5403.1 An applicant for a license who completed an educational program in a foreign country, which program was not approved in accordance with § 5402.1, shall furnish proof satisfactory to the Board of the following:

(a) That the applicant's education and training are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this chapter and the Act;

(b) That the applicant successfully completed a credentials evaluation by an organization approved or recognized by the Board; and

(c) That the applicant has spoken and written competency in English by documenting one of the following:

(1) Graduation from a nursing program in a country where English is the native language and English was the only language of instruction through the applicant's inclusive dates of attendance;

(2) Successful passage of an English proficiency examination approved by the Board that includes the components of reading, speaking, writing, and listening; or

(3) Evidence that the applicant has completed a total of twelve (12) months of full-time employment in the United States during the two (2) years immediately preceding the date of application.

5403.2 An applicant under this section who has practiced nursing in any country other than the United States shall provide information related to their licensure status in the other country.

5403.3 Notwithstanding any other provisions in this chapter, the Board may conduct a current competency review of an applicant under this section who, during the twelve (12) months before the application, has not engaged in the practice of registered nursing either in any country including the United States. The Board may deny licensure to an applicant who cannot establish their current competency to practice registered nursing in a safe and effective manner.

5403.4 If a document required by this chapter is in a language other than English, an applicant shall arrange for its translation into English by a translation service acceptable to the Board and shall submit the translation signed by the translator attesting to its accuracy.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 35 DCR 622, 623 (January 24, 1988); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 8613 (September 3, 2004); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 69 DCR 010990 (September 2, 2022).