Applicants for registered nurse or vocational nurse licenses must file a sworn application and show they meet the chapter’s qualification requirements.
Sec. 301.252. LICENSE APPLICATION. (a) Each applicant for a registered nurse license or a vocational nurse license must submit to the board a sworn application that demonstrates the applicant's qualifications under this chapter, accompanied by evidence that the applicant: (1) has good professional character related to the practice of nursing; (2) has successfully completed a program of professional or vocational nursing education approved under Section 301.157(d); and (3) has passed the jurisprudence examination approved by the board as provided by Subsection (a-1). (a-1) The jurisprudence examination shall be conducted on the licensing requirements under this chapter and board rules and other laws, rules, or regulations applicable to the nursing profession in this state. The board shall adopt rules for the jurisprudence examination under Subsection (a)(3) regarding: (1) the development of the examination; (2) applicable fees; (3) administration of the examination; (4) reexamination procedures; (5) grading procedures; and (6) notice of results. (a-2) An applicant who provides satisfactory evidence that the applicant has not committed a violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter is considered to have good professional character related to the practice of nursing. A determination by the board that an applicant does not have good professional character related to the practice of nursing must be based on a showing by the board of a clear and rational connection between a violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter and the applicant's ability to effectively practice nursing. (b) The board may waive the requirement of Subsection (a)(2) for a vocational nurse applicant if the applicant provides satisfactory sworn evidence that the applicant has completed an acceptable level of education in: (1) a professional nursing school approved under Section 301.157(d); or (2) a school of professional nurse education located in another state or a foreign country. (c) The board by rule shall determine acceptable levels of education under Subsection (b). Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 1.015, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 889 (H.B. 2426), Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 509 (H.B. 2950), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2017.