1. (a) The registered professional nurse seeking to maintain authorization as an advanced practice nurse shall, in conjunction with RN license renewal:

   1. (1) provide evidence of current national certification or certification maintenance by the appropriate certifying body recognized by the board, if graduated from an advanced practice nurse program on or after January 1, 1996. A copy of the certification or certification maintenance document shall be presented at the time of the renewal and with each subsequent renewal;
   2. (2) attest, on forms provided by the board, to having a minimum of 400 hours of current practice within the preceding biennium;
   3. (3) attest, on forms provided by the board, to having obtained 20 contact hours of continuing education in the specialty area and role every two years. Continuing education in the advanced practice specialty and role must meet requirements of §217.15 of this chapter (relating to Continuing Education). The 20 contact hours required for RN licensure may be met by the 20 hours required by this subsection; and
   4. (4) submit the required recredentialing fee, which is not refundable.
2. (b) Failure to renew the registered nurse license or to provide the required documentation for maintaining authorization shall result in expiration of the board's approval as an advanced practice nurse.

Source Note:The provisions of this §221.8 adopted to be effective April 20, 2000, 25 TexReg 3251.