(a)
(1) The Arkansas State Board of Nursing shall adopt rules setting minimum standards for continuing education to ensure that all licensed nurses remain informed about those technical and professional subjects which the board deems appropriate to nursing practice.
(2) The board shall not require more than twenty (20) hours of continuing education per year.
(b) The board shall make every effort to ensure that the continuing education programs are offered either within the nurse's workplace or at another place convenient to the nurse, whether through live presentation or distance learning.
(c)
(1) The board shall adopt rules to prescribe the methods by which the minimum standards for continuing education may be satisfied.
(2) The failure of any licensed nurse to satisfy the minimum standards for continuing education shall be grounds for disciplinary action or nonrenewal of the nurse's license, or both.