The Board of Nursing is comprised of 16 members: eight registered nurses, four licensed practical nurses, and four public members. The Governor appoints members to a four-year term, ending the first Monday in January. Members serve until their successors are appointed and qualify. A member may be reappointed but may not serve more than two consecutive terms. The appointments are reflective of the geography of the state and a broad mix of nurse practice types and sites in Minnesota. Members must be a resident of the State of Minnesota and file a constitutional oath of office with the Secretary of State before beginning the term of office.
Nurses must have graduated from an approved school of nursing, be licensed and registered as a nurse in Minnesota, have had at least five years of nursing practice experience immediately preceding appointment, and be actively engaged in the practice of nursing at the time of appointment.
Five of the eight registered nurses have additional specific requirements:
1. One registered nurse must have had at least two years executive or teaching experience in a board-approved baccalaureate degree nursing education program during the five years immediately preceding appointment.
2. One registered nurse must have had at least two years executive or teaching experience in a board-approved associate degree nursing education program during the five years immediately preceding appointment.
3. One registered nurse must have had at least two years executive or teaching experience in a board-approved practical nursing education program during the five years immediately preceding appointment.
4. One registered nurse must be practicing nursing in a nursing home at the time of appointment.
5. One registered nurse must be licensed and currently registered as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and have national certification as a registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), certified nurse midwife (CNM), certified nurse practitioner (CNP), or clinical nurse specialist (CNS).
Any nurse on the Board who, during incumbency, permanently ceases to be actively engaged in the practice of nursing or otherwise becomes disqualified for board membership, is automatically removed and the governor shall fill the vacancy.
Public members must not be or ever have been a nurse or the spouse of a nurse, and must never have had a material financial interest in either the providing of nurse services or an activity directly related to nursing.