DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission)

[Filed April 7, 2020, 4:18 p.m.]

Continuance of WSR 20-03-125.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 19-15-093.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-840-342 and 246-840-360 pertaining to advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) clinical practice hour requirements. The nursing care quality assurance commission (commission) is proposing amendments to ARNP clinical practice hour requirements for license renewal and licensure by endorsement.

Hearing Location(s): On April 16, 2020, at 4:00 p.m.

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency, the commission will not provide a physical location for this hearing to promote social distancing and the safety of the citizens of Washington state. A virtual public hearing, without a physical meeting space, will be held instead.

To access the meeting online: https://global.gotowebinar.com/pjoin/5618320105826756109/1678434592458880269.

You can also dial in using your phone: United States: +1 (213) 929-4232, Access Code: 225-656-460.

Date of Intended Adoption: April 16, 2020.

Submit Written Comments to: Brandon Williams, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504, email https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview, fax 360-236-4738, by April 13, 2020.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Brandon Williams, phone 360-236-4239, fax 360-236-4738, TTY 711, email brandon.williams@doh.wa.gov, by April 13, 2020.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: In an effort to protect the public's health due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the commission was unable to hold an in-person public hearing originally scheduled for March 13, 2020, in a safe manner. In an effort to protect the public's health while continuing our commitment to engage in the public, the commission will hold a virtual public hearing on April 16, 2020. Commission members will listen remotely. We encourage and accept public comments from interested individuals using the GoToWebinar application, as well as submission of written comments to P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504-7864.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.79.110, 18.79.160.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.79.110, 18.79.160.

Paula R. Meyer, MSN, RN, FRE

Nursing Care Quality

Assurance Commission

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-08-031, filed 3/27/19, effective 4/27/19)

WAC 246-840-342Licensure for ARNP applicants by interstate endorsement.

(1) An applicant for interstate endorsement for Washington state licensure as an ARNP shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Have an active RN and ARNP license, or recognition in another state or jurisdiction, as practicing in an advanced practice role, without sanctions or restrictions;

(b) Have a graduate degree from an advanced nursing education program as identified in WAC 246-840-340 (1)(b); and

(d) Have been performing advanced clinical practice as defined in WAC 246-840-010(1) as a licensed ARNP, or in the role of an advanced practice nurse as defined in WAC 246-840-010(2), for at least two hundred fifty hours within the two years prior to the date of application)).

(2) An applicant for an ARNP license through interstate endorsement shall:

(a) Apply for and be granted a Washington state RN license as identified in WAC 246-840-090;

(b) Submit a completed ARNP application for licensure to the commission;

(d) Request the certifying body, as identified in WAC 246-840-302, to send official documentation of certification directly to the commission;

(e) Request the advanced nursing educational program to send an official transcript directly to the commission showing courses, grades, degree or certificate granted, official seal and appropriate registrar; and

(f) Submit nursing education program objectives and course descriptions when requested by the commission((; and

(g) Submit evidence of at least two hundred fifty hours of advanced clinical practice as an ARNP, or at an advanced nursing practice level, within the two years prior to the date of application. The two hundred fifty hours may include teaching advanced nursing practice if providing direct patient care as a faculty member or serving as a preceptor in a clinical setting.

(3) An ARNP applicant who does not meet practice requirements shall complete two hundred fifty hours of supervised advanced clinical practice for every two years the applicant may have been out of practice, not to exceed one thousand hours.

(4) An ARNP applicant needing to complete the supervised advanced clinical practice shall obtain an ARNP interim permit consistent with the requirements for supervised practice defined in WAC 246-840-340 (4) and (5))).

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-08-031, filed 3/27/19, effective 4/27/19)

WAC 246-840-360Renewal of ARNP licensure.

(1) An applicant applying for ARNP license renewal, shall have:

(a) An active Washington state RN license, without sanctions or restrictions;

(b) Current certification from a certifying body as identified in WAC 246-840-302; and

(c) Thirty contact hours of continuing education obtained during the renewal period in each ARNP designation. An ARNP who has certification in more than one area of practice may count the continuing education hours for more than one certification when applicable to each area of practice((; and

(d) At least two hundred fifty hours in advanced clinical practice for each ARNP designation within the two-year licensing renewal cycle. The two hundred fifty hours may include teaching advanced nursing practice only when the faculty member is providing patient care or serving as a preceptor in a clinical setting)).

(2) An applicant for ARNP licensure renewal shall comply with the requirements of chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2 and submit:

(a) The renewal license fee as specified in WAC 246-840-990;

(b) Evidence of current certification by the commission approved certifying body for each designation;

(c) A written declaration, on forms provided by the commission attesting to: (((i))) Completion of thirty contact hours of continuing education during the renewal period for each ARNP designation; and

(((ii) Completion of a minimum of two hundred fifty hours of advanced clinical practice for each designation in the ARNP role within the last two years.))

(d) Evidence of completion of continuing education contact hours and advanced clinical practice hours when requested by the commission.

(((3) An applicant for ARNP licensure renewal who does not meet advanced clinical practice requirements shall complete two hundred fifty hours of supervised advanced clinical practice for every two years the applicant may have been out of practice, not to exceed one thousand hours.

(4) An applicant for ARNP licensure renewal needing to complete supervised advanced clinical practice shall obtain an ARNP interim permit consistent with the requirements for supervised practice defined in WAC 246-840-340 (4) and (5).))