(a) An applicant for a license under this chapter who is licensed as a registered nurse or vocational nurse by another state may qualify for a temporary license by endorsement to practice as a registered nurse or vocational nurse, as applicable, by submitting to the board:
(1) an endorsement fee as determined by the board and a completed sworn application in the form prescribed by the board;
(2) evidence that the person possessed, at the time of initial licensing as a nurse, the other qualifications necessary at that time to have been eligible for licensing in this state; and
(3) proof of initial licensing by examination and proof that the license and any other license issued to the applicant by another state have not been suspended, revoked, canceled, surrendered, or otherwise restricted.
(b) A holder of a temporary license under this section is entitled to receive a permanent license if the applicant:
(1) verifies the applicant's academic and professional credentials; and
(2) satisfies any other requirement established by statute.
(c) The board shall grant or deny an application for a permanent license not later than the 180th day after the date the board receives all required forms or information. The board may extend that deadline to allow for the receipt and tabulation of examination results.