The Delaware Board of Nursing, pursuant to 24 Del.C. §1904(c), proposes to revise regulations 14.2.1.5 and 14.2.1.6. The proposed revisions to these regulations allow a nurse changing her primary state of residence from one Compact state to another to continue to practice under her home state license for 90 days. This is an increase in time from the prior regulation, which only allowed a nurse to work under her home state license for 30 days before requiring a new home state license. This change was prompted by the same change made in the Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators’ Model Rules and Regulations.
The Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed regulation change on February 13, 2013 at 09:00 AM, Second Floor Conference Room A, Cannon Building, 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904. Written comments should be sent to Dr. Pamela Zickafoose, Executive Director of the Delaware Board of Nursing, Cannon Building, 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904. Written comments will be accepted until February 28, 2013.
“Board” the Delaware Board of Nursing
“Conditional Approval” the status granted to a program that is determined to be deficient in a specified area or areas. When this determination is made by the Board, written notice shall be sent to the program specifying the deficient areas, and the time limit within which the deficiencies are to be corrected. May apply to any program either holding “full” or “initial” approval and may also apply to Delaware Board-approved RN or LPN Refresher Programs.
“Full Approval” the status granted to a program that meets the requirements of the Law and the Rules and Regulations of the Board. Continuation of full approval is contingent upon annual review of the program and continuing to meet the criteria.
“Initial Approval” authorization to admit students and enter into contractual agreements for clinical facilities. It is granted only after an application has been submitted, reviewed and a survey visit made by the Board. No students shall be admitted to the program until the institution has received written notification that initial approval has been granted. Failure to comply will delay initial approval.
“National Accrediting Agency for Nursing Education” a national accrediting agency for nursing education that is recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the U.S. Department of Education.
“Nursing Education Program” as defined in 24 Del.C. Ch. 19.
“Preceptor” a nurse, who holds a BSN or higher degree, and a valid license to practice. Clinical preceptors shall have demonstrated competencies in the area of practice to which the student is assigned. Clinical preceptors may be used to accomplish faculty directed clinical learning experiences.
2.2.4 Deny or withdraw approval for nursing education programs for failure to meet prescribed curriculum or other standards. (Subsections 1906 (b), (c), (e)).
2.3.2 Provide for the criteria for the development, evaluation and improvement of new and established nursing education programs.
2.3.3 Assure candidates are educationally prepared for licensure and recognition at the appropriate level.
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The purpose and outcomes of the nursing programs shall be consistent with the Nurse Practice Act and Board promulgated administrative rules, regulations and other relevant state statutes.
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The curriculum shall provide diverse didactic and clinical learning experiences consistent with program outcomes.
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2.4.1.1.1 By December 1 of each year, a copy of an annual report of the nursing education program shall be sent to the Board, using the format supplied by the Board. The report will include information from the previous academic year and is required of new programs as well. This is a comprehensive education program self-evaluation and shall include but not be limited to:
2.4.1.4.1 Current information about the school shall be published periodically and distributed to students, applicants for admission and to the Board. It should include a general description of the program, philosophy and objectives of the controlling institution and of the nursing programs, admission and graduation requirements, fees, expenses, and financial aid, educational facilities, living accommodations, student activities and services, curriculum plan, course descriptions, process for addressing student complaints and/or grievances and faculty staff roster.
2.4.1.7.1 The curriculum of the nursing education program shall enable the student to develop the nursing knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for the level, scope and standards of nursing practice consistent with the level of licensure.
2.4.1.9.4.1.1.3 Other community based opportunities such as home health, hospices, health maintenance organizations, day care centers, schools/school systems, senior centers and correctional facilities.
2.4.1.9.4.1.5 Use of clinical facilities in another state or jurisdiction requires written notification to that jurisdiction’s Board of Nursing. Likewise, out of state schools requesting use of clinical facilities in Delaware will notify the Board prior to utilization.
2.4.2 Purpose of New Nursing Education Program Approval. The State requires that new nursing education programs be approved in order to: promote the safe practice of nursing by implementing standards for individuals seeking licensure as registered nurses and licensed practical nurses; grant legal recognition to nursing education programs that the board determines have met the standards; assure graduates that they meet the education and legal requirements for the level of licensure for which they are preparing and to facilitate their endorsement to other states and countries; assure continuous evaluation and improvement of nursing education programs; provide the public and prospective students with a list of nursing programs that meets the standards established by the Board.
2.5.5.1 Each nursing education program shall be accredited by a Board-approved national accrediting agency for nursing education and must submit a copy of the self-study document and the letter of notification of accreditation status following the accreditation/re-accreditation visit. This is contingent on the program remaining accredited and sharing copies of all correspondence related to compliance with the national accrediting agency’s recommendations. Extraneous material will be disseminated to Board Members at the discretion of the Executive Director in consultation with the Board President.
2.5.5.3 Interim (site) visits may be made at any time either by request or as deemed necessary by the Board, with advance notice. At least one of the visitors shall be a nurse educator who has curriculum expertise at the level of the program being reviewed.
2.5.6.1 The Practice and Education Committee of the Board shall review the annual and self-evaluation reports of the programs. They will compile a summary with recommendations to report to the Board of Nursing.
2.5.7.1 For any site visit, the Board President shall designate the Board members who are to make the site visits and the chair person of the site visit team. At least one member of each team shall be a nurse educator who has curriculum expertise at the level of the program being reviewed.
2.5.7.2 The site visit may be made by a Board member(s) and an optional nursing education consultant, the latter with special expertise at the same level of nursing education as the program. The consultant shall be selected from a list of qualified persons submitted by the nursing program and approved by the Board. Costs associated with the hiring of the consultant shall be borne by the program.
2.5.10.1.5 Notify the Board in writing as to the location of records and where requests for records may be sent.
3.2.5 Each course shall include sufficient theory and supervised clinical practice to meet the course objectives.
3.6.3.3 The course director, faculty and preceptor(s) must submit their curriculum vitae to the Board and meet all requirements as identified in Section 2.0.
“Assistance with medications” means a situation where a designated care provider functioning in a setting authorized by 24 Del.C. §1921 of this Chapter, who has taken a Board approved medication training program, or a designated care provider who is otherwise exempt from the requirement of having to take the Board approved self administration of medication training program, assists the patient in self-administration of medication other than by injection, provided that the medication is in the original container with a proper label and directions. The designated care provider may hold the container for the patient, assist with the opening of the container, and assist the patient in taking the medication.
6.1.7 The candidate shall file a completed and notarized Delaware application for licensure by examination, along with the required non-refundable fee.
6.3.1 Notification occurs for the successful candidate in the following order: the candidate and director of the school program, and for the unsuccessful candidate: the candidate, employer and the director of the school program.
6.4.2 RN applicants who meet the requirements listed in 6.4.1 are eligible to take NCLEX-RN. LPN applicants who meet the requirements listed in 6.4.1 are eligible to take the NLCEX-PN. Applicants will be issued a license upon successful completion of the respective NCLEX.
6.6.1.5 Renewal application, along with the required non-refundable fee, shall be completed online by midnight of the last day of the month before the month of expiration, or a penalty fee will be assessed.
“Standards of Nursing Practice” are those standards adopted by the Board that interpret the legal definitions of nursing, as well as provide criteria against which violations of the law can be determined. Such standards shall not be assumed the only evidence in civil malpractice litigation, nor shall they be given a different weight than any other evidence
“Nursing Process” includes assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation and evaluation.
7.4 Standards related to the Registered Nurse.
7.4.1 The Registered Nurse shall conduct and document nursing assessments in accordance with the nursing process. The registered nurse shall assess the health status of individuals and groups by:
7.4.1.1 Collecting objective and subjective data from observations, examinations, interviews, in person or by electronic communication and written records in an accurate and timely manner. The data include but are not limited to:
7.4.1.1.1 Biophysical and emotional status and observed changes;
7.4.1.1.2 Growth and development;
7.4.1.1.3 Ethno-cultural, spiritual, socio-economic and ecological background;
7.4.1.1.4 Family health history;
7.4.1.1.5 Information collected by other health team members;
7.4.1.1.6 Ability to perform activities of daily living;
7.4.1.1.7 Consideration of client’s health goals;
7.4.1.1.8 Client knowledge and perception about health status and potential, or maintaining health status;
7.4.1.1.9 Available and accessible human and material resources;
7.4.1.1.10 Patterns of coping and interaction.
7.4.1.2 Sorting, selecting, reporting, and recording the data.
7.4.1.4 Validating, refining and modifying the data by using available resources including interactions with the client, family, significant others, and health team members.
7.4.2 Registered Nurses shall establish and document nursing diagnoses that serve as the basis for the strategy of care.
7.4.3 Registered Nurses shall develop strategies of care based on the nursing process. This includes, but is not limited to:
7.4.3.1 Prescribing nursing intervention(s).
7.4.3.2 Initiating nursing interventions through giving, assisting and/or delegating care.
7.4.3.3 Identifying priorities in the plan of care.
7.4.3.4 Setting realistic and measurable goals for implementation.
7.4.3.5 Identifying measures to maintain comfort, to support human functions and responses, to maintain an environment conducive to well being, and to provide health teaching and counseling.
7.4.4 Registered Nurses shall participate in the implementation of the strategy of care by:
7.4.4.1 Providing care for clients whose conditions are stabilized or predictable.
7.4.4.2 Providing care for clients whose conditions are critical and/or fluctuating, under the direction and supervision of a recognized licensed authority.
7.4.4.3 Providing an environment conducive to safety and health.
7.4.4.4 Documenting nursing interventions and client outcomes.
7.4.4.5 Communicating nursing interventions and client outcomes to appropriate health team members.
7.4.5 Registered Nurses shall evaluate outcomes, which may include the client, family, significant others and health team members.
7.4.5.1 Evaluation data shall be documented and communicated appropriately;
7.4.5.2 Evaluation data shall be used as a basis for modifying health care strategies including but not limited to reassessing client health status, modifying nursing diagnoses, or prescribing changes in nursing interventions.
“Accountability” - The state of being accountable, answerable, or legally liable for actions and decisions, including supervision.
“Delegation” - Entrusting the performance of selected nursing duties to individuals qualified, competent and legally able to perform such duties while retaining the accountability for such act.
“Supervision” - The guidance by a registered nurse (RN) for the accomplishment of a function or activity. The guidance consists of the activities included in monitoring as well as establishing the initial direction, delegating, setting expectations, directing activities and courses of action, critical watching, overseeing, evaluating, and changing a course of action.
“Unlicensed Assistive Personnel” - Individuals not licensed to perform nursing tasks that are employed to assist in the delivery of client care. The term “unlicensed assistive personnel” does not include members of the client’s immediate family, guardians, or friends; these individuals may perform incidental care of the sick in private homes without specific authority from a licensed nurse (as established in 24 Del.C. §1921(a)(4) of the Nurse Practice Act).
7.5 Standards of Practice for the Licensed Practical Nurse
7.5.1 Standards related to the Licensed Practical Nurse’s contributions to the nursing process.
7.5.1.1 At the direction and under the supervision of a recognized licensed authority, the Licensed Practical Nurse shall contribute to the nursing process and document nursing assessments of individuals and groups by:
7.5.1.1.1 Collecting objective and subjective data from observations, examinations, interview and written records in an accurate and timely manner. The data include but are not limited to:
7.5.1.1.1.1 Biophysical and emotional status and observed changes;
7.5.1.1.1.2 Growth and development;
7.5.1.1.1.3 Ethno-cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and ecological background;
7.5.1.1.1.4 Family health history;
7.5.1.1.1.5 Information collected by other health team members;
7.5.1.1.1.6 Ability to perform activities of daily living;
7.5.1.1.1.7 Consideration of client’s health goals;
7.5.1.2 Licensed Practical Nurses shall participate in establishing and documenting nursing diagnoses that serve as the basis for the strategy of care.
7.5.1.3 Licensed Practical Nurses shall participate in developing strategies of care based on assessment and nursing diagnoses.
7.5.1.3.1 Contributing to setting realistic and measurable goals for implementation.
7.5.1.3.2 Participating in identifying measures to maintain comfort, to support human functions and responses to maintain an environment conducive to well-being, and to provide health teaching and counseling.
7.5.1.3.3 Contributing to setting client priorities.
7.5.1.4 Licensed Practical Nurses shall participate in the implementation of the strategy of care by:
7.5.1.4.1 Providing care for clients whose conditions are stabilized or predictable.
7.5.1.4.2 Providing care for clients whose conditions are critical and/or fluctuating, under the directions and supervision of a recognized licensed authority.
7.5.1.4.3 Providing an environment conducive to safety and health.
7.5.1.4.4 Documenting nursing interventions and outcomes.
7.5.1.4.5 Communicating nursing interventions and outcomes to appropriate health team members.
7.5.1.5 Licensed Practical Nurses shall contribute to evaluating outcomes through appropriate documentation and communication.
7.6.1.1 ”Dispensing” means providing medication according to an order of a practitioner duly licensed to prescribe medication. The term shall include both the repackaging and labeling of medication from bulk to individual doses.
7.6.1.2 “Prescription Label” - a label affixed to every prescription or drug order which contains the following information at a minimum.
7.6.1.3 “Standing order” - An order written by the practitioner which authorizes a designated registered nurse or nurses to dispense prescription drugs to his/her patients(s) according to the standards listed below.
7.7 Intravascular Therapy by Licensed Nurses. Intravascular therapy encompasses several components, some of which require primarily skill proficiency with a minimum of critical judgment. Other aspects of intravascular therapy require skill proficiency and more importantly a high degree of knowledge, critical judgement and decision making to perform the function safely.
7.7.1 Definition of Terms.
7.7.1.1 Intravascular therapy (IV) - is the broad term including the administration of fluids and medications, blood and blood derivatives into an individual's vascular system.
7.7.1.2 Intravascular therapy maintenance - Monitoring of the therapy for changes in patient's condition, appropriate flow rate, equipment function, the hanging of additional fluid containers and the implementation of site care.
7.7.1.3 Intravenous and intra-arterial medications - are drugs administered into an individual's vascular system by any one of the following methods:
7.7.1.3.1 By way of infusion diluted in solution or suspended in fluid and administered over a specified time at a specified rate.
7.7.1.3.2 Through an established intra-vascular needle or catheter (referred to as "IV push").
7.7.1.3.3 By venipuncture carried out for the sole purpose of administering the medication. This method is referred to as direct medication injection (direct IV push).
7.7.1.4 Intravenous fluids - include solutions, vitamins, nutrient preparations, and commercial blood fractions designed to be administered into an individual's vascular system. Whole blood and blood components, which are administered in the same manner, are considered intravenous fluids in this definition.
7.7.1.5 Subcutaneous Infusion- Continuous infusion or intermittent injection of medication into the layer of fatty tissue between the skin and muscle using a subcutaneous needle.
7.7.1.6 Supervision - a registered nurse, licensed physician or dentist is physically present in the unit where the patient is being provided care, or within immediate electronic/telephone contact.
7.7.1.7 Termination of intravascular therapy - Cessation of the therapy either by withdrawing a needle or catheter from an individual’s vascular system or by discontinuing the infusion and maintaining the device as a reservoir.
7.7.1.8 Vascular access - Utilization of an established device or the introduction of a needle or catheter into an individual’s vascular system.
7.7.1.9 Vascular system - is composed of all peripheral and central veins and arteries.
7.7.1.10 Venipuncture - Introduction of a needle or catheter into an individual's peripheral vein for the purpose(s) of withdrawing blood or establishing an infusion or administering medications.
7.7.2 Conditions Of Performing Intravascular Therapy Procedures By Licensed Nurses
7.7.2.1 Intravascular therapy must be authorized by a written order from a state licensed and authorized prescriber.
7.7.2.2 The performance of any procedures of intravascular therapy by a licensed practical nurse will be done under the supervision of a registered nurse, APN, or person licensed to practice medicine, surgery, or podiatry.
7.7.2.3 Admixed intravascular solutions documented and instituted by one licensed nurse and subsequently interrupted may be re-instituted by another licensed nurse after confirmation with the state licensed and authorized prescriber's order.
7.7.2.4 Admixed intravascular solutions documented and prepared by one licensed nurse may be initiated or continued by another licensed nurse after confirmation with the state licensed and authorized prescriber's order.
7.7.2.5 Intradermal or topical anesthetics may be used by the RN or LPN when initiating vascular access therapy in various situations or settings, provided there is an authorized prescriber’s order and organizational policy/procedure to support use of these medications. All RNs and LPNs must have documented educational preparation according to the employing agency’s policies and procedures. Documented evidence must include both theoretical instruction including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing management and education of patients and demonstration of clinical proficiency in performance of the task.
7.7.3 Functional Scope of Responsibility for Intravascular Therapy Procedures
7.7.3.1 Registered Nurses bear the responsibility and accountability for their nursing practice under the license granted by the Board of Nursing and are permitted to perform the following:
7.7.3.1.1 Assessment of the patient and the prescribed intravascular therapy before, during and after the therapy is carried out.
7.7.3.1.2 Acceptance and confirmation of intravascular therapy order(s).
7.7.3.1.3 Calculation of medication dosage and infusion rate for intravascular therapy administration.
7.7.3.1.4 Confirmation of medication dosage and infusion rate for intravascular therapy administration.
7.7.3.1.5 Addition of prescribed medications in intravascular solution, labeling and documenting appropriately.
7.7.3.1.6 Start initial solution or add replacement fluids to an existing infusion as prescribed.
7.7.3.1.7 Vascular access for establishing an infusion or administering medications.
7.7.3.1.8 Administration of medications by "IV push".
7.7.3.1.9 Intravascular therapy maintenance.
7.7.3.1.10 Termination of intravascular therapy, including the removal of subclavian and PICC lines.
7.7.3.1.11 Access the vascular system for the purpose of the withdrawal of blood and to monitor the patient's condition before, during, and after the withdrawal of blood.
7.7.3.2 Licensed Practical Nurses bear the responsibility and accountability for their nursing practice under the license granted by the Board of Nursing and are permitted to perform the following for peripheral lines:
7.7.3.2.1 Acceptance and confirmation of intravascular therapy order(s).
7.7.3.2.2 Calculation of medication dosage and infusion rate of intravascular medications prescribed. This does not include titration.
7.7.3.2.3 Confirmation of medication dosage and infusion rate for intravascular therapy administration.
7.7.3.2.4 Addition of medications in intravascular solutions, label and document appropriately.
7.7.3.2.5 Venipuncture with needle device to establish access to the peripheral vascular system.
7.7.3.2.6 Start initial solution or add replacement fluids to an existing infusion as prescribed.
7.7.3.2.7 Intravascular therapy maintenance including the flushing of peripheral lines with Heparin and/or saline solution.
7.7.3.2.8 Termination of peripheral intravascular therapy.
7.7.3.2.9 Performance of venipuncture for the purpose of the withdrawal of blood and to monitor the patient's condition before, during and after the withdrawal of blood.
7.7.3.3 The Licensed Practical Nurse is permitted to perform the following procedures for central lines:
7.7.3.3.1 Acceptance of intravascular therapy order(s).
7.7.3.3.2 Calculation of medication dosage and infusion rate of intravascular medications prescribed. This does not include titration.
7.7.3.3.3 Confirmation of medication dosage and infusion rate for intravascular therapy administration.
7.7.3.3.4 Addition of medications in intravascular solutions, label and document appropriately.
7.7.3.3.5 Intravascular therapy maintenance, including the flushing of central lines with Heparin and/or saline solution.
7.7.3.3.6 Dressing and tubing changes, including PICC lines.
7.7.3.3.7 Addition of replacement fluids to an existing infusion as prescribed.
7.7.4 Special Infusion Therapy Procedures by Registered Nurses
7.7.4.1 Chemotherapy - Only intravascular routes are addressed in these rules. Review of the Oncology Nursing Society’s current guidelines is recommended before the administration of anti-neoplastic agents.
7.7.4.1.1 Definition of Terms
7.7.4.1.1.1 Cancer Chemotherapy - is the broad term including the administration of anti-neoplastic agents into an individual's vascular system.
7.7.4.1.1.2 Anti-neoplastic agents - are those drugs which are administered with the intent to control neoplastic cell growth.
7.7.4.1.2 The Registered Nurse who administers cancer chemotherapy by the intravascular route must have documented educational preparation according to the employing agency's policies and procedures.
7.7.4.1.3 The Registered Nurse must have documented evidence of knowledge and skill in the following:
7.7.4.1.3.1 Pharmacology of anti-neoplastic agents
7.7.4.1.3.2 Principles of drug handling and preparation
7.7.4.1.3.3 Principles of administration
7.7.4.1.3.4 Vascular access
7.7.4.1.3.5 Side effects of chemotherapy on the nurse, patient, and family
7.7.4.2 Central Venous Access Via Peripheral Veins
7.7.4.2.1 Definition of Terms
7.7.4.2.1.1 Central venous access - is that entry into an individual's vascular system via the insertion of a catheter into a peripheral vein threaded through to the superior vena cava with placement confirmed by x-ray.
7.7.4.2.2 The Registered Nurse who performs central venous access via peripheral veins must have documented educational preparation according to the employing agency's policies and procedures.
7.7.4.2.3 Documented evidence must include, but is not limited to, evidence of both theoretical instruction and clinical proficiency in performance of the task.
7.7.4.2.3.1 Theoretical instruction must include, but is not limited to, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing management, and education of patients as they relate to central venous access via peripheral veins.
7.7.4.2.3.2 A preceptor must supervise the learning experience and must document the Registered Nurse's competency in the performance of the procedure.
7.7.4.3 Pain Management via Epidural Catheter
7.7.4.3.1 It is within the scope of practice of a Registered Nurse to instill analgesics (opiates)/low dose anesthetics at analgesic levels into an existing catheter under the following conditions/exceptions:
7.7.4.3.1.1 The epidural catheter is in place.
7.7.4.3.1.2 The position of the epidural catheter was verified as correct by a physician at the time of insertion.
7.7.4.3.1.3 Bolus doses and/or continuous infusions, as pre-mixed by anesthesiologists, C.R.N.A.s, or pharmacists, of epidural analgesics/low does anesthetics at analgesic levels can be administered by the Registered Nurse only after the initial dose has been administered. Changes in medication and/or dosage of the same medication are not defined as the initial dose.
7.7.4.3.1.4 Only analgesics (opiates)/low dose anesthetics at analgesic levels will be administered via this route for acute and chronic pain management.
7.7.4.3.1.5 The Registered Nurse must complete a course that includes, but is not limited to, a) anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing management, assessment, and education of patients as they relate to epidural administration of opiates/low dose anesthetics at analgesic levels; b) a credentialed preceptor must supervise the learning experience and must document the Registered Nurse's clinical competency in the performance of the procedure.
7.7.4.3.1.6 The Registered Nurse may not insert or remove epidural catheters.
7.8 Exclusions of Health Care Acts pursuant to 24 Del.C. §1921(a)(19)
7.8.1 Health care acts that shall not be delegated by a competent individual who does not reside in a medical facility or a facility regulated pursuant to Chapter 11 of Title 16 include the following:
7.8.1.1 original intravenous insertion
7.8.1.2 original suprapubic catheter insertion or removal
7.8.1.3 newly established gastrostomy or jejunostomy tube feeding
7.8.1.4 original nasogastric and gastrostomy tube insertion or removal
7.8.1.5 any jejunostomy tube insertion or removal
7.8.1.6 sterile invasive procedures not normally taught to patients and caregivers by licensed health care professionals
“Advanced Practice Nurse” as defined in 24 Del.C. §1902(d)(1). Such a nurse will be given the title Advanced Practice Nurse by state licensure, and may use the title Advanced Practice Nurse within his/her specific specialty area.
“Audit” The verification of existence of a collaborative agreement for a minimum of 10% of the total number of licenses issued during a specified time period.
“Board” The Delaware Board of Nursing
“Certified Nurse Midwife (C.N.M.)” A Registered Nurse who is a provider for normal maternity, newborn and well-woman gynecological care. The CNM designation is received after completing an accredited post-basic nursing program in midwifery at schools of medicine, nursing or public health, and passing a certification examination administered by the ACNM Certification Council, Inc. or other nationally recognized, Board of Nursing approved certifying organization.
“Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (C.R.N.A.)” A Registered Nurse who has graduated from a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists’ Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational programs, and who is certified by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists’ Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists or other nationally recognized, Board of Nursing approved certifying organization.
“Clinical Nurse Specialist (C.N.S.)” A Registered Nurse with advanced nursing educational preparation who functions in primary, secondary, and tertiary settings with individuals, families, groups, or communities. The CNS designation is received after graduation from a Master’s degree program in a clinical nurse specialty or post Master’s certificate, such as gerontology, maternal-child, pediatrics, psych/mental health, etc. The CNS must have national certification in the area of specialization at the advanced level if such a certification exists or as specified in 8.9.4.1 of these Rules and Regulations. The certifying agency must meet the established criteria approved by the Delaware Board of Nursing.
“Clinical Nursing Specialty” a delimited focus of advanced nursing practice. Specialty areas can be identified in terms of population, setting, disease/pathology, type of care or type of problem. Nursing administration does not qualify as a clinical nursing specialty.
“Collaborative Agreement” Written verification of health care facility approved clinical privileges; or health care facility approved job description; or a written document that outlines the process for consultation and referral between an Advanced Practice Nurse and a licensed physician, dentist, podiatrist, or licensed Delaware health care delivery system.
“Guidelines/ Protocols” Suggested pathways to be followed by an Advanced Practice Nurse for managing a particular medical problem. These guidelines/protocols may be developed collaboratively by an Advanced Practice Nurse and a licensed physician, dentist or a podiatrist, or licensed Delaware health care delivery system.
“National Certification” That credential earned by a nurse who has met requirements of a Board approved certifying agency.
“Nurse Practitioner (N.P.)” A Registered Nurse with advanced nursing educational preparation who is a provider of primary healthcare in a variety of settings with a focus on a specific area of practice. The NP designation is received after graduation from a Master’s program or from an accredited post-basic NP certificate program of at least one academic year in length in a nurse practitioner specialty such as acute care, adult, family, geriatric, pediatric, or women’s health, etc. The NP must have national certification in the area of specialization at the advanced level by a certifying agency which meets the established criteria approved by the Delaware Board of Nursing.
“Scope of Specialized Practice” That area of practice in which an Advanced Practice Nurse has a Master’s degree or a post-basic program certificate in a clinical nursing specialty with national certification.
“Supervision” Direction given by a licensed physician or Advanced Practice Nurse to an Advanced Practice Nurse practicing pursuant to a temporary permit. The supervising physician or Advanced Practice Nurse must be periodically available at the site where care is provided, or available for immediate guidance.
8.14.3 Pharmacology/Pharmacotherapeutics - refers to any course, program, or offering that would include, but not be limited to, the identification of individual and classes of drugs, their indications and contraindications, their likelihood of success, their dosages, their side-effects and their interactions. It also encompasses clinical judgment skills and decision making. These skills may be based on thorough interviewing, history taking, physical assessment, test selection and interpretation, patho-physiology, epidemiology, diagnostic reasoning, differentiation of conditions, treatment decisions, case evaluation and non-pharmacologic interventions.
8.14.4 Prescription Order - includes the prescription date, the name of the patient, the name, address, area of specialization and business telephone number of the advanced practice nurse prescriber, the name, strength, quantity, directions for use, and number of refills of the drug product or device prescribed, and must bear the name and prescriber ID number of the advanced practice nurse prescriber, and when applicable, prescriber’s D.E.A. number and signature. There must be lines provided to show whether the prescription must be dispensed as written or substitution is permitted.
8.21.1 Pursuant to 24 Del.C. §1906(19)(c), the Joint Practice Committee is statutorily empowered, with the approval of the Board of Medical Practice, to grant independent practice and/or prescriptive authority to nurses who qualify for such authority. The Joint Practice Committee is also empowered to restrict, suspend or revoke such authority also with the approval of the Board of Medical Practice.
"Approved Method" means a planned educational experience, as described in 9.3.
"Approved Provider" means an entity that is one of the following:
An organization approved as a provider by a Board of Nursing of another U.S. jurisdiction or territory and which is a member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
"Biennium" means the two year period of licensure beginning in an odd numbered year and ending in the next odd numbered year for the Registered Nurse and the two year period of licensure beginning in an even-numbered year and ending in the next even numbered year for the Licensed Practical Nurse.
"Contact Hour" means one contact hour equals a minimum of 60 minutes. One half contact hour equals a minimum of 30 minutes.
"Continuing Education" means those professional experiences designed to enrich the nurse's contribution to health care and for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety, and welfare.
"Orientation" means the means by which nurses are introduced to the philosophy, goals, policies, procedures, role expectations, physical facilities and special services in a specific work setting. Orientation programs do not meet the continuing education requirements of these rules.
9.2.1.1 The Board derives its authority under 24 Del.C. §1906(19), to create continuing education requirements as a prerequisite to obtaining a current license and to establish an audit system to assure compliance. This requirement is in addition to the practice requirement as stated in 6.6.
9.3.7.1 Activities intended to help nurses acquire, maintain, and/or increase the level of competence in fulfilling his or her assigned responsibilities, specific to the expectations of the employer. Planned inservices must be a minimum of 30 minutes in duration. NOTE: Mandatory education, such as CPR, infection control, fire, safety, patient privacy and confidentiality, and facility specific policies and practices, is not recognized as continuing education.
9.4.1.1 The Board derives its authority under 24 Del.C. Ch. 19, to create requirements for becoming an approved provider and maintaining that status. The Board also has the authority to develop an auditing mechanism to verify compliance with criteria for approved providers.
24 Del.C., Ch. 19A, Articles 6D and 8C of the Nurse Licensure Compact grant authority to the Compact Administrators to develop uniform rules to facilitate and coordinate implementation of the Compact.
14.1.1.1 “Board” means party state’s regulatory body responsible for issuing nurse licenses.
14.1.1.2 “Information System” means the coordinated licensure information system.
14.1.1.3 “Primary State Of Residence” means the state of a person’s declared fixed permanent and principal home for legal purposes; domicile.
14.1.1.4 “Public” means any individual or entity other than designated staff or representatives of party state Boards or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
An individual who had a license which was surrendered, revoked, suspended, or an application denied for cause in a prior state of primary residence, may be issued a single state license in a new primary state of residence until such time as the individual would be eligible for an unrestricted license by the prior state(s) of adverse action. Once eligible for licensure in the prior state(s), a multistate license may be issued.
14.4.3.1 disciplinary action, agreement or order requiring participation in alternative programs or which limit practice or require monitoring (except agreements and orders relating to participation in alternative programs required to remain nonpublic by contributing state authority),
“Conviction” means a verdict of guilty by whether entered by a judge or jury, or a plea of guilty or a plea of nolo contendere or other similar plea such as a “Robinson” or “Alford” plea unless the individual has been discharged under §4218 of Title 11 of the Delaware Code (probation before judgment) or under §1024 of Title 10 (domestic violence diversion program) or by §4764 of Title 16 (first offenders controlled substances diversion program).
“Jurisdiction” means substantially similar crimes in another state or jurisdiction includes all crimes prohibited by or punishable under Title 18 of the United States Code Annotated (U.S.C.A.) such as, but not limited to, Federal Health Care offenses.
15.2.42 §771 Rape in the third degree;
15.3.41 §903 A Re-encoder and scanning devices;
15.3.44 §907A Criminal impersonation, accident related;
15.8.52 §8715 felony fraud or distribution or attempted distribution of adulterated article.
15.8.75 §2410 Breaking and Entering, Etc. to Place or Remove Equipment (class F felony)
15.8.97 §3913 Violations [knowing or reckless abuse of an infirm adult] (class A misdemeanor, class G felony for exploitation of infirm adult’s resources valued at $500 to $5000, class E felony if resources are valued from $5000 to $10,000, class D felony if resources are valued over $10,000 or if abuse or neglect results in bodily harm, class A felony if abuse or neglect results in death)
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