WSR 09-17-053

PERMANENT RULES

NURSING CARE QUALITY

ASSURANCE COMMISSION

[ Filed August 13, 2009, 9:41 a.m. , effective September 13, 2009 ]


     Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: Create a rule that allows issuance of temporary practice permits to applicants from out-of-state while the application is pending completion of the fingerprinting process. 4SHB 1103 (chapter 124, Laws of 2008) requires a fingerprint pilot project for applicants with an out-of state address. The program needs to implement temporary practice permits to facilitate the lengthy delays in the licensing process.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.130.075 and 18.130.064.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 09-09-033 on April 7, 2009.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: August 13, 2009.

Paula R. Meyer, MSN, RN

Executive Director

OTS-2200.3


NEW SECTION
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 national criminal background check may require additional time. The NCQAC may issue a temporary practice permit when the applicant is licensed in another state with licensing standards substantially equivalent to Washington. The applicant must not be subject to denial of a license or issuance of a conditional 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.

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