(a) The board may issue a license to practice registered nursing to an applicant who meets the following requirements:(1) Is at least 18 years of age;(2) Has completed an approved four-year high school course of study or the equivalent thereof, as determined by the appropriate educational agency;(3) Has completed a nursing education program;(4) Has passed an examination approved by the board;(5) Has paid the application fee specified by rule; (6) Has completed a criminal background check, as required by 30-1D-1 et seq. of this code; and(7) Is not an alcohol or drug abuser, as these terms are defined in 27-1A-11 of this code, unless an applicant in an active recovery process, which may be evidenced by participation in a Nurse Health Program, structured aftercare, or a 12-step program or other similar group or process, may be considered.(b) A license to practice registered professional nursing issued by the board shall for all purposes be considered a license issued under this section: Provided, That a person holding a license shall renew the license.
West Virginia Legal Code