(1) By Examination. An applicant for a license to practice professional nursing shall be required to pass an examination in such subjects as the board may determine. The board shall issue a license to practice professional nursing to an applicant who successfully completes the examination.
(2) Without Examination. The board may issue a license to practice professional nursing to a professional or registered nurse who has been duly licensed in another state or territory if, in the opinion of the board, the individual meets the professional nurse qualifications that, at the time of the applicant's graduation, were in effect in this state.
(3) Temporary Permits. The board may issue a temporary permit to a professional or registered nurse duly licensed according to the laws of another state and who has made application for permanent licensure in Tennessee. A permit issued under this subsection (c) shall be valid for a single period of six (6) months.