certification credential for advanced practice 
registered nursing from a national certifying body whose certification program is 
acceptable to the advanced board. 
A registered professional nurse who is approved by the advanced board to practice in 
accordance with former section 2102, subsection 2, paragraph B on the effective date of 
this section is considered to have met the requirements of subsections 2 and 3. 
Sec. 24.  32 MRSA §2204-A is enacted to read: 
§2204-A.  Examination; time 
The advanced board shall hold at least 3 examinations for advanced practice 
registered nurses approved by the advanced board annually at a place and at a time 
determined by the advanced board, with an option for a 4th examination, if the advanced 
board so determines. 
Sec. 25.  32 MRSA §2205-A, as amended by PL 2005, c. 473, §1, is further 
amended to read: 
§2205-A.  Licensure of persons licensed by another jurisdiction 
The board or advanced board may issue a license to practice professional nursing or 
advanced practice registered nursing as a registered professional nurse or advanced 
practice registered nurse under the following circumstances. 
1.  Applicants licensed by other states, United States territories and Canadian 
provinces.  The board or advanced board may issue a license without examination of the 
applicant by the board or advanced board to an applicant licensed to practice by a state or 
territory of the United States or a province of Canada if the applicant:  
A.  Has graduated from an educational program approved by the official approving 
authority of a state or territory of the United States or a province of Canada, which at 
the time of graduation had standards considered by the board or advanced board to be 
equivalent to those of Maine schools; 
B.  Has been duly licensed by examination by the nursing board of a state or territory 
of the United States or a province of Canada, provided that as long as the 
examination is considered by the board or advanced board to be equivalent in all 
essentials to Maine's examination and provided that as long as the license of the 
applicant is in good standing and that there is no cause for suspension or revocation 
of that license.  Acceptable examinations include examinations approved pursuant to 
section 2204-A, the State Board Examination, State Board Test Pool Examination, 
the National Council Licensure Examination and, for a person licensed prior to 
December 31, 2006, the Canadian Nurses' Association Testing Service Examination; 
and 
C.  If licensed in the other jurisdiction by passing an examination in a language other 
than English, has passed the Test of English as a Foreign Language.  The board or 
advanced board shall provide information regarding the test to applicants who are 
required to take that test. 
2.  Applicants licensed by other jurisdictions.  The board or advanced board may 
issue a license to an applicant licensed to practice by a jurisdiction other than those listed 
in subsection 1, if the applicant:  
A.  Has graduated from an educational program approved by the official approving 
authority of a jurisdiction other than those listed in subsection 1, which at the time of 
graduation had standards considered by the board or advanced board to be equivalent 
to those of Maine schools; 
B.  Has been duly licensed by examination by the nursing board of a jurisdiction 
other than those listed in subsection 1, provided that as long as the examination is 
considered by the board or advanced board to be equivalent in all essentials to 
Maine's examination and provided that as long as the license of the applicant is in 
good standing and that there is no cause for suspension or revocation of that license; 
C.  Has passed the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses; and 
D.  If licensed in the other jurisdiction by passing an examination in a language other 
than English, has either passed the Test of English as a Foreign Language or fulfilled 
the requirements of paragraph C by passing a test given in English. 
Sec. 26.  32 MRSA §2205-B, first ¶, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 379, §8 and 
affected by §11, is amended to read: 
The advanced board may grant approval to practice as an advanced practice 
registered nurse to a person who qualifies pursuant to section 2201-A. 
Sec. 27.  32 MRSA §2205-B, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 379, §8 and 
affected by §11, is amended to read: 
1.  Temporary approval to practice.  Temporary approval to practice as an 
advanced practice registered nurse may be granted by the advanced board: 
A.  For a period of 90 days to an applicant who is currently approved to practice as an 
advanced practice registered nurse in another jurisdiction with requirements at least 
equivalent to those of this State; or 
B.  For a period of 12 months to an applicant who meets the requirements of section 
2201-A, subsections 1 and 2 and who qualifies to take and takes the next available 
certification examination under section 2204-A. 
Sec. 28.  32 MRSA §2205-B, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 379, §8 and 
affected by §11, is amended to read: 
2.  Termination.  The advanced board may terminate a person's advanced practice 
registered nurse designation when the person no longer holds a current certification 
credential. 
Sec. 29.  32 MRSA §2206, as amended by PL 1993, c. 600, Pt. A §129, is further 
amended to read: 
§2206.  Renewals 
The license of every registered nurse and advanced practice registered nurse licensed 
under this chapter is renewable every 2 years, except as otherwise provided. At least 30 
days before the date that the license expires, the board or advanced board shall mail an 
application for renewal of license to each professional nurse who holds a valid license.  
The application must be mailed to the most recent address of that individual as it appears 
on the records of the board or advanced board.  That individual shall complete the 
renewal application and return it to the board or advanced board with the renewal fee 
designated by the board or advanced board, but not to exceed $100, before the expiration 
date of the license.  Upon receipt of the application and fee, the board or advanced board 
shall verify the accuracy of the application and issue to the applicant a renewal of license 
for a period of 2 years, expiring on the anniversary of the applicant's birth. 
A registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse who fails to renew the 
license as provided may be reinstated by the board or advanced board on satisfactory 
explanation for failure to renew the license and on payment of a reinstatement fee of $10 
in addition to the current renewal fee. 
An individual practicing professional or advanced practice registered nursing during 
the time the individual's license has lapsed is considered an illegal practitioner and is 
subject to the penalties provided for violations of this chapter. 
An individual who is not engaged in professional or advanced practice registered 
nursing in the State is not required to pay a renewal fee for as long as the individual does 
not practice but shall notify the board or advanced board of inactive status in writing.  
Prior to resumption of the practice of professional or advanced practice registered 
nursing, that individual is required to notify the board or advanced practice board and 
remit a renewal fee for the current period. 
Sec. 30.  32 MRSA §2207-A is enacted to read: 
§2207-A.  Advanced practice registered nurse; fees 
Every applicant applying for a license to practice as an advanced practice registered 
nurse shall pay a fee to the advanced board as follows: 
1.  Examination.  For examination under section 2204-A, a fee not to exceed $130 
payable on application; 
2.  Reexamination.  For reexamination, a fee determined by the advanced board not 
to exceed $130; and 
3.  Endorsement.  For endorsement, a fee not to exceed $130 payable on application. 
Sec. 31.  Maine Revised Statutes headnote amended; revision clause.  In 
the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, chapter 31, subchapter 2, in the subchapter 
headnote, the words "state board of nursing" are amended to read "state board of nursing 
and state advanced practice registered nursing board" and the Revisor of Statutes shall 
implement this revision when updating, publishing or republishing the statutes. 
SUMMARY 
This bill establishes the State Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Board that is 
independent of the State Board of Nursing and provides separate oversight and regulation 
of advanced practice registered nurses.