1. (a) The registered professional nurse who seeks authorization to practice as an advanced practice nurse must:

   1. (1) hold a current, valid license as a registered nurse in the State of Texas;
   2. (2) submit to the board such evidence as required by the board to insure compliance with §221.3 of this title (relating to Education);
   3. (3) attest, on forms provided by the board, to having the minimum of 400 hours of current practice within the preceding biennium unless the applicant has graduated from an advanced practice program within the preceding biennium;
   4. (4) attest, on forms provided by the board, to having obtained 20 contact hours of continuing education in the advanced specialty area and role recognized by the board every two years. Continuing education in the advanced practice specialty and role must meet requirements of Chapter 216, relating to Continuing Education. The 20 contact hours required for RN licensure may be met by the 20 hours required by this subsection; (This section is effective January 1, 1996.) and
   5. (5) submit the required credentialing fee, which is not refundable.
2. (b) The registered professional nurse who seeks authorization to practice as an advanced practice nurse who graduated from an advanced practice program on January 1, 1996, and thereafter, must also submit to the board such evidence as required by the board to insure the applicant holds current certification as an advanced practice nurse in an advanced nursing specialty and role recognized by the board. Such certification must be granted by a national certification body recognized by the board. If an appropriate certification examination is not available for the specific specialty and role or a related area of specialty practice within the role, the applicant may petition the board for waiver from the certification requirement according to §221.5(2) of this title (relating to Petitions for Waiver). New graduates refer to §221.7 of this title (relating to New Graduates).
3. (c) Registered professional nurses who wish to be approved by the board for more than one title shall complete additional education in the desired area(s) of approval in compliance with §221.3 of this title (relating to Education) or obtain certification in the additional area(s) by a national organization, whose certification examination has been recognized by the board. To apply for approval for more than one title, the registered professional nurse shall submit a separate application and fee for each desired title of approval.
4. (d) After review by the board, notification of acceptability of credentials and a certificate verifying approval shall be sent to the advanced practice nurse.
5. (e) Only those registered professional nurses whose credentials have been approved by the board may hold themselves out to be advanced practice nurses and/or use titles to imply that they are advanced practice nurses.

Source Note:The provisions of this §221.4 adopted to be effective April 20, 2000, 25 TexReg 3251.