Maryland § 8-301

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 8-301, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 8-301.

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, an individual shall be licensed by the Board before the individual may practice registered nursing in this State.

    (b)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, an individual shall be licensed by the Board before the individual may practice licensed practical nursing in this State.

    (c)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, an individual shall be certified as an advanced practice registered nurse before the individual may practice advanced practice registered nursing in this State.

    (d)    Subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section do not apply to:

        (1)    A student enrolled in an approved education program while practicing registered nursing or licensed practical nursing in that program;

        (2)    A student enrolled in a graduate level accredited program for advanced practice registered nursing while practicing advanced practice registered nursing in that program;

        (3)    An individual employed by the federal government to practice registered nursing or licensed practical nursing while practicing within the scope of that employment, if the individual is authorized by any state to practice registered nursing or licensed practical nursing;

        (4)    An individual permitted to practice registered nursing or licensed practical nursing under rules and regulations adopted by the Board, if the individual:

            (i)    Otherwise has qualified to practice registered nursing or licensed practical nursing in any other state or country and is in this State temporarily; or

            (ii)    1.    Has an application for a license pending before the Board; and

                2.    A.    Has not taken the examination required under this title;

                B.    Has taken an examination under this title, but the results of the examination are not yet known;

                C.    Has taken and passed an examination under this title, but is waiting for the completion of the criminal history records check; or

                D.    Has taken and failed an examination required under this title but has not failed the examination more than one time within the 120–day period immediately following the submission of the application to the Board;

        (5)    An individual permitted to practice advanced practice registered nursing under rules and regulations adopted by the Board;

        (6)    An individual who provides gratuitous care for friends, domestic partners, or family members; or

        (7)    An individual who responds to a disaster situation in this State to practice registered nursing or licensed practical nursing, if:

            (i)    The individual has an active unencumbered license to practice registered nursing or licensed practical nursing in another state and the individual is assigned by:

                1.    The American Red Cross; or

                2.    A member of the Maryland Emergency Management Assistance Compact under § 14–803 of the Public Safety Article;

            (ii)    The Governor has declared a State of Emergency by Executive Order or proclamation in accordance with § 3–401 of the State Government Article; and

            (iii)    The individual reports to the designated staging area in accordance with § 14–803(2)(b)(5)(iv) of the Public Safety Article.

    (e)    A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse in a party state to the Nurse Multistate Licensure Compact shall hold a license in only one party state at a time, that is issued by the home state in accordance with Subtitle 7A of this title.

    (f)    A registered nurse who has been granted multistate licensing privileges by a party state to the Nurse Multistate Licensure Compact set forth in Subtitle 7A of this title may practice registered nursing in the State.

    (g)    A licensed practical nurse who has been granted multistate licensing privileges by a party state to the Nurse Multistate Licensure Compact set forth in Subtitle 7A of this title may practice practical nursing in the State.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 8-301

What does Maryland Code § 8-301 cover?

Section 8-301 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 8-301?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 8-301" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 8-301 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.