SECTION 221.10. Reactivation or Reinstatement of APRN Licensure

(a) To reactivate a license that has expired due to non-renewal, the APRN shall meet the requirements for APRN licensure renewal and pay all required fees.

(b) If more than two years, but less than four years, have lapsed since completion of the APRN education program, and/or the applicant does not have 400 hours of current practice in the advanced role and population focus area during the previous biennium, the APRN shall meet the requirements for application for APRN licensure renewal and pay all required fees. The applicant shall be required to demonstrate proof of completion of 400 hours of current practice in the APRN role and population focus area, as well as the continuing competency requirement as outlined in Chapter 216 of this title. The 400 hours of current practice shall be obtained under the direct supervision of a qualified preceptor who meets the requirements of subsection (c)(1)(C) of this section.

(c) If more than four years have lapsed since completion of the APRN education program and/or the applicant has not practiced in the advanced role and population focus area during the previous four years, the applicant shall apply for reactivation, meet current requirements for APRN licensure renewal; and

(1) successfully complete a refresher course or extensive orientation in the appropriate APRN population focus area and role that includes a supervised clinical component by a qualified preceptor who meets the requirements of subparagraph (C) of this paragraph.

(A) The course(s)/orientation shall be of sufficient length to satisfy the learning needs of the inactive APRN and to assure that he/she meets the minimum standard for safe, competent care. The course(s)/orientation shall cover the entire scope of the role and population focus area of licensure. Content shall comply with the requirements specified in the form titled "Requirements for APRN Refresher Course or Extensive Orientation", which is adopted by reference in paragraph (2) of this subsection and shall include satisfactory completion of 45 contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics.

(B) The preceptor must provide written verification of satisfactory completion of the course/orientation on forms provided by the Board and assurance that the individual has reviewed current practice-related information pertinent to his/her advanced role and population focus area.

(C) A preceptor must meet the following requirements:

(i) Holds an active, license as an APRN or physician that is not encumbered by a disciplinary order at a level that would prevent appropriate supervision and instruction;

(ii) Practices in a comparable practice focus area; and

(iii) Functions as a supervisor and teacher and evaluates the individual's performance in the clinical setting.

(2) The Board adopts by reference the form titled "Refresher Course/ Extensive Orientation for APRNs returning to practice after 4 years" that comprises the instructions and requirements for a refresher course or extensive orientation in an APRN role and population focus area. This form is available on the Board's website.

(d) An APRN who has not completed an APRN education program in the last 24 calendar months and has not practiced in the APRN role and population focus area in Texas or another jurisdiction within the last 24 calendar months shall apply for a six-month temporary permit as specified in paragraph (5) of this subsection to be used only for the completion of the current practice hours required for reinstatement of the APRN license.

(1) The APRN applicant shall submit:

(A) an application for a six-month temporary permit as specified in paragraph (5) of this subsection to be used for completion of the requirements specified in this chapter; and

(B) evidence of a current, valid license or privilege to practice as a registered nurse in the state of Texas.

(2) The six-month temporary permit for APRNs shall not include prescriptive authority.

(3) The APRN applicant who is completing practice hours on a six-month temporary permit shall use the appropriate APRN licensure credential, followed by the notation "permit".

(4) The APRN applicant who is completing practice hours on a six-month temporary permit shall practice under the supervision of a qualified preceptor who meets the requirements of subsection (c)(1)(C) of this section.

(5) The Board adopts by reference the form titled Application for Six Month Temporary Permit (APRN) that includes the requirements for completing supervised practice hours on a temporary permit. This form may be found on the Board's website.

(e) For those individuals applying for licensure reinstatement following disciplinary action, compliance with all Board licensure requirements, as well as any specified requirements set forth in the Board's disciplinary order, is required. A six-month temporary permit may be issued, as appropriate, while a license is encumbered under a disciplinary order.

Source Note: The provisions of this §221.10 adopted to be effective February 25, 2001, 26 TexReg 1509; amended to be effective February 27, 2019, 44 TexReg 833