Violations and Penalties

Violations and Penalties. (a) Violations. No person shall: (1) Engage in the practice of nursing as defined in this chapter without a valid, current license, except as otherwise permitted under this chapter; (2) Practice nursing under cover of any diploma, license or record illegally or fraudulently obtained, signed or issued unlawfully or under fraudulent representation; (3) Practice nursing during the time a license is suspended, revoked surrendered, inactive or lapsed; (4) Use any words, abbreviations, figures, letter, title, sign, card or device tending to imply that he or she is a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, Certified Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse unless such person is duly licensed so to practice under the provision of this chapter; (5) Fraudulently obtain or furnish a license by or for money or any other thing of value; (6) Knowingly employ unlicensed persons in the practice of nursing; (7) Fail to report information relating to violations of this chapter; (8) Conduct a nursing education program for preparation for licensure under this chapter unless the program has been approved by the Board; or (9) Otherwise violate, or aid or abet another person to violate, any provision of this chapter. (b) Penalties. A willful and knowing violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $300 for the first offense. Each subsequent offense shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. A license to practice nursing such as a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, Certified Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse shall be suspended after a first offense. After a second offense, the license shall be permanently revoked. (c) Criminal Prosecution. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as a bar to criminal prosecution for violation of the provisions of this chapter. Source: PL 14-62, § 2 (2313).