Practical nurse license -- Application -- Examinations -- Use of "L.P.N.A." by provisional licensee -- Practice by practical nurse licensed in another state or country -- License by endorsement for graduate of foreign nursing school -- Use of "L.P.N." -- Special license -- Reinstatement -- Limited license
KRS 314.051
in effect314.051. Practical nurse license -- Application -- Examinations -- Use of "L.P.N.A." by provisional licensee -- Practice by practical nurse licensed in another state or country -- License by endorsement for graduate of foreign nursing school -- Use of "L.P.N." -- Special license -- Reinstatement -- Limited license
(1) An applicant for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall file with the board a written application for a license verified by oath, that the applicant:
(a) Has completed the required educational program in practical nursing at an approved school of nursing and has completed requirements for graduation therefrom;
(b) Is able to understandably speak and write the English language and to read the English language with comprehension; and
(c) Has passed the jurisprudence examination approved by the board as provided by subsection (4) of this section.
(2) The applicant for licensure to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall pay a licensure application fee, and licensure exam ination fees if applicable, as set forth in a regulation by the board.
(3) An applicant shall be required to pass a licensure examination in any subjects the board may determine. Application for licensure by examination shall be received by the board at the time determined by the board by administrative regulation.
(4) The jurisprudence examination shall be prescribed by the board and be conducted on the licensing requirements under this chapter and board regulations and requirements applicable to the nursi ng profession in this Commonwealth. The board shall promulgate an administrative regulation in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A establishing the provisions to meet this requirement.
(5) Upon request, an applicant who meets the requirements of subsection (1) of this section shall be issued a provisional license that shall expire no later than six (6) months from the date of issuance.
(6) An individual who holds a provisional license shall have the right to use the title "licensed practical nurse applicant" an d the abbreviation "L.P.N.A." An L.P.N.A. shall only work under the direct supervision of a nurse and shall not engage in independent nursing practice.
(7) Upon the applicant's successful completion of all requirements for licensed practical nurse licensure, the board may issue to the applicant a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse if, in the determination of the board, the applicant is qualified to practice as a licensed practical nurse in this state.
(8) (a) The board shall issue a temporary work permit to practice nursing as a licensed practical nurse to any applicant who has been licensed as a licensed practical nurse under the laws of another state or territory if the applicant: 1. Is currently a licensed p ractical nurse in good standing in each state or territory in which the applicant has worked; and 2. Meets the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.
(b) The board shall issue a license to practice nursing as a licensed practical nurse to any applicant who has passed the jurisprudence examination prescribed by the board or its equivalent and who has been licensed as a licensed practical nurse under the laws of another state or territory if the applicant: 1. Is currently a licensed practical nurse in good standing in each state or territory in which the applicant has worked; and 2. Meets the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.
(c) The board shall accept the licensure examination of another state as sufficient for licensure under this subsection if the applicant meets the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.
(d) The board may require a licensed practical nurse practicing as authorized by this subsection to submit to a background check as required by KRS 314.103.
(9) The board may issue a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse to any applicant who has passed the licensure examination and the jurisprudence examination prescribed by the board or their equivalent, and has been licensed or registered as a licensed practical nurse or a person licensed to perform similar services under a different title, under the laws of a foreign country if, in the opinion of the board, the applicant meets the requirements for a licensed practical nurse in this state.
(10) The board shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to establish temporary work permit requirements for a licensed practical nurse who is a graduate of a foreign nursing school and is pursuing licensure by endorsement under subsection (11) of this section.
(11) The board shall immediately issue a license by endorsement to practice nursing as a licensed practical nurse to an applicant who:
(a) Is a graduate of a foreign nursing school;
(b) Provides: 1. Documentation that the applicant has taken and received a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX); and 2. One (1) of the following: a. A satisfactory Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report issued by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools International, Inc. (CGFNS) or other international nurse credentialing organization recognized by the board; or b. A satisfactory VisaScreen ICHP Certificate Verification Letter issued by CGFNS or other international nurse credentialing organization recognize d by the board; and
(c) Meets the other requirements of this section.
(12) Any person who holds a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in this state shall have the right to use the title "licensed practical nurse" and the abbreviation "L.P.N." No other person shall assume the title or use the abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the person using the same is a licensed practical nurse. No person shall practice as a licensed practical nurse unless licensed under this chapter.
(13) (a) For a licensed practical nurse who is retired, upon payment of a one -time fee, the board may issue a special license to a licensed practical nurse in recognition of the nurse's retired status. A retired nurse may not practice nursing but may use the title "licensed practical nurse" and the abbreviation "L.P.N."
(b) A retired licensed practical nurse who wishes to return to the practice of nursing shall apply for reinstatement.
(c) The board shall promulgate an administrative regulation pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to specify the fee required in paragraph (a) of this subsection and reinstatement under paragraph (b) of this subsection.
(14) Any person heretofore licensed as a practical nurse under the licensing laws of this state who has allowed the license to lapse by failure to renew may apply for reinstatement of the license under the provisions of this chapter. A person whose license has lapsed for one (1) year or more shall pass the jurisprudence examination approved by the board as provided in subsection (4) of this section.
(15) A license to practice practical nursing may be limited by the board in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board and as defined in this chapter.
Effective: April 10, 2026
History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 75, sec. 2, effective April 10, 2026. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 3, effective April 7, 2022. -- Amended 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 113, sec. 15, effective June 24, 2015. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 35, sec. 3, effective June 8, 2011. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 55, sec. 3, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 391, sec. 11, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 367, sec. 8, effective July 15, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 128, sec. 7, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 443, sec. 22, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 346, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 408, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 168, sec. 5, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 20, secs. 11, 12(1), 13, 14, 17(2) and 18.
Legislative Research Commission Note (7/13/2004). The word "for" has been added to this statute so that subsection (10)(b) reads, "Beginning November 1, 2005, for a licensed practical nurse who is retired...." The Reviser of Statutes added this word when codifying 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 55, sec. 3, to correct a manifest clerical or typographical error in accordance with KRS 7.136(1)(h).
Source: Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (legislature.ky.gov)URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=56823Fetched: 10/20/2026