A licensee who allows his license to lapse, by failing to renew the license, may be reinstated by the board on payment of a reinstatement fee and the current renewal fee and demonstration of nursing competence as defined in the regulations of the board. The board may deny reinstatement based on evidence of unlawful acts, incompetence, unprofessional conduct, or other misconduct.

A person practicing as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse during the time his license has lapsed is considered an illegal practitioner and is subject to the penalties provided for violation of this chapter.