SECTION 217.10. Restrictions to Use of Designations for Licensed Vocational or Registered Nurse

(a) Use of title

(1) A person who holds a valid current license as a registered nurse under this chapter:

(A) is referred to as a registered nurse; and

(B) may use the abbreviation "R.N."

(2) A person who holds a valid current license as a vocational nurse under this chapter:

(A) is referred to as a licensed vocational nurse or vocational nurse; and

(B) may use the abbreviation "L.V.N." or "V.N."

(3) An applicant for initial licensure by examination in Texas who has valid temporary authorizations to practice professional nursing as a graduate nurse pending the results of the licensing examination may use the initials "GN " or the title "graduate nurse."

(4) An applicant for initial licensure by examination in Texas who has valid temporary authorization to practice vocational nursing as a graduate vocational nurse pending the results of the licensing examination may use the initials "GVN" or the title "graduate vocational nurse."

(5) A person who is eligible for licensure by endorsement in Texas, holding a valid Texas temporary license to engage in professional nursing practice, may use the title "registered nurse" or "RN."

(6) A person who is eligible for licensure by endorsement in Texas, holding a valid Texas temporary license to engage in vocational nursing practice, may use the title "licensed vocational nurse," "vocational nurse," "LVN," and "VN."

(7) No other person, other than designated in paragraphs (1) - (6) of this section, may use, where applicable, titles or abbreviations with the word "nurse" such as office nurse, staff nurse, head nurse, charge nurse, school nurse, supervisor of nursing or nurses, or any other title tending to imply to the public that the person holds a license to practice nursing in Texas.

(8) Any person other than as permitted by law or rule who uses any of the above titles or abbreviations deemed by the board misleading or implying that the individual is a licensed nurse may be subject to potential violation or prosecution under the applicable law.

(9) If a nurse holds herself or himself out to the public as being engaged in the practice of nursing, or uses the designations "licensed vocational nurse," "vocational nurse," "LVN," "VN," "registered nurse," or "RN" or any combination or variation of those terms and abbreviations, alone or in combination with any other terms, then they must practice in accordance with the Nursing Practice Act and the Rules and Regulations Relating to Nurse Education, Licensure and Practice.

(10) Unless the person is practicing under the delegated authority of a registered nurse or is otherwise authorized by state or federal law, a person may not use, in connection with the person's name:

(A) the title "nurse aide," "nurse assistant," or "nurse technician" or any other similar title; and

(B) may not abbreviate the title to "nurse."

(b) Display of Designations.

(1) While interacting with the public in a nursing role, each licensed nurse shall wear a clearly legible insignia that:

(A) displays the nurse's name, but the manner in which the name appears, in reference to use of first name and/or last name, is the nurse's preference in accordance with facility policy, if applicable; and

(B) identifies the nurse as a registered nurse or vocational nurse according to licensure.

(2) Although the board does not require the inclusion of any other designations, with the exception of the specific authorization of advanced practice nurses, the insignia may not contain information other than:

(A) the registered nurse or licensed vocational nurse designation;

(B) the nurse's name, certifications, academic degrees, or practice position;

(C) the name of the employing facility or agency, or other employer; or

(D) a picture of the nurse.

(c) Duty to Document Designations. While functioning in a nursing role, each licensed nurse shall document in his/her written communications:

(1) the nurse's name, but the manner in which the name appears, in reference to use of first name and/or last name, is the nurse's preference in accordance with facility policy, if applicable; and

(2) the nurse's designation as a registered nurse or vocational nurse according to licensure.

Source Note: The provisions of this §217.10 adopted to be effective September 1, 1999, 24 TexReg 4001; amended to be effective July 5, 2004, 29 TexReg 6296