Examinations and Licensure

Title 30: Professions and Occupations Part 2810: Examinations and Licensure Part 2810 Chapter 1: Licensure by Examination Rule 1.1 Contract for Examination. The Mississippi Board of Nursing (hereinafter referred to as board) shall accept annually the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) or its successor examination for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and shall contract with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. for the examination. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 1.2 Passing Score. The passing score for RNs and LPNs shall be a standard score as recommended by NCSBN and adopted by the board. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 1.3 Data Provided to Education Programs. Candidates shall be determined eligible to take the NCLEX examination. Notification of the national statistical data provided by the testing service shall be sent to the accredited nursing education programs within the state a minimum of once quarterly. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 1.4 Authorization to Test. Examination candidates will be sent authorization to test from the designated testing service, via email or US mail prior to the examination date. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 1.5 Scoring. Candidate responses to the examination shall be sent to the appropriate testing service for scoring. In the event that candidate responses are lost or destroyed through circumstances beyond the control of the board, the candidate will be required to retake the examination. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 1.6 Examination Results for Candidates. Candidates shall receive official examination results by mail and a copy of the results will be filed in each candidate's permanent record in the board office. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 1.7 Examination Results Released Upon Written Request. The board shall release a candidate's official examination results to the candidate, the school from which the candidate graduated, and the state agencies authorized to accredit schools of nursing. The board may 1

release a candidate's examination results to any individual or agency upon written authorization from the candidate and payment of required fee. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 1.8 Requirements for Examination Applicants from Sate-Accredited Mississippi Programs. Applicants from state accredited Mississippi programs shall be eligible to qualify for licensure by examination and must: A. Submit an official transcript to the board from a state accredited Mississippi nursing program showing successful completion of such program. B. Submit official documentation of eligibility for graduation to the board if the applicant has met all requirements for graduation, but a degree has not been formally conferred. Applicant must submit an official transcript within 30 days after the degree is conferred. Failure to submit such transcript shall result in the voiding of the license; C. Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Sections 73-15-19 (1) and 73-15-21 (1); D. Submit completed board-approved application, including the notarized authorization to release information form; E. Pay required nonrefundable application fee upon submission of application to the board; F. Submit the application by the deadline dates established by the board; G. Register for the examination with the designated testing service; and H. Pay the required fee upon examination registration to the designated testing service. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 1.9 Requirements for Examination Applicants from other State-Approved Programs in the United States or Territories. Applicants from other state-approved programs in the United States or territories shall be eligible to qualify for licensure by examination in Mississippi and must: A. Submit an official transcript to the board that indicates the graduate has successfully completed a program that meets substantially the same or exceeds nursing program educational content requirements in Mississippi; B. Submit official documentation of eligibility for graduation to the board if the applicant has met all requirements for graduation, but a degree has not been formally conferred. Such applicant must submit an official transcript within 30 days after the degree is conferred. Failure to submit such transcript shall result in the voiding of the license; C. Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Sections 73-15-19 (1) and 73-15-21 (1); D. Submit a completed board application; E. Pay the required nonrefundable application fee upon submission of application to the board; F. Submit the application by deadline dates established by the board; G. Register for the examination with the designated testing service; and 2

H.

Pay the required fee upon examination registration to the designated testing service.

Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 1.10 Application Process Time Frame. An applicant for licensure who does not complete the application process within one (1) year of the date of receipt of the original application shall begin the application process again, including payment of the application fee, submission of a new application and all supporting documentation. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 1.11 Board Determines who is Duly Qualified. The board reserves the right to determine who is duly qualified for the examination and licensure. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 1.12 Initial and Re-examination Applicants’ Qualifications and Timeframes. An applicant for re- examination must meet criteria as outlined in Part 2810, Chapter 1, Rule 1.8 or Rule 1.9, submit a board-approved application, and pay a required nonrefundable fee by the deadline date established by the board. Applicants for reexamination shall be eligible to qualify for licensure by examination provided applicants pass the examination within six (6) attempts and within two (2) years of graduation. Initial applicants for examination shall be eligible to qualify for licensure by examination provided applicants pass the examination within six (6) attempts and within two (2) years of graduation. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 1.13 Qualification for Graduates from Approved or Accredited RN Programs Applying to Write NCLEX-PN. Graduates from approved or accredited RN programs as required in Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-19 (1)(b) who are applying to write NCLEX-PN shall be eligible to qualify for licensure by examination by meeting the following requirements: A. Complete a role delineation course approved by the board; B. Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-21 (1); C. Submit an official transcript documenting graduation from a RN education program. D. Submit an application to take the NCLEX-PN examination and pay the required nonrefundable fee. E. Submit a notarized authorization to release information form; F. Pay the required nonrefundable application fee upon submission of application to the board. G. Register for the examination with the designated testing service; and H. Pay the required fee upon examination registration to the designated testing service. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended).

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Rule 1.14 Qualification for Military-Trained Medics Applying for NCLEX-PN. Applicants who are United States Army Combat Medic Specialists, United States Navy Hospital Corpsmen, or United States Air Force Aerospace Medical Service Specialists, as provided in Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-21 (as amended by HB1262, 2025 Reg. Sess.), shall be eligible to qualify for licensure by examination as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) by meeting the following requirements: A. Submit Verification of Training and Competency Form, signed by the applicant’s Unit Training Manager and Chief Nursing Officer; B. Submit certificate of completion of a role delineation course approved by the Board; C. Submit official evidence of completion of required military training as a United States Army Combat Medic Specialist, United States Navy Hospital Corpsman, or United States Air Force Aerospace Medical Service Specialist, as documented in the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF); D. Documentation of at least twenty-four (24) months of clinical experience involving direct patient care completed after military training, including but not limited to trauma or emergency-oriented care. This must be shown in official military service evaluations listing dates of service, locations of assignment, and duties performed; E. Submit official documentation of a high school diploma from an approved high school or the equivalent thereof; F. If English is not the applicant’s first language, evidence of competence in English related to nursing; G. Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. §§ 73-15-19(1) and 73-15-21(1); H. Submit completed board-approved application, including the notarized authorization to release information form; I. Pay required nonrefundable application fee upon submission of application to the board; J. Submit the application by deadline dates established by the board; K. Register for the examination with the designated testing service; and L. Pay required fee upon examination registration to the designated testing service. All applicants must be cleared for licensure through a board investigation verifying good moral character and the absence of statutory grounds for denial per Miss. Code Ann. §§ 73-15-29 and 73-15-33. Timeframe. Applicants shall be eligible to qualify for licensure by examination provided they pass the NCLEX-PN within six (6) attempts or within two (2) years of submitting the initial application, whichever occurs first. Failure to meet this requirement will necessitate reapplication under then current rules. Applicability. All other board rules for licensure by examination apply, except as revised by this section. Source. Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-21 (1972, as amended by HB 1262 and subsequent amendments); § 73-15-17. Rule 1.15 Licensure May be Denied for Falsification. Any applicant who falsifies the 4

application for examination may be denied licensure in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-29 of the Mississippi Nursing Practice Law. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Part 2810 Chapter 2: Licensure by Endorsement Rule 2.1 Endorsement of Licensees from Other States or Territories. Graduates of state approved or accredited programs who are licensed in another state or territory of the United States shall be eligible for licensure by endorsement in Mississippi, providing the educational requirements prevailing in other jurisdictions are substantially equivalent to those in Mississippi at the time of the applicant's graduation and providing the applicant has met the Mississippi minimum passing standard on the licensure examination. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 2.2 Temporary Permits for Endorsement Applicants. A temporary permit to practice nursing for a 90 day period may be issued to applicants for licensure by endorsement upon submission of the application and fee. Temporary permits may be renewed by the board in extraordinary situations. A fee may be required. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 2.3 Requirements for Licensure by Endorsement. A. Registered nurse applicants shall: 1) Submit the official transcript of graduation from an approved or accredited RN nursing program; 2) Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting requirements in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-19 (1); 3) Submit official evidence of licensure by examination and passing scores or results equivalent to or above those in effect in Mississippi at the time the applicant was initially licensed; 4) Submit proof of current licensure in another state or territory or evidence of eligibility for reinstatement of licensure in a compact state if that compact state were the applicant's primary state of residence; and 5) Submit the required nonrefundable licensure fee and completed application for endorsement. B. Licensed practical nurse applicants shall: 1) Submit the official transcript of graduation from an approved or accredited LPN nursing program; 2) Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting requirements in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-21(1); 3) Submit official evidence of licensure by examination and passing scores or results equivalent to or above those in effect in Mississippi at the time the applicant was initially licensed; 4) Submit proof of current licensure in another state or territory or evidence of 5

5)

C.

eligibility for reinstatement of licensure in a compact state if that compact state were the applicant's primary state of residence; and Submit the required nonrefundable licensure fee and completed application for endorsement.

Equivalency applicants, graduates of RN programs who are applying for endorsement as LPNs, shall: 1) Submit official evidence of graduation from an approved or accredited RN nursing program; 2) Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting requirements in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-21(1); 3) Submit official evidence of licensure by examination and passing scores or results equivalent to or above those in effect in Mississippi at the time the applicant was initially licensed; 4) Submit proof of current licensure in another state or territory or evidence of eligibility for reinstatement of licensure in a compact state if that compact state were the applicant's primary state of residence; and 5) Submit the required nonrefundable licensure fee and completed application for endorsement. 6) Complete a role delineation course approved by the board.

Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Part 2810 Chapter 3: Licensure of Applicants from Countries outside the States and Territories of the United States Rule 3.1 RN Licensure by Examination for Applicants from Countries outside the States and Territories of the United States. Applicants for RN licensure by examination shall: A. Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting requirements in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-19 (1); B. Present evidence of competence in English related to nursing, provided the first language is not English; C. Present evidence of meeting immigration requirements; D. Submit evidence of certification issued by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS); E. Present written official evidence of completion of a board-approved nursing program preparing RNs. The transcript must be in English or a certified translation; F. Submit the application to take the examination and pay the nonrefundable fees; G. Be required to pass NCLEX-RN or its successor examination by obtaining a passing score or results equivalent to or above those in effect in Mississippi at the time the applicant was initially licensed; Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended).

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Rule 3.2 RN Licensure by Endorsement for Applicants from Countries outside the States and Territories of the United States. Applicants for RN licensure by endorsement shall: A. Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting requirements in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-19(1); B. Submit proof of current licensure in another state or territory or evidence of eligibility for reinstatement of licensure in a compact state if that compact state were the applicant's primary state of residence; C. D. E. F. G.

Present written official evidence of completion of a board-approved nursing program preparing RNs. The transcript must be in English or a certified translation; Submit evidence of certification issued by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS); Submit the applications for endorsement and pay the nonrefundable fees; Present official evidence of licensure by examination and passing scores or results equivalent to or above those in effect in Mississippi at the time the applicant was initially licensed; and Be permitted to apply for a temporary permit and may be issued such permit upon the acceptance of the application and payment of the required fee.

Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 3.3 LPN Licensure by Examination for Applicants from Countries outside the States and Territories of the United States. Applicants for LPN licensure by examination shall: A. Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting requirements in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-21(1); B. Present evidence of competence in English related to nursing, provided the first language is not English; C. Present evidence of meeting immigration requirements; D. Submit evidence of certification issued by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing schools (CGFNS); E. Present written official evidence of a board-approved nursing program preparing LPNs. The transcript must be in English or a certified translation; F. Submit the application to take the examination and pay the required nonrefundable fees; and G. Be required to pass NCLEX-PN or its successor examination by obtaining a passing score or result equivalent to or above those in effect in Mississippi at the time the applicant was initially licensed. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 3.4 LPN Licensure by Endorsement for Applicants from Countries outside the States and Territories of the United States. Applicants for LPN licensure by endorsement shall: A. Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting requirements in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-21(1); B. Submit proof of current licensure in another state or territory or evidence of 7

C. D. E.

F.

eligibility for reinstatement of licensure in a compact state if that compact state were the applicant's primary state of residence; Present written official evidence of completion of a board-approved nursing program preparing LPNs. The transcript shall be in the English language or a certified translation; Submit the application for endorsement and pay the nonrefundable fees; Present official evidence of licensure by examination and passing scores or results equivalent to or above those in effect in Mississippi at the time the applicant was initially licensed; and Be permitted to apply for a temporary permit and may be issued such permit upon acceptance of the application and payment of the required fee.

Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Part 2810 Chapter 4: Renewal and Reinstatement of Licenses Rule 4.1 Active Biennial Renewal: Biennial renewal of active license: A. Registered Nurses: The license shall be valid for two (2) calendar years beginning January 1 of each unevennumbered year and expiring December 31 of each even-numbered year. B. Licensed Practical Nurses: The license shall be valid for two (2) calendar years, beginning January 1 of each evennumbered year and expiring December 31 of each uneven-numbered year. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 4.2 Publication of Notification of Renewal. Notification of renewal shall be published on or before November 1 of the year in which the license expires. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 4.3 Online Renewal. Renewal and payment shall be completed online through the board’s website on or before December 31 of the year in which the license expires. Information on the application shall be subject to verification by the board. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 4.4 Definition of Active Licensure. Active licensure means the practice of nursing as defined in Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-5 (2) and (5). Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 4.5 Inactive Licensure. Inactive licensure means the state of licensure granted at the discretion of the board to persons not engaged in the active practice of nursing but desiring to maintain licensure. 8

A. B. C.

D. E. F.

Any person practicing as a RN or LPN during the time the nurse holds inactive licensure shall be considered to be practicing illegally and shall be subject to disciplinary action by the board. The only title which may be used by a person with inactive licensure is "RN-I" or "LPN-I", as appropriate, with "I" meaning inactive as defined in the Mississippi Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations. In order to be considered for inactive licensure a person shall submit a written request to the board. Upon completion of the appropriate application and fee, inactive licensure may be conferred at the discretion of the board. Inactive licensure shall not be granted to a person during the pendency of disciplinary proceedings against that person. Licensees holding inactive licensure may apply for reinstatement of active licensure. Upon completion of the reinstatement process and pursuant to all other provisions of Part 2810, the board may reinstate active licensure. Inactive licensure may be reinstated to active licensure pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-27 (a) (v) and (b) (v) and Mississippi Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, Part 2810, Chapter 4.

Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 4.6 Lapsed Licensure. A. Any person practicing as a RN or LPN during the time the license has lapsed shall be considered to be practicing illegally and is subject to disciplinary action by the board. B. Any RN or LPN who allows the license to lapse by failing to renew the license as provided above may be reinstated by the board on satisfactory explanation for such failure to renew and upon payment of the required reinstatement fee and renewal fee. C. A lapsed license may be reinstated pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-1527 (a) (v) and (b) (v) and Mississippi Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, Part 2810, Chapter 4. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 4.7 Evidence of Continuing Basic Nursing Competencies. A. Any RN or LPN applying for a license (including endorsement), renewal of an active license, reinstatement of a lapsed license or change from inactive to active status must submit evidence of continuing basic nursing competencies when such nurse has not practiced nursing for compensation or performed the function of a RN or LPN in a voluntary capacity with or without compensation within the five (5) year period immediately prior to such application for a license, renewal, reinstatement or change of status. B. Evidence of continuing basic nursing competencies shall include submission of written documentation of one of the following: 1) Successful completion of a board-approved Reorientation Program for RNs 9

2)

3)

or LPNs within the five (5) year period immediately prior to such application for renewal or reinstatement of the nursing license. The board may issue a temporary permit to any nurse during the time enrolled in a board-approved nursing reorientation program upon submission of the required application and fees; Completion of twenty contact hours of continuing education directly related to nursing practice within the two (2) year period immediately prior to such application for renewal or reinstatement of the nursing license. Acceptable continuing education offerings are those which are currently approved, accredited, provided, or offered by a recognized credentialing agency; Successful completion of a minimum of three (3) semester hours of nursing credit offered by a nursing education program within the two (2) year period immediately prior to such application for renewal or reinstatement of the nursing license. An acceptable nursing program is one which is approved or accredited by the appropriate agency within the state.

Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 4.8 Change of Name and/or Address. A. The licensee shall supply evidence of a name change, i.e., copies of court records, marriage certificate, etc., in order for any official change to be made on records. B. The licensee shall keep the board informed in writing as to a change in address. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 4.9 Loss of License, Temporary Permit, or Certification Card: A. The licensee shall report any lost or stolen license, temporary permit, or certification card with complete identifying information. B. Upon receipt of information surrounding the loss or theft of the license, temporary permit, or certification card and receipt of the required fee, the board will issue a duplicate document. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Part 2810 Chapter 5: Disaster Relief Permits Rule 5.1 Permits Issued during Public Health Emergency. The board may issue disaster relief permits to an individual to practice as a registered nurse, advance practice nurse, or licensed practical nurse to provide gratuitous nursing service in the state of Mississippi during a public health emergency, and for such periods thereafter as approved by the board provided such individual: A. Holds a current unrestricted license in good standing issued by the licensing authority of another state to practice as an advanced practice nurse, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse; B. Submit to the board: 10

1) 2) 3)

picture identification; proof of current licensure in another state; and a completed disaster permit affidavit.

Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 5.2 Terms of Issuance. A disaster relief permit may be issued upon such terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions as to time, place, nature, and scope of practice as determined by the board. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 5.3 Validity of Permit. A disaster relief permit will be valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issuance and may be extended for an additional sixty (60) day periods as determined appropriate and necessary by the board, and deemed necessary or appropriate to its responsibilities under law.

Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Rule 5.4 Termination of Permit. A disaster relief permit shall be recalled if allegations of acts or omissions which constitute grounds for disciplinary action as defined in Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-29. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Part 2810 Chapter 6: Camp Nurses Rule 6.1 Permits for Camp Nurses. The board, pursuant to the Miss. Code Ann. Section 75-748, may issue a ninety (90) day temporary license to practice nursing at a youth camp to qualified applicants upon receipt of a completed application and fee. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended). Part 2810 Chapter 7: Penalty for Presentation of Bad Checks Rule 7.1 Penalty for Bad Checks. A fee as established by Miss. Code Ann. Section 97-19-5 shall be assessed to any individual who presents a check that is later dishonored by the bank. Payment shall be made by certified check or money order within fifteen (15) days of notification by certified mail of the returned check. Such fees shall be in addition to the amount due. Licenses or temporary permits obtained by payment of a bad check shall be considered invalid until full payment has been made. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended).

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