§34-21-23. Renewal of license; continuing education.

(a) The license of every professional nurse licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall be renewed biennially, and the term of the license shall be two years. Applicants for renewal shall apply for and complete the renewal application and forward same to the board, along with the renewal fee, during the renewal period that shall from time to time be specified by the board. The board shall examine and verify the accuracy of the application and, if in order, shall issue a renewal receipt for a license period of two years.

(b) The license of every practical nurse licensed as a licensed practical nurse under the provisions of the chapter shall be renewed biennially, and the term of the license shall be two years. Applicants for renewal shall apply for and complete the renewal application and forward same to the board, along with the renewal fee, during the renewal period that shall from time to time be specified by the board. The board shall examine and verify the accuracy of the application and, if in order, shall issue a renewal receipt for a license period of two years.

(c) Any person practicing nursing who allows his or her license to lapse by failing to renew, as hereinafter provided, may be reinstated and licensed by the board upon satisfactory explanation of such failure and upon payment of the required fees. The board is hereby authorized under its rule-making powers to provide for an inactive license status for licensees under this chapter and to collect such fees as the board determines for such inactive license.

(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to practice professional nursing in this state during the time his or her license to practice has lapsed, and such person shall be subject to the penalties of this chapter. It shall be unlawful for any person to practice practical nursing in this state during the time his or her license so to practice has lapsed, and such person shall be subject to the penalties of this chapter.

(e) A nurse not actively practicing professional nursing in Alabama, or not actively practicing practical nursing in Alabama, shall not be required to renew his or her license; but such person shall, prior to resuming the practice of professional nursing, or the practice of practical nursing, submit evidence of continued competence satisfactory to the board and secure a renewal license before reengaging in the active practice of professional nursing or in the active practice of practical nursing, as the case may be.

(f) The board shall adopt a continuing education program by October 1, 1991. After that date, successful completion of the continuing education requirements shall be a requisite for license renewal.

(g) Provided, however, under the provisions of this section, continuing education shall not result in a passing or failing grade.

(Acts 1965, No. 867, p. 1615, §7; Acts 1975, No. 427, p. 1024, §1; Acts 1983, No. 83-642, p. 989, §6; Acts 1989, No. 89-243, p. 349, §§3, 4.)