.03 Renewal of Certification.

A. Certification as a clinical nurse specialist expires at the same time as the clinical nurse specialist’s registered nursing license.

B. Before a clinical nurse specialist’s certification expires, the clinical nurse specialist may renew the certification biennially if the clinical nurse specialist:

(1) Is otherwise entitled to be certified;

(2) Submits to the Board:

(a) A completed renewal application for clinical nurse specialists on a form that the Board requires; and

(b) Documentation of current national certification as a clinical nurse specialist from a national certifying body recognized by the Board; and

(3) Pays all fees.

C. Clinical nurse specialists renewal applicants who are authorized to practice registered nursing in this State under a multistate licensure privilege shall be periodically required to submit to a criminal history records check in accordance with the schedule and requirements set forth in COMAR 10.27.01.13J—N.

D. The clinical nurse specialist shall ensure that the Board has a record of the renewed national certification if the national certification expires before the registered nurse license renewal date.

E. Certification as a clinical nurse specialist shall be deemed to have lapsed if the Board does not have a record of a current active national certification.

F. Practicing on an expired national certification is prohibited and is subject to discipline under Health Occupations Article, §8-316(a), Annotated Code of Maryland.