Source: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/26/028
Timestamp: 2020-02-22 01:46:17
Document Index: 757016006

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1571', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 129', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 45', '§ 11', '§ 5', '§ 7', '§ 18', '§ 1573', '§ 7', '§ 129', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 25', '§ 10', '§ 7', '§ 11', '§ 1575', '§ 7', '§ 1', '§ 44', '§ 1', '§ 23', '§ 54', '§ 25', '§ 13', '§ 15', '§ 7', '§ 17', '§ 1578', '§ 7', '§ 1579', '§ 18', '§ 1580', '§ 1', '§ 1581', '§ 7', '§ 1582', '§ 129', '§ 1852', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 39', '§ 5', '§ 7', '§ 1585', '§ 2', '§ 1591', '§ 8', '§ 1611', '§ 5', '§ 9', '§ 1611', '§ 9', '§ 1612', '§ 18', '§ 1613', '§ 5', '§ 11', '§ 1614', '§ 5', '§ 18', '§ 1615', '§ 1010', '§ 9', '§ 1616', '§ 1', '§ 1621', '§ 11', '§ 1621', '§ 10', '§ 1622', '§ 11', '§ 4', '§ 18', '§ 1623', '§ 11', '§ 1624', '§ 11', '§ 1625', '§ 11', '§ 1626', '§ 11', '§ 18', '§ 1627', '§ 1628', '§ 11', '§ 1629', '§ 11', '§ 1641', '§ 14', '§ 1642', '§ 14', '§ 1643', '§ 14', '§ 5', '§ 1644', '§ 127', '§ 14', '§ 1645', '§ 14', '§ 18', '§ 1646', '§ 14']

Chapter 028: NURSING
§ 1571. Purpose and effect
In order to safeguard the life and health of the people of this State, a person shall not practice or offer to practice registered or practical nursing or as a nursing assistant unless licensed under this chapter. (Added 1979, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1993, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2015, No. 38, § 7, eff. May 28, 2015.)
(a) There is hereby created the Vermont State Board of Nursing consisting of six registered nurses, including at least two licensed as advanced practice registered nurses, two practical nurses, one nursing assistant, and two public members. Board members shall be appointed by the Governor pursuant to 3 V.S.A. §§ 129b and 2004.
(d) [Repealed.] (Added 1979, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1993, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2005, No. 27, § 45; 2007, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 11; 2011, No. 66, § 5, eff. June 1, 2011; 2015, No. 38, § 7, eff. May 28, 2015; 2017, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 18.)
§ 1573a. Repealed. 2015, No. 38, § 7, eff. May 28, 2015.
(a) In addition to the powers granted by 3 V.S.A. § 129, the Board shall:
(1) Hold annual meetings at which it shall elect a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary from its members; and hold such other meetings as may be deemed necessary to transact its business.
(2) Adopt rules necessary to perform its duties under this chapter.
(3) Adopt rules setting standards for approval of medication nursing assistant and nursing education programs in Vermont, including all clinical facilities. The Board may require reimbursement for actual and necessary costs incurred for site surveys.
(A) After an opportunity for a hearing, the Board may deny or withdraw approval or take lesser action when a program fails to meet the rules requirements.
(B) The Board may reinstate a program whose approval has been denied or withdrawn when the Board is satisfied that deficiencies have been remedied and the requirements have been met.
(5) Adopt rules setting standards required for licensure as a nursing assistant, practical nurse, registered nurse, or advanced practice registered nurse, and for endorsement of those nurses in special areas of nursing practice that require additional education and experience.
(6) Examine, license, and renew the licenses of duly qualified applicants and keep a record of all persons currently licensed as nursing assistants, practical nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses.
(7) Adopt rules setting active practice requirements for licensure and renewal.
(8) Adopt rules for and approve education programs for the benefit of nurses who are reentering practice following a lapse of five or more years.
(9) Investigate complaints of unauthorized practice or unprofessional conduct or incompetency against any person and take proper action under section 1582 or 1584 of this chapter, as the case may be.
(10) Adopt rules establishing a program to serve as an alternative to the disciplinary process for nurses and nursing assistants with chemical dependencies or other professional practice issues as designated by the Board.
(b) In consultation with the Board, the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation may employ an Executive Director of the Board and contract for such persons as may be necessary to carry out the work of the Board. (Added 1979, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1993, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2007, No. 29, § 25; 2009, No. 103 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; 2015, No. 38, § 7, eff. May 28, 2015; 2019, No. 30, § 11.)
§§ 1575, 1576. Repealed. 2015, No. 38, § 7, eff. May 28, 2015.
(1) Nursing Assistants
(A) Application $ 20.00
(B) Biennial renewal $ 55.00
(2) Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses
(A) Application by exam $ 75.00
(B) Application by endorsement $150.00
(C) Biennial renewal for Practical Nurses $175.00
(D) Biennial renewal for Registered Nurses $190.00
(3) Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
(A) Initial endorsement of advanced practice registered
nurses $100.00
(B) Biennial renewal of advanced practice registered
nurses $125.00
(Added 1979, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1989, No. 250 (Adj. Sess.), § 44; 1993, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1995, No. 47, § 23; 1997, No. 59, § 54, eff. June 30, 1997; 2001, No. 143 (Adj. Sess.), § 25, eff. June 27, 2002; 2005, No. 202 (Adj. Sess.), § 13; 2013, No. 191 (Adj. Sess.), § 15; 2015, No. 38, § 7, eff. May 28, 2015; 2019, No. 70, § 17.)
§ 1578. Repealed. 2015, No. 38, § 7, eff. May 28, 2015.
§ 1579. Repealed. 2017, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 18.
§ 1580. Repealed. 1993, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 1, 3.
§ 1581. Repealed. 2015, No. 38, § 7, eff. May 28, 2015.
§ 1582. Regulatory authority; unprofessional conduct
(a) The Board may deny an application for licensure, renewal, or reinstatement; revoke or suspend any license to practice issued by it; or discipline or in other ways condition the practice of an applicant or licensee upon due notice and opportunity for hearing if the person engages in the following conduct or the conduct set forth in 3 V.S.A. § 129a:
(1) making or causing to be made a false, fraudulent, or forged statement or representation in procuring or attempting to procure registration or renew a license;
(2) diverting or attempting to divert drugs or equipment or supplies for unauthorized use;
(3) engaging in conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public;
(4) willfully failing to file or record, or willfully impeding or obstructing filing or recording, or inducing another person to omit to file or record medical reports;
(5) fraudulent or deceitful submission of any information or records to the Board;
(6) leaving a nursing assignment without properly advising appropriate personnel;
(7) violating confidentiality by inappropriately revealing information or knowledge about a patient or client;
(8) knowingly aiding or abetting a health care provider who is not legally practicing within the State in the provision of health care services;
(9) permitting one's name or license to be used by a person, group, or corporation when not actually in charge of or responsible for the treatment given;
(10) failing to comply with the patient bill of rights provisions of 18 V.S.A. § 1852 or other statutes governing the profession;
(11) sexual misconduct that exploits the provider-patient relationship, including sexual contact with a patient, surrogates, or key third parties;
(12) abusing or neglecting a patient or misappropriating patient property;
(13) failing to report to the Board any violation of this chapter or of the Board's rules; or
(14) failing to take appropriate action to safeguard a patient from incompetent health care.
(b) A person shall not be liable in a civil action for damages resulting from the good faith reporting of information to the Board about incompetent, unprofessional, or unlawful conduct of a licensee. (Added 1979, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1993, No. 201 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1997, No. 145 (Adj. Sess.), § 39; 2011, No. 66, § 5, eff. June 1, 2011; 2015, No. 38, § 7, eff. May 28, 2015.)
§ 1585. Professional corporations; registered or licensed practical nursing
A person licensed to practice registered or licensed practical nursing under this chapter may own shares in a professional corporation created under 11 V.S.A. chapter 4 that provides professional services in the medical and nursing professions. (Added 2007, No. 14, § 2, eff. May 2, 2007.)
Subchapter 002: ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES
§§ 1591-1601. Repealed. 2015, No. 38, § 8, eff. May 28, 2015.
§ 1611. Advanced practice registered nurse licensure
To be eligible for an APRN license, an applicant shall:
(1) Have a degree or certificate from a Vermont graduate nursing program approved by the Board or a U.S. graduate program approved by a state or a national accrediting agency that includes a curriculum substantially equivalent to Vermont programs approved by the Board. The educational program shall meet the educational standards set by the national accrediting board and the national certifying board. Programs shall include a supervised clinical component in the role and population focus of the applicant's certification. The program shall prepare nurses to practice advanced nursing in a role as a nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, certified nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric or mental health nursing and shall include, at a minimum, graduate level courses in:
(A) advanced pharmacotherapeutics;
(B) advanced patient assessment; and
(C) advanced pathophysiology.
(2) Hold current advanced nursing certification in a role and population focus granted by a national certifying organization recognized by the Board. (Added 2011, No. 66, § 5, eff. June 1, 2011; amended 2015, No. 38, § 9, eff. May 28, 2015.)
§ 1611a. Fee waiver; pro bono practice
(a) An advanced practice registered nurse who holds an unrestricted license in all jurisdictions in which the nurse is currently licensed, who certifies to the Board that he or she will limit his or her practice in Vermont to providing pro bono services at a free or reduced fee clinic, and who meets the requirements for licensure shall be licensed by the Board without payment of the licensing application fee.
(b) A license granted under this section shall authorize the licensee to practice advanced practice registered nursing on a voluntary basis in Vermont. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 9, eff. May 28, 2015.)
§ 1612. Repealed. 2017, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 18.
§ 1613. Transition to practice
(a)(1) An APRN with fewer than 24 months and 2,400 hours of licensed active advanced nursing practice in an initial role and population focus or fewer than 12 months and 1,600 hours for any additional role and population focus shall have a formal agreement with a collaborating provider as required by Board rule.
(2) An APRN shall have and maintain signed and dated copies of all required collaborative provider agreements.
(3) An APRN required to practice with a collaborative provider agreement may not engage in solo practice, except with regard to a role and population focus in which the APRN has met the requirements of this subsection.
(b) An APRN who satisfies the requirements to engage in solo practice pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall notify the Board that these requirements have been met. (Added 2011, No. 66, § 5, eff. June 1, 2011; amended 2019, No. 30, § 11.)
§ 1614. APRN renewal
An APRN license renewal application shall include:
(1) documentation of completion of the APRN practice requirement;
(2) possession of a current certification by a national APRN specialty certifying organization; and
(3) a current collaborative provider agreement if required for transition to practice. (Added 2011, No. 66, § 5, eff. June 1, 2011; amended 2017, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 18.)
§ 1615a. APRN subcommittee
(a) The Board shall appoint a subcommittee to study and report to the Board on matters relating to advanced practice registered nurse practice.
(b) The subcommittee shall be composed of at least five members.
(1) The majority shall be advanced practice registered nurses who are licensed and in good standing in this State.
(2) At least one member shall be a member of the public, and at least one member shall be a physician designated by the Board of Medical Practice.
(c) Members of the subcommittee shall be entitled to compensation and reimbursement of expenses as provided in 32 V.S.A. § 1010. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 9, eff. May 28, 2015.)
§ 1616. Nurse practitioner and nurse midwife signature authority
Whenever any provision of Vermont statute or rule or any form provided to any person in this State requires a signature, certification, stamp, verification, affidavit, or other endorsement by a physician, such statute, rule, or form shall be deemed to include a signature, certification, stamp, verification, affidavit, or other endorsement by an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensed pursuant to this chapter and certified as a nurse practitioner or a nurse midwife; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be construed to expand the scope of practice of APRNs. (Added 2011, No. 122 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
Subchapter 003: REGISTERED NURSES AND PRACTICAL NURSES
§ 1621. Registered nurse licensure by examination
To be eligible for licensure as a registered nurse by examination, an applicant shall complete:
(1) an approved U.S. registered nursing education program meeting requirements set by the Board by rule; and
(2) examinations as determined by the Board. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 11, eff. May 28, 2015.)
Subchapter 004: SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINERS
§§ 1621-1624. Repealed. 2015, No. 38, § 10, eff. May 28, 2015.
§ 1622. Registered nurse licensure by endorsement
(a) Except as otherwise provided pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, to be eligible for licensure as a registered nurse by endorsement, an applicant shall:
(1) hold a current license to practice registered nursing in another U.S. jurisdiction based on education in a nursing program acceptable to the Board; and
(2) meet practice requirements set by the Board by rule.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by law, the Board shall issue a license to practice as a registered nurse to an applicant who:
(1) is a service member or veteran;
(2) has received designation by the U.S. Armed Forces as a 66H Nurse or equivalent;
(3) has received at least a bachelor's degree in nursing from a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or that is accepted by the U.S. Secretary of Education; and
(4) has completed a qualified course in public health nursing or one year of supervised nursing experience.
(2) "Veteran" means a former service member who received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions from active duty not more than two years prior to submitting an application for licensure. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 11, eff. May 28, 2015; amended 2017, No. 119 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2017, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 18.)
§ 1623. Licensure for registered nurses educated outside the United States
To be eligible for licensure under this chapter, a registered nurse applicant who was educated outside the United States shall:
(1) hold a current registered nurse license from a country outside the United States;
(2) complete secondary education;
(3) graduate from a registered nursing education program meeting the requirements of rules set by the Board;
(4) demonstrate English language proficiency, if the nursing education program was conducted in a language other than English; and
(5) complete examinations as determined by the Board. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 11, eff. May 28, 2015.)
§ 1624. Registered nurse license renewal
To renew a license, a registered nurse shall meet active practice requirements set by the Board by rule. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 11, eff. May 28, 2015.)
§ 1625. Practical nurse licensure by examination
To be eligible for licensure as a practical nurse by examination, an applicant shall:
(1) complete an approved U.S. practical nursing education program meeting requirements set by the Board by rule; and
(2) complete examinations as determined by the Board. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 11, eff. May 28, 2015.)
§ 1626. Practical nurse licensure by endorsement
To be eligible for licensure as a practical nurse by endorsement, an applicant shall:
(1) hold a current license to practice practical nursing in another U.S. jurisdiction based on education in a nursing program acceptable to the Board; and
(2) meet practice requirements set by the Board by rule. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 11, eff. May 28, 2015; amended 2017, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 18.)
§ 1627. Licensure for practical nurses educated outside the United States
To be eligible for licensure under this chapter, a practical nurse applicant who was educated outside the United States shall:
(1) hold a current practical nurse license from a country outside the United States;
(3) graduate from a practical nursing education program meeting the requirements of rules set by the Board;
(4) demonstrate English language proficiency if the nursing education program was conducted in a language other than English; and
§ 1628. Practical nurse license renewal
To renew a license, a practical nurse shall meet active practice requirements set by the Board by rule. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 11, eff. May 28, 2015.)
§ 1629. Fee waiver; pro bono practice
(a) A nurse who holds an unrestricted license in all jurisdictions in which the nurse is currently licensed, who certifies to the Board that he or she will limit his or her practice in Vermont to providing pro bono services at a free or reduced fee clinic, and who meets the requirements for licensure shall be licensed by the Board without payment of the licensing application fee.
(b) A license granted under this section shall authorize the licensee to practice nursing on a voluntary basis in Vermont. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 11, eff. May 28, 2015.)
§ 1641. Definitions
(1) "Medication nursing assistant" means a licensed nursing assistant who:
(A) is under the supervision of a nurse holding a currently valid endorsement authorizing the delegation to the nursing assistant of tasks of medication administration performed in a nursing home;
(B) has completed a Board-approved medication administration education program and an examination as set forth by rules adopted by the Board; and
(C) is endorsed by the Board and authorized to administer medication in a nursing home.
(2) "Nursing assistant" means an individual who performs nursing or nursing-related functions under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
(3) "Nursing or nursing-related functions" means nursing-related activities as defined by rule, which include basic nursing and restorative duties for which a nursing assistant is prepared by education and supervised practice. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 14, eff. May 28, 2015.)
§ 1642. Nursing assistant licensure by examination
The Board may issue a license to practice as a nursing assistant to an applicant who:
(1) is no less than 16 years of age;
(2) has completed an approved nursing assistant education program; and
(3) has successfully completed the competency examination. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 14, eff. May 28, 2015.)
§ 1643. Nursing assistant licensure by endorsement
(a) The Board may issue a license to practice as a nursing assistant to an applicant who:
(1) is licensed or registered in another U.S. jurisdiction; and
(2) has met the practice requirements set by the Board by rule.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by law, the Board shall issue a license to practice as a nursing assistant to an applicant who:
(1) is a service member or a veteran;
(2) has received designation by the U.S. Armed Forces as a 68W Combat Medic Specialist or equivalent; and
(3) is certified as a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician.
(2) "Veteran" means a former service member who received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions from active duty not more than two years prior to submitting an application for licensure. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 14, eff. May 28, 2015; amended 2017, No. 119 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)
§ 1644. Prohibitions; offenses
(a) A person shall not use any letters, words, or insignia in connection with the person's name that indicate or imply that the person is a nursing assistant unless the person is licensed in accordance with this subchapter.
(b) A person shall not practice nursing or nursing-related functions as defined in section 1641 of this subchapter without being licensed by the Board.
(c) A person who violates this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in 3 V.S.A. § 127. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 14, eff. May 28, 2015.)
§ 1645. Renewal
(a) To renew a license, a nursing assistant shall meet active practice requirements set by the Board by rule.
(b) The Board shall credit as active practice those activities, regardless of title or obligation to hold a license, that reasonably tend to reinforce the training and skills of a licensee. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 14, eff. May 28, 2015; amended 2017, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 18.)
§ 1646. Exemptions
(a) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prohibit other licensed or certified professionals from carrying on in the usual manner any of the functions of their professions.
(b) This subchapter does not prohibit the performance of nursing or nursing-related functions that are incidental to their program of study by persons enrolled in approved nursing assistant education and competency evaluation programs.
(c) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to conflict with the administration of medication by nonlicensees pursuant to the residential care home licensing rules adopted by the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 14, eff. May 28, 2015.)