MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2007 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Human Services

By: Representative Holland

House Bill 573

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-15-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXEMPT FROM THE NURSING PRACTICE LAW THE PRACTICE OF CHRISTIAN SCIENCE NURSING BY A CHRISTIAN SCIENCE NURSE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 73-15-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     73-15-7.  The following shall be excepted from the provisions of this article:

          (a)  Gratuitous nursing by friends and members of the family.

          (b)  The furnishing of nursing assistance in an emergency.

          (c)  The practice of nursing which is incidental to a program of study by a student enrolled in an approved educational program of nursing, provided the practice is under the supervision of a registered nurse.

          (d)  The practice of nursing by a graduate of an approved educational program of nursing pending the results of the first licensing examination scheduled by the board following such graduation, provided the practice is under the supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed physician if the nurse is practicing in a physician's office and the graduate holds a temporary permit to practice nursing in Mississippi.

          (e)  The practice of nursing by any legally qualified nurse of another state who is employed by the United States government or any bureau, division or agency thereof while in the discharge of his or her official duties.

          (f)  The practice of nursing by a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse for a period of not more than ninety (90) days pending licensure in Mississippi, provided the nurse upon employment has furnished the employer with satisfactory evidence of current registration and licensure in another state, and provided such nurse furnishes evidence to the prospective employer of having submitted proper application and fees to the board prior to employment and holds a temporary permit to practice nursing in Mississippi.

          (g)  The furnishing of nursing assistance by any duly qualified auxiliary personnel employed by state mental health facilities until December 31, 1983.

          (h)  Any registered nurse or licensed practical nurse for nursing duties performed in a physician's office under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician; provided, however, that said registered nurse or licensed practical nurse shall otherwise comply with the other provisions of this article.

          (i)  The infliction of the punishment of death pursuant to Section 99-19-51.

          (j)  The practice of Christian Science nursing by a Christian Science nurse, who may only refer to himself or herself as a "Christian Science nurse."

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.