Source: http://wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb4304%20intr.htm&yr=2018&sesstype=RS&billtype=B&houseorig=H&i=4304
Timestamp: 2020-04-01 17:02:29
Document Index: 747634614

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House Bill 4304
By Delegates Summers, Ellington, Hamrick, Criss, Rohrbach and Hollen
A BILL to repeal §30-7-1a, §30-7-6a, §30-7-6b, §30-7-8a, §30-7-11a, §30-7-15a, §30-7-15b, §30-7-15c, §30-7-15d, and §30-7-15e of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to repeal §30-7A-2, §30-7A-3, §30-7A-4, §30-7A-5, §30-7A-6, §30-7A-6a, §30-7A-7, §30-7A-7a, §30-7A-8, §30-7A-9, §30-7A-10, and §30-7A-11 of said code; to repeal §30-7D-1, §30-7D-2, §30-7D-3, §30-7D-4, §30-7D-5, §30-7D-6, §30-7D-7, §30-7D-8, §30-7D-9, §30-7D-10, §30-7D-11, §30-7D-12, and §30-7D-13 of said code; to repeal §30-7E-1, §30-7E-2, and §30-7E-3 of said code, to amend and reenact §16-5B-19 of said code; to amend and reenact §30-7-1, §30-7-2, §30-7-3, §30-7-4, §30-7-5, §30-7-6, §30-7-7, §30-7-8, §30-7-9, §30-7-10, §30-7-11, §30-7-12, §30-7-13, §30-7-14, §30-7-15, §30-7-16, §30-7-17, §30-7-18, §30-7-19, and §30-7-20 of said code; to amend said code by adding thereto twelve new sections, designated §30-7-21, §30-7-22, §30-7-23, §30-7-24, §30-7-25, §30-7-26, §30-7-27, §30-7-28, §30-7-29, §30-7-30, §30-7-31, and §30-7-32; and to amend and reenact §30-7A-1 of said code, all relating to the regulation of certain professions by Board of Nursing, prohibiting the practice of nursing without a license; providing other applicable sections; defining terms; providing for board composition and qualifications; setting forth the powers and duties of the board; clarifying rule-making authority; continuing a special revenue account; establishing license and permit requirements; establishing qualifications for licensure; codifying a scope of practice; creating a temporary permit; providing for reciprocal licensure; establishing renewal requirements; providing for exemptions from licensure; creating a special volunteer license; continuing a Joint Advisory Council; providing the council’s composition; providing council members’ terms; providing powers of the council; providing duties of the council; setting forth limitations of the article; permitting the board to file an injunction; setting forth grounds for disciplinary actions; allowing for specific disciplinary actions; providing procedures for investigation of complaints; providing duty to warn; providing for judicial review and appeals of decisions; setting forth hearing and notice requirements; providing for civil causes of action; providing criminal offenses are to be reported to law enforcement; eliminating the Board of Examiners for licensed practical nurses; transferring assets to the Board of Nursing; transferring employees to the Board of Nursing; repealing expired authority; and updating internal references.
§16-5B-19. Circulating registered nurses.
A registered nurse experienced in operating room nursing shall be present as a circulating nurse in each operating room in a hospital, or ambulatory surgical center as defined by §16-5B-1 of this code, during operative procedures.
§30-7-1. Unlawful acts.
(a) It is unlawful for a person to practice or offer to practice practical nursing, registered professional nursing, or advanced practice registered nursing in this state without a license, issued under the provisions of this article, or advertise or use any title or description tending to convey or give the impression that he or she is a practical nurse, registered professional nurse, or advanced practice registered nurse, unless the person is licensed under the provisions of this article.
(b) A business entity may not render any service or engage in any activity which, if rendered or engaged in by an individual, would constitute the practice of practical nursing, registered professional nursing, or advanced practice nursing, except through a licensee.
§30-7-2. Applicable law.
The practices authorized under the provisions of this article and the board are subject to §30-1-1 et seq. of this code, the provisions of this article, and any rules promulgated hereunder.
§30-7-3. Definitions.
“Advanced practice registered nurse” means a registered nurse who has acquired advanced clinical knowledge and skills preparing him or her to provide direct and indirect care to patients;
“Board” means the West Virginia Board of Nurses;
“License” means a license to practice practical nursing, registered professional nursing, or advanced practice registered nursing;
“Licensee” means a person licensed as a practical nurse, registered professional nurse, or advanced practice registered nurse under this article;
"Major mental illness" means a diagnosis of a mental disorder within the axis of psychotic or affective or mood, alcohol, or chemical abuse, or alcohol or chemical dependency as stipulated in the International Code of Diagnosis’;
"Nurse health program" means a program meeting the requirements of this article;
“Practical nurse” means a person who has met all the requirements for licensure as a practical nurse and who practices practical nursing;
"Qualifying illness" means the diagnosis of substance use disorder, alcohol, or substance dependency or major mental illness;
“Registered nurse” means a person licensed under this article to practice registered professional nursing under this article;
"Temporary permit" means a permit authorizing the holder to practice registered professional nursing or practical nursing until the permit is no longer effective or the holder is granted a license by the board.
§30-7-4. Board of Nurses.
(a) The West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses is terminated and, on that date, moneys, employees, and assets of the Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses are transferred to the Board of Nurses. A new board is created and shall be known as the West Virginia Board of Nurses. A member of the Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses and the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses is eligible for appointment to the West Virginia Board of Nurses.
(1) Four individuals licensed as a registered professional nurse by the board;
(2) Two individuals licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse by the board;
(3) Two individuals licensed as a practical nurse by the board;
(4) One dialysis technician; and
(5) Two citizen members who are not licensed under the provisions of this chapter and who have never performed any services as a health care professional;
(c) The licensed members shall represent a variety of nursing practices;
(d) Organizations that represent nurses may submit to the Governor recommendations for the appointment of the licensed board members.
(e) The Governor shall stagger the terms of the initial appointments. For the initial appointments, the Governor shall appoint at least five members who previously served on either board. After the initial appointment term, the appointment term is five years. A member may not serve more than two consecutive terms. A member may continue to serve until his or her successor has been appointed and qualified.
(f) Each licensed member of the board, at the time of his or her appointment, shall have been actively practicing in this state for three out of the last five years immediately preceding the appointment.
(j) A licensed member of the board immediately and automatically forfeits membership to the board if his or her license to practice is disciplined in any jurisdiction.
(l) The board shall elect one of its members as president and one member as secretary who shall serve at the will and pleasure of the board.
(m) A member of the board is entitled to receive compensation and expense reimbursement in accordance with §30-1-1 et seq. of this code.
(o) The board shall hold at least one meeting annually. Other meetings shall be held at the call of the president or upon the written request of four members, at the time and place as designated in the call or request.
(q) A board member, when acting in good faith and without malice, shall enjoy immunity from individual civil liability while acting within the scope of their duties as board members.
§30-7-5. Powers of the board.
The board has all the powers and duties set forth in this article, in §30-1-1 et seq. of this code and elsewhere in law, including the ability to:
(2) Establish procedures for submitting, approving, and rejecting applications for a license and permit;
(3) Determine the qualifications of an applicant for a license and permit;
(5) Issue, renew, restrict, deny, suspend, revoke, or reinstate a license and permit;
(6) Prepare, conduct, administer, and grade written, oral, or written and oral examinations for a license;
(8) Maintain records of the examinations the board, or a third party, administers, including the number of persons taking the examination and the pass and fail rate;
(9) Maintain an office and hire, discharge, establish the job requirements, and fix the compensation of employees and contract with persons necessary to enforce the provisions of this article;
(10) Employ investigators, attorneys, hearing examiners, consultants, and other employees as may be necessary who are exempt from the classified service and who serve at the will and pleasure of the board;
(11) Delegate hiring of employees to the executive director;
(12) Investigate alleged violations of the provisions of this article and legislative rules, orders, and final decisions of the board;
(18) Propose rules in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code to implement the provisions of this article;
(20) Establish a nurse health program;
(21) Implement the provisions of the enhanced nurse licensure compact in accordance with §30-7B-1 et seq. of this code;
(22) Coordinate with and assist the Center for Nursing in accordance with §30-7B-1 et seq. of this code; and
(23) Confer with the Attorney General or his or her assistant in connection with legal matters and questions.
§30-7-6. Rule-making.
(a) The board shall propose rules for legislative approval, in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code to implement the provisions of this article including:
(7) Assess a supplemental licensure fee not to exceed $10 per license per year. The supplemental licensure fee is to be used to fund the center for nursing and to carry out its purposes as set forth in §30-7B-1 et seq. of this code;
(8) Establish professional conduct requirements;
(9) Establish the procedures for denying, suspending, restricting, revoking, reinstating, or limiting the practice of licensees;
(10) Establish requirements for inactive, retired, or revoked licenses and permits;
(11) Regulate a nursing school as provided for in section twenty-two of this article;
(12) Establish a nurse health program;
(13) Establish prescribing requirement for an advanced practice registered nurse as provided in section fifteen of this article;
(14) Reports to be submitted by nursing programs;
(15) Regulate dialysis care; and
(16) Any other rules necessary to implement this article.
(b) The West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses legislative rules in effect and not in conflict with these provisions shall remain in effect until they are amended or rescinded and are transferred under the authority of the Board of Nurses.
§30-7-7. Fees; special revenue account; administrative fines.
All fees and other moneys, except administrative fines, received by the board shall be deposited in a separate special revenue fund in the State Treasury designated the “Board of Nurses’ Fund” which is continued. The fund is used by the board for the administration of this article. Except as provided in §30-1-1 et seq. of this code, the board retains the amount in the special revenue account from year to year. No compensation or expense incurred under this article is a charge against the General Revenue Fund.
§30-7-8. License to practice practical nursing.
(a) The board shall issue a license to practice practical nursing to an applicant who meets the following requirements:
(2) Has completed an approved four-year high school course of study or the equivalent thereof, as determined by the appropriate educational agency;
(3) Has successfully completed a course of study in an approved school for practical nurses;
(4) Has passed an examination in such subjects as the board may determine;
(5) Has paid the application fee specified by rule;
(6) Has completed a criminal background check, as required by §30-1D-1 et seq. of this code;
(7) Is not an alcohol or drug abuser, as these terms are defined in §27-1A-11 of this code. An applicant in an active recovery process, which may, in the discretion of the board, be evidenced by participation in a nurse health program, an aftercare program, or a twelve-step program or other similar group or process, may be considered; and
(8) Is a citizen of the United States or is eligible for employment in the United States.
(b) A license to practice practical nursing issued by the board shall for all purposes be considered a license issued under this section and may be renewed.
§30-7-9. Scope of practice of a licensed practical nurse.
A practical nurse under the supervision of a registered professional nurse, an advanced practice registered nurse; a physician assistant; a physician, or a dentist, licensed under this chapter, shall:
(1) Collect data and conduct focused nursing assessments of the health status of patients;
(2) Participate with other health care providers in the development and modification of the patient centered health care plan;
(3) Implement nursing interventions within a patient centered health care plan;
(4) Assist in the evaluation of responses to interventions;
(5) Provide for the maintenance of safe and effective nursing care rendered directly or indirectly;
(6) Advocate the best interest of patients;
(7) Communicate and collaborate with patients and members of the health care team;
(8) Provide health care information to patients;
(9) Delegate and assign nursing interventions to implement the plan of care; and
(10) Perform other acts for which a licensed practical nurse is educated and trained, consistent with professional standards.
§30-7-10. License to practice registered professional nursing.
(a) The board shall issue a license to practice registered nursing to an applicant who meets the following requirements:
(3) Has completed an approved four-year high school course of study or the equivalent thereof, as determined by the appropriate educational agency;
(4) Holds a diploma of a school of nursing approved by the board;
(5) Has passed an examination approved by the board;
(6) Has paid the application fee specified by rule;
(7) Has completed a criminal background check, as required by §30-1D-1 et seq. of this code;
(8) Is not an alcohol or drug abuser, as these terms are defined in §27-1A-11 of this code, unless an applicant in an active recovery process, which may be evidenced by participation in a Nurse Health Program, structured aftercare, or a twelve-step program or other similar group or process, may be considered; and
(9) Is a citizen of the United States or is eligible for employment in the United States.
(b) A license to practice registered professional nursing issued by the board shall for all purposes be considered a license issued under this section: Provided, That a person holding a license shall renew the license.
§30-7-11. Scope of practice of a registered professional nurse.
The practice of registered professional nursing includes:
(1) Providing comprehensive nursing assessment of the health status of patients;
(2) Collaborating with health care team to develop and coordinate an integrated patient centered health care plan;
(3) Developing the comprehensive patient centered health care plan, including:
(A) Establishing nursing diagnoses;
(C) Prescribing nursing interventions.
(4) Implementing nursing care through the execution of independent nursing strategies, and the provision of regimens requested, ordered, or prescribed by authorized health care providers;
(9) Advocating the best interest of patients;
(10) Communicating and collaborating with other health care providers in the management of health care and the implementation of the total health care regimen within and across care settings;
(13) Participating in development of health care policies, procedures, and systems;
(14) Performing other acts for which a registered professional nurse is educated and trained, consistent with professional standards.
§30-7-12. License to practice advanced practice registered nursing.
(a) The board shall issue an advanced practice registered nurse license to an applicant who meets the following requirements:
(3) Has satisfactorily completed a graduate program accredited by a national accreditation body that is acceptable to the board;
(4) Is currently certified by a national certification organization, approved by the board, in one or more of the following nationally recognized advance practice registered nursing roles: certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse-midwife, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse practitioner;
(5) Has paid the application fee specified by legislative rule; and
(6) Is not an alcohol or drug abuser, as these terms are defined in §27-1A-11 of this code, unless an applicant in an active recovery process, which may, in the discretion of the board, be evidenced by participation in a Nurse Health Program, structured aftercare, or a twelve-step program or other similar group or process, may be considered.
(b) An advanced practice registered nurse license issued by the board and in good standing on the effective date of the amendments to this section shall for all purposes be considered an advanced practice registered nurse license issued under this section: Provided, That a person holding an advanced practice registered nurse license shall renew the license.
§30-7-13. Scope of practice for an advanced practice registered nurse.
In addition to the scope of practice set forth in §30-7-11 of this code, the practice of advanced practice registered nursing includes the following:
(1) Conducting an advanced assessment;
(2) Ordering and interpreting diagnostic procedures;
(3) Establishing primary and differential diagnoses;
(4) Prescribing, ordering, administering, dispensing, and furnishing therapeutic measures as set forth in §30-7-15 of this code;
(5) Delegating and assigning therapeutic measures to assistive personnel standards;
(6) Consulting with other disciplines and providing referrals to health care agencies, health care providers, and community resources; and
(7) Performing other acts for which an advanced practice registered nurse is educated and trained, consistent with professional standards.
§30-7-14. Administration of anesthetics.
In any case where it is lawful for a licensed physician or dentist practicing medicine or dentistry under the laws of this state to administer anesthetics, the anesthetics may lawfully be given and administered by a person (a) who has been licensed to practice registered professional nursing under this article, and (b) who holds a diploma or certificate evidencing his or her successful completion of the educational program of a school of anesthesia accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs: Provided, That the anesthesia is administered by the person in the presence and under the supervision of the physician or dentist.
§30-7-15. Prescriptive authority for prescription drugs.
(a) The board may authorize an advanced practice registered nurse to prescribe prescription drugs in accordance with this article and all other applicable state and federal laws. An authorized advanced practice registered nurse may write or sign prescriptions or transmit prescriptions verbally or by other means of communication.
(b) The board shall promulgate legislative rules in accordance with chapter twenty-nine-a of this code governing the eligibility and extent to which an advanced practice registered nurse may prescribe drugs. The rules shall provide, at a minimum, a state formulary classifying those categories of drugs which shall not be prescribed by an advanced practice registered nurse including, but not limited to, Schedules I and II of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, antineoplastics, radiopharmaceuticals, and general anesthetics. Drugs listed under Schedule III shall be limited to a 30-day supply without refill. In addition to the above referenced provisions and restrictions and pursuant to a collaborative agreement as set forth in §30-7-16 of this code, the rules shall permit the prescribing of an annual supply of any drug, with the exception of controlled substances, which is prescribed for the treatment of a chronic condition, other than chronic pain management. For the purposes of this section, a “chronic condition” is a condition which lasts three months or more, generally cannot be prevented by vaccines, can be controlled but not cured by medication, and does not generally disappear. These conditions, with the exception of chronic pain, include, but are not limited to, arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and seizures, and obesity. The prescriber authorized in this section shall note on the prescription the chronic disease being treated.
(c) The board shall transmit to the Board of Pharmacy a list of all advanced practice registered nurses with prescriptive authority. The list shall include:
(2) The prescriber’s identification number assigned by the board; and
§30-7-16. Eligibility for prescriptive authority and collaborative relationships.
(a) To be eligible to apply for authorization to prescribe drugs pursuant to §30-7-15 of this code, an applicant:
(1) Shall be licensed in West Virginia as an advanced practice registered nurse;
(2) Shall be at least 18 years of age;
(3) Shall have completed 45 contact hours of education in pharmacology and clinical management of drug therapy under a program approved by the board; 15 hours of which shall have been completed within the two-year period immediately prior to entering into a prerequisite collaborative relationship;
(4) Shall provide the board with evidence that he or she is a person of good moral character and not addicted to alcohol or the use of controlled substances;
(5) May not have his or her practice authorization in any jurisdiction suspended, limited, or revoked; and
(6) Shall submit a completed application to the board, accompanied by a fee as established by the board by rule.
(b) The board shall authorize an applicant to prescribe prescription drugs under the terms of a collaborative agreement, in accordance with §30-7-15 of this code and applicable legislative rules if the applicant has met the prerequisites of subsection (a) of this section and the following additional prerequisites are satisfied:
(e) The board shall, upon application, authorize an advanced practice registered nurse to prescribe prescription drugs in accordance with §30-7-15 of this code without the further requirement of a collaborative agreement if the applicant has satisfied the following prerequisites:
(2) Is licensed in good standing with the board; and
§30-7-17. Form of prescriptions; termination of authority; renewal; notification of termination of authority.
(a) Prescriptions authorized by an advanced practice registered nurse shall:
(1) Comply with all applicable state and federal laws;
(2) Be signed by the prescriber with the initials “A.P.R.N.” or the designated certification title of the prescriber; and
(3) Include the prescriber’s identification number assigned by the board or the prescriber’s national provider identifier assigned by the National Provider System pursuant to 45 C. F. R. §162.408.
(3) Not filed verification of a collaborative agreement with the board if such an agreement is required.
(c) Prescriptive authority for an advanced practice registered nurse shall be renewed biennially. Documentation of eight contact hours of pharmacology during the previous two years shall be submitted at the time of renewal.
(d) The board shall notify the Board of Pharmacy within 24 hours after termination of, or change in, an advanced practice registered nurse’s prescriptive authority.
§30-7-18. Advanced practice registered nurse signatory authority.
(a) An advanced practice registered nurse may provide an authorized signature, certification, stamp, verification, affidavit, or endorsement on documents within the scope of his or her practice, including, but not limited to, the following documents:
(2) “Physician orders for life sustaining treatment,” “physician orders for scope of treatment,” and “do not resuscitate” forms;
§30-7-19. Joint Advisory Council on Limited Prescriptive Authority.
(a) There is continued the Joint Advisory Council on Limited Prescriptive Authority. The purpose of the council is to advise the board regarding collaborative agreements and prescriptive authority for advanced practice registered nurses.
(2) Two osteopathic physicians as recommended by the board of Osteopathic Medicine who are in a collaborative relationship with advanced practice registered nurses;
(3) Six advanced practice registered nurses as recommended by the Board of Nurses who have at least three years full-time practice experience, and shall include at least one certified nurse practitioner, one certified nurse-midwife, and one certified registered nurse anesthetist, all of whom actively prescribe prescription drugs;
(c) Members of the council who are healthcare providers shall have at least three years full-time practice experience and hold active state licenses.
(d) A member shall serve for a term of three years. The Governor shall stagger the terms so that no more than five appointments shall expire annually. Prior to the election of a chairman, the board shall be called together by the representative from a school of public health of an institution of higher education.
(1) Review and evaluate applications used for advanced practice registered nurses to prescribe without a collaborative agreement;
(2) Assist advanced practice registered nurses with entering into collaborative agreements in nonemergency situations, including providing the contact information for physicians with whom the advanced practice registered nurses may collaborate;
(3) Advise the board in emergency situations of a rescinded collaborative agreement, giving a 60-day grace period;
(6) Develop pilot projects allowing independent prescribing of controlled substances by advanced practice registered nurses, and study results to assure patient/public safety;
(A) Issues of access, outcomes, and cost effectiveness of services;
(D) Methods to foster effective inter-professional communication.
§30-7-20. Exceptions.
This article may not be construed to prohibit:
(1) The furnishing of nursing assistance in an emergency; or
(2) The practice of nursing incidental to a program of study by students enrolled in a nursing education program approved by the board;
(3) The practice of any legally qualified nurse of another state who is employed by the United States or any bureau, division, or agency thereof, while in the discharge of his or her official duties; or
(4) A licensed practical nurse, licensed registered professional nurse, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse, who accompanies a patient to whom he or she administers practical nursing, registered professional nursing, or advanced practice registered nursing while the patient is in transit or being transported into, out of, or through this state. The board may set forth additional requirements for this exemption by legislative rule.
§30-7-21. Temporary permits.
A temporary permit authorizes the holder to practice practical nursing, registered professional nursing, or advanced practice registered nursing, in this state while the temporary permit is effective. A temporary permit is effective for 90 days, unless the board revokes the permit prior to its expiration, and the permit may not be renewed. An applicant for a temporary permit shall make an application on a form prescribed by the board and pay a nonrefundable fee as prescribe by legislative rule.
§30-7-22. Schools of nursing.
(a) A nursing program approved by the boards before January 1, 2018, is determined to meet all of the criteria as established by the Department of Education, the Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical Colleges and shall continue to be certified to operate in this state.
(b) On July 1, 2018, the regulation of nursing programs is transferred to the appropriate educational regulating entity either the Department of Education, the Higher Education Policy Commission, and the Council for Community and Technical Colleges.
(c) By July 1, 2020, a nursing program shall be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
(d) The board may require information concerning the nursing program to be reported to the board by legislative rule. The requested information shall be consistent with information already being collected by the schools which is required to maintain the program’s accreditation.
§30-7-23. Voluntary agreements relating to alcohol or chemical dependency; confidentiality.
(a) A licensee or applicant may enter into a voluntary agreement with a nurse health program. The agreement between the licensee or applicant and the nurse health program shall include a jointly agreed upon treatment program and mandatory conditions and procedures to monitor compliance with the program of recovery.
(b) A voluntary agreement entered into pursuant to this section is not a disciplinary action or order by the board and may not be disclosed to the board and is not public information if:
(1) The voluntary agreement is the result of the licensee or applicant self-enrolling or voluntarily participating in the board-designated nurse health program;
(2) The board has not received nor filed a written complaint regarding the licensee or applicant relating to an alcohol, chemical dependency, or major mental illness affecting the care and treatment of patients; and
(c) If a licensee or applicant enters into a voluntary agreement with a nurse health program and then fails to comply with or fulfill the terms of said agreement, the nurse health program shall report the noncompliance to the board within 24 hours. The board may initiate disciplinary proceedings pursuant to §30-7-24 of this code or may permit continued participation in the nurse health program or both.
(d) If the board has not instituted a disciplinary proceeding as provided for in this article, the information received, maintained, or developed by the board relating to the alcohol or chemical dependency impairment of a licensee or applicant and a voluntary agreement made pursuant to this section shall be confidential and not available for public information, discovery, or court subpoena, nor for introduction into evidence in a medical professional liability action or other action for damages arising out of the provision of or failure to provide health care services.
(e) Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions, the board may cooperate with and provide documentation of a voluntary agreement entered into pursuant to this section to licensing boards in other jurisdictions of which the board has become aware and may be appropriate.
(f) A licensee is not entitled to the creation or designation of a nurse health program for any individual qualifying illness or group of qualifying illnesses.
§30-7-24. License renewal.
(a) Persons regulated by this article shall annually or biennially, renew his or her board authorization by completing a form prescribed by the board and submitting any other information required by the board.
(c) The board shall require as a condition of renewal that each licensee or permittee complete continuing education.
§30-7-25. Special volunteer registered professional nurse or an advanced practice nurse; civil immunity for voluntary services rendered to indigents.
(a) There is continued a special volunteer licensed practical nurse, registered professional nurse, and advanced practice nurse who has retired from the active practice of practical nursing, registered professional nursing, or an advanced practice nursing and want to donate their expertise for the care and treatment of indigent and needy patients in the clinical setting of clinics organized, in whole or in part, for the delivery of health care services without charge. The special volunteer to a licensee under this article and the legislative rules promulgated hereunder without the payment of an application fee, license fee, or renewal fee, shall be issued for the remainder of the licensing period, and renewed consistent with the board’s other licensing requirements. The board shall develop application forms for the special volunteer license provided in this subsection which shall contain the licensee’s acknowledgment that:
(1) The licensee’s practice under the special volunteer license will be exclusively devoted to providing nursing care to needy and indigent persons in West Virginia;
(2) The licensee will not receive any payment or compensation, either direct or indirect, or have the expectation of any payment or compensation but may donate to the clinic the proceeds of any reimbursement, for any nursing services rendered under the special volunteer license; and
(3) The licensee will supply any supporting documentation that the board may reasonably require.
(b) A licensee whose license is in good standing may donate his or her expertise for the care and treatment of indigent and needy patients pursuant to an arrangement with a clinic organized, in whole or in part, for the delivery of health care services without charge to the patient. Services rendered pursuant to an arrangement may be performed in either the licensee’s office or a clinical setting.
(c) A licensee who renders nursing service to indigent and needy patients of a clinic organized, in whole or in part, for the delivery of health care services without charge under a special volunteer license authorized under subsection (a) of this section or pursuant to an arrangement with a clinic as authorized pursuant to subsection (b) of this section without payment or compensation or the expectation or promise of payment or compensation is immune from liability for any civil action arising out of any act or omission resulting from the rendering of the nursing service at the clinic unless the act or omission was the result of the licensee’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. In order for the immunity under this subsection to apply, there must be a written agreement between the licensee and the clinic pursuant to which the licensee will provide voluntary uncompensated nursing services under the control of the clinic to patients of the clinic before the rendering of any services by the licensee at the clinic: Provided, That any clinic entering into such written agreement is required to maintain liability coverage of not less than $1 million per occurrence.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, a clinic organized, in whole or in part, for the delivery of health care services without charge is not relieved from imputed liability for the negligent acts of a registered professional nurse rendering voluntary nursing services at or for the clinic under a special volunteer license authorized under subsection (a) of this section or who renders such care and treatment pursuant to an arrangement with a clinic as authorized pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.
(e) For purposes of this section, a person otherwise eligible for licensure means the satisfaction of all the requirements for licensure as listed in §30-7-6 of this code and in the legislative rules promulgated thereunder, except the fee requirements of that section and of the legislative rules promulgated by the board relating to fees.
(f) Nothing in this section may be construed as requiring the board to issue a special volunteer license to a licensee whose license is or has been subject to any disciplinary action or to a licensee who has surrendered his or her license or caused the license to lapse, expire, and become invalid in lieu of having a complaint initiated or other action taken against his or her license, or who has elected to place a license in inactive status in lieu of having a complaint initiated or other action taken against his or her license, or who has been denied a license.
(g) Any policy or contract of liability insurance providing coverage for liability sold, issued, or delivered in this state to a licensee covered under the provisions of this article shall be read so as to contain a provision or endorsement where the company issuing the policy waives or agrees not to assert as a defense on behalf of the policyholder or any beneficiary thereof, to any claim covered by the terms of the policy within the policy limits, the immunity from liability of the insured by reason of the care and treatment of needy and indigent patients by a registered professional nurse who holds a special volunteer registered professional nurse license or who renders such care and treatment pursuant to an arrangement with a clinic as authorized pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.
§30-7-26. Reinstatement.
(a) A licensee against whom disciplinary action has been taken under the provisions of this article shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate the qualifications to resume practice. The application for reinstatement is subject to the procedures specified by legislative rule.
(b) A licensee who does not complete a licensure renewal, as specified by the board by rule, and whose license has lapsed, shall apply for reinstatement as specified by the board by rule.
(c) The board, at its discretion and for cause, may require an applicant for reinstatement to undergo a physical and/or mental evaluation to determine if a licensee is competent to practice or if the licensee is impaired by drugs or alcohol.
§30-7-27. Actions to enjoin violations.
(a) If the board obtains information that any person has engaged in, is engaging in, or is about to engage in any act which constitutes or will constitute a violation of the provisions of this article, the rules promulgated pursuant to this article or a final order or decision of the board, it may issue a notice to the person to cease and desist in engaging in the act and/or apply to the circuit court in the county of the alleged violation for an order enjoining the act.
(c) The judgment of the circuit court on an application permitted by the provisions of this section is final unless reversed, vacated, or modified on appeal to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
§30-7-28. Complaints; investigations; due process procedure; grounds for disciplinary action.
(b) After reviewing any information obtained through an investigation, the board shall determine if probable cause exists that the licensee or permittee has violated subsection (g) of this section or rules promulgated pursuant to this article.
(c) Upon a finding of probable cause to go forward with a complaint, the board shall provide a copy of the complaint to the licensee or permittee.
(d) Upon a finding that probable cause exists that the licensee permittee has violated subsection (g) of this section or rules promulgated pursuant to this article, the board may enter into a consent decree or hold a hearing for disciplinary action against the licensee or permittee. Any hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of this article and shall require a violation to be proven by a preponderance of the evidence.
(e) A member of the discipline review committee or the executive director of the board may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to obtain testimony and documents to aid in the investigation of allegations against any person regulated by the article.
(g) The board may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, deny or refuse to renew, suspend, restrict, or revoke the license or permit of, or impose probationary conditions upon, or take disciplinary action against, any licensee or permittee for any of the following reasons:
(8) Having an incapacity that prevents a licensee from engaging in the practice of practical nursing, registered professional nursing, or advanced practice registered nursing, with reasonable skill, competence, and safety to the public;
(9) Committing fraud in connection with the practice of practical nursing, registered professional nursing or advanced practice registered nursing;
(10) Failing to report to the board of one's surrender of a license or authorization to practice of practical nursing, registered professional nursing, or advanced practice registered nursing in another jurisdiction while under disciplinary investigation by any of those authorities or bodies for conduct that would constitute grounds for action as defined in this section;
(12) Being guilty of unprofessional conduct as contained in the American Nurses Association principles of ethics and code of professional conduct. The following acts are conclusively presumed to be unprofessional conduct:
(H) Engaging in any action or conduct which would have warranted the denial of the license.
(13) Knowing or suspecting that a licensee is incapable of engaging in the practice of practical nursing, registered professional nursing, or advanced practice registered nursing, with reasonable skill, competence, and safety to the public, and failing to report any relevant information to the board;
(17) Failing to report to the board any driving under the influence and/or driving while intoxicated offense; or
(18) Violating any of the terms or conditions of any order entered in any disciplinary action.
(h) For the purposes of subsection (g) of this section, effective July 1, 2018, disciplinary action may include:
(9) Requiring the licensee or permittee to report to the board for periodic interviews for a specified period.
(j) A person authorized to practice under this article who reports or otherwise provides evidence of the negligence, impairment, or incompetence of another member of this profession to the board or to any peer review organization is not liable to any person for making the report if the report is made without actual malice and in the reasonable belief that the report is warranted by the facts known to him or her at the time.
§30-7-29. Procedures for hearing; right of appeal.
(a) Hearings are governed by provisions in §30-1-8 of this code.
(d) Any member or the executive director of the board has the authority to administer oaths and examine any person under oath.
(e) If, after a hearing, the board determines the licensee or permittee has violated provisions of this article or the board's rules, a formal written decision shall be prepared which contains findings of fact, conclusions of law,
. and a specific description of the disciplinary actions imposed.
§30-7-30. Judicial review.
A person adversely affected by a decision of the board denying an application, or entered after a hearing, may obtain judicial review of the decision in accordance with §29A-5-4 of this code and may appeal any ruling resulting from judicial review in accordance with §29A-6-1 et seq. of this code.
§30-7-31. Criminal offenses.
(b) Any person who intentionally practices, or holds himself or herself out as qualified to practice registered nursing or advanced practice registered nursing, or uses any title, word, or abbreviation to indicate to or induce others to believe he or she is licensed to practice as a registered professional nurse or advanced practice registered nurse without obtaining an active, valid West Virginia license to practice that profession or with a license that is:
(1) Expired, suspended, or lapsed; or
§30-7-32. Single act evidence of practice.
In any action brought under this article, any proceeding initiated under this article, evidence of the commission of a single act prohibited by this article is sufficient to justify a penalty, injunction, restraining order, or conviction without evidence of a general course of conduct.
§30-7A-1. Termination of the Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses.
(a) The Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses is terminated. On that date, moneys, employees, and assets of the Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses are transferred to the Board of Nurses.
(b) The Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses rules in effect and not in conflict with §30-7-1 et seq. of this code shall remain in effect until they are amended or rescinded by the Board of Nurses.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to combine the board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses and West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses into a new Board of Nurses.
§30-7-1 et seq. has been rewritten; therefore it has been completely underscored.