21 NCAC 36 .0218             LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT

(a)  To be eligible for licensure by endorsement, an applicant shall:

(1)           submit a completed application for endorsement, stating that the information on the application is true and complete, and authorizing the release to the Board of all information pertaining to the application. The Application for Endorsement is posted on the Board's website at www.ncbon.com;

(2)           submit the licensure application fee as established in G.S. 90-171.27(b);

(3)           have an unencumbered license in all jurisdictions in which a license is or has ever been held;

(4)           have an active unencumbered license in a jurisdiction. If the license has been inactive or expired for five or more years, the applicant shall meet the requirements for a refresher course as indicated in G.S. 90-171.35 and G.S. 90-171.36;

(5)           have no pending court conditions as a result of any misdemeanor or felony convictions. The applicant shall provide a written explanation and all investigative reports or court documents evidencing the circumstances of the crime(s) if requested by the Board. The Board shall use these documents when determining if a license should be denied pursuant to G.S. 90-171.48 and G.S. 90-171.37;

(6)           submit a written explanation and all related documents if the nurse has ever been listed as a nurse aide and if there have ever been any substantiated findings pursuant to G.S. 131E-255. The Board may take these findings into consideration when determining if a license should be denied pursuant to G.S. 90-171.37. In the event findings are pending, the Board shall withhold taking any action until the investigation is completed;

(7)           submit a self-certification that the applicant is of mental and physical health necessary to competently practice nursing;

(8)           show completion of a nursing education program which was approved by the jurisdiction of original licensure. If applying for licensure by endorsement as a licensed practical nurse, applicant may also show evidence that:

(A)          applicant has successfully completed a course of study for military corpsman that is comparable to that required of licensed practical nurse graduates in North Carolina; or

(B)          applicant has been licensed in another NCSBN-member jurisdiction for five or more years immediately prior to application submission and has practiced in a nursing position at the same level of licensure for which application is being made for two calendar years of full-time employment immediately prior to application as verified by the employer; and

(9)           complete a criminal background check in accordance with G.S. 90-171.48.

In the event any of the above-required information indicates a concern about the applicant's qualifications, an applicant may be required to appear in person for an interview with the Board if more information is needed to evaluate the application.

(b)  Applicants for licensure by endorsement educated in a foreign country, including Canada, shall complete all the requirements of 21 NCAC 36 (a)(1)-(7) and shall be eligible for North Carolina licensure by endorsement if the nurse has:

(1)           shown proof of education as required by the jurisdiction issuing the original certificate; and

(2)           shown evidence of passing the NCLEX-RN™ or NCLEX-PN™.

(c)  An application for endorsement shall be valid for a period of one year from the date the application is filed with the Board or until a license is issued.

(d)  Facts provided by the applicant and the board of original licensure shall be compared to confirm the identity and validity of the applicant's credentials.

(e)  Any license issued shall be issued for the remainder of the biennial period.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90‑171.23(b); 90‑171.32; 90‑171.33; 90‑171.37; 90-171.48;

Eff. May 1, 1982;

Amended Eff. December 1, 2005; April 1, 2003; January 1, 1996; July 1, 1994;

February 1, 1994; August 3, 1992;

Readopted Eff. January 1, 2019.