.02 Certification.

A. An applicant for certification as a clinical nurse specialist shall:

(1) Hold a current Maryland license in good standing to practice registered nursing or a multistate licensure privilege to practice registered;

(2) Have graduated from a Board-approved graduate level education program for a clinical nurse specialist at the master’s level or higher that is accredited by;

(a) The National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC);

(b) The Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE); or

(c) Any other accrediting body recognized by the Board;

(3) Successfully complete a national certifying exam recognized by the Board for national certification as a clinical nurse specialist in the applicant’s area of practice;

(4) Hold a current national certification as a clinical nurse specialist from a national certifying body recognized by the Board;

(5) Submit to the Board a completed application for certification as a clinical nurse specialist on a form required by the Board;

(6) Comply with all requirements set forth in COMAR 10.27.01.04;

(7) Demonstrate oral and written competency in the English language; and

(8) Pay all fees.

B. Beginning on October 1, 2012, as long as the applicant remains certified and in good standing, the Board shall deem that an applicant meets the qualifications to be certified as a clinical nurse specialist if the applicant has:

(1) Been licensed as a registered nurse in Maryland or has a multistate privilege to practice registered nursing;

(2) Obtained a master’s degree or higher in Nursing;

(3) Practiced as a clinical nurse specialist; and

(4) One of the following:

(a) An active certification as a clinical nurse specialist from a national certification body recognized by the Board;

(b) An active national certification at the highest level in the applicant’s area of practice; or

(c) A national certification at the highest level in the applicant’s area of subspecialty.