(a) Before hiring a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse in North Carolina, a health care facility shall verify that the applicant has a current, valid license to practice nursing pursuant to G.S. 90-171.43.
(b) For purposes of this section, "health care facility" means:
(1) Facilities described in G.S. 131E-256(b).
(2) Public health departments, physicians' offices, ambulatory care facilities, and rural health clinics.