TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

BOARD OF NURSING

Agency Decision

Title of Regulation: 18VAC90-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Nursing.

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Name of Petitioner: Elena Aponte-Bostwick.

Nature of Petitioner's Request: To add a subsection D to 18VAC90-20-200 to authorize the board to license by endorsement an applicant who has honorably served for a minimum of 10 years as a registered nurse in either a civilian capacity with the U.S. Department of Defense or with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or on active or reserve status in the U.S. Armed Forces, provided the applicant is licensed and in good standing in another United States jurisdiction.

Agency Decision: Request denied.

Statement of Reason for Decision: While members were particularly appreciative of the petitioner's prior service, the board decided to take no action on the petition request. The members were concerned that an exception to passage of the NCLEX would set precedence for deviation from its licensing requirements and national uniformity. Consistent standards for licensure by examination and endorsement are necessary to ensure fairness to all applicants. The petitioner was advised that she could pursue licensure in Virginia by applying for licensure by examination and taking the NCLEX.

Agency Contact: Elaine J. Yeatts, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Health Professions, 9960 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4688, or email elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R16-03; Filed February 4, 2016, 3:32 p.m.