PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
(Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Qualifications and practice of advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). WAC 246-840-300 Advanced registered nurse practitioner, 246-840-305 Criteria for formal advanced nursing education meeting the requirement for ARNP licensure, 246-840-310 Use of nomenclature, 246-840-311 ARNP previously adopted specialties, 246-840-320 Certification and certification program, 246-840-330 Commission approval of certification programs and commission recognition of new specialties, 246-840-340 Application requirements for ARNP, 246-840-345 ARNP designation in more than one area of specialty, 246-840-350 Application requirements for ARNP interim permit, 246-840-360 Renewal of ARNP designation, 246-840-365 Return to active ARNP status from inactive or expired status, 246-840-370 Termination of ARNP designation by the commission, 246-840-400 ARNP with prescriptive authority, 246-840-410 Application requirements for ARNP with prescriptive authority, 246-840-420 Authorized prescriptions by the ARNP with prescriptive authority, 246-840-425 Seventy-two hour limit, 246-840-426 Education for prescribing Schedule II - IV drugs, 246-840-427 Jurisdiction, and 246-840-450 Renewal.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.79.050 Advanced registered nursing practice defined -- Exceptions and 18.79.110 Commission -- Duties and powers -- Rules -- Successor to boards.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The nursing care quality assurance commission has heard from ARNPs and ARNP groups that current language for application and scope of practice for ARNPs is confusing and outdated. The current requirement that the commission maintain scope of practice statements by specialty organizations cannot be met because some of the organizations do not exist. Scope of practice issues are unclear. The commission will explore how to clarify the scope of practice for ARNPs which may resolve some of the confusion about the current rules. The commission will also explore if licensure by specialty is necessary for ARNPs. The commission will consider mechanisms for assuring continuing competency.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kendra Pitzler, Program Manager, Department of Health, Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504-7864, (360) 236-4723 or fax (360) 236-4738.
August 7, 2007
Judith D. Personett, EdD, RN, Chair
Nursing Care [Quality] Assurance Commission