464.015  Titles and abbreviations; restrictions; penalty.--

(1)  Only persons who hold licenses to practice professional nursing in this state or who are performing nursing services pursuant to the exception set forth in s. 464.022(8) shall have the right to use the title "Registered Nurse" and the abbreviation "R.N."

(2)  Only persons who hold licenses to practice as licensed practical nurses in this state or who are performing practical nursing services pursuant to the exception set forth in s. 464.022(8) shall have the right to use the title "Licensed Practical Nurse" and the abbreviation "L.P.N."

(3)  Only persons who are graduates of approved programs or the equivalent may use the term "Graduate Nurse" and the abbreviation "G.N.," pending the results of the first licensure examination for which they are eligible.

(4)  Only persons who are graduates of approved programs or the equivalent may use the term "Graduate Practical Nurse" and the abbreviation "G.P.N.," pending the results of the first licensure examination for which they are eligible.

(5)  Only persons who hold valid certificates to practice as advanced registered nurse practitioners in this state shall have the right to use the title "Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner" and the abbreviation "A.R.N.P."

(6)  No person shall practice or advertise as, or assume the title of, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or advanced registered nurse practitioner or use the abbreviation "R.N.," "L.P.N.," or "A.R.N.P." or take any other action that would lead the public to believe that person was certified as such or is performing nursing services pursuant to the exception set forth in s. 464.022(8), unless that person is licensed or certified to practice as such.

(7)  A violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.