37-8-409. Advanced practice registered nursing -- when professional nurse may practice. (1) A person licensed under this chapter who holds a certificate in a field of advanced practice registered nursing may practice in the specified field of advanced practice registered nursing upon approval by the board of an amendment to the person's license granting a certificate in a field of advanced practice registered nursing. The board shall grant a certificate in a field of advanced practice registered nursing to a person who submits written verification of certification by a board-approved national certifying body appropriate to the specific field of advanced practice registered nursing and who meets any other qualification requirements that the board prescribes.

(2) The board may give temporary approval to practice in a specific field of advanced practice registered nursing to a person who:

(a) intends to apply for approval under subsection (1); and

(b) has completed the advanced practice registered nursing education required in order for the person to apply to take the first national certification examination available from a board-approved national certifying body appropriate to the specific field of advanced practice registered nursing.

(3) If the person fails to obtain certification upon the person's first examination, the temporary approval provided for in subsection (2) expires on receipt of the examination results. The temporary approval may not be extended.

(4) In order to protect the public, the board may, in consultation with persons in the specific field of advanced practice registered nursing, adopt specific rules for each field of advanced practice registered nursing for the granting of temporary approval to practice and for determining the supervision of the licensee with temporary approval.