(1) Examinations for the licensing of applicants under ORS 678.010 to 678.448 must be held at least once a year. An applicant must pass an examination in subjects relating to nursing at the practical or registered level as the Oregon State Board of Nursing may determine necessary to protect the public health and welfare. (2) The board shall issue to all duly qualified applicants who pass the examination and meet other standards established by the board the license provided for in ORS 678.010 to 678.448 according to the nature of the license for which application is made and examination taken and passed. The board shall provide evidence of current licensure. The board shall determine by rule the form and manner of the evidence of current licensure. (3)(a) The board may issue a license by endorsement to an applicant qualified as provided in ORS 678.040 who has passed the examination used by the board and who meets other standards established by the board. The board may also require evidence of competency to practice nursing at the level for which application is made. (b) Except as provided in ORS 676.308, the board shall process in order applications for licensure by endorsement of qualified applicants. (c) Paragraph (b) of this subsection does not prohibit the board from processing requests to employ nurses to meet temporary staffing shortages, as described in ORS 678.031 or 678.034, in facilities in this state not involved in labor disputes. (4) Subject to terms and conditions that the board may impose, the board may issue a limited license to practice registered or practical nursing: (a) To an applicant who the board determines needs to demonstrate the ability to provide safe nursing care. The board may require the applicant to undergo a supervised experience in nursing practice designated by the board, or to satisfactorily complete a continuing education program approved by the board, in order to demonstrate the applicants ability to provide safe nursing care. The license issued under this paragraph expires on the date set in the license by the board. Upon the applicants satisfactory completion of the boards requirements, and payment of the renewal fee and delinquency fee, the board shall issue to the applicant a license to practice nursing. (b) To a licensee who has been placed on probation or has been otherwise subjected to disciplinary action by the board. (c) To any of the following persons if the person is affiliated with a planned program of study in Oregon consistent with the standards and requirements established by the board: (A) A foreign nurse; (B) A foreign student nurse; or (C) A nurse licensed in another jurisdiction. (e) During an emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to ORS 401.165, to a nurse licensed in another jurisdiction. The board shall adopt rules to establish criteria for issuance of a license under this paragraph. (5) The board may adopt by rule requirements and procedures for placing a license or certificate in inactive status. (6)(a) The board may grant retired status to a person licensed as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist or clinical nurse specialist and who surrenders the persons license while in good standing with the issuing authority if the person is not subject to any pending disciplinary investigation or action. The board may adopt by rule requirements, procedures and fees for placing a license in retired status. (b) A person granted retired status by the board under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection: (A) Shall pay a fee in an amount to be determined by the board for retired status. (B) May not practice nursing or offer to practice nursing in this state. (C) May use the title or abbreviation with the retired license only if the designation retired appears after the title or abbreviation. [Amended by 1953 c.254 16; 1957 c.316 10; 1969 c.71 1; 1973 c.584 5; 1975 c.205 2; 1981 c.369 3; 1983 c.221 1; 1989 c.673 1; 1999 c.420 1; 2001 c.275 1; 2005 c.380 1; 2009 c.37 1; 2017 c.128 1; 2019 c.358 26; 2022 c.38 14; 2023 c.276 3; 2025 c.124 7]
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