(a) The board may issue a license to practice registered nursing to an applicant who meets the following requirements:

1. (1) Is at least 18 years of age;
2. (2) Has completed an approved four-year high school course of study or the equivalent thereof, as determined by the appropriate educational agency;
3. (3) Has completed a nursing education program;
4. (4) Has passed an examination approved by the board;
5. (5) Has paid the application fee specified by rule;
6. (6) Has completed a criminal background check, as required by §30-1D-1 et seq. of this code; and
7. (7) Is not an alcohol or drug abuser, as these terms are defined in §27-1A-11 of this code, unless an applicant in an active recovery process, which may be evidenced by participation in a Nurse Health Program, structured aftercare, or a 12-step program or other similar group or process, may be considered.