The board shall:

(1) Be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of this article and shall be specifically granted all of the necessary duties, powers, and authority to carry out this responsibility;

(2) Be authorized to draft, adopt, amend, repeal, and enforce such rules as it deems necessary for the administration and enforcement of this article in the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare;

(3) License duly qualified applicants by examination, endorsement, or reinstatement;

(4) Enforce qualifications for licensure;

(5) Be authorized to set standards for competency of licensees continuing in or returning to practice;

(6) Be authorized to enact rules and regulations for licensed practical nurses as they apply to the practice of practical nursing;

(7) Be authorized to issue temporary permits;

(8) Renew licenses of licensed practical nurses in accordance with this article;

(9) Develop and enforce reasonable and uniform standards for practical nurse education and practical nurse practice;

(10) Periodically evaluate practical nurse education programs and approve such programs as meeting the board's requirements;

(11) Deny or withdraw approval from noncompliant practical nurse education programs;

(12) Implement the disciplinary process;

(13) Be authorized to issue orders when a license is surrendered to the board while a complaint, investigation, or disciplinary act against such license is pending;

(14) Issue a limited license to practice practical nursing subject to such terms and conditions as the board may impose;

(15) Provide consultation and conduct conferences, forums, studies, and research on practical nurse education and practical nurse practice;

(16) Be authorized to appoint standing or ad hoc committees as necessary to inform and make recommendations to the board about issues and concerns and to facilitate communication among the board, licensees, and the community;

(17) Maintain membership in the national organization which develops and regulates the practical nursing licensing examination; (18) Be authorized to collect data regarding existing licensed practical nursing resources in Georgia and coordinate planning for practical nursing education and practical nursing practice;

(19) Determine fees; and

(20) Adopt a seal which shall be in the care of the executive director and shall be affixed only in such a manner as prescribed by the board.