(a) Pending the results of a licensing examination, the board may issue to an applicant who is a graduate of an approved educational program a permit to practice professional nursing under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or to practice vocational nursing under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or vocational nurse.
(b) The board may not issue a permit under this section to an applicant who has previously failed an examination administered by the board or another state.
(c) A permit issued under Subsection (a) expires on the date of receipt of:
(1) a permanent license; or
(2) a notice from the board that the permit holder has failed the examination.
(d) The board may issue a temporary permit to practice professional nursing or vocational nursing for the limited purpose of allowing a nurse to satisfy a requirement imposed by the board necessary for:
(1) renewal of an expired license;
(2) reactivation of an inactive license; or
(3) reissuance of a suspended, revoked, or surrendered license.
(e) A permit issued under Subsection (d) expires on the earlier of:
(1) the date of receipt of a permanent license; or
(2) six months after the date the permit is issued.
(f) A person who holds a temporary permit issued under this section is considered to be a licensed registered nurse or vocational nurse for all purposes except to the extent of any stipulation or limitation on practice imposed by the board as a condition of issuing the permit.