(A) Demonstration of competency for initial licensure requires documented evidence of the following:
(1) graduation from an approved nursing education program; and
(2) successful completion of the NCLEX appropriate to the area of licensure and appropriate credentials for advanced practice registered nursing licensure, if applicable.
(B) Demonstration of competency for:
(1) renewal of an active license biennially requires documented evidence of at least one of the following requirements during the licensure period:
(a) completion of thirty contact hours from a continuing education provider recognized by the board;
(b) maintenance of certification or recertification by a national certifying body recognized by the board;
(c) completion of an academic program of study in nursing or a related field recognized by the board; or
(d) verification of competency and the number of hours practiced, as evidenced by employer certification on a form approved by the board;
(2) reinstatement from lapsed or inactive status of five years or less requires documented evidence of at least one of the following within the preceding two years:
(a) completion of thirty contact hours from a continuing education provider recognized by the board and successful completion of a course in legal aspects approved by the board;
(b) maintenance of certification or recertification by a national certifying body recognized by the board;
(c) completion of an academic program of study in nursing or a related field recognized by the board;
(d) verification of competency and the number of hours practiced, as evidenced by employer certification on a form approved by the board; or
(e) successful completion of a refresher course approved by the board;
(3) reinstatement from lapsed or inactive status of more than five years requires documented evidence of at least one of the following within the preceding two years:
(a) successful completion of a refresher course approved by the board; or
(b) successful completion of the NCLEX appropriate to the area of licensure.
(C) Demonstration of competency for reinstatement from lapsed or inactive status or licensure of a person who holds a current authorization to practice in another state or jurisdiction in this country or territory or dependency of the United States requires documented evidence of at least one of the requirements in subsection (B) during the preceding two years.
(D) Failure to comply with applicable continued competency requirements results in nonrenewal or denial of the application. A licensee shall maintain all documented evidence of compliance for at least four years. This documented evidence must be presented by the licensee within five business days of request by a representative of the department acting in its discretion or in accordance with a random audit of a sample of licensees. Failure to provide satisfactory documented evidence of compliance within the prescribed time results in the immediate temporary suspension or cancellation of the license pending compliance with all requirements for licensure and until order of the board.
HISTORY: 2004 Act No. 225, Section 1; 2008 Act No. 194, Section 5.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 40 - Professions and Occupations
Section 40-33-5. Application of Chapter 1, Article 1; conflicts.
Section 40-33-20. Definitions.
Section 40-33-25. Criminal records checks; dishonored check as evidence of act of moral turpitude.
Section 40-33-32. Initial licensure examination; foreign educated nurses.
Section 40-33-33. Inactive status of certain licenses.
Section 40-33-35. Licensing of applicant authorized to practice in other states.
Section 40-33-36. Issuance of licenses; temporary or limited licenses.
Section 40-33-37. Volunteer licenses.
Section 40-33-38. Renewal of licenses.
Section 40-33-39. Identification badges.
Section 40-33-40. Demonstration of competency for initial and renewal of licenses.
Section 40-33-41. Request for inactive status.
Section 40-33-42. Delegation of tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel.
Section 40-33-44. Exceptions to supervision requirements for licensed practical nurses.
Section 40-33-50. Administrative support of board activities; establishment of fees.
Section 40-33-70. Code of ethics.
Section 40-33-80. Investigation of complaints and violations.
Section 40-33-90. Administration of oaths.
Section 40-33-100. Issuance of restraining orders and cease and desist orders.
Section 40-33-110. Grounds for discipline of licensees.
Section 40-33-111. Reporting misconduct; review of findings of board.
Section 40-33-115. Jurisdiction of the board.
Section 40-33-120. Fines and other discipline; effective date; stay or supersedeas.
Section 40-33-130. Denial of licensure.
Section 40-33-140. Effect of criminal record.
Section 40-33-150. Surrender of license.
Section 40-33-160. Appeal; board decision not stayed pending appeal.
Section 40-33-180. Payment of costs and fines.
Section 40-33-190. Matters relating to complaint and proceeding privileged.
Section 40-33-200. Unauthorized practice; penalty.
Section 40-33-210. Civil action for injunctive relief.
Section 40-33-220. Severability.
Section 40-33-230. Licensure requirements for foreign-educated nurses.
Section 40-33-1300. Nurse Licensure Compact enacted.
Section 40-33-1305. Findings; purposes.
Section 40-33-1310. Definitions.
Section 40-33-1315. General provisions and jurisdiction.
Section 40-33-1320. Applications for licensure in a party state.
Section 40-33-1325. Additional authorities invested in party state licensing boards.
Section 40-33-1340. Coordinated licensure information system and exchange of information.
Section 40-33-1350. Rulemaking.
Section 40-33-1355. Oversight, dispute resolution and enforcement.
Section 40-33-1360. Effective date, withdrawal and amendment.