# Title 55 — Nursing Home Administrators, Board of Examiners for

## Article 55-02 — Nursing Home Administrator Licensure

## Chapter 55-02-01 — General Provisions

### § 55-02-01-01. Source of authority.

This article constitutes the rules of the North Dakota board of examiners for nursing home
administrators, and are promulgated pursuant to the authority granted to, and imposed upon, the board
by North Dakota Century Code chapter 43-34.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-09
### § 55-02-01-02. General definitions.

In this article unless the subject matter or context requires otherwise:
1. "Board" means the North Dakota state board of examiners for nursing home administrators.
2. "General administrative charge of a North Dakota nursing home" means a nursing home
administrator whose major responsibility is the complete operation of a nursing home.

3. "Inactive license status" means the period, beginning on or after January 1, 1993, during
which a duly licensed nursing home administrator has temporarily abandoned the practice of
nursing home administration in the state of North Dakota.
4. "Initial licensure" means the first time a person is licensed in North Dakota, but does not
include emergency licensure or licensure by endorsement.
5. "Licensure by endorsement" means licensure pursuant to North Dakota Century Code section
43-34-12.
6. "Nursing home" means any institution or facility defined as such for licensing purposes under
North Dakota state law or pursuant to the rules for nursing homes by the state department of
health, whether proprietary or nonprofit, including nursing homes owned or administered by
the state government or an agency or political subdivision thereof.
7. "Nursing home administrator" means a person who administers, manages, supervises, or is in
general administrative charge of a North Dakota nursing home.
8. "Person" means an individual and does not include the terms firm, corporation, association,
partnership, institution, public body, joint stock association, or any other group of individuals.
9. "Preceptor" means a nursing home administrator who meets the following criteria:
a. The person is licensed in good standing and has been licensed for at least one year as a
North Dakota nursing home administrator.
b. The person is practicing and has practiced for at least three years as a licensed nursing
home administrator in any jurisdiction.
c. The person has attended a preceptor training program recognized by the board.
History: Amended effective February 1, 1993; December 1, 1998; December 1, 2002.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-01, 43-34-09
### § 55-02-01-03. Board meetings.

The board shall meet twice annually. The chairperson, or other presiding officer of the board, may
call additional meetings at any time the circumstances or functioning of the board require it.
History: Amended effective June 1, 1996.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-09
### § 55-02-01-04. Board duties.

Repealed effective February 1, 1993.
### § 55-02-01-05. Duties of board of officers.

1. The chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the board.
2. In the absence of the chairperson, the vice chairperson shall preside at meetings, and perform
all duties usually performed by the chairperson.
3. The secretary-treasurer shall keep a full and complete record of the minutes of the meetings,
maintain records pertaining to licensees and registrants, maintain financial records approved
by the board and the fiscal authorities of the state, and make payments with the approval of

the board. Any functions of the secretary-treasurer may be delegated by the board to the
executive director.
History: Amended effective February 1, 1993; June 1, 1996; December 1, 2002; July 1, 2010;
January 1, 2017.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-07, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-07, 43-34-09
### § 55-02-01-06. Administration of examinations.

1. The board shall administer or contract for examinations to applicants for licensure as a nursing
home administrator.
2. A record of the examination for each applicant shall be kept by the board for a period of two
years.
History: Amended effective February 1, 1993; December 1, 2002.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-04, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-09
### § 55-02-01-07. Requirements for initial licensure.

A person applying for initial licensure must meet the following requirements:
1. The person is at least eighteen years of age and of good moral character.
2. The person has a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, or has an
associate degree from an accredited college or university and has practiced as a licensed
nursing home administrator in any jurisdiction for at least five of the last six years.
3. The person has completed a board-approved administrator-in-training program, practiced as a
licensed nursing home administrator in any jurisdiction for at least two years preceding the
application, is certified by the American college of health care administrators as a nursing
home administrator, or has met the qualifications for the health services executive license as
established by the national association of long term care administrator boards, which are in
effect on January 1, 2017.
4. If the person has not been licensed in another state and has not been practicing as an
administrator of record in another state for five of the last six years, the person must pass the
examinations required by section 55-02-01-10 within twenty-four months before or after the
date the person applies for initial licensure.
History: Amended effective July 1, 1979; February 1, 1993; June 1, 1996; December 1, 1998;
December 1, 2002; July 1, 2010; January 1, 2017.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-04, 43-34-08, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-09, 43-34-12
### § 55-02-01-08. Application for initial licensure.

An applicant for initial licensure as a nursing home administrator must make application in writing
on forms provided by the board, furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant meets the
licensure requirements as provided for in section 55-02-01-07, pay a fee of two hundred fifty dollars,
pay the cost charged by the national association of long term care administrator boards for the
examination if the applicant must take the examination under section 55-02-01-07, and submit to a
statewide and nationwide criminal history record check. All costs associated with the criminal history
record check are the responsibility of the applicant. An applicant for initial licensure must submit two
references from individuals engaged in business or professional work.

History: Amended effective February 1, 1993; June 1, 1996; December 1, 1998; December 1, 2002;
July 1, 2010; January 1, 2017.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-04, 43-34-05, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-03.2, 43-34-05, 43-34-09
### § 55-02-01-09. Denial of application for licensure.

1. An applicant for licensure who has been denied shall be given written notification by the board
of the denial, the reasons for denial, and of the applicant's right to a hearing.
2. An applicant for licensure who has been denied may petition the board in writing within thirty
days of notification of the denial for a hearing and a review of the applicant's application in
accordance with North Dakota Century Code chapter 28-32.
History: Amended effective February 1, 1993; December 1, 2002; January 1, 2017.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-04, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-09
### § 55-02-01-10. Examinations.

1. Each person applying for licensure as a nursing home administrator, except a person applying
for emergency licensure or licensure by endorsement, is required to pass an examination
provided by the national association of long term care administrator boards within twenty-four
months before or after the date the person applies for licensure, unless the applicant has been
licensed in another state and has been practicing as an administrator of record in another
state for five of the last six years.
2. Each person applying for licensure as a nursing home administrator, except a person applying
for emergency licensure, is required to pass a state laws and rules examination administered
by the board.
History: Amended effective February 1, 1993; June 1, 1996; December 1, 1998; December 1, 2002;
July 1, 2010; January 1, 2017.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-04, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-09
### § 55-02-01-11. Grading examinations.

1. A passing score for the examination required by subsection 1 of section 55-02-01-10 shall be
the passing score established by the national association of long term care administrator
boards.
2. A passing score for the examination required by subsection 2 of section 55-02-01-10 shall be
the passing score established by the board.
History: Amended effective July 1, 1981; June 1, 1983; February 1, 1993; June 1, 1996; December 1,
2002; July 1, 2010; January 1, 2017.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-04, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-09
### § 55-02-01-12. Continuing education.

1. A licensee with an active license must obtain twenty hours of continuing education each
calendar year following the first calendar year of licensure. During the first calendar year of
licensure, a licensee with an active license must obtain:
a. Twenty hours of continuing education if licensed before April first;

b. Fifteen hours of continuing education if licensed on or after April first, but before July first;
or
c. Ten hours of continuing education if licensed on or after July first, but before October
first; or
d. Five hours of continuing education if licensed on or after October first.
2. Continuing education hours must be obtained from providers approved by the board.
3. Documentation of continuing education must be submitted with a renewal application.
4. The board shall consider exceptions to the continuing education requirements for reasons,
including military services, medical hardships, or circumstances beyond the administrator's
reasonable control.
History: Amended effective February 1, 1993; December 1, 1998; December 1, 2002; January 1, 2017;
January 1, 2023.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-04
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-09
### § 55-02-01-13. Program of study in accredited educational institutions.

Repealed effective February 1, 1993.
### § 55-02-01-14. Certification of program of study for federal financial participation.

Repealed effective February 1, 1993.
### § 55-02-01-15. Licensure by endorsement.

Upon application, the board may issue a license by endorsement to any person who:
1. Pays a fee of two hundred fifty dollars.
2. Holds a current license in good standing from another jurisdiction that imposes requirements
for obtaining a license which are at least substantially equivalent to the requirements imposed
in this state at the time of application.
3. Passes the examination required by subsection 2 of section 55-02-01-10.
4. Submits to a statewide and nationwide criminal history record check. All costs associated with
the criminal history record check are the responsibility of the applicant.
History: Amended effective February 1, 1993; June 1, 1996; December 1, 1998; December 1, 2002;
July 1, 2010.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-04, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-03.2, 43-34-05, 43-34-09, 43-34-12
### § 55-02-01-15.1. Emergency license.

Upon application, the board may issue an emergency license to any person who:
1. Pays a fee of two hundred fifty dollars.
2. Meets the requirements of subsection 1 of section 55-02-01-07.

3. Submits to a statewide and nationwide criminal history record check. All costs associated with
the criminal history record check are the responsibility of the applicant.
4. Will be supervised by a preceptor at the expense of the nursing home. Supervision requires
communication between the preceptor and the licensee at least twice in each week and at
least one visit in each month by the preceptor to the nursing home where the licensee is
employed. The preceptor shall make monthly written reports to the board.
5. Meets any other requirements that the board finds necessary.
6. The emergency license is valid for a period of up to ninety consecutive days from the date the
board issues the emergency license.
7. The board may deny subsequent requests for emergency licensure.
History: Effective December 1, 2002; amended effective July 1, 2010; January 1, 2017.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-04, 43-34-05, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-03.2, 43-34-05, 43-34-09, 43-34-11
### § 55-02-01-16. Registration and renewal of licenses.

1. Any person who holds a license issued by the board shall be registered with the board. The
license expires on the thirty-first day of December in the year of its issuance and is renewable
annually upon payment of the license fee. The board shall transmit renewal forms to all
licensees whose licenses expire on December thirty-first.
2. The licensee shall pay an annual renewal fee of two hundred fifty dollars.
3. An applicant for renewal shall provide documentation of completion of the continuing
education required by section 55-02-01-12.
4. The board shall maintain a register of all licensed nursing home administrators. The board
shall maintain a complete file of such pertinent information as may be deemed necessary.
5. A licensee who does not meet the requirement for renewal by December thirty-first may renew
the license by meeting the requirements and paying a late renewal fee in the amount of
twenty-five dollars per month for each month following December thirty-first. If the
requirements for renewal are not met within six months of expiration, the license shall not be
renewed. If the license is not renewed, the individual must apply for and meet the
requirements for initial licensure, including passing the examinations required by section
History: Amended effective February 1, 1993; June 1, 1996; December 1, 1998; December 1, 2002;
November 1, 2005; July 1, 2010; January 1, 2017.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-04, 43-34-05, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-05, 43-34-09, 43-34-10
### § 55-02-01-17. Denial, suspension, and revocation of licenses.

The board may deny an application for licensure if the applicant has violated any of the provisions
of this section. The board shall provide notice of denial of an application for licensure and inform the
applicant of the opportunity for a hearing. The board, after notice and opportunity for hearing, may
suspend or revoke a license for a nursing home administrator, or may reprimand or otherwise discipline
a licensee, if the licensee:
1. Has violated any of the provisions of the law pertaining to the licensing of nursing home
administrators or the rules and regulations of the board pertaining thereto;

2. Has violated any of the provisions of the law, rules, or regulations of the licensing authority
having jurisdiction over the operation and licensing of nursing homes;
3. Has practiced fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation or provided misleading omission or material
misstatement of fact in securing, procuring, renewing, or maintaining a nursing home
administrator license;
4. Has engaged in fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest conduct in the licensee's capacity as a
nursing home administrator;
5. Has committed acts of professional misconduct or professional negligence;
6. Has practiced without a license;
7. Has transferred or surrendered possession of the licensee's license to any other person;
8. Has engaged in fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive advertising with respect to the facility;
9. Has impersonated another licensee;
10. Has failed to exercise true regard for the safety, health, and life of the resident;
11. Has permitted unauthorized or illegal disclosure of information relating to a resident or the
resident's records;
12. Has discriminated in respect to residents or staff with regard to race, religion, color, age, sex,
creed, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, or national origin;
13. Has been convicted of an offense having a direct bearing on the applicant or licensee's ability
to serve the public as a nursing home administrator or, following conviction of any offense, has
been determined by the board to be insufficiently rehabilitated under North Dakota Century
Code section 12.1-33-02.1;
14. Has engaged in sexual harassment, made sexual advances toward, or engaged in sexual
contact with any nursing home resident, or engaged in sexual harassment of any nursing
home employee, student, trainee, volunteer, consultant, or visitor;
15. Has used the licensee's professional status, title, position, or relationship as a nursing home
administrator or licensee to coerce, improperly influence, or obtain money, property, or
services from a resident, resident's family member, visitor, employee, or any person served by
or doing business with a nursing home;
16. Has made a false statement or provided false or misleading information to the board, failed to
submit reports as required by the board, failed to cooperate with an investigation of the board,
or violated an order of the board;
17. Has failed to report a reprimand, restriction, limitation, condition, revocation, suspension,
surrender, or other disciplinary action against the person's license as a nursing home
administrator in another jurisdiction, has failed to report the existence of a complaint or other
charges against the person's nursing home administrator license in another jurisdiction, or has
been denied a license as a nursing home administrator by any other jurisdiction;
18. Has abused or is dependent on alcohol, legend drugs, or controlled substances, and the
abuse or dependency affects the performance of the licensee's duties;
19. Has forged prescriptions or made drugs available to self, friends, or family members; or
20. Has failed to complete continuing education requirements.

History: Amended effective February 1, 1993; December 1, 1998; December 1, 2002; November 1,
2005; January 1, 2017.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-04, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-03.1, 43-34-09, 43-34-10, 43-34-11, 43-34-12
### § 55-02-01-18. Complaint procedures.

1. Upon filing of a written and signed complaint alleging a licensee engaged in conduct identified
as grounds for disciplinary action under section 55-02-01-17, the board shall notify the
licensee of the complaint and require a written response from the licensee. The board may
initiate a complaint on its own motion upon learning of conduct identified by the board as
grounds for disciplinary action under section 55-02-01-17, and shall notify the licensee of the
compliant and require a written response from the licensee.
2. After notifying the licensee of the complaint and considering the licensee's response or lack of
response, the board shall determine if there is a reasonable basis to believe the licensee
engaged in conduct identified as grounds for disciplinary action under section 55-02-01-17. If
the board determines there is not a reasonable basis to believe, the board will notify the
complainant and the licensee. If the board determines there is a reasonable basis to believe,
the board will proceed with a disciplinary action in accordance with North Dakota Century
Code chapter 28-32.
3. The board, at any time, may offer or accept a proposal for informal resolution of the complaint
or disciplinary action.
History: Amended effective February 1, 1993; December 1, 1998; December 1, 2002; January 1, 2017.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-04, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-03.1, 43-34-04, 43-34-09, 43-34-10, 43-34-11, 43-34-12
### § 55-02-01-19. Conduct of hearings.

Repealed effective December 1, 1998.
### § 55-02-01-20. Endorsement.

Repealed effective June 1, 1996.
### § 55-02-01-21. Inactive license status.

A nursing home administrator whose license has not expired or been revoked or suspended may
request inactive license status for no more than three consecutive years. While in inactive license
status, the administrator must submit a renewal form and a license fee annually but the continuing
education requirement as set forth in section 55-02-01-12 need not be met. A nursing home
administrator must obtain twenty hours of continuing education hours prior to reactivating his or her
license.
History: Amended effective February 1, 1993; June 1, 1996; December 1, 1998; December 1, 2002;
January 1, 2017.
General Authority: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-04, 43-34-09
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-34-03, 43-34-05, 43-34-09, 43-34-10
### § 55-02-01-22. Display of permits or licenses.

Repealed effective February 1, 1993.

### § 55-02-01-23. Duplicate licenses.

Repealed effective July 1, 2010.
### § 55-02-01-24. Applicability - Legal effect - Severability.

Repealed effective December 1, 2002.
