Wyo. Code R. 054-0002-2
General
Chapter 2: Licensure Requirements
Effective Date: 01/31/1992 to 03/28/1996
Rule Type: Superceded Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 054.0002.2.01311992
Section 1. Statement of Purpose. These rules and regulations are adopted to implement the board's authority to regulate the qualifications of the registered professional nurse and licensed practical nurse to practice nursing and to set forth the requirements and procedures for being so qualified.
(i) A candidate from a state board approved nursing education program preparing students for registered professional nurse licensure shall be eligible to write the national nursing licensure examination for registered professional nurses;
(ii) A candidate from a state board approved nursing education program preparing students for practical nurse licensure shall be eligible to write the national nursing licensure examination for practical nurses;
(iii) The Board shall notify the administrative head of the nursing education program of the examination dates, application deadlines and the method for obtaining appropriate applications; notifications shall be ninety (90) days prior to the examination date;
(iv) The board shall notify the nursing education program of the overall performance of the program's candidates on the examination. Individual scores shall not be released to the program without written consent from the candidates.
(i) Be required to fulfill all requirements for licensure by examination, as stated in the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act, W.S. 33-21-127(a);
(ii) Submit the application and fee for the national nursing licensure examination to the national testing service by the designated deadline date;
(iii) Submit the application for licensure by examination to the appropriate nursing education program. The candidate shall request the registrar's office to submit an official transcript and shall request the administrative head of the program to submit directly to the board the completed application. The official transcript shall be on file with the board prior to the date determined by the board, before permission is granted to write the examination; and
(iv) Submit the licensure by examination fee to the board by the deadline date determined by the board.
(a) A candidate shall be required to pass a national nursing licensure examination with a minimum score determined by the board, to be eligible for licensure by examination.
(b) Examinations shall be administered at least twice a year, on dates and at a site determined by the board.
(c) The board shall notify the candidate by mail of the candidate's score on the examination after receipt of the scores from the national testing service.
(d) A candidate who fails the examination and wishes to retake the examination shall submit a request and fee for reexamination to the board for each reexamination.
(e) The board may allow a candidate to sit for the national licensure examination a total of ten (10) times. Eligibility to sit for the examination shall be within the five (5) year period following graduation.
(a) A foreign registered nurse applicant who has received nursing education outside of the United States and has written the English version of a board approved national nursing licensure examination in the United States and passed with a minimum score determined by the board:
(i) Shall be required to fulfill all requirements for licensure by endorsement as stated in the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act W.S. 33-21-127(b);
(ii) May secure a temporary permit to practice nursing upon fulfillment of all requirements as stated in the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act W.S. 33-21-132(a).
(b) A foreign registered nurse applicant who has received nursing education outside of the United States and has not passed a board approved national nursing licensure examination:
(i) Shall be required to fulfill requirements for licensure be examination as stated by the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act, W.S. 33-21-127(a);
(ii) Shall be required to pass the screening examination offered by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools and receive a certificate. The board shall secure verification that a certificate has been issued to the applicant;
(iii) Shall be required to pass a board approved national nursing licensure examination with a minimum score determined by the board; and
(iv) Upon verification of a certificate from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, the board may issue a graduate temporary permit if the applicant meets all other requirements as stated in the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act, W.S. 33-21-132(d):
(A) A graduate temporary permit shall not be issued to a foreign registered nurse applicant who has previously failed a board approved national nursing licensure examination.
(B) A graduate temporary permit shall be surrendered in the event of failure of a board approved national nursing licensure examination.
(C) A foreign registered nurse applicant holding a graduate temporary permit shall practice only under the supervision of a registered professional nurse.
(c) A Canadian registered nurse applicant who has received basic nursing education in Canada:
(i) Shall be required to fulfill requirements for licensure by examination as stated in the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act, W.S. 33-21-127(a), or licensure by endorsement as stated in the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act, W.S. 33-21-127(b).
(ii) May be eligible for licensure by endorsement if the applicant wrote:
(A) The English version of the National League for Nursing State Board Test Pool Examination in Canada between the years 1949 and 1970, received a minimum passing score of 350 in each of the following areas, Medical Nursing, Surgical Nursing, Nursing of Children, Maternity Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing, and meets the qualifications for licensure in this state;
(B) The English version of the Canadian Nurses' Association Testing Service Five-Part Examination between the years of 1970 and 1980, received a minimum passing score of 350 in each of the following areas, Medical Nursing, Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Obstetric Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing, and meets the qualifications for licensure in this state; or
(C) The English version of the Canadian Nurses' Association Testing Service Comprehensive Examination since the year 1980, and received a minimum passing score of 400 and meets the qualifications for licensure in this state.
(iii) May request a temporary permit to practice nursing if eligible for licensure by endorsement, and the applicant meets the requirements as stated in the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act, W.S. 33-21-132(a).
(iv) May request a graduate temporary permit to practice nursing if eligible for licensure by endorsement and the applicant meets the requirements as stated in the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act, W.S. 33-21-132(c):
(A) Verification from the appropriate Canadian jurisdiction that the applicant has graduated from an approved nursing education program and has taken the Canadian Nurses' Association Testing Service national nursing licensure examination shall be required for issuance of a graduate temporary permit.
(v) Shall follow the requirements as stated in Licensure of Foreign Nurses, Section 4(b) of this Chapter if the applicant has not met the above requirements, and has not passed a board approved national nursing licensure examination.
(d) A foreign practical nurse applicant who has received nursing education outside the United States and has not passed a board approved national nursing licensure examination, shall:
(i) Be required to fulfill requirements for licensure by examination as stated in the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act W.S. 33-21-127(a);
(ii) Request the nursing education program to submit to the board an official transcript, accompanied by an English translation, if necessary. Deficiencies identified in the basic practical nursing education program shall be completed in a board approved practical nursing education program before sitting for the national nursing licensure examination;
(iii) Request the appropriate authority(s) in the country of the nursing education program to submit directly to the board verification of government approval status of the nursing education program;
(iv) Be required to pass the national nursing licensure examination offered by the board with a minimum score determined by the board;
(v) Be licensed to practice as a practical nurse, or the equivalent, in the country of the nursing education program;
(vi) Submit evidence of English proficiency as the Board may require, if English is not the first language of the applicant;
(vii) Not be eligible to secure a graduate temporary permit.
(e) A foreign practical nurse applicant who has received nursing education outside of the United States and has written the English version of a board approved national nursing licensure examination in the United States and passed with a minimum score determined by the board, shall;
(i) Be required to fulfill requirements for licensure by endorsement as stated in the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act, W.S. 33-21-127(b);
(ii) Request the nursing education program to submit directly to the board an official transcript accompanied by the English translation, if necessary;
(iii) Request the appropriate authority(s) in the country of the nursing education program to submit directly to the board verification of government approval status of the nursing education program;
(iv) Submit evidence of English proficiency as the board may require, if English is not the first language of the applicant; and (v) Not be eligible to secure a graduate temporary permit.
(a) An applicant shall:
(a) Temporary Permit Pending Licensure. A professional or practical nurse who is currently licensed to practice nursing in another jurisdiction and who meets requirements for licensure by endorsement may obtain a temporary permit while the application is being processed. A temporary permit may be issued for ninety (90) days and is nonrenewable.
(i) To request a temporary permit, the applicant shall submit to the board the application and fee for licensure by endorsement, and a current license in good standing from another jurisdiction.
(b) Temporary Permit Without Licensure. A professional or practical nurse who is currently licensed to practice nursing in another jurisdiction may obtain a temporary permit without applying for licensure by endorsement. A temporary permit may be issued for ninety (90) days and is nonrenewable. A temporary permit without licensure can be issued to an individual only one time.
(i) To request a temporary permit without licensure, the applicant shall submit to the board the application and fee for temporary permit without licensure, and a current license in good standing from another jurisdiction.
(c) Graduate Temporary Permit. The board may issue a temporary permit to a new graduate of a state board approved professional or practical nursing education program pending the receipt of the candidate's score on the first national nursing licensure examination offered after graduation.
(i) To request a graduate temporary permit, the candidate shall:
(A) Submit to the board the application and fee for licensure by examination or the application and fee for graduate temporary permit without licensure.
(B) Request the nursing education program to submit directly to the board the official transcript. A notarized statement from the administrative head of the program indicating the candidate's graduation from the program may be accepted pending receipt of the official transcript.
(ii) A graduate temporary permit may be valid until the time the examination score is received and the permanent license is issued.
(iii) A graduate temporary permit is nonrenewable.
(iv) A graduate temporary permit shall become invalid if the candidate fails to take or pass the first national nursing licensure examination offered after the candidate's graduation, and the graduate temporary permit shall be returned to the board. The candidate shall be ineligible to practice as a graduate nurse or graduate practical nurse.
(v) A graduate of a state board approved professional nursing education program who has been issued a graduate temporary permit, may use the title, 'Graduate Nurse', and the abbreviation, 'G.N.'.
(vi) A graduate of a state approved practical nursing education program who has been issued a graduate temporary permit, may use the title, 'Graduate Practical Nurse', and the abbreviation, 'G.N.P.'.
(vii) A graduate nurse or graduate practical nurse holding a graduate temporary permit shall practice only under the supervision of a registered professional nurse.
(viii) A graduate nurse or graduate practical nurse holding a graduate temporary permit shall be held to the established Standards of Nursing Practice.
(d) Temporary Permit to Graduates of Foreign Schools of Nursing.
(i) An applicant for licensure by examination or licensure by endorsement who received basic nursing education outside the United States, shall follow the requirements as stated in Licensure of Foreign Nurses, Section 4 of this Chapter.
(a) The Board shall mail an application for renewal of licensure to current licensees on or before June 1 of the renewal period and issue a renewal license when the licensee has met all requirements for renewal of licensure.
(b) A Licensee shall meet the following requirements for renewal of licensure:
(i) If requesting active status, submit the application and fee for renewal of licensure and evidence of meeting the requirements as stated in Continued Competency of Licensees Continuing In Or Returning To Practice, Section 12 of this Chapter, to the board on or before June 30 of the renewal period.
(ii) If requesting inactive status, sign the inactive status portion, and submit the application for renewal of licensure to the board on or before June 30 of the renewal period.
(iii) Have committed no acts which are grounds for disciplinary action as set forth in the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act, W.S. 33-21-146, or if an act has been committed, the board has found after investigation that sufficient restitution has been made.
(c) Failure to Renew.
(i) Failure to receive the application for renewal of licensure shall not relieve the licensee of the responsibility for renewing the license by June 30 of the renewal period.
(ii) A licensee who fails to renew the licensure by June 30 of the renewal period shall have sixty (60) days in which to renew the license by submitting the application and fee for renewal of licensure and, in addition, the late renewal fee to the board.
(iii) A licensee who fails to renew the license within sixty (60) days after the expiration date of the license and continues to practice, is an illegal practitioner, subject to the penalties provided for violation(s) of the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act, and shall apply for relicensure in order to practice nursing.
(iv) A licensee who fails to request inactive status by June 30 of the renewal period, may still request inactive status for sixty (60) days after the expiration date of the license without penalty. A licensee who fails to request inactive status within sixty (60) days shall be ineligible to request inactive status.
(a) A licensee who holds a current license and desires inactive status shall submit a written request to the board that the license be placed on the inactive status list. The licensee shall not practice nursing in this state until the license is reactivated.
(b) A licensee shall be notified that transfer of the license to inactive status shall be effective on the date of the expiration of the current license.
(a) A licensee who places a license on the inactive status list may apply for reactivation, and shall meet the following requirements:
(i) Submit the application and fee for reactivation to the board;
(ii) Submit evidence of meeting the requirements as stated in Biennial Renewal of Licensure, Section 7 of this Chapter.
(a) A licensee who has failed to renew a license may apply for relicensure, and shall meet the following requirements:
(i) Submit an application and fee for relicensure to the board;
(ii) Submit evidence of meeting the requirements as stated in Biennial Renewal of Licensure, Section 7 of this Chapter.
(a) A licensee who has had a license suspended or revoked may apply for reinstatement, and shall meet the following requirements:
(i) Submit evidence that just cause for reinstatement has been demonstrated;
(ii) Submit the application and fee for reinstatement to the board;
(iii) Submit evidence of meeting the requirements as stated in Biennial Renewal of Licensure, Section 7 of this Chapter.
(a) An applicant seeking licensure by endorsement, reactivation, reinstatement, relicensure, or renewal of licensure shall:
(i) Submit evidence of employment if engaged in the practice of nursing for a minimum of 1600 hours during the last five (5) years or a minimum of 500 hours during the last two (2) years; or
(ii) Submit evidence of completion of one of the following areas if not engaged in the practice of nursing for a minimum of 1600 hours in the last five (5) years or a minimum of 500 hours in the last two (2) years:
(A) Satisfactory completion of a refresher course or the equivalent, accepted by the board.
(I) An applicant shall submit an outline of the refresher course and content for nursing theory to the board:
(1.) The course shall be at least four (4) weeks in length;
(2.) The course shall include eighty (80) hours of theory and eighty (80) hours of clinical practice under supervision of a registered professional nurse; and
(3.) The course shall specify a definite make-up policy for absences.
(II) An applicant shall submit evidence of enrollment and satisfactory completion of the course to the board.
(B) Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive orientation program, provided by a prospective nursing employer, accepted by the board.
(I) An applicant shall submit an outline of the orientation program and content for nursing theory to the board:
(1.) The program will be at least eight (8) weeks in length;
(2.) The program shall include a minimum of 160 hours of clinical practice under the supervision of a registered professional nurse.
(II) An applicant shall submit evidence of satisfactory completion of the program to the board.
(C) Satisfactory completion, within the last five (5) years, of a nursing education program which confers a degree beyond the licensee's basic nursing education.
(I) An applicant shall request the governing body to submit an official transcript to the board, verifying completion of the program.
(D) Certification in a specialty area of nursing practice within the last five (5) years by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, accepted by the board.
(I) An applicant shall submit a notarized copy of a certificate to the board, verifying certification in a specialty area of nursing practice.
(E) Satisfactory completion of the national nursing licensure examination or a competency examination accepted by the board.
(I) An applicant shall submit a notarized verification of completion of the examination. The verification shall document that the applicant passed the examination with a minimum score as determined by the board;
(1.) The examination shall have been completed within the last five (5) years;
(2.) The examination shall test the competency relevant to general nursing practice or a specialty area of nursing practice.
(F) Satisfactory completion of twenty (20) hours of continuing education within the last two (2) years.
(I) An applicant shall submit evidence of completion of twenty (20) hours of continuing education within the last two (2) years to the board.
(1.) Courses shall be relevant to the individual's primary area of nursing practice;
(2.) Fifty (50) minutes of theory is equivalent to one (1) hour of continuing education;
(3.) Academic courses relevant to nursing may be accepted as meeting the requirements for continuing education. A transcript shall be submitted in lieu of a certificate for acceptance by the board. Fifteen (15) hours shall be allowed for one (1) semester credit hour and ten (10) hours shall be allowed for one (1) quarter credit hour.
(a) Upon receipt of the form requesting verification of licensure to another jurisdiction and the fee for verification of licensure from the licensee, the board shall complete and return the form to the jurisdiction specified by the licensee.
(a) A licensee shall notify the board of any changes in name and/or address.
(i) The licensee shall complete a change of name affidavit form.
(ii) Upon receipt of the completed change of name affidavit form and the previously issued license, the licensee shall be reissued a license in the current name.
(b) Any notification from the board to the licensee required or permitted under the Wyoming Nursing Practice Act shall be mailed to the last known name and address provided to the board by the licensee, and shall be deemed proper service on said licensee.
Section 15. Duplicate License.
(a) A duplicate license shall not be issued.
(b) A licensee shall notify the board if a license is lost, stolen, or destroyed.
(c) A statement from the board verifying current licensure may be sent to an employer, another jurisdiction, or any other institution as requested by the licensee.