1. (a) A registered nurse who has completed an advanced educational program as required by §221.3 of this chapter (relating to Education) and registered for a board approved national certification examination following completion of the program may be issued a provisional authorization to practice as a Graduate Advanced Practice Nurse pending notification of the results of the certification examination. An applicant may be eligible for provisional authorization only one time per authorized role. The applicant must apply for provisional authorization within six months of program completion.
2. (b) The applicant for advanced practice nurse authorization shall pass the certification examination within the first two years of completion of the advanced educational program.
3. (c) If the applicant fails to pass the certification examination on the first attempt, he/she shall be required to practice under the direction of a sponsor. The sponsor and the conditions of sponsorship shall be approved by the board prior to beginning the sponsored practice.

4. (d) Failure to pass the examination after two attempts will render the applicant ineligible to practice in the advanced practice role. In this case, the applicant must return the provisional authorization to practice document to the board's office.

   1. (1) The applicant who has not passed the certification examination after two attempts may continue to test until two years from the date of completion of the advanced educational program.
   2. (2) An applicant who fails to pass the certification examination after two attempts may continue to practice as a registered nurse. He/she may utilize the advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities while under direct supervision of another advanced practice nurse or physician within the specialty area.

5. (e) A candidate who fails to pass the certification examination within two years following completion of an advanced educational program may reapply for authorization to practice as an advanced practice nurse after:

   1. (1) Successfully completing an accredited advanced educational program that meets the requirements as outlined in guidelines prepared by the board and §221.3 of this chapter and
   2. (2) obtaining national certification in the advanced role and specialty.
6. (f) The applicant shall request the respective certifying body to notify the board of the applicant's certification examination results.

Source Note:The provisions of this §221.5 adopted to be effective February 25, 2001, 26 TexReg 1509.