Title "Nurse" Protection
At least 35 states are known to have language in their Nurse Practice Act; either explicit in restricting the use of the title "nurse" to only those who are licensed or implicit language restricting the use of any words implying the individual is a licensed nurse.
Restricting use of the title "nurse" to only those individuals who have fulfilled the requirements for licensure as outlined in each state's nurse practice act is a protection for the public against unethical, unscrupulous, and incompetent practitioners. Nurse practice acts describe entry-level qualifications such as education, practice standards and code of conduct for continued privilege to practice nursing.
As of July 2021
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to include all legislation enacted, but omissions are possible.
Title "Nurse" Protection: Summary of Language by State
Arkansas
17-87-104. Penalty
(a)(1) It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to:
(D) Use in connection with his or her name any of the following titles, names, or initials, if the user is not properly licensed under this chapter:
(i) Nurse;
(ii) Registered nurse or R.N.;
(iii) Advanced practice nurse or A.P.N., or any of the following:
(a) Advanced registered nurse practitioner, A.R.N.P., or A.N.P.;
(b) Nurse anesthetist, certified nurse anesthetist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or C.R.N.A.;
(c) Nurse midwife, certified nurse midwife, licensed nurse midwife, C.N.M., or L.N.M.; or
(d) Clinical nurse specialist or C.N.S.;
(iv) Registered nurse practitioner, N.P.,or R.N.P.;
(v) Licensed practical nurse, practical nurse, or L.P.N.;
(vi) Licensed psychiatric technician nurse, psychiatric technician nurse, L.P.T.N., or P.T.N.; or
(vii) Any other name, title, or initials that would cause a reasonable person to believe the user is licensed under this chapter; return to top
Arizona
Title 32. Professions & Occupations. Chapter 15. Nursing. Article 2. Licensing A.R.S. 32-1636 (2003)
Only a person who holds a valid and current license to practice professional nursing in this state or in a party state pursuant to section 32-1668 may use the title "nurse", "registered nurse, "graduate nurse", or "professional nurse" or the abbreviation "RN". return to top
Colorado
Colorado Section 21. 12-38-117. Colorado Revised Statutes (2006), is amended by the addition of the following new paragraphs containing relocated provisions, with amendments to read: 12-38-117. Grounds for discipline (1) "Grounds for discipline" as used in this article means any action by a person who:
(w)(I) represents himself or herself to an individual or general public by use of any word or abbreviation to indicate or induce others to believe that he or she is a licensed practical or professional nurse licensed as a practical or professional nurse respectively OR, (II) uses the title "nurse", "registered nurse", "RN", "practical nurse", "trained practical nurse", licensed vocational nurse", "licensed practical nurse", or "LPN" unless the person is licensed by the board. return to top
Delaware
Section 1. §1920, Title 24, Delaware Code (2010)
(d) Only registered nurses shall use the title nurse, the abbreviation of "R.N." or any other words, letters, signs or figures indicating that the person using the same is a registered nurse.
"Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the use of title and abbreviation for advanced practice nurses is authorized in accordance with the following:
(1) Only Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists may use that title, the abbreviation 'CRNA' or any other words, letters, signs or figures indicating that the person using the same is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
(2) Only Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners may use that title, the abbreviation 'CRNP' or any other words, letters, signs or figures indicating that the person using the same is a Certified Nurse Practitioner.
(3) Only Certified Registered Nurse Midwives may use that title, the abbreviation 'CNM' or any other words, letters, signs or figures indicating that the person using the same is a Certified Nurse Midwife.
(4) Only Clinical Nurse Specialists may use that title, the abbreviation 'CNS' or any other words, letters, signs or figures indicating that the person using the same is a Clinical Nurse Specialist."
Section 2. Amend §1920, Title 24, Delaware Code, by adding to subsection (d), after the phrase "that title,", the phrase "the title 'nurse', ", and by further adding to subsection (g) after the phrase "that title,", the phrase "the title 'nurse',".
Only licensed practical nurses shall use the title nurse, the abbreviation of "L.P.N." or any other words, letters, signs or figures indicating that the person using the same is a licensed practical nurse. return to top
Florida
Title 32. Regulation of Professions and Occupations Chapter 464. Nursing. Part 1. Nurse Practice Act Fla. Stat. 464.016 (2002)
464.016. Violations and Penalties
Each of the following acts constitutes a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083:
(a) Using the title "Nurse", "Registered Nurse", "Licensed Practical Nurse", "Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner", or any other name or title which implies that a person was licensed or certified as same, unless such person is duly licensed or certified.
464.015 (6) (7) (8) (2007)
(c) Only persons who hold valid certificates to practice as clinical nurse specialists in this state may use the title "Clinical Nurse Specialist" and the abbreviation "CNS".
(d) Only persons who hold valid certificates to practice as certified registered nurse anesthetists in this state may use the title "Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist" and the abbreviations "CRNA" or "nurse anesthetist".
(e) Only persons who hold valid certificates to practice as certified nurse midwives in this state may use the title "Certified Nurse Midwife" and the abbreviations "CNM" or "nurse midwife". return to top
Georgia
Chapter 26 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to nurses, as amended (2011) in Code Section 43-26-6, relating to the use of certain titles by licensed registered nurses or advanced practice registered nurses, by adding a new subsection to read as follows:
"(d) No person shall use the title 'nurse' or any other title or abbreviation that would represent to the public that a person is authorized to practice nursing unless the person is licensed or otherwise authorized under this article or Article 2 of this chapter."
Said chapter is further amended in Code Section 43-26-33, relating to the use of certain titles by licensed practical nurses or applicants, by adding a new subsection to read as follows:
"(c) No person shall use the title 'nurse' or any other title or abbreviation that would represent to the public that a person is authorized to practice nursing unless the person is licensed or otherwise authorized under this article or Article 1 of this chapter." return to top
Hawaii
Division 2. Business Title 25. Professions and Occupations Chapter 457. Nurses HRS 457 -7 (2003)
457 -7. Registered nurses; qualifications; licenses; fees; title; existing licensed nurses; verification of licenses; eligibility.
(2d) Any person who holds a license to practice nursing as a registered nurse in this State shall use the title "Registered Nurse" and the abbreviation "RN". No other person shall assume the title "nurse" or in any manner imply that the person is a nurse except as provided in sections 457-8 and 457 -8.5 or use the abbreviation" RN" or any other words, letters, signs, or devices to indicate that the person using the same is a registered nurse. return to top
Idaho
2003 Ida. ALS 188; 2003 Idaho Sess. Laws 188; 2003 Ida. Ch.188; 2003 Ida. HB203 Amending Section 54-1401; Idaho Code
(2) Representation to the public only a person who holds a valid and current license to practice professional nursing in this state or a party state pursuant to sections 54-1409 and 54-1418, Idaho Code, may use the title "Nurse", "Registered Nurse", "Graduate Nurse", or "professional Nurse" or the abbreviation" RN" or any other designations, titles or abbreviations to indicate that the person is practicing nursing in this state. Only a person who holds a valid and current license to practice practical nursing in this state or a party state pursuant to sections 54-1407 and 54-1418, Idaho Code, may use the title "Nurse", "Licensed Practical Nurse", or the abbreviation "LPN" or any other designations, titles or abbreviations to indicate that the person is practicing nursing in this state. return to top
Illinois
Sec. 50-15. Policy; application of Act
(a) For the protection of life and the promotion of health, and the prevention of illness and communicable diseases, any person practicing or offering to practice advanced, professional or practical nursing in Illinois shall submit evidence that he or she is qualified to practice, and shall be licensed as provided under this Act. No person shall practice or offer to practice advanced, professional or practical nursing in Illinois or use any title, sign, card or device to indicate such person is practicing professional or practical nursing unless such person has been licensed under the provisions of this Act.
Kansas
65-1115 (d) Title and abbreviation. Any person who holds a license to practice as a registered professional nurse in this state shall have the right to use the title, "registered nurse" and the abbreviation "R.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 is a registered professional nurse.
Maryland
(2005) Repealing and Reenacting, with amendments; Article - Health Occupations Section 8-710 (a)(6)
(b) unless authorized to practice registered nursing or licensed practical nursing
under this title, a person may not use the word" nurse" to describe the profession of the person.
(c) unless authorized to practice registered nursing under this title, a
person may not use the words or terms" registered nurse", the abbreviation" RN", or any other title, symbol, abbreviation, sign, card, device, or other representation with the intent to represent that the person practices registered nursing.
(d) unless authorized to practice licensed practical nursing under this title,
a person may not use the words or terms "licensed practical nurse", the abbreviation "LPN", or any other title, symbol, abbreviation, sign, card, device, or other representation with the intent to represent that the person practices licensed practical nursing. return to top
Minnesota
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2002, Section 148.281, Subdivision 1. amended to read:
Subdivision 1. (Violations Described.)
It shall be unlawful for any person, corporation, firm, or association to:
(4) use the professional title "Nurse" unless duly licensed to practice professional or practical nursing under the provisions of sections 148.285, except as authorized by the Board of Rule. return to top
Mississippi
Section 73-15-33, Mississippi Code of 1972 (2009)
(d) Prohibits the use of any title, designation or abbreviation by which a person represents that he or she is any type of nurse unless the person is licensed to practice under the Nursing Practice law; to provide that this does not prohibit a certified nurse assistant or certified nursing assistant from using the word "nurse" or "nursing as part of his or her job title; and for relate purposes. return to top
Missouri
Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 335.076 (August 2006)
Titles, R.N. and L.P.N., who may use.
335.076. 1. Any person who holds a license to practice professional nursing in this state may use the title "Registered Professional Nurse" and the abbreviation "R.N.". No other person may use the title "Registered Professional Nurse" or the abbreviation "R.N.". No other person shall assume any title or use any abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or devices to indicate that the person using the same is a registered professional nurse.
2. Any person who holds a license to practice practical nursing in this state may use the title "Licensed Practical Nurse" and the abbreviation "L.P.N.". No other person may use the title "Licensed Practical Nurse" or the abbreviation "L.P.N.". No other person shall assume any title or use any abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or devices to indicate that the person using the same is a licensed practical nurse.
3. No person shall practice or offer to practice professional nursing or practical nursing in this state for compensation or use any title, sign, abbreviation, card, or device to indicate that such person is a practicing professional nurse or practical nurse unless he/ she has been duly licensed under the provisions of sections 335.011 to 335.096. return to top
Montana
37-8-401. Unlawful to indicate licensure without valid license.
It shall be unlawful for any person to use any title, abbreviation, sign, card, or device to indicate such person is a registered professional nurse or a licensed practical nurse unless such person has been duly licensed under the provisions of this chapter...
Nebraska
Chapter 71. Public Health and Welfare Article 1. Licenses; Professional & Occupational (p) Practice of Nursing R.R.S. Neb. 71-1,132.17 (2002)
71-1,132.17. Nursing; use of title; restriction
(1) In the interest of public safety and consumer awareness, it is unlawful for any person to use the title "nurse" in reference to himself or herself in any capacity, except individuals who are or have been licensed as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. A Christian Science nurse may refer to himself or herself only as a Christian Science nurse. return to top
Nevada
Nevada Administrative Code NRS 632.315
1. For the purposes of safeguarding life and health and maintaining professional standards among nurses in this state, any person who practices or offers to practice nursing in this state shall submit evidence that he is qualified to practice and must be licensed...
2. Any person who:
(a) Practices or offers to practice nursing in this state or uses any title, abbreviation, sign, card or device to indicate that he is practicing nursing in this state unless that person has been licensed..... or
(b) Does not hold a valid and subsisting license to practice nursing...
is guilty of a misdemeanor. return to top
New Hampshire
III Section 326-B:2 VII-a. ) "Nurse" means a person authorized to practice nursing and who holds a current license to provide care as an APRN, RN, or LPN. eff. July 1, 2011. return to top
New Mexico
Chapter 61. Professional & Occupational Licenses Article 3. Nursing N.M. Stat, Ann. 61-3-5 (2002)
61-3-5. Licenses required. (Repealed effective July 1, 2004.)
A. No person shall use the title "nurse" unless the person is licensed or has been licensed in the past as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse under the Nurse Practice Act (61-3-1 to 61-3-30 return to top
New York
(2006) Section 6903 of Title VIII Education Law as amended by Chapter 994 of the laws of 1971, and renumbered by Chapter 50 of the laws of 1972 is amended to read as follows:
6903 No person shall use the title "nurse" or any other title or abbreviation that would represent to the public that a person is authorized to practice nursing unless the person is licensed or otherwise authorized under this article. return to top
North Carolina
CHAPTER 90. MEDICINE AND ALLIED OCCUPATIONS
ARTICLE 9A. NURSING PRACTICE ACT N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-171.43
No person shall practice or offer to practice as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, or use the word "nurse" as a title for herself or himself, or use an abbreviation to indicate that the person is a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, unless the person is currently licensed as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse as provided by this Article. If the word "nurse" is part of a longer title, such as "nurse's aide", a person who is entitled to use that title shall use the entire title and may not abbreviate the title to "nurse". This Article shall not, however, be construed to prohibit or limit the following:
(1) The performance by any person of any act for which that person holds a license issued pursuant to North Carolina law;
(2) The clinical practice by students enrolled in approved nursing programs, continuing education programs, or refresher courses under the supervision of qualified faculty;
(3) The performance of nursing performed by persons who hold a temporary license issued pursuant to G.S. 90-171.33;
(4) The delegation to any person, including a member of the patient's family, by a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina, a licensed dentist or registered nurse of those patient-care services which are routine, repetitive, limited in scope that do not require the professional judgment of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse;
(5) Assistance by any person in the case of emergency.
Any person permitted to practice nursing without a license as provided in subdivision (2) or (3) of this section shall be held to the same standard of care as any licensed nurse. return to top
North Dakota
43-12.1-03. License required - Title - Abbreviation.
Any person who provides nursing care to a resident of this state must hold a current license or registration issued by the board. It is unlawful for a person to practice nursing, offer to practice nursing, assist in the practice of nursing, or use any title, abbreviation, or designation to indicate that the person is practicing nursing or assisting in the practice of nursing in this state unless that person is currently licensed or registered under this chapter. A currently licensed advanced practice registered nurse or specialty practice registered nurse may use titles approved by the board; a currently licensed registered nurse may use the abbreviation "RN"; a currently licensed practical nurse may use the abbreviation "LPN", and an unlicensed assistive person with current registration may use the title identified by the employer. A person may not use the title "nurse" or be referred to as a" nurse" unless licensed by the board. return to top
Oklahoma
567.5. Registered nurses, licensing .....use of titles and abbreviations - Violations
C. Any person who holds a license to practice as a registered nurse in this state shall have the right to use both the title "Registered Nurse" and the abbreviation "R.N." No other person shall assume such title or use such abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs or figures to indicate that the person using the same is a registered nurse.
Oregon
678.021 License required to practice nursing. It shall be unlawful for any person to practice nursing or offer the practice nursing in this state or to use any title or abbreviation, sign, card or device to indicate the person is practicing either practical or registered nursing unless the person is licensed under ORS 678.010 to 678.410....
Pennsylvania
(2012) P.L.317, No.69 Section 3 Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Use of Title and Abbreviation "R.N." or "C.N.S."; Credentials; Fraud.— (a) Any person who holds a license to practice professional nursing in this Commonwealth, or who is maintained on inactive status in accordance with section 11 of this act, shall have the right to use the [title] titles "nurse" and "registered nurse" and the abbreviation "R.N." No other person shall engage in the practice of professional nursing or use the [title] titles "nurse" or "registered nurse" or the abbreviation "R.N." to indicate that the person using the same is a registered nurse[.], except that the title "nurse" also may be used by a person licensed under the provisions of the act of March 2, 1956 (1955 P.L.1211, No.376), known as the "Practical Nurse Law." No person shall sell or fraudulently obtain or fraudulently furnish any nursing diploma, license, record, or registration or aid or abet therein. (b) An individual who holds a license to practice professional nursing in this Commonwealth who meets the requirements under sections 6.2 and 8.5 of this act to be a clinical nurse specialist shall have the right to use the title "clinical nurse specialist" and the abbreviation "C.N.S." No other person shall have that right. c) Notwithstanding subsection A, this section shall not prohibit the use by a person if a descriptive title for nurse assistive personnel. For the purposes of this subsection, the term "nurse assistive personnel" shall mean an individual providing health services under the supervision of a professional or practical nurse.
P.L.423, No.110), Section 14. Violations.— Except (A) EXCEPT as otherwise herein provided, it shall be unlawful for any person, association, partnership, corporation or institution, after the effective date of this act, to (1) Furnish, sell or obtain by fraud or misrepresentation a record of any qualification required for a license, or aid or abet therein; (2) Use in connection with his or her name the words nurse, practical nurse, licensed practical nurse, or the letters "PN," or "LPN," or any designation tending to imply that he or she is a practical nurse, or licensed practical nurse, unless he or she is duly licensed to so practice under the provisions of this act, except that the title "nurse" also may be used by a person registered under the provisions of the act of May 22, 195 1(P.L.317, No.69 ) , known as "The Professional Nursing Law "; (3) Practice practical nursing during the time his or her license issued under the provisions of this act is suspended or revoked; (4) Practice practical nursing without a valid current license; (5) To transfer, offer to transfer, or permit the use by another of any license issued under this act; (6) To aid or abet any person to violate any provision of this act; (7) Otherwise violate any of the provisions of this act. (b) Notwithstanding subsection A, this section shall not prohibit the use by a person if a descriptive title for nurse assistive personnel. For the purposes of this subsection, the term "nurse assistive personnel" shall mean an individual providing health services under the supervision of a professional or practical nurse.
Rhode Island
Agency 14. Department of Health. Sub-agency 140. Office of Health Professionals Regulation. Chapter 022. Licensing of Nurses and Standards for the Approval of Basic Nursing Education Programs. CRIR 14-140-022. Part II Section.
2.1 It shall be unlawful for any person to practice or offer to practice nursing in this state or use any title, sign, abbreviation, card or device indicating authority to practice nursing unless such person has been duly licensed and registered in accordance with statutory provisions of the Act and the rules and regulations herein, except persons exempt in accordance with section 5-34-31 of the Act. 2.1.1 Professional "registered" nurse title; any person who holds a license to practice as a professional nurse in this state shall have the right to use the title "registered nurse" and the abbreviation "RN'. return to top
South Carolina
Title 40. Professions & Occupations. Chapter 33 Nurses. Article 1. Nurse Practice Act. 40-33-30 © A person may not use the word "nurse" as a title or use an abbreviation to indicate that the person is practicing in this State as a nurse, unless the person is actively licensed as a nurse provided for in this chapter. If the term "nurse" is part of a longer title, such as " nurse's aide", a person who is entitled to use that title shall use the entire title and not abbreviate the title to "nurse". This does not prohibit the use of the title "nurse" by persons who hold a temporary permit pending licensure by endorsement from another jurisdiction, and it does not prohibit the use of the title "nurse" by persons enrolled in a board¬ approved refresher course for the purpose of obtaining an active South Carolina license. return to top
Tennessee
Tennessee Code Annotated Section 6-3-7-107 and Section 6-3-7-112 relative to use of the title "nurse". Tennessee Code Annotated Section is amended to prohibit a person from using the title "nurse" or any other title, abbreviation, or designation in connection with the person's name, occupation, or profession to indicate or imply that the person is a practicing nurse unless the person is actively licensed or certified by the board of nursing; and
Revises the present law provisions governing the board of nursing enjoining violations of practicing nursing without a license. Under present law, the board is authorized to petition any circuit or chancery court having jurisdiction to enjoin from practicing any person who is practicing or attempting to practice as a professional or registered nurse or as a licensed practical nurse without possessing a valid license or to enjoin any licensee from practicing who has been found guilty of the acts enumerated in present law as grounds for denial, revocation, or suspension of a license. Present law provides that no injunction bond is required of the board.
This amendment adds that the board may petition the court to enjoin a person from using the title "nurse" or from using any other title, abbreviation, or designation in connection with the person's name, occupation, or profession that indicates or implies that the person is a practicing nurse, but who does not possess a valid license or certificate from the board of nursing. This amendment also removes the provision whereby no injunction bond is required of the board. return to top
Texas
Section 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 301, Occupations Code Section 301.1606.
(4)(d) Unless the person holds a license under this chapter or as a vocational nurse under Chapter 302, a person may not use, in connection with the person's name: (1) the title "nurse"; or (2) any other designation tending to imply that the person is licensed to provide nursing care.
Section 301.415. Use of Certain Nursing Titles
Unless the person is practicing under the delegated authority of a registered nurse or is otherwise authorized by state or federal law, a person may not use, in connection with the person's name: (1) the title" nurse aide", "nurse assistant", or" nurse technician" or (2) or any other similar title. return to top
Utah
Subsection 58-31b-501(1)(a) Nurse Practice Act . Unlawful conduct includes:
(1) using the following titles, names or initials, if the user is not properly licensed or certified under this chapter: (a) nurse; (j) other generally recognized names or titles used in the profession of nursing;
(2) (a) using any other name, title, or initials that would cause a reasonable person to believe the user os licensed or certified. The penalty for using the term "nurse" when not licensed is class B misdemeanor. return to top
Vermont
(26VSA, Chapter 28) 1584. Prohibitions; offenses (a) It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person, including any corporation, association or individual, to:
(4) Use in connection with a name any words, letters, signs, or figures which imply that a person is a registered or practical nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse when not authorized under this chapter; return to top
Washington
Revised Code of Washington RCW 18.79.030 [1997 c 177 § 1; 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 403.]
(1) It is unlawful for a person to practice or to offer to practice as a registered nurse in this state unless that person has been licensed under this chapter. A person who holds a license to practice as a registered nurse in this state may use the titles "registered nurse" and "nurse" and the abbreviation "R.N." No other person may assume those titles or use the abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the person using them is a registered nurse.
(2) It is unlawful for a person to practice or to offer to practice as an advanced registered nurse practitioner or as a nurse practitioner in this state unless that person has been licensed under this chapter. A person who holds a license to practice as an advanced registered nurse practitioner in this state may use the titles "advanced registered nurse practitioner," "nurse practitioner," and "nurse" and the abbreviations "A.R.N.P." and "N.P." No other person may assume those titles or use those abbreviations or any other words, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the person using them is an advanced registered nurse practitioner or nurse practitioner.
(3) It is unlawful for a person to practice or to offer to practice as a licensed practical nurse in this state unless that person has been licensed under this chapter. A person who holds a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in this state may use the titles "licensed practical nurse" and "nurse" and the abbreviation "L.P.N." No other person may assume those titles or use that abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the person using them is a licensed practical nurse.
(4) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a person listed as a Christian Science nurse in the Christian Science Journal published by the Christian Science Publishing Society, Boston, Massachusetts, from using the title "Christian Science nurse," so long as such person does not hold himself or herself out as a registered nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, nurse practitioner, or licensed practical nurse, unless otherwise authorized by law to do so. return to top
West Virginia
W. Va. Code § 30-7-10 (2008)
Use of titles. Limiting the use of the titles "registered nurse", "nurse practitioner", and "nurse" to certain qualified individuals".
§ 30-7A-2. Any person licensed pursuant to this article may use the title "registered nurse" and the abbreviation "R.N." or the term "nurse". Except as otherwise provided in article seven-a of this chapter, no other person may assume a title or use abbreviations or any other words, letters, figures, signs, or devices to indicate that the person using the same is a registered professional nurse.
§ 30-7A-2. Any person licensed pursuant to this article may use the title "licensed practical nurse," "practical nurse" and the abbreviation "L.P.N" or the term "nurse". Except as otherwise provided in article seven of this chapter, no other person may assume such title, or use such abbreviation, or any other words, letters, figures, signs, or devices to indicate that the person using the same is a licensed practical nurse or a practical nurse. return to top
Wisconsin
Chapter 441. Subchapter I Regulation of Nursing. 441.001 Definitions
(2) Nurse. Except as provided under s. 441.08 (temporary permit), "nurse", when used without modification or amplification, means only a registered nurse. return to top
Wyoming
33–21–134. Registered professional nurse; use of R.N.; advanced practice registered nurse; use of A.P.R.N.
(a) Any person who holds a license to practice as a registered professional nurse in this state shall have the right to use the title "Registered Nurse" and the abbreviation "R.N." No other person shall assume this title or use this abbreviation or any words, letters, signs or devices to indicate that the person using same is a registered professional nurse.
(b) Any person who holds a license to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse in this state shall have the right to use the title "Advanced Practice Registered Nurse" and the abbreviation "A.P.R.N." No other person shall assume this title or use this abbreviation or any words, letters, signs or devices to indicate that the person using same is an advance practice registered nurse.
33–21–135. Licensed practical nurse; use of L.P.N.
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 this title or use this abbreviation or any words, letters, signs or devices to indicate that the person using same is a licensed practical nurse.
33–21–136. New graduate professional nurse; use of G.N.; new graduate advanced practice registered nurse; use of G.A.P.R.N.
(a) Any person who holds a temporary permit as a new graduate professional nurse in this state shall use the title "Graduate Nurse" and the abbreviation "G.N." No other person shall assume this title or use this abbreviation or any words, letters, signs or devices to indicate that the person using same is a new graduate professional nurse.
(b) Any person who holds a temporary permit as a new graduate advanced practice registered nurse in this state shall use the title "Graduate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse" and the abbreviation "G.A.P.R.N." No other person shall assume this title or use this abbreviation or any words, letters, signs or devices to indicate that the person using same is a new graduate advanced practice registered nurse.
33–21–137. New graduate practical nurse; use of G.P.N.
Any person who holds a temporary permit as a new graduate practical nurse in this state shall use the title "Graduate Practical Nurse" and the abbreviation "G.P.N." No other person shall assume this title or use this abbreviation or any words, letters, signs or devices to indicate that the person using same is a new graduate practical nurse. return to top
As of July 2021
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to include all legislation enacted, but omissions are possible.