reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.25 - Custody and use of funds.

§ 90-171.25. Custody and use of funds.
The executive director shall deposit in financial institutions designated by the Board as official depositories all fees payable to the Board. The funds shall be deposited in the name of the Board and shall be used to pay all expenses incurred by the Board in carrying out the purposes of this Article. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1993, c. 198, s. 2; c. 257, s. 4; 1995, c. 509, s. 41.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.26 - The Board may accept contributions, etc.

§ 90-171.26. The Board may accept contributions, etc.
The Board may accept grants, contributions, devises, and gifts which shall be kept in a separate fund and shall be used by it to enhance the practice of nursing. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 2011-284, s. 63.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.27 - Expenses payable from fees collected by Board.

§ 90-171.27. Expenses payable from fees collected by Board.
(a) All salaries, compensation, and expenses incurred or allowed for the purposes of carrying out this Article shall be paid by the Board exclusively out of the fees received by the Board as authorized by this Article, or funds received from other sources. In no case shall any salary, expense, or other obligation of the Board be charged against the treasury of the State of North Carolina. All moneys and receipts shall be kept in a special fund by and for the use of the Board for the exclusive purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Article.
(b) (See editor's note for initial fee) The schedule of fees shall not exceed the following rates:
Application for examination leading to certificate and license as registered nurse $75.00
Application for certificate and license as registered nurse by endorsement 150.00
Application for each re-examination leading to certificate and license as registered nurse 75.00
Renewal of license to practice as registered nurse (two-year period) 100.00
Reinstatement of lapsed license to practice as a registered nurse and renewal fee 180.00
Application for examination leading to certificate and license as licensed practical nurse by examination 75.00
Application for certificate and license as licensed practical nurse by endorsement 150.00
Application for each re-examination leading to certificate and license as licensed practical nurse 75.00
Renewal of license to practice as a licensed practical nurse (two-year period) 100.00
Reinstatement of lapsed license to practice as a licensed practical nurse and renewal fee 180.00
(See editor's note for initial fee) Application fee for retired registered nurse status or retired licensed practical nurse status ………………………………………50.00
Reinstatement of retired registered nurse to practice as a registered nurse or a retired licensed practical nurse to practice as a licensed practical nurse (two-year period) 100.00
Reasonable charge for duplication services and materials.
A fee for an item listed in this schedule shall not increase from one year to the next by more than twenty percent (20%).
(c) No refund of fees will be made.
(d) The Board may assess costs of disciplinary action against a nurse found in violation of the North Carolina Nursing Practice Act. (1947, c. 1091, s. 1; 1953, c. 750; c. 1199, ss. 1, 4; 1955, c. 1266, ss. 2, 3; 1961, c. 431, s. 2; 1965, c. 578, s. 1; 1971, c. 534; 1981, c. 360, s. 1; c. 661; 1987, c. 651, s. 1; 1997-384, s. 1; 2003-29, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.28 - Nurses registered under previous law.

§ 90-171.28. Nurses registered under previous law.
On June 30, 1981, any nurse who holds a license to practice nursing as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, issued by a competent authority pursuant to laws providing for the licensure of nurses in North Carolina, shall be deemed to be licensed under the provisions of this Article, but such person shall otherwise comply with the provisions of this Article including those provisions governing licensure renewal. (1953, c. 1199, s. 1; 1965, c. 578, s. 1; 1981, c. 360, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.29 - Qualifications of applicants for examination.

§ 90-171.29. Qualifications of applicants for examination.
In order to be eligible for licensure by examination, the applicant shall make a written application to the Board on forms furnished by the Board and shall submit to the Board an application fee and written evidence, verified by oath, sufficient to satisfy the Board that the applicant has graduated from a course of study approved by the Board and is mentally and physically competent to practice nursing. (1947, c. 1091, s. 1; 1953, c. 750; c. 1199, ss. 1, 4; 1955, c. 1266, s. 2; 1961, c. 431, s. 2; 1965, c. 578, s. 1; 1973, c. 93, s. 4; 1981, c. 360, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.30 - Licensure by examination.

§ 90-171.30. Licensure by examination.
At least twice each year the Board shall give an examination, at the time and place it determines, to applicants for licensure to practice as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. The Board shall adopt rules, not inconsistent with this Article, governing qualifications of applicants, the conduct of applicants during the examination, and the conduct of the examination. The applicants shall be required to pass the examination required by the Board. The Board shall adopt rules which identify the criteria which must be met by an applicant in order to be issued a license. When the Board determines that an applicant has met those criteria, passed the required examination, submitted the required fee, and has demonstrated to the Board's satisfaction that he or she is mentally and physically competent to practice nursing, the Board shall issue a license to the applicant. (1947, c. 1091, s. 1; 1953, c. 1199, s. 1; 1965, c. 578, s. 1; 1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1991, c. 643, s. 2; 1993, c. 198, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.31 - Reexamination.

§ 90-171.31. Reexamination.
Any applicant who fails to pass the first licensure examination may take subsequent examinations in accordance with the rules of the Board. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1993, c. 198, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.32 - Qualifications for license as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse without examination.

§ 90-171.32. Qualifications for license as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse without examination.
The Board may, without examination, issue a license to an applicant who is duly licensed as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse under the laws of another state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or foreign country when that jurisdiction's requirements for licensure as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse, as the case may be, are substantially equivalent to or exceed those of the State of North Carolina at the time the applicant was initially licensed, and when, in the Board's opinion, the applicant is competent to practice nursing in this State. The Board may require such applicant to prove competence and qualifications to practice as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse in North Carolina. (1947, c. 1091, s. 1; 1953, c. 1199, s. 1; 1961, c. 431, s. 2; 1965, c. 578, s. 1; 1981, c. 360, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.33 - Temporary license.

§ 90-171.33. Temporary license.
(a), (b) Repealed by Session Laws 2019-180, s. 6, effective October 1, 2019, and applicable to licenses granted or renewed on or after that date and actions taken by the Board of Nursing on or after that date.
(c) The Board may issue a nonrenewable temporary license to persons applying for licensure under G.S. 90-171.32 for a period not to exceed the lesser of six months or until the Board determines whether the applicant is qualified to practice nursing in North Carolina. Temporary licensees may perform patient-care services within limits defined by the Board. In defining these limits, the Board shall consider the ability of the temporary licensee to safely and properly carry out patient-care services. Temporary licensees shall be held to the standard of care of a fully licensed nurse. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1991, c. 643, s. 3; 1993, c. 198, s. 5; 2019-180, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.34 - Licensure renewal.

§ 90-171.34. Licensure renewal.
Every unencumbered license, except temporary license, issued under this Article shall be renewed for two years. On or before the date the current license expires, every person who desires to continue to practice nursing shall apply for licensure renewal to the Board on forms furnished by the Board and shall also file the required fee. Failure to renew the license before the expiration date shall result in automatic forfeiture of the right to practice nursing in North Carolina until such time that the license has been reinstated. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1993, c. 198, s. 6; 2009-133, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.35 - Reinstatement.

§ 90-171.35. Reinstatement.
A licensee who has allowed license to lapse by failure to renew as herein provided may apply for reinstatement on a form provided by the Board. The Board shall require the applicant to return the completed application with the required fee and to furnish a statement of the reason for failure to apply for renewal prior to the deadline. If the license has lapsed for at least five years, the Board shall require the applicant to complete satisfactorily a refresher course approved by the Board, or provide proof of active licensure within the past five years in another jurisdiction. The Board may require any applicant for reinstatement to satisfy the Board that the license should be reinstated. If, in the opinion of the Board, the applicant has so satisfied the Board, it shall issue a renewal of license to practice nursing, or it shall issue a license to practice nursing for a limited time. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1993, c. 198, s. 7.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.36 - Inactive list.

§ 90-171.36. Inactive list.
(a) When a licensee submits a request for inactive status, the Board shall issue to the licensee a statement of inactive status and shall place the licensee's name on the inactive list. While on the inactive list, the person shall not be subjected to renewal requirements and shall not practice nursing in North Carolina.
(b) When such person desires to be removed from the inactive list and returned to the active list within five years of being placed on inactive status, an application shall be submitted to the Board on a form furnished by the Board and the fee shall be paid for license renewal. The Board shall require evidence of competency to resume the practice of nursing before returning the applicant to active status. If the person has been on the inactive list for more than five years, the applicant must satisfactorily complete a refresher course approved by the Board or provide proof of active licensure within the past five years in another jurisdiction. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1993, c. 198, s. 8.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.36A - Retired nurse status; reinstatement.

§ 90-171.36A. Retired nurse status; reinstatement.
(a) After a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse has retired, upon payment of the one-time fee required by G.S. 90-171.27(b), the Board may issue a special license to a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse in recognition of the nurse's retired status.
(b) If a retired registered nurse or licensed practical nurse wishes to return to the practice of nursing, the retired nurse shall apply for reinstatement on a form provided by the Board and satisfy any requirements the Board deems necessary to reinstate the license. (2003-29, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.37A - Use of hearing committee and depositions.

§ 90-171.37A. Use of hearing committee and depositions.
(a) The Board, in its discretion, may designate in writing three or more of its members to conduct hearings as a hearing committee to receive evidence. A majority of the hearing committee shall be licensed nurses.
(b) Evidence and testimony may be presented at hearings before the Board or a hearing committee in the form of depositions before any person authorized to administer oaths in accordance with the procedure for the taking of depositions in civil actions in the superior court. At the discretion of the Board, witness testimony may be received by telephone or videoconferencing at a hearing.
(c) The hearing committee shall submit a recommended decision that contains findings of fact and conclusions of law to the Board. Before the Board makes a final decision, it shall give each party an opportunity to file written exceptions to the recommended decision made by the hearing committee and to present oral arguments to the Board. A majority of the qualified members present and voting of the full Board shall issue a final decision. (2007-148, s. 2; 2019-180, s. 8.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.37B - Appeal from Board's disciplinary action of licensee.

§ 90-171.37B. Appeal from Board's disciplinary action of licensee.
(a) A licensee may appeal a public disciplinary action made by the Board under G.S. 90-171.37(a). A licensee may appeal any public disciplinary action made by the Board to the superior court located in the county where the licensee resides or where the Board is located by filing written notice of appeal within 30 days after receipt of the Board's decision. A licensee must state all exceptions to the Board's decision in the licensee's written notice of appeal and properly identify the general court of justice where the licensee intends the appeal to be heard.
(b) Within 30 days of receiving a licensee's written notice of appeal, the Board shall prepare, certify, and file the record, charges, notice of hearing, transcript of testimony, documents, and written evidence produced at the hearing, the Board's decision, and a licensee's notice of appeal with the clerk of superior court in the county where the licensee appealed the Board's decision. (2019-180, s. 9.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.37D - Service of notices.

§ 90-171.37D. Service of notices.
(a) Any notice required by this Article may be served either personally by an employee of the Board or by an officer authorized by law to serve process, or by registered or certified mail, return requested, directed to the licensee or applicant at his or her last known address as shown by the records of the Board. If notice is served personally, it shall be deemed to have been served at the time when the officer or employee of the Board delivers the notice to the person addressed or delivers the notice at the licensee's or applicant's last known address as shown by records of the Board with a person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein. Where notice is served in a manner authorized by Rule 4(j) of the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, it shall be deemed to have been served on the date borne by the return receipt showing delivery of the notice to the licensee's or applicant's last known address as shown by the records of the Board, regardless of whether the notice was actually received or whether the notice was unclaimed or undeliverable for any reason.
(b) Reserved. (2019-180, s. 9.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.38 - Standards for nursing programs.

§ 90-171.38. Standards for nursing programs.
(a) A nursing program may be operated under the authority of a general hospital, or an approved post-secondary educational institution. The Board shall establish, revise, or repeal standards for nursing programs. These standards shall specify program requirements, curricula, faculty, students, facilities, resources, administration, and describe the approval process. Any institution desiring to establish a nursing program shall apply to the Board and submit satisfactory evidence that it will meet the standards established by the Board. Those standards shall be designed to ensure that graduates of those programs have the education necessary to safely and competently practice nursing.
(b) Any individual, organization, association, corporation, or institution may establish a program for the purpose of training or educating any registered nurse licensed under G.S. 90-171.30, 90-171.32, or 90-171.33 in the skills, procedures, and techniques necessary to conduct examinations for the purpose of collecting evidence from the victims of first-degree forcible rape as defined in G.S. 14-27.21, second-degree forcible rape as defined in G.S. 14-27.22, statutory rape of a child by an adult as defined in G.S. 14-27.23, first-degree statutory rape as defined in G.S. 14-27.24, statutory rape of a person who is 15 years of age or younger as defined in G.S. 14-27.25, first-degree forcible sexual offense as defined in G.S. 14-27.26, second-degree forcible sexual offense as defined in G.S. 14-27.27, statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult as defined in G.S. 14-27.28, first-degree statutory sexual offense as defined in G.S. 14-27.29, statutory sexual offense with a person who is 15 years of age or younger as defined in G.S. 14-27.30, attempted first-degree or second-degree forcible rape, attempted first-degree statutory rape, attempted first-degree or second-degree forcible sexual offense, or attempted first-degree statutory sexual offense. The Board, pursuant to G.S. 90-171.23(b)(14), shall establish, revise, or repeal standards for any such program. Any individual, organization, association, corporation, or institution which desires to establish a program under this subsection shall apply to the Board and submit satisfactory evidence that it will meet the standards prescribed by the Board. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1987, c. 827, s. 1; 1991, c. 643, s. 5; 1997-375, s. 1; 2003-146, s. 4; 2009-133, s. 5; 2015-181, s. 37.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.39 - Approval.

§ 90-171.39. Approval.
The Board shall designate persons to survey proposed nursing programs. The persons designated by the Board shall submit a written report of the survey to the Board. If in the opinion of the Board the standards for approved nursing education are met, the program shall be given approval. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 2019-180, s. 10.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.40 - Ongoing approval.

§ 90-171.40. Ongoing approval.
The Board shall review all nursing programs in the State at least every 10 years or more often as considered necessary. If the Board determines that any approved nursing program does not meet or maintain the standards required by the Board, the Board shall give written notice specifying the deficiencies to the institution responsible for the program. The Board shall evaluate and take appropriate action, including withdrawing approval, for a program that fails to correct deficiencies within a reasonable time. The Board shall publish a list of nursing programs in this State showing their approval status. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 2003-146, s. 5; 2019-180, s. 11.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.41 - Baccalaureate in nursing candidate credits.

§ 90-171.41. Baccalaureate in nursing candidate credits.
Every graduate of a diploma or associate degree school of nursing in this State who has passed the registered nurse examination shall, upon admission to any State-supported institution of higher learning offering baccalaureate education in nursing, be granted credit for previous experience in the diploma or associate degree school of nursing on an individual basis by the utilization of the most effective method of evaluation to the end that the applicant shall receive optimum credit and that upon graduation the applicant will have earned the baccalaureate degree in nursing. (1969, c. 547, s. 1; 1981, c. 360, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.42 - Continuing education programs.

§ 90-171.42. Continuing education programs.
(a) Upon request, the Board shall grant approval to continuing education programs upon a finding that the program offers an educational experience designed to enhance the practice of nursing.
(b) If the program offers to teach nurses to perform advance skills, the Board may grant approval for the program and the performance of the advanced skills by those successfully completing the program when it finds that the nature of the procedures taught in the program and the program facilities and faculty are such that a nurse successfully completing the program can reasonably be expected to carry out those procedures safely and competently. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1991, c. 643, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.43 - License required; rules.

§ 90-171.43. License required; rules.
(a) No person shall practice or offer to practice as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, or use the word "nurse" as a title for herself or himself, or use an abbreviation to indicate that the person is a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, unless the person is currently licensed as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse as provided by this Article. If the word "nurse" is part of a longer title, such as "nurse's aide", a person who is entitled to use that title shall use the entire title and may not abbreviate the title to "nurse". This Article shall not, however, be construed to prohibit or limit the following:
(1) The performance by any person of any act for which that person holds a license issued pursuant to North Carolina law;
(2) The clinical practice by students enrolled in approved nursing programs, continuing education programs, or refresher courses under the supervision of qualified faculty;
(3) The performance of nursing performed by persons who hold a temporary license issued pursuant to G.S. 90-171.33;
(4) The delegation to any person, including a member of the patient's family, by a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina, a licensed dentist or registered nurse of those patient-care services which are routine, repetitive, limited in scope that do not require the professional judgment of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse; [or]
(5) Assistance by any person in the case of emergency.
Any person permitted to practice nursing without a license as provided in subdivision [(a)](2) or [(a)](3) of this section shall be held to the same standard of care as any licensed nurse.
(b) The Board shall have the authority to promulgate rules to enforce the provisions of this section. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1993, c. 198, s. 9; 1999-320, s. 2; 2019-180, s. 12.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.43A - Mandatory employer verification of licensure status.

§ 90-171.43A. Mandatory employer verification of licensure status.
(a) Before hiring a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse in North Carolina, a health care facility shall verify that the applicant has a current, valid license to practice nursing pursuant to G.S. 90-171.43.
(b) For purposes of this section, "health care facility" means:
(1) Facilities described in G.S. 131E-256(b).
(2) Public health departments, physicians' offices, ambulatory care facilities, and rural health clinics. (2003-146, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.44 - Prohibited acts.

§ 90-171.44. Prohibited acts.
It shall be a violation of this Article, and subject to action under G.S. 90-171.37, for any person to:
(1) Sell, fraudulently obtain, or fraudulently furnish any nursing diploma or aid or abet therein.
(2) Practice nursing under cover of any fraudulently obtained license.
(3) Practice nursing without a license. This subdivision shall not be construed to prohibit any licensed registered nurse who has successfully completed a program established under G.S. 90-171.38(b) from conducting medical examinations or performing procedures to collect evidence from the victims of offenses described in that subsection.
(4) Conduct a nursing program or a refresher course for activation of a license, that is not approved by the Board.
(5) Employ unlicensed persons to practice nursing. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1991, c. 643, s. 7; 1993, c. 198, s. 10; 1997-375, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.45 - Violation of Article.

§ 90-171.45. Violation of Article.
The violation of any provision of this Article, except G.S. 90-171.47, shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 632; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.46 - Injunctive authority.

§ 90-171.46. Injunctive authority.
The Board may apply to the superior court for an injunction to prevent violations of this Article or of any rules enacted pursuant thereto. The court is empowered to grant such injunctions regardless of whether criminal prosecution or other action has been or may be instituted as a result of such violation. (1981, c. 360, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.47 - Reportsimmunity from suit.

§ 90-171.47. Reports: immunity from suit.
Any person who has reasonable cause to suspect misconduct or incapacity of a licensee or who has reasonable cause to suspect that any person is in violation of this Article, including those actions specified in G.S. 90-171.37, G.S. 90-171.43, and G.S. 90-171.44, shall report the relevant facts to the Board. Upon receipt of such charge or upon its own initiative, the Board may give notice of an administrative hearing or may, after diligent investigation, dismiss unfounded charges. Any person making a report pursuant to this section shall be immune from any criminal prosecution or civil liability resulting therefrom unless such person knew the report was false or acted in reckless disregard of whether the report was false. (1981, c. 360, s. 1; 1991, c. 643, s. 8; 1993, c. 198, s. 11; 2019-180, s. 14.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9A - Nursing Practice Act. › § 90-171.49 - Disasters and emergencies.

§ 90-171.49. Disasters and emergencies.
If the Governor declares a state of emergency or a county or municipality enacts ordinances under G.S. 153A-121, 160A-174, 166A-19.31, or Article 22 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes, the Board may waive the requirements of this Article to allow emergency health services to the public. (2019-180, s. 13.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9B - Information and Financial Assistance for Nursing Students and Inactive Nurses. › § 90-171.50 - Existing scholarship and loan information to be consolidated and published.

§ 90-171.50. Existing scholarship and loan information to be consolidated and published.
The State Education Assistance Authority of the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina shall consolidate information on existing scholarships and loan programs available for nursing education. The information shall be published in a brochure and made available to high schools, colleges, Area Health Education Centers, and other facilities. (1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1049, s. 1(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9B - Information and Financial Assistance for Nursing Students and Inactive Nurses. › § 90-171.51 - Emergency Financial Assistance Fund.

§ 90-171.51. Emergency Financial Assistance Fund.
There is established an Emergency Financial Assistance Fund for students in State educational nursing and licensed practical nursing programs, to be administered by each campus. Emergency need is defined as acute financial need caused by a particular event which immediately and severely impacts a particular student's ability to continue his or her educational program in nursing on that student's current schedule. Allowable expenses, for emergency assistance, shall include funds for child care, transportation, housing, and medical care; and shall not be considered as an ongoing source of income for those expenses. Emergency assistance shall be limited to four hundred dollars ($400.00) per academic year for any individual. The local Board of Trustees at each campus shall review quarterly the expenditures under this Fund, and the Department of Community Colleges and the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina shall assess the Fund's impact on completion rates in these programs, and report their assessment to the General Assembly. (1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1049, s. 2(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9B - Information and Financial Assistance for Nursing Students and Inactive Nurses. › § 90-171.52 - Nursing licensing exam follow-up assistance.

§ 90-171.52. Nursing licensing exam follow-up assistance.
The Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina shall direct the constituent institutions and the State Board of Community Colleges shall direct the Community Colleges to provide follow-up assistance for their students who fail the nursing licensing exam for the first time. This follow-up assistance shall include consultation with the Board of Nursing on areas needing improvement and shall include providing additional appropriate preparation assistance before the next exam date. (1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1049, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9B - Information and Financial Assistance for Nursing Students and Inactive Nurses. › § 90-171.53 - Area Health Education Centers publicity programs.

§ 90-171.53. Area Health Education Centers publicity programs.
The Area Health Education Centers of The University of North Carolina and the Board of Nursing shall cooperate in developing publicity on:
(1) New salary levels and job opportunities in nursing;
(2) The availability of refresher courses; and
(3) License renewal requirements for registered nurses whose licenses are not currently active.
This information shall be provided to nurses without a current license in an effort to attract them back into nursing practice. (1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1049, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9C - Nurses Aides Registry Act. › § 90-171.56 - Medication aide requirements.

§ 90-171.56. Medication aide requirements.
The Board of Nursing shall do the following:
(1) Establish standards for faculty and applicant requirements for medication aide training.
(2) Provide ongoing review and evaluation, and recommend changes, for faculty and medication aide training requirements to support safe medication administration and improve client, resident, and patient outcomes. (2005-276, s. 10.40C(b); 2007-148, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9F - North Carolina Center for Nursing. › § 90-171.70 - North Carolina Center for Nursing; establishment; goals.

§ 90-171.70. North Carolina Center for Nursing; establishment; goals.
There is established the North Carolina Center for Nursing to address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse manpower resources. The General Assembly finds that the Center will repay the State's investment by providing an ongoing strategy for the allocation of the State's resources directed towards nursing. The primary goals for the Center shall be:
(1) To develop a strategic statewide plan for nursing manpower in North Carolina by:
a. Establishing and maintaining a database on nursing supply and demand in North Carolina, to include (i) current supply and demand, and (ii) future projections; and
b. Selecting priorities from the plan to be addressed.
(2) To convene various groups representative of nurses, other health care providers, business and industry, consumers, legislators, and educators to:
a. Review and comment on data analysis prepared for the Center;
b. Recommend systemic changes, including strategies for implementation of recommended changes; and
c. To evaluate and report the results of these efforts to the General Assembly and others.
(3) To enhance and promote recognition, reward, and renewal activities for nurses in North Carolina by:
a. Promoting continuation of Institutes for Nursing Excellence programs as piloted by the Area Health Education Centers in 1989-90 or similar options;
b. Proposing and creating additional reward, recognition, and renewal activities for nurses; and
c. Promoting media and positive image-building efforts for nursing. (1991, c. 550, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9F - North Carolina Center for Nursing. › § 90-171.72 - North Carolina Center for Nursing; State support.

§ 90-171.72. North Carolina Center for Nursing; State support.
The General Assembly finds that it is imperative that the State protect its investment and progress made in its nursing efforts to date. The General Assembly further finds that the North Carolina Center for Nursing is the appropriate means to do so. The Center shall have State budget support for its operations so that it may have adequate resources for the tasks the General Assembly has set out in this Article. (1991, c. 550, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9G - Nurse Licensure Compact. › § 90-171.95 - Findings and declaration of purpose.

§ 90-171.95. Findings and declaration of purpose.
(a) The party states make the following findings:
(1) The health and safety of the public are affected by the degree of compliance with and the effectiveness of enforcement activities related to state nurse licensure laws.
(2) Violations of nurse licensure and other laws regulating the practice of nursing may result in injury or harm to the public.
(3) The expanded mobility of nurses and the use of advanced communication technologies as part of our nation's health care delivery system require greater coordination and cooperation among states in the areas of nurse licensure and regulation.
(4) New practice modalities and technology make compliance with individual state nurse licensure laws difficult and complex.
(5) The current system of duplicative licensure for nurses practicing in multiple states is cumbersome and redundant for both nurses and states.
(6) Uniformity of nurse licensure requirements throughout the states promotes public safety and public health benefits.
(b) The general purposes of this Compact are as follows:
(1) Facilitate the states' responsibility to protect the public's health and safety.
(2) Ensure and encourage the cooperation of party states in the areas of nurse licensure and regulation.
(3) Facilitate the exchange of information between party states in the areas of nurse regulation, investigation, and adverse actions.
(4) Promote compliance with the laws governing the practice of nursing in each jurisdiction.
(5) Invest all party states with the authority to hold a nurse accountable for meeting all state practice laws in the state in which the patient is located at the time care is rendered through the mutual recognition of party state licenses.
(6) Decrease redundancies in the consideration and issuance of nurse licenses.
(7) Provide opportunities for interstate practice by nurses who meet uniform licensure requirements. (2017-140, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9G - Nurse Licensure Compact. › § 90-171.95C - Applications for licensure in a party state.

§ 90-171.95C. Applications for licensure in a party state.
(a) Upon application for a multistate license, the licensing board in the issuing party state shall ascertain, through the coordinated licensure information system, whether the applicant has ever held, or is the holder of, a license issued by any other state, whether there are any encumbrances on any license or multistate licensure privilege held by the applicant, whether any adverse action has been taken against any license or multistate licensure privilege held by the applicant, and whether the applicant is currently participating in an alternative program.
(b) A nurse may hold a multistate license, issued by the home state, in only one party state at a time.
(c) If a nurse changes primary state of residence by moving between two party states, the nurse must apply for licensure in the new home state, and the multistate license issued by the prior home state will be deactivated in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the Commission. The following apply to nurses changing primary state of residence by moving between two party states:
(1) The nurse may apply for licensure in advance of a change in primary state of residence.
(2) A multistate license shall not be issued by the new home state until the nurse provides satisfactory evidence of a change in primary state of residence to the new home state and satisfies all applicable requirements to obtain a multistate license from the new home state.
(d) If a nurse changes primary state of residence by moving from a party state to a nonparty state, the multistate license issued by the prior home state will convert to a single-state license, valid only in the former home state. (2017-140, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9G - Nurse Licensure Compact. › § 90-171.95E - Coordinated licensure information system and exchange of information.

§ 90-171.95E. Coordinated licensure information system and exchange of information.
(a) All party states shall participate in a coordinated licensure information system of all licensed registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs). This system will include information on the licensure and disciplinary history of each nurse, as submitted by party states, to assist in the coordination of nurse licensure and enforcement efforts.
(b) The Commission, in consultation with the administrator of the coordinated licensure information system, shall formulate necessary and proper procedures for the identification, collection, and exchange of information under this Compact.
(c) All licensing boards shall promptly report to the coordinated licensure information system any adverse action, any current significant investigative information, denials of applications (with the reasons for such denials), and nurse participation in alternative programs known to the licensing board regardless of whether such participation is deemed nonpublic or confidential under state law.
(d) Current significant investigative information and participation in nonpublic or confidential alternative programs shall be transmitted through the coordinated licensure information system only to party state licensing boards.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all party state licensing boards contributing information to the coordinated licensure information system may designate information that may not be shared with nonparty states or disclosed to other entities or individuals without the express permission of the contributing state.
(f) Any personally identifiable information obtained from the coordinated licensure information system by a party state licensing board shall not be shared with nonparty states or disclosed to other entities or individuals except to the extent permitted by the laws of the party state contributing the information.
(g) Any information contributed to the coordinated licensure information system that is subsequently required to be expunged by the laws of the party state contributing that information shall also be expunged from the coordinated licensure information system.
(h) The Compact administrator of each party state shall furnish a uniform data set to the Compact administrator of each other party state, which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1) Identifying information.
(2) Licensure data.
(3) Information related to alternative program participation.
(4) Other information that may facilitate the administration of this Compact, as determined by Commission rules.
(i) The Compact administrator of a party state shall provide all investigative documents and information requested by another party state. (2017-140, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9G - Nurse Licensure Compact. › § 90-171.95I - Effective date, withdrawal, and amendment.

§ 90-171.95I. Effective date, withdrawal, and amendment.
(a) This Compact shall become effective and binding on the earlier of the date of legislative enactment of this Compact into law by no less than 26 states or December 31, 2018. All party states to this Compact, that also were parties to the prior Nurse Licensure Compact superseded by this Compact ("Prior Compact"), shall be deemed to have withdrawn from said Prior Compact within six months after the effective date of this Compact.
(b) Each party state to this Compact shall continue to recognize a nurse's multistate licensure privilege to practice in that party state issued under the Prior Compact until such party state has withdrawn from the Prior Compact.
(c) Any party state may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute repealing the same. A party state's withdrawal shall not take effect until six months after enactment of the repealing statute.
(d) A party state's withdrawal or termination shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing or terminated state's licensing board to report adverse actions and significant investigations occurring prior to the effective date of such withdrawal or termination.
(e) Nothing contained in this Compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any nurse licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a party state and a nonparty state that is made in accordance with the other provisions of this Compact.
(f) This Compact may be amended by the party states. No amendment to this Compact shall become effective and binding upon the party states unless and until it is enacted into the laws of all party states.
(g) Representatives of nonparty states to this Compact shall be invited to participate in the activities of the Commission, on a nonvoting basis, prior to the adoption of this Compact by all states. (2017-140, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 9G - Nurse Licensure Compact. › § 90-171.95J - Construction and severability.

§ 90-171.95J. Construction and severability.
This Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this Compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States, or if the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this Compact shall be held to be contrary to the constitution of any party state, this Compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining party states and to all severable matters. (2017-140, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 10A - Practice of Midwifery. › § 90-178.3 - Regulation of midwifery.

§ 90-178.3. Regulation of midwifery.
(a) No person shall practice or offer to practice or hold oneself out to practice midwifery unless approved under this Article.
(b) A Certified Nurse Midwife approved under this Article may practice midwifery in a hospital or non-hospital setting. The Certified Nurse Midwife shall consult, collaborate with, or refer to other providers licensed under this Article, if indicated by the health status of the patient. A Certified Nurse Midwife approved under this Article is authorized to write prescriptions for drugs in accordance with G.S. 90-18.8(b).
(b1) A Certified Nurse Midwife with less than 24 months and 4,000 hours of practice as a Certified Nurse Midwife shall (i) have a collaborative provider agreement with a collaborating provider and (ii) maintain signed and dated copies of the collaborative provider agreement as required by practice guidelines and any rules adopted by the joint subcommittee of the North Carolina Medical Board and the Board of Nursing. If a collaborative provider agreement is terminated before the Certified Nurse Midwife acquires the level of experience required for practice without a collaborative provider agreement under this Article, the Certified Nurse Midwife shall have 90 days from the date the agreement is terminated to enter into a collaborative provider agreement with a new collaborating provider. During the 90-day period, the Certified Nurse Midwife may continue to practice midwifery as defined under this Article.
(c) Graduate nurse midwife applicant status may be granted by the joint subcommittee in accordance with G.S. 90-178.4. (1983, c. 897, s. 1; 2000-140, s. 60; 2023-14, s. 4.3(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 90 - Medicine and Allied Occupations › Article 10A - Practice of Midwifery. › § 90-178.5 - Qualifications for approval; independent practice.

§ 90-178.5. Qualifications for approval; independent practice.
(a) In order to be approved by the joint subcommittee under this Article, a person shall comply with each of the following:
(1) Complete an application on a form furnished by the joint subcommittee.
(2) Submit evidence of certification by the American Midwifery Certification Board or its successor.
(3) Submit evidence of a collaborative provider agreement as required by G.S. 90-178.3(b1).
(4) Pay the fee for application and approval.
(b) Upon submitting to the joint subcommittee evidence of completing 24 months and 4,000 hours of practice as a Certified Nurse Midwife pursuant to a collaborative provider agreement, a Certified Nurse Midwife is authorized to practice midwifery independently in accordance with this Article. (1983, c. 897, s. 1; 2023-14, s. 4.3(f).)