PROPOSED RULES
(Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission)
Original Notice.
Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Amending WAC 246-840-095 Temporary practice permits, temporary practice permits are issued to applicants who need to complete a fingerprint card but have completed all other requirements for licensure. The temporary practice permit allows practice for six months with a one time extension if the fingerprint card is not yet completed. The amendments make it very clear about the process for requesting and receiving an extension.
Hearing Location(s): Department of Health, 310 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98502, on January 15, 2010, at 9:30 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: January 15, 2010.
Submit Written Comments to: Terry J. West, Deputy Executive Director, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504, web site http://www3.doh.wa.gov/policyreview/, fax (360) 236-4738, by January 8, 2010.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Terry J. West by January 4, 2010, TTY (800) 833-6388 or 711.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The original rule adopted August 2009 created a temporary practice permit for nurses applying for endorsement with an out-of-state address. The temporary practice permit is issued for six months with one extension. The amendments clearly outline the process for an applicant to obtain an extension.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The amendments make it easier for an applicant to request an extension.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.130.075 and 18.130.064.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.130.075 and 18.130.064.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: Recommend adoption for clarification.
Name of Proponent: Nursing care quality assurance commission, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Terry J. West, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 236-4712.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Under RCW 19.85.025 and 34.05.310 (4)(d), a small business economic impact statement is not required for proposed rules that only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify the language of a rule without changing its effect.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(iv) exempts rules that only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes or clarify the language of a rule without changing its effect.
November 16, 2009
Paula R. Meyer, MSN, RN
Executive Director
OTS-2723.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 09-17-053, filed 8/13/09,
effective 9/13/09)
WAC 246-840-095
Temporary practice permits.
((A new
rule is needed to create a temporary practice permit.)) The
nursing care quality assurance commission (NCQAC) conducts
background checks on applicants to assure safe patient care. Completion of a fingerprint-based national ((criminal))
background check may ((require additional time)) cause a delay
in licensing.
(1) The NCQAC may issue a temporary practice permit
((when the)) to an applicant ((is licensed)) who holds an
unrestricted, active license in another state ((with licensing
standards)) which has substantially equivalent ((to))
licensing standards to those in Washington. The applicant
must not be subject to denial of a license or issuance of a
conditional or restricted license ((under this chapter)).
(((1) If there are no violations identified because of
the preliminary background check, and the applicant meets all
other licensure conditions, the NCQAC may issue a temporary
practice permit allowing time to complete the national
criminal background check requirements.
The NCQAC issues a temporary practice permit valid for six months. At the fifth month, if the department of health has not received information from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the applicant must contact the NCQAC office.
A one time extension of six months may be granted for good cause documented as beyond the control of the applicant. The applicant must file a request for extension petition with the department of health indicating their fingerprint card has not been received from the FBI. The request must be filed at least thirty days before the temporary practice permit expires.
(2) The temporary practice permit allows the applicant to work in the state of Washington as a nurse during the time period specified on the permit. The temporary practice permit serves as a license to practice nursing.
(3) The NCQAC issues a license after it receives the national background check report if the report is negative and the applicant otherwise meets the requirements for a license.
(4) The temporary practice permit is no longer valid after the license is issued or action is taken on the application because of the background check.)) (2) A temporary practice permit serves as a license to practice nursing during the time period specified on the permit.
(3) A temporary practice permit expires when:
(a) A license is granted;
(b) A notice of decision on application is mailed to the applicant, unless the notice of decision on application specifically extends the duration of the temporary practice permit; or
(c) One hundred eighty days after the temporary practice permit is issued.
If, at the expiration of the original temporary practice permit, the department has not received information from the fingerprint-based national background check, the NCQAC may renew the temporary practice permit for an additional one hundred eighty days.
(4) To receive a temporary practice permit, the applicant must:
(a) Submit the necessary application fee(s) and documentation for the license.
(b) Submit a completed national background check fingerprint card, if required.
(c) Meet all other requirements and qualifications for the license, except for the results from a fingerprint-based national background check, if required.
(d) Provide verification of holding an unrestricted nursing license from another state that has substantially equivalent licensing standards to those in Washington.
(e) Submit a separate application for a temporary practice permit.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.075 and 18.130.064. 09-17-053, § 246-840-095, filed 8/13/09, effective 9/13/09.]