Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Dept. 410 | Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Department 410 — Rules of Georgia Board of Nursing

Chapter 410-1 Administration and General Requirements

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-1-.01 Organization and Administration of the Board

(1) The Nurse Practice Act provides that, in order to protect, promote and preserve the public health, safety and welfare, any person practicing or offering to practice as a registered or licensed practical nurse for compensation in Georgia, shall be licensed according to the provisions established by the Georgia Board of Nursing.

(2) The Nurse Practice Act further creates a Board of Nursing with regulatory authority and dictates the Board's composition and qualifications of members, methods of appointment, and terms of office. The Act specifies Board functions and duties thus providing for the implementation of the Nurse Practice Act through the adoption of rules and regulations.

(3) All provisions of O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19 (General Provisions Act) are expressly incorporated as regulating registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

(4) All rules and regulations pertaining to the administration of the Georgia Board of Nursing shall be administered by the Executive Director through the Division Director, Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Secretary of State.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-26-2, 43-26-4, 43-26-5(a)(c)
History. Original Rule entitled "Organization of Board" was filed and effective on June 30, 1965.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new rule of the same title adopted. Filed November 15, 1966; effective December 4, 1966.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of the same title adopted. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Organization of the Board" adopted. Filed April 10, 1980; effective April 30, 1980.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Organization and Administration" adopted. Filed December 18, 1986; effective January 7, 1987.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new Authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Organization and Administration of the Board Office" adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of the same title adopted. F. Jan. 25, 2011; eff. Feb. 14, 2011.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Organization and Administration of the Board" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-1-.02 Meetings, Officers, and Duties

(1) The Board shall hold at least four scheduled meetings each year.

(2) All scheduled meetings of the Board shall be open and public except as provided by statute.

(3) A majority of thirteen Board members shall constitute a quorum.

(4) Annually, the Board shall elect from its members a President and a Vice-President.

(5) The President shall preside at meetings, perform all duties of that office, and appoint Board members to serve on committees as may be created. The Vice-President shall preside in the absence of the President and shall assume the duties of the President when necessary.

(6) A permanent record shall be kept of all meetings. The minutes shall be in writing and approved or amended by the Board at the next scheduled meeting.

(7) Meetings of the Board may be conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, unless otherwise specified.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-26-4, 43-26-5(a)(c)
History. Original Rule entitled "General Requirements" was f. Aug. 23, 1990: eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Meetings, Officers, and Duties" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-1-.03 Name and Contact Information Changes

(1) A licensee shall notify the Board in writing within thirty days of any name change. Changes may be made upon receipt of a written request accompanied by a copy of the marriage certificate, court order or other legal document, verifying legal status.

(2) A licensee shall notify the Board in writing within thirty (30) days of any mailing, physical or email address changes. Address changes should be made by the licensee through the Board's website.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-26-5(a)(c)
History. Original Rule entitled "Name and Contact Information Changes" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-1-.04 Fees

(1) All fees for applications for licensure, authorization, renewal and all other fees which may be authorized by law shall be established by the Board periodically. Application fees are non-refundable and an application is not complete unless the required fee has been received by the Board. Fees must be paid in U.S. funds.

(2) Applications for initial licensure, initial authorization, or reinstatement that are approved or authorized within ninety (90) days before a biennial licensure expiration date shall be issued a license or authorization for the next successive licensure period.

(3) Checks returned for insufficient funds will be dealt with according to O.C.G.A. § 16-9-20 .

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 43-26-5(a)
History. Original Rule entitled "Fees" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-1-.05 Declaratory Rulings

The Board shall render declaratory rulings as to the applicability of any statutory provision or of any of its rules. Requests for declaratory rulings must be in writing and the signature of the petitioner notarized. The Board shall respond to a request for a declaratory ruling within twenty-one (21) days of its receipt of said request except when the Board feels it would be in the best interest of the Board to seek the opinion of the Attorney General, in which case the response shall be issued within forty-five (45) days. Nothing in this paragraph shall limit or impair the right of the Board to seek the opinion of the Attorney General on any question of law connected with the duties of the Board. The Board shall not be required to render a declaratory ruling, if it relates to an investigation pending before the Board.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 50-13-11
History. Original Rule entitled "Declaratory Rulings" adopted. F. June 11, 2020; eff. July 1, 2020.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-1-.06 Petition for Promulgation, Amendment, or Repeal of Rules

(1)

Each petition for promulgation, amendment or repeal of rules made pursuant to the Georgia Administration Procedure Act shall be filed with the Board which had enacted the rule, or would otherwise be charged with enforcing the rule. The petition shall be in writing, and verified under oath by the petitioner, and shall state:

(a) The name and address of the petitioner;

(b) The full text of the rule requested to be amended or repealed and the changes to be made or the full text of the rule desired to be promulgated;

(c) A statement of the reason such rule should be amended, repealed, or promulgated including a statement of all pertinent existing facts which relate to petitioner's interest in the matter; and

(d) Citations of legal, if any, which authorize, support, or require the action requested by petition.

(2) Upon receipt of the petition, the Board shall decide upon the action to be taken. Within thirty (30) days after receipt of the petition, the Board either shall deny the petition in writing (stating its reasons for the denial) or shall initiate rule-making or rule-changing proceedings in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-13-4 (Georgia Administrative Procedure Act) .

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 50-13-9
History. Original Rule entitled "Petition for Promulgation, Amendment, or Repeal of Rules" adopted. F. June 11, 2020; eff. July 1, 2020.

Chapter 410-2 Licensure by Examination

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-2-.01 Graduates of Approved Nursing Education Programs (RN)

(1) The Board-recognized licensing examination is the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), for which a passing result must be achieved.

(2) An applicant must pass the licensing examination within a three year period from the date of graduation.

(3) An applicant whose period of eligibility has expired must reestablish eligibility as a duly qualified applicant by enrolling in and graduating from an approved nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-3 (1.2).

(4)

Applicants for licensure by examination who have graduated from a Board approved program as defined in O.C.G.A. §

43-26-3

(1.2) must submit the following:

(a) A complete application containing data required by the board attesting that all information contained in, or referenced by, the application is complete and accurate and is not false or misleading;

(b) The required application processing fee which is not refundable;

(c) Completed registration as required by the Board to cause the submission of a criminal background check as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7(b)(4) ;

(d) Official transcripts documenting graduation from an approved nursing education program;

(e) Secure and verifiable documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States as required by Georgia law; and

(f) Any additional information requested by the board needed to establish eligibility.

(5) Requirements for licensure must be complete within the timeframe indicated in the Joint Secretary rules and policies to avoid administrative withdrawal of the application. Any consideration of licensure after that date will require the applicant to submit a new application, new documents, and the appropriate fee. The testing requirement is exempt from this timeframe.

(6) An applicant who passes the licensing examination and is under investigation for possible violation of the Nurse Practice Act may not be issued a license until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the Board. The license may be denied or sanctioned despite the applicant meeting all other criteria for licensure.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3, 43-26-5, 43-26-7
History. Original Rule was filed and effective on June 30, 1965.
Amended: Filed November 15, 1966; effective December 4, 1966.
Amended: Original Rule entitled "Objectives" repealed and new Rule entitled "Meetings" adopted. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Meetings, Officers, and Duties" adopted. Filed December 18, 1986; effective January 7, 1987.
Amended: Filed February 6, 1987; effective February 26, 1987.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Graduates of Approved Nursing Education Programs (RN)" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. July 27, 2023; eff. Aug. 16, 2023.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-2-.02 Graduates of Nontraditional Nursing Education Programs (RN)

(1) The Board-recognized licensing examination is the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), for which a passing result must be achieved.

(2) An applicant must pass the licensing examination within a three year period from the date of graduation.

(4)

Applicants for licensure by examination who have graduated from a nontraditional nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. §

43-26-7(e)

must submit the following:

(b) The required application processing fee which is not refundable;

(c) Completed registration as required by the Board to cause the submission of a criminal background check as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7(b)(4) ;

(d) Official transcripts documenting graduation from a nontraditional nursing education program;

(e) Secure and verifiable documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States as required by Georgia law; and

(f) Any additional information requested by the board needed to establish eligibility.

(5) Applicants who do not meet the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) must complete a Board approved, post graduate preceptorship as provided in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7(b)(2)(B)(ii)(II) through (V) .

(6) At the discretion of the Board, a temporary permit may be issued to an applicant for the purpose of practicing nursing as a part of a Board approved preceptorship as provided in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7 . The temporary permit shall be effective for a period of six months from the date of issuance and may be renewed only one time for an additional six month period.

(7) Requirements for licensure must be complete within the timeframe indicated in the Joint Secretary rules and policies to avoid administrative withdrawal of the application. Any consideration of licensure after that date will require the applicant to submit a new application, new documents, and the appropriate fee. The testing requirement is exempt from this timeframe.

(8) An applicant who passes the licensing examination and is under investigation for possible violation of the Nurse Practice Act may not be issued a license until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the Board. The license may be denied or sanctioned despite the applicant meeting all other criteria for licensure.

(9)

For the purposes of this rule, the terms below are defined as follows:

(a) "Board" means the Georgia Board of Nursing.

(b) "Clinical experience" or "clinical practice" means the "hands on" clinical practice of nursing.

(c) "Health care facility" means an acute care inpatient facility, a long term acute care facility, an ambulatory surgical center or obstetrical facility as defined in Code Section 31-6-2 , and a skilled nursing facility so long as such skilled nursing care facility has 100 beds or more and provides health care to patients with similar health care needs as those patients in a long term care acute care facility.

(d) "Preceptorship" means a program of clinical experience or clinical practice approved by the Board and arranged by the applicant in which the applicant gains a stated number of hours of clinical experience or clinical practice in a health care facility as required by Georgia law. Preceptorships shall be under the close supervision of a registered professional nurse where such applicant is transitioned into the role of a registered professional nurse and the applicant performs duties typically performed by registered professional nurses. Except as otherwise provided in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7(b)(2)(B)(ii)(II) , a preceptorship shall be in an acute care inpatient facility or a long-term acute care facility; provided, however, that the board may authorize a preceptorship in other facilities to obtain specialized experience in certain areas. The preceptorship shall have prior approval of the board, and successful completion of the preceptorship shall be documented in writing by the preceptor stating that, in his or her opinion, the applicant has exhibited the critical thinking abilities, clinical skills, and leadership abilities necessary to practice as a beginning registered professional nurse.

(e)

"Preceptor" means a registered nurse licensed by the Georgia Board of Nursing who:

1. Has a minimum of eighteen months experience in an acute care practice setting; and

2. Has no history of disciplinary action with any licensing board.

(f) "Nontraditional Nursing Education Program" means a nursing education program that has been approved by the Board and meets all the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7(e) .

(g) "Year" means a minimum of 1800 hours. For example, one year of clinical experience or clinical practice means a minimum of 1800 hours of clinical experience or clinical practice.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3, 43-26-5, 43-26-7, 43-26-8
History. Original Rule was filed and effective on June 30, 1965.
Amended: Filed November 15, 1966; effective December 4, 1966.
Amended: Filed November 2, 1973; effective November 22, 1973.
Amended: Original Rule entitled "Nursing Defined" repealed and a new Rule entitled "Duties of Officers" adopted. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed December 18, 1986; effective January 7, 1987.
Adopted: New rule entitled "Graduates of Nontraditional Nursing Education Programs (RN)." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. July 27, 2023; eff. Aug. 16, 2023.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-2-.03 Licensure by Examination - Graduates of International Nursing Education Programs (RN)

(1) The Board-recognized licensing examination is the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), for which a passing result must be achieved.

(2) An applicant must pass the licensing examination within a three year period from the date of eligibility for graduates of nursing education programs located outside of the United States.

(4)

Applicants for licensure by examination who have graduated from nursing education programs located outside of the United States must submit the following:

(b) The required application processing fee which is not refundable;

(c) Completed registration as required by the Board to cause the submission of a criminal background check as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7(b)(4) ;

(d) Verification from the licensing agency of current licensure as a registered nurse in another territory, province, state, district, or country;

(e) Transcripts documenting graduation from a registered nursing education program. Transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified English language translation directly from the school, another licensing board, or the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS);

(f)

Credential Evaluation Service Professional Report from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or the equivalent which verifies that the applicant:

1. Has the educational credentials equivalent to graduation from a governmentally accredited/approved, post-secondary general nursing program of at least two academic years in length;

2. Received both theory and clinical education in each of the following: nursing care of the adult which includes both medical and surgical nursing, maternal/infant nursing, nursing care of children, and psychiatric/mental health nursing;

3. Received initial registration/licensure as a registered nurse in the country where the applicant completed general nursing education; and

4. Is currently licensed as a registered nurse.

(g) Official documentation reflecting the applicant has achieved a minimum score of 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based) or 79 (internet based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam, or passing score on an equivalent exam as determined by the Board, if English is not the native language of the applicant; unless a substantial portion of the applicant's nursing program of study, as determined by the Board, was conducted in English.

(h)

Applicants must provide documentation of completion of one of the following options within the four years immediately preceding the date of application:

1. Verification of five hundred (500) hours of licensed practice as a registered nurse in another jurisdiction during the four years immediately preceding the date of application;

2. Graduation from a nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. §§ 43-26-3 (1.2) or 43-26-7(e); or

3. Verification of completion of a Board approved reentry program as provided in Rule 410-4-.03 .

(i) Secure and verifiable documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States as required by Georgia law; and

(j) Any additional information requested by the board needed to establish eligibility.

(5) If curricular deficiencies are identified by the Board, an official transcript which documents passing grades in the courses must be submitted by an approved education program.

(6) Requirements for licensure must be complete within the timeframe indicated in the Joint Secretary rules and policies to avoid administrative withdrawal of the application. Any consideration of licensure after that date will require the applicant to submit a new application, new documents, and the appropriate fee. The testing requirement is exempt from this timeframe.

(7) An applicant who passes the licensing examination and is under investigation for possible violation of the Nurse Practice Act may not be issued a license until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the Board. The license may be denied or sanctioned despite the applicant meeting all other criteria for licensure.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-7, 43-26-61, Article III(c)(3)
History. Original Rule entitled "Board Functions" was filed and effective on June 30, 1965.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of the same title adopted. Filed November 15, 1966; effective December 4, 1966.
Amended: Filed November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Adopted: New rule entitled "Graduates of International Nursing Education Programs (RN)." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Oct. 19, 2018; eff. Nov. 8, 2018.
Amended: F. July 27, 2023; eff. Aug. 16, 2023.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-2-.04 Licensure by Reexamination (RN)

(1)

An applicant for licensure by examination who fails the examination must submit the following:

(b) The required application processing fee which is not refundable;

(c) Completed registration as required by the Board to cause the submission of a criminal background check as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7(b)(4) ; and

(d) Any additional information requested by the board needed to establish eligibility.

(2) Requirements for licensure must be complete within the timeframe indicated in the Joint Secretary rules and policies to avoid administrative withdrawal of the application. Any consideration of licensure after that date will require the applicant to submit a new application, new documents, and the appropriate fee. The testing requirement is exempt from this timeframe.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3, 43-26-5, 43-26-7
History. Original Rule entitled "Officers and Elections" was filed and effective on June 30, 1965.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of the same title adopted. Filed November 15, 1966; effective December 4, 1966.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Adopted: New rule entitled "Licensure by Reexamination (RN)." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. July 27, 2023; eff. Aug. 16, 2023.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-2-.05 Licensure by Examination (LPN)

(1) The Board-recognized licensing examination is the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), for which a passing result must be achieved.

(2) An applicant must pass the licensing examination within a three year period from the date of graduation.

(4)

Applicants for licensure by examination who have graduated from a Board approved program in Georgia as defined in O.C.G.A. §

43-26-32

(1.1) must submit the following:

(b) The required application processing fee which is not refundable;

(c) Completed registration as required by the Board to cause the submission of a criminal background check as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-36.1 ;

(d) Official transcripts documenting graduation from an approved nursing education program;

(e) Secure and verifiable documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States as required by Georgia law; and

(f) Any additional information requested by the board needed to establish eligibility.

(5)

Applicants for licensure by examination who have graduated from a Board approved program as defined in O.C.G.A. §

43-26-32

(1.1) located outside of Georgia must submit the following:

(b) Completed registration as required by the Board to cause the submission of a criminal background check as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-36.1 ;

(c) Official transcripts documenting graduation from an approved nursing education program determined by the Board to be comprised of substantially the same course of study as provided in Rule 410-9-.06 ;

(d) Secure and verifiable documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States as required by Georgia law; and

(e) Any additional information requested by the board needed to establish eligibility.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-35, 43-26-36, 43-26-36.1, 43-26-37
History. Original Rule entitled "Duties of Officers" was filed and effective on June 30, 1965.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of the same title adopted. Filed November 15, 1966; effective December 4, 1966.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Adopted: New rule entitled "Licensure by Examination (LPN)." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. July 27, 2023; eff. Aug. 16, 2023.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-2-.06 Licensure by Examination - Graduates of International Practical Nursing Education Programs (LPN)

(1) The Board-recognized licensing examination is the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), for which a passing result must be achieved.

(2) An applicant must pass the licensing examination within a three year period from the date of eligibility for graduates of nursing education programs located outside of the United States.

(3) An applicant whose period of eligibility has expired must reestablish eligibility as a duly qualified applicant by enrolling in and graduating from an approved nursing education program.

(4)

Applicants for licensure by examination who have graduated from nursing education programs located outside of the United States must submit the following:

(b) The required application processing fee which is not refundable;

(c) Completed registration as required by the Board to cause the submission of a criminal background check as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-36.1 ;

(d) Verification from the licensing agency of current licensure as a licensed practical nurse in another territory, province, state, district, or country;

(e) Transcripts documenting graduation from a practical nursing education program. Transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified English language translation directly from the school, another licensing board, or the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS);

(f)

Credential Evaluation Service Professional Report from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or the equivalent which verifies that the applicant:

1. Has the educational credentials equivalent to graduation from a governmentally accredited/approved, post-secondary general nursing program of at least one academic year in length;

3. Received initial registration/license as a practical nurse in the country where the applicant completed practical nursing education; and

4. Is currently registered/licensed as a practical nurse.

(g) Official documentation reflecting the applicant has achieved a minimum score of 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based) or 79 (internet based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam, or passing score on an equivalent exam as determined by the Board, if English is not the native language of the applicant;, unless a substantial portion of the applicant's nursing program of study, as determined by the Board, was conducted in English.

(h)

Applicants must provide documentation of completion of one of the following options within the five years immediately preceding the date of application:

1. Verification of five hundred (500) hours of licensed practice as a practical nurse in another jurisdiction during the four years immediately preceding the date of application;

2. Graduation from a nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. §§ 43-26-32 (1.1); or

3. Verification of completion of a Board approved reentry program as provided in Rule 410-4-.02 .

(i) Secure and verifiable documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States as required by Georgia law; and

(j) Any additional information requested by the board needed to establish eligibility.

(5) If curricular deficiencies are identified by the Board, an official transcript which documents passing grades in the courses must be submitted by an approved education program.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-7, 43-26-32, 43-26-36, 43-26-61, Article III(c)(3)
History. Original Rule entitled "Meetings" was filed and effective on June 30, 1965.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of the same title adopted. Filed November 15, 1966; effective December 4, 1966.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Adopted: New rule entitled "Licensure by Examination - Graduates of International Practical Nursing Education Programs (LPN)." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Oct. 19, 2018; eff. Nov. 8, 2018.
Amended: F. July 27, 2023; eff. Aug. 16, 2023.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-2-.07 Licensure by Reexamination (LPN)

(1)

An applicant for licensure by examination who fails the examination must submit the following:

(b) The required application processing fee which is not refundable;

(c) Completed registration as required by the Board to cause the submission of a criminal background check as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-36.1 ;

(d) Secure and verifiable documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States as required by Georgia law; and

(e) Any additional information requested by the board needed to establish eligibility.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-35, 43-26-36, 43-26-36.1, 43-26-37
History. Original Rule entitled "Licensure by Reexamination (LPN)" adopted. New rule entitled F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. July 27, 2023; eff. Aug. 16, 2023.

Chapter 410-3 Licensure by Endorsement

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-3-.01 Licensure by Endorsement (RN)

(1)

An applicant for licensure by endorsement, including a military spouse and a transitioning service member as defined in O.C.G.A. §

43-1-34(a)

, who is licensed as a registered nurse in another U.S. state, territory or district must submit the following:

(b) The required application processing fee which is not refundable;

(c) Completed registration as required by the Board to cause the submission of a criminal background check as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7(c)(5) ;

(d) Official transcripts documenting graduation from an approved nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-3 (1.2) prior to passing the licensing examination recognized by the Board;

(e)

Verification of licensure from the original licensing jurisdiction which documents one of the following:

1. Prior to July 1982-a score of 350 on each of the five parts of the SBTPE;

2. Prior to February 1989-a minimum score of 1600 on the NCLEX-RN;

3. February 1989 and after, must have achieved a passing report on the NCLEX-RN;

(f) Verification of current, active licensure in another US state, territory or district;

(g)

Documentation of one of the following within four years immediately preceding the date of application:

1. Five hundred (500) hours of licensed practice as a registered nurse as documented on the verification of employment form provided by the Board;

2. Graduation from a nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. §§ 43-26-3 (1.2) or 43-26-7(e); or

3. Completion of a Board approved reentry program as defined in Rule 410-4-.03 .

(h) Secure and verifiable documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States as required by Georgia law; and

(i) Any additional information requested by the board needed to establish eligibility.

(2) An application must be complete within the timeframe indicated in the Joint Secretary rules and policies. Any application not completed within this period will be withdrawn. Any consideration of licensure after that date will require the applicant to submit a new application, new documents, and the appropriate fee.

(3) An applicant who is under investigation for possible violation of the Nurse Practice Act may not be issued a license until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the Board. The license may be denied or sanctioned despite the applicant meeting all other criteria for licensure.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-34(b), 43-26-5(a)(2), (3), (7)
History. Original Rule entitled "Examinations" was filed and effective on June 30, 1965.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of the same title adopted. Filed November 15, 1966, effective December 4, 1966.
Amended: Filed February 8, 1974; effective February 28, 1974.
Amended: Filed August 5, 1974; effective August 25, 1974.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Standards and Curricula for Educational Programs" adopted. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "General Requirements" adopted. Filed October 12, 1984, effective November 1, 1984.
Amended: Filed May 31, 1988; effective June 20, 1988.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Amended: F. Oct. 14, 1998; eff. Nov. 3, 1998.
Amended: F. Jan. 14, 2000; eff. Feb. 3, 2000.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Sept. 27, 2007; eff. Oct. 17, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Licensure by Endorsement (RN)" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Oct. 2, 2017; eff. Oct. 22, 2017.
Amended: F. Aug. 3, 2023; eff. Aug. 23, 2023.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-3-.02 Licensure by Endorsement (LPN)

(1)

An applicant for licensure by endorsement, including a military spouse and a transitioning service member as defined in O.C.G.A. §

43-1-34(a)

, who is licensed as a licensed practical nurse in another U.S. state, territory or district must submit the following:

(b) The required application processing fee which is not refundable;

(c) Completed registration as required by the Board to cause the submission of a criminal background check as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-36.1 ;

(d) Official transcripts documenting graduation from an approved nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-32 (1.1) prior to passing the licensing examination recognized by the Board;

(e)

Verification of licensure from the original licensing jurisdiction which documents one of the following:

1. Prior to July 1982-a score of 350 on the SBTPE;

2. Beginning October 1982 to September 1988-a minimum score of 350 on the NCLEX-PN;

3. October 1988 and after, must have achieved a passing report on the NCLEX-PN;

(f) Verification of current, active licensure in another NCLEX jurisdiction;

(g)

Documentation of one of the following within four years immediately preceding the date of application:

1. Five hundred (500) hours of licensed practice as a licensed practical nurse as documented on the verification of employment form provided by the Board;

2. Graduation from a nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. §§ 43-26-32 (1.1); or

3. Completion of a Board approved reentry program as defined in Rule 410-4-.04 .

(h) Secure and verifiable documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States as required by Georgia law; and

(i) Any additional information requested by the board needed to establish eligibility.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-36, 43-26-38
History. Original Rule entitled "Organization and Administration" adopted. F. Mar. 18, 1976; eff. Apr. 7, 1976; except for paragraph (2) which is eff. July 1, 1977, as specified by the Agency.
Amended: Eff. Date of paragraph (2) changed to July 1, 1978, and paragraph (7) declared eff. July 1, 1978. F. June 15, 1976; eff. July 5, 1976.
Amended: F. Oct. 26, 1977; eff. Nov. 15, 1977.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Nursing Education Program Approval" adopted. F. Oct. 12, 1984; eff. Nov. 1, 1984.
Amended: F. May 31, 1988; eff. June 20, 1988.
Amended: Authority changed. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Amended: F. June 5, 1996; eff. June 25, 1996.
Amended: F. Oct. 14, 1998; eff. Nov. 3, 1998.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Sept. 27, 2007; eff. Oct. 17, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Licensure by Endorsement (LPN)" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Oct. 2, 2017; eff. Oct. 22, 2017.
Amended: F. Aug. 23, 2018; eff. Sept. 12, 2018.
Amended: F. Aug. 3, 2023; eff. Aug. 23, 2023.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-3-.03 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5 and 43-26-7(c), 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-35, 43-26-36, 43-26-36.1, and 43-26-38
History. Original Rule entitled "Faculty" adopted. F. Mar. 18, 1976; eff. Apr. 7, 1976.
Amended: F. Apr. 10, 1980; eff. Apr. 30, 1980.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Organization and Administration" adopted. F. Oct. 12, 1984; eff. Nov. 1, 1984.
Amended: F. Oct. 1, 1987; eff. Oct. 21, 1987.
Amended: F. May 31, 1988; eff. June 20, 1988.
Amended: F. Aug. 1, 1989; eff. Aug. 21, 1989.
Amended: Authority changed. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Amended: F. Aug. 16, 1991; eff. Sept. 5, 1991.
Amended: F. Oct. 6, 1992; eff. Oct. 26, 1992.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Amended: F. June 12, 1997; eff. July 2, 1997.
Amended: F. Oct. 14, 1998; eff. Nov. 3, 1998.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Sept. 27, 2007; eff. Oct. 17, 2007.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-3-.04 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5 and 43-26-7(c), 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-35, 43-26-36, 43-26-36.1, and 43-26-38
History. Original Rule entitled "Students" was filed on March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Curriculum" adopted Filed October 12, 1984; effective November 1, 1984.
Amended: Filed May 31, 1988; effective June 20, 1988.
Amended: F. Feb. 1, 1989; eff. Feb. 21, 1989.
Repealed. Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Amended: F. Oct. 6, 1992; eff. Oct. 26, 1992.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; Eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Amended: F. Oct. 14, 1998; eff. Nov. 3, 1998.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Sept. 27, 2007; eff. Oct. 17, 2007.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-3-.05 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5 and 43-26-7(c), 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-35, 43-26-36, 43-26-36.1, and 43-26-38
History. Original Rule entitled "Educational Facilities" was filed on March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Clinical Learning Experiences" adopted. Filed October 12, 1984; effective November 1, 1984.
Amended: Filed October 1, 1987; effective October 21, 1987.
Amended: Filed May 31, 1988; effective June 20, 1988.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Faculty" adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Amended: F. Oct. 22, 1990; eff. Nov. 11, 1990.
Amended: F. Aug. 16, 1991; eff. Sept. 5, 1991.
Amended: F. Oct. 6, 1992, eff. Oct. 26, 1992.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Amended: F. Jun. 12, 1997; eff. July 2, 1997.
Amended: F. Oct. 14, 1998; eff. Nov. 3, 1998. Amended: F. January 14, 2000; eff. February 3, 2000.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Sept. 27, 2007; eff. Oct. 17, 2007.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-3-.06 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5 and 43-26-7(c), 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-35, 43-26-36, 43-26-36.1, and 43-26-38
History. Original Rule entitled "Clinical Facilities" was filed on March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Filed April 10, 1980; effective April 30, 1980.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Faculty" adopted. Filed October 12, 1984; effective November 1, 1984.
Amended: Filed May 31, 1988; effective June 20, 1988.
Amended: F. Jun. 13, 1989; eff. July 3, 1989.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Preceptorial Learning Activities" adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Amended: F. Aug. 16, 1991; eff. Sept. 5, 1991.
Amended: F. Oct. 6, 1992; eff. Oct. 26, 1992.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Learning Activities with Preceptors" adopted. F. Sept. 27, 2007; eff. Oct. 17, 2007.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-3-.07 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5 and 43-26-7(c), 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-35, 43-26-36, 43-26-36.1, and 43-26-38
History. Original Rule entitled "Curriculum" was filed on March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Paragraph (5) adopted. Filed October 26, 1977; effective July 1, 1978, as specified by the Agency.
Amended: Filed September 29, 1978; effective October 19, 1978.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Students" adopted. Filed October 12, 1984; effective November 1, 1984,
Amended: Filed March 3, 1987; effective March 23, 1987.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Amended: F. Oct. 22, 1990; eff. Nov. 11, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Amended: F. Oct. 14, 1998; eff. Nov. 3, 1998.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Sept. 27, 2007; eff. Oct. 17, 2007.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-3-.08 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5 and 43-26-7(c), 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-35, 43-26-36, 43-26-36.1, and 43-26-38
History. Original Rule entitled "Performance of Graduates" adopted. Filed October 12, 1984; effective November 1, 1984.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Employment of Unlicensed Students and/or Graduates Prior to Licensure" adopted. F. Sept. 27, 2007; eff. Oct. 17, 2007.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-3-.09 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5 and 43-26-7(c), 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-35, 43-26-36, 43-26-36.1, and 43-26-38
History. Original Rule entitled "Educational Facilities and Resources" adopted. F. Oct. 12, 1984; eff. Nov. 1, 1984.
Amended: Authority changed. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Amended: F. Oct. 22, 1990; eff. Nov. 11, 1990.
Amended: F. Oct. 6, 1992; eff. Oct. 26, 1992.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Performance of Graduates" adopted. F. Sept. 27, 2007; eff. Oct. 17, 2007.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-3-.10 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5 and 43-26-7(c), 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-35, 43-26-36, 43-26-36.1, and 43-26-38
History. Original Rule entitled "Reports and Records" adopted. F. Oct. 12, 1984; eff. Nov. 1, 1984.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 31, 1988; eff. June 20, 1988.
Amended: Authority changed. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Reports" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Educational Facilities, Resources, and Practice Settings" adopted. F. Sept. 27, 2007; eff. Oct. 17, 2007.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-3-.11 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5 and 43-26-7(c), 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-35, 43-26-36, 43-26-36.1, and 43-26-38
History. Original Rule entitled "Reports" adopted. F. Sept. 27, 2007; eff. Oct. 17, 2007.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Chapter 410-4 Licensure by Reinstatement

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-4-.01 Licensure by Reinstatement (RN)

(1)

An applicant for licensure by reinstatement who was previously licensed as a registered nurse in the state of Georgia must submit the following:

(a) A complete application containing data required by the Board attesting that all information contained in, or referenced by, the application is complete and accurate and is not false or misleading;

(b) The required application processing fee which is not refundable;

(c) Completed registration as required by the Board to cause the submission of a criminal background check as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7(d)(3) ;

(d)

Documentation of one of the following within four years immediately preceding the date of application:

1. Five hundred (500) hours of licensed practice as a registered nurse as documented on the verification of employment form provided by the Board and, effective February 1, 2016, documentation of completion of one of the five competency requirements as set forth in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-9 within two years preceding the date of application for reinstatement;

2. Graduation from a nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-3 (1.2); or

3. Completion of a Board approved reentry program as defined in Rule 410-4-.03 .

(e) Secure and verifiable documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States as required by Georgia law; and

(f) Any additional information requested by the Board needed to establish eligibility.

(2) Reinstatement of the license is within the discretion of the Board.

(3) The Board may require the passage of an examination or other competency assessments. The Board, in its discretion, may impose any remedial requirements deemed necessary.

(4) The Board may deny reinstatement for failure to demonstrate current knowledge, skill and proficiency in the practice of nursing or being mentally or physically unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety or for any ground set forth in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-11 .

(5) The denial of reinstatement is not a contested case within the meaning of Chapter 13 of Title 50, but the applicant shall be entitled to an appearance before the Board.

(6) An application must be complete within the timeframe indicated in the Joint Secretary rules and policies. Any application not completed within this period will be withdrawn. Any consideration of licensure after that date will require the applicant to submit a new application, new documents, and the appropriate fee.

(7) An applicant who is under investigation for possible violation of the Nurse Practice Act may not be issued a license until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the Board. The license may be denied or sanctioned despite the applicant meeting all other criteria for licensure.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-7(d), 46-26-8, 43-26-9, 43-26-9.1
History. Original Rule entitled "Validation of Certificates" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Amended: F. Nov. 15, 1966; eff. Dec. 4, 1966.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Biennial Validation of Certificates" adopted. F. Feb. 8, 1974; eff. Feb. 28, 1974.
Amended: F. Aug. 5, 1974; eff. Aug. 25, 1974.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Reports and Surveys" adopted. F. Mar. 18, 1976; eff. Apr. 7, 1976.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Development and Implementation of New Nursing Education Programs" adopted. F. Aug. 6, 1984; eff. Aug. 26, 1984.
Amended: F. May 31, 1988; eff. June 20, 1988.
Amended: F. Aug. 1, 1989; eff. Aug. 21, 1989.
Amended: Authority changed. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Amended: F. Oct. 6, 1992; eff. Oct. 26, 1992.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Amended: F. Oct. 14, 1998; eff. Nov. 3, 1998.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Sept. 26, 2007; eff. Oct. 16, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Development and Implementation of New Nursing Education Programs. Amended" adopted. F. Jan. 23, 2013; eff. Feb. 12, 2013.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Licensure by Reinstatement (RN)" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. July 27, 2023; eff. Aug. 16, 2023.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-4-.02 Licensure by Reinstatement (LPN)

(1)

An applicant for licensure by reinstatement who was previously licensed as a practical nurse in the state of Georgia must submit the following:

(b) The required application processing fee which is not refundable;

(c) Completed registration as required by the Board to cause the submission of a criminal background check as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-36.1 ;

(d)

Documentation of one of the following within four years immediately preceding the date of application:

1. Five hundred (500) hours of licensed practice as a practical nurse as documented on the verification of employment form provided by the Board and documentation of completion of one of the two continuing competency requirements as set forth in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-39 within two years of the date of application for reinstatement;

2. Graduation from a nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-32 (1.1); or

3. Completion of a Board approved reentry program as defined in Rule 410-4-.04 .

(e) Secure and verifiable documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States as required by Georgia law; and

(f) Any additional information requested by the board needed to establish eligibility.

(2) Reinstatement of the license is within the discretion of the Board.

(3) The Board may require the passage of an examination or other competency assessments. The Board, in its discretion, may impose any remedial requirements deemed necessary.

(5) The denial of reinstatement is not a contested case within the meaning of Chapter 13 of Title 50, but the applicant shall be entitled to an appearance before the Board.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-26-3, 43-26-5, 43-26-31, 43-26-32, 43-26-36, 43-26-39
History. Original Rule entitled "Requirements for Reinstatement of Invalid Certificates" adopted. F. Feb. 8, 1974; eff. Feb. 28, 1974.
Amended: F. Aug. 5, 1974; eff. Aug. 25, 1974.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Annual Reports" adopted. F. Mar. 18, 1976; eff. Apr. 7, 1976.
Repealed: F. Aug. 6, 1984; eff. Aug. 26, 1984.
Adopted: New Rule entitled "Licensure by Reinstatement (LPN)." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Oct. 19, 2018; eff. Nov. 8, 2018.
Amended: F. July 27, 2023; eff. Aug. 16, 2023.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-4-.03 Reentry (RN)

(1) An applicant for licensure by endorsement or reinstatement that has not provided documentation of at least five hundred (500) hours of licensed practice as a registered nurse or graduation from an approved nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-3 (1.2) must complete a Board approved reentry program prior to licensure.

(2)

A Board approved reentry program is comprised of forty (40) contact hours of didactic study and one hundred and sixty (160) hours of clinical study.

(a)

Didactic study courses must be selected from Board approved continuing competency providers and must include the following areas of study:

1. Physician Orders

2. Medication Administration

3. Intravenous (IV) Therapy

4. Respiratory Care

5. Physical Assessment

6. Documentation

(b)

Clinical study must include the following areas of practice:

1. Functions of the registered nurse as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-3(6) and (8) ;

2. Instruction in and opportunities to demonstrate ability to safely practice nursing and knowledge in caring for clients;

(d) Evidence of current health care provider cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification;

(3)

A reentry plan must contain the following information:

(a)

Outline for the completion of the didactic and clinical components of the plan which contains the following:

1. Course objectives, content outline and time allocation;

2. Didactic and clinical learning experiences including teaching methodologies;

3. Plan for evaluation of competencies and ability to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety.

4. List of all instructors or preceptors and their functions and teaching roles;

5. Projected schedule for the clinical component; and

6. Evidence of clinical resources which documents support and availability for required experiences.

(4) Reentry programs may be conducted at a post-secondary educational institution, a health care facility or other agency.

(5) A reentry program must be coordinated by a registered nurse licensed in good standing with the Georgia Board of Nursing who has had at least two (2) years experience in direct patient nursing practice as a registered nurse or other licensed practitioner as approved by the Board.

(6) A reentry program must be approved by the Board and a temporary permit issued to the applicant prior to the start of the clinical component.

(7) A reentry program must be completed within six months after approval by the Board.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-7(c) and (d), 43-26-8 and 43-26-9
History. Original Rule entitled "Failure to Reinstate Invalid Certificate: Revocation" adopted. F. Feb. 8, 1974; eff. Feb. 28, 1974.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Comprehensive Reports" adopted. F. Mar. 18, 1976; eff. Apr. 7, 1976.
Repealed: F. Aug. 6, 1984; eff. Aug. 26, 1984.
Adopted: New Rule entitled "Reentry (RN)." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-4-.04 Reentry (APRN)

(1) An applicant for initial authorization or reinstatement that has not provided documentation of at least five hundred (500) hours of licensed practice as an advanced practice registered nurse in the area of practice for which an application was submitted or graduation from an approved nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-3 (1.2) must complete a Board approved reentry program before obtaining authorization.

(2) A Board approved reentry program is comprised of forty (40) hours of didactic study and one hundred and sixty (160) hours of clinical study. Course objectives must be stated which show the relationship between theory and practice and indicate behaviors consistent with the ability to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse with reasonable skill and safety. The Board may waive the forty (40) hours of didactic study if the applicant has passed a Board approved certification exam within the four years preceding the date of application.

(3) Reentry programs may be conducted at a post-secondary educational institution, a health care facility or other agency.

(4) A reentry program must be coordinated by an advanced practice registered nurse licensed and authorized in good standing with the Georgia Board of Nursing, practicing in the population of the reentry candidate's certification, and who has had at least two (2) years experience in direct patient nursing practice as an advanced practice registered nurse or other licensed practitioner as approved by the Board.

(5) A reentry program must be approved and a temporary permit must be issued prior to the applicant prior to the start of the clinical component.

(6) A reentry program must be completed within six months of after approval by the Board.

(7)

A reentry program shall incorporate the following:

(a) Common medical-surgical conditions and management of common nursing problems associated with these conditions, including mental health principles associated with management of nursing problems;

(b) Functions of the advanced practice registered nurse as defined in Chapter 410-11;

(c) Instruction in and opportunities to demonstrate ability to safely practice nursing and knowledge in caring for clients with common medical-surgical problems;

(d) Review of the Georgia Nurse Practice Act and Board Rules;

(e)

Outline for the completion of the didactic and clinical components of the plan which contains the following:

1. Course objectives, content outline and time allocation;

2. Didactic and clinical learning experiences including teaching methodologies; and

3. Plan for evaluation of student competencies and ability to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety.

4. List of all instructors or preceptors and their functions and teaching roles; and

5. Projected schedule for the clinical component.

(f) Evidence of current health care provider cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification; and

(g) Evidence of clinical resources which documents support and availability for required experiences.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Completion of Endorsement Forms to Other States" adopted. F. Feb. 8, 1974; eff. Feb. 28, 1974.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Site Visits" adopted. F. Mar. 18, 1976; eff. Apr. 7, 1976.
Repealed: F. Aug. 6, 1984; eff. Aug. 26, 1984.
Adopted: New Rule entitled "Reentry (APRN)." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-4-.05 Reentry (LPN)

(1) An applicant for licensure by endorsement or reinstatement that has not provided documentation of at least five hundred (500) hours of licensed practice as a licensed practical nurse or graduation from an approved nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-32 (1.1) must complete a Board approved reentry program prior to licensure.

(3) Reentry programs may be conducted at a post-secondary educational institution, a health care facility or other agency.

(4) A reentry program must be coordinated by a registered nurse licensed in good standing with the Georgia Board of Nursing who has had at least two (2) years experience in direct patient nursing practice as a registered nurse.

(5) A reentry program must be approved and a temporary permit must be issued prior to the applicant prior to the start of the clinical component.

(6) A reentry program must be completed within six months of after approval by the Board.

(7)

A reentry program shall incorporate the following:

(a) Common medical-surgical conditions and management of common nursing problems associated with these conditions, including mental health principles associated with management of nursing problems;

(b) Functions of the licensed practical nurse as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-32(1) and (7) ;

(c) Instruction in and opportunities to demonstrate ability to safely practice nursing and knowledge in caring for clients with common medical-surgical problems;

(d) Review of the Georgia Nurse Practice Act and Board rules;

(e)

Outline for the completion of the didactic and clinical components of the plan which contains the following:

1. Course objectives, content outline and time allocation;

2. Didactic and clinical learning experiences including teaching methodologies; and

3. Plan for evaluation of student competencies and ability to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety.

4. List of all instructors or preceptors and their functions and teaching roles; and

5. Projected schedule for the clinical component.

(f) Evidence of current health care provider cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification; and

(g) Evidence of clinical resources which documents support and availability for required experiences.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-38, and 43-26-39
History. Original Rule entitled "Exclusion Provision" adopted. F. Feb. 7, 1975; eff. Feb. 27, 1975.
Repealed: F. Mar. 18, 1976; eff. Apr. 7, 1976.
Adopted: New Rule entitled "Reentry (LPN)." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Chapter 410-5 Licensure Renewal

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.01 Licensure Renewal (RN)

(1) Licenses shall expire on January 31 of even or odd years according to Joint Secretary, Professional Licensing Boards Rules 295-2-.05 and 295-2-.12 .

(2) Licensees must submit a complete renewal application and the required fee on or before the posted deadline.

(3) Licensees may submit a late renewal application during the one month period immediately following the license expiration date. The late renewal period ends on the last day of February. A registered nurse may not practice nursing after the expiration date of his or her license.

(4) Licensees are not permitted to practice as a registered professional nurse without evidence of current, active licensure. The Georgia Board of Nursing's website shall be considered the primary source of verification for licensed individuals. Practicing as a registered nurse without a license is considered a misdemeanor and is prohibited by Georgia law.

(5) Licenses not renewed by the posted deadline shall be lapsed and may be reinstated at the discretion of the Board.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-4, 43-1-7, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-9 and 43-26-10
History. Original Rule entitled "General Administration" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Types of Approval" adopted. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Discontinuance of a Nursing Education Program" adopted. Filed August 6, 1984; effective August 26, 1984.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Amended: F. Oct. 6, 1992; eff. Oct. 26, 1992.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Licensure Renewal (RN)" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.02 Licensure Renewal (LPN)

(1) Licenses shall expire on March 31 of odd years according to Joint Secretary, Professional Licensing Boards Rule 295-2-.13 .

(2) Licensees must submit a complete renewal application and the required fee on or before the posted deadline.

(3) Licensees may submit a late renewal application during the one month period immediately following the license expiration date. The late renewal period ends on April 30. A licensed practical nurse may not practice nursing after the expiration date of his or her license.

(4) Licensees are not permitted to practice as a licensed practical nurse without evidence of current, active licensure. The Georgia Board of Nursing's website shall be considered the primary source of verification for licensed individuals. Practicing as a licensed practical nurse without a license is considered a misdemeanor and is prohibited by Georgia law.

(5) Licenses not renewed by the posted deadline shall be lapsed and may be reinstated at the discretion of the Board.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-4, 43-1-7, 43-26-32, 43-26-35, 43-26-39, and 43-26-42
History. Original Rule entitled "Procedures for Approval of Schools of Nursing" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Requirements" adopted. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed August 6, 1984; effective August 26, 1984.
Adopted: New Rule entitled "Licensure Renewal (LPN)." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.03 Repealed

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1975, pp. 501, 505
History. Original Rule entitled "Permanent Records" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.04 Repealed

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1975, pp. 501, 505
History. Original Rule entitled "Permanent Records" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.05 Repealed

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1975, pp. 501, 505
History. Original Rule entitled "Certificates" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.06 Repealed

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1975, pp. 501, 505
History. Original Rule entitled "Size of School" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.07 Repealed

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1975, pp. 501, 505
History. Original Rule entitled "Financial Support" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.08 Repealed

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1975, pp. 501, 505
History. Original Rule entitled "Faculty" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.09 Repealed

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1975, pp. 501, 505
History. Original Rule entitled "Admission Requirements" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.10 Repealed

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1975, pp. 501, 505
History. Original Rule entitled "Graduation Requirements" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.11 Repealed

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1975, pp. 501, 505
History. Original Rule entitled "Students" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.12 Repealed

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1975, pp. 501, 505
History. Original Rule entitled "Curriculum" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.13 Repealed

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1975, pp. 501, 505
History. Original Rule entitled "Educational Facilities" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-5-.14 Repealed

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1975, pp. 501, 505
History. Original Rule entitled "General Equipment and Buildings" was filed on November 24, 1970; effective December 14, 1970.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.

Chapter 410-6 Inactive Status

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-6-.01 Inactive Licensure Status (RN)

(1) A currently licensed registered professional nurse who wishes to maintain his or her license but who does not wish to practice nursing in this State may apply for inactive licensure status by submitting an application for inactive status and paying the required fee. A licensee granted inactive status is exempt from filing a biennial license renewal application and paying a license renewal fee. A licensee who holds an inactive license shall not practice as a registered professional nurse.

(2) An inactive license may be changed to active status by filing an application for reinstatement with the Board, complying with reinstatement requirements as defined in Board Rule 410-4-.01 , and paying a reinstatement fee, as determined by the Board. The Board may require the applicant to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board that he or she has maintained current knowledge, skill and proficiency in the practice of nursing and that he or she is mentally and physically able to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-22, 43-1-25, 43-26-5, 43-26-9.1
History. Original Rule entitled "Registration of Foreign Nurses Without Examination" was filed on February 8, 1974; effective February 28, 1974.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Licensure by Examination" adopted. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Filed October 26, 1977; effective November 15, 1977.
Amended: Rule amended and title changed to "Licensure". Filed May 31, 1978; effective June 20, 1978.
Amended: Filed September 29, 1978; effective October 19, 1978.
Amended: Filed April 10, 1980; effective April 30, 1980.
Amended: Filed December 9, 1980; effective December 29, 1980.
Amended: Filed April 22, 1981; effective May 12, 1981.
Amended: Filed June 8, 1984; effective June 28, 1984.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of the same title adopted. Filed December 20, 1984; effective January 9, 1985.
Amended: Filed June 6, 1986; effective June 26, 1986.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Licensure by Examination" adopted. Filed December 18, 1986; effective January 7, 1987.
Amended: Filed February 6, 1987; effective February 26, 1987.
Amended: Filed January 28, 1988; effective February 17, 1988.
Amended: F. Jun. 13, 1989; eff. July 3, 1989.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 14, 1993; eff. Jan. 3, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Inactive Licensure Status (RN)" adopted. F. Nov. 23, 2015; eff. Dec. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-6-.02 Inactive Licensure Status (LPN)

(1) A currently licensed practical nurse who wishes to maintain his or her license but who does not wish to practice nursing in this State may apply for inactive licensure status by submitting an application for inactive status and paying the required fee. A licensee granted inactive status is exempt from filing a biennial license renewal application and paying a license renewal fee. A licensee who holds an inactive license shall not practice as a licensed practical nurse.

(2) An inactive license may be changed to active status by filing an application for reinstatement with the Board, complying with reinstatement requirements as defined in Board Rule 410-4-.02 , and paying a reinstatement fee, as determined by the Board. The Board may require the applicant to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board that he or she has maintained current knowledge, skill and proficiency in the practice of nursing and that he or she is mentally and physically able to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-22, 43-1-25, 43-26-35
History. Original Rule entitled "Competence in English Language" adopted. F. Feb. 8, 1974; eff. Feb. 28, 1974.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Out of State and Foreign Applicants" adopted. F. Mar. 18, 1976; eff. Apr. 7, 1976.
Repealed: F. Dec. 20, 1984; eff. Jan. 9, 1985.
Amended: New Rule entitled "Applicants for Licensure by Examination" adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule same title adopted. F. Dec. 14, 1993; eff. Jan. 3, 1994.
Amended: F. May 16, 1996; eff. June 5, 1996.
Amended: F. July 23, 1997; eff. August 12, 1997.
Repealed: New Rule same title adopted. F. Aug. 3, 2001; eff. Aug. 23, 2001.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Oct. 29, 2009; eff. Nov. 18, 2009.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 23, 2010; eff. Apr. 12, 2010.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Inactive Licensure Status (LPN)" adopted. F. Nov. 23, 2015; eff. Dec. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-6-.03 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-26-4(a)(5),(a)(9) and 43-26-7(b)(1)(3)
History. Original Rule entitled "Registration of Foreign Nurses by Examination" was filed on February 8, 1974; effective February 28, 1974.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new rule entitled "Failures" adopted. Filed March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Failure" adopted. Filed October 20, 1982: effective November 9, 1982.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed December 20, 1984; effective January 9, 1985.

Chapter 410-7 Unlicensed Practice

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-7-.01 Unlicensed Practice

An applicant for licensure who has practiced as a licensed practical nurse or registered professional nurse in the State of Georgia while not holding an active license issued by the Board shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Board which may include:

(a) A private or public reprimand;

(b) A fine of $50.00 per month for up to six months of unlicensed practice;

(d) A fine amount determined at the Board's discretion for unlicensed practice greater than one year.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-6, 43-26-10, 43-26-33 and 43-26-42
History. Original Rule entitled "Fees" was filed on August 5, 1974; effective August 25, 1974.
Amended: Rule repealed by Emergency Rule 410-7-0.1, entitled "Fees". Filed and effective on July 14, 1975, to remain in effect for a period of 120 days as specified by the Agency. (Said Emergency Rule expired November 11, 1975.)
Amended: Rule entitled "Fees" adopted. Filed November 18, 1975; effective December 8, 1975.
Amended: Filed May 21, 1978; effective July 1, 1978, as specified by the Agency.
Amended: Filed June 27, 1978; effective July 17, 1978.
Amended: Filed April 10, 1980; effective April 30, 1980.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of same title adopted. Filed January 28, 1982; effective February 17, 1982.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of same title adopted. Filed October 20, 1982; effective November 9, 1982.
Amended: Filed June 8, 1984; effective June 28, 1984.
Amended: Filed October 3, 1985; effective October 23, 1985.
Amended: Filed April 1, 1986; effective April 21, 1986.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Licensure by Endorsement" adopted. Filed December 18, 1986; effective January 7, 1987.
Amended: Filed January 28, 1988; effective February 17, 1988.
Amended: Filed May 31, 1988; effective June 20, 1988.
Amended: F. Mar. 28, 1989; eff. Apr. 17, 1989.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Amended: F. Oct. 22, 1990; eff. Nov. 11, 1990.
Amended: F. May 7, 1991; eff. May 27, 1991.
Amended: F. Aug. 13, 1992; eff. Sept. 2, 1992.
Amended: F. Sept. 30, 1997; eff. Oct. 20, 1997.
Amended: F. Feb. 1, 2000; eff. Feb. 21, 2000.
Amended: F. Jul. 27, 2011; eff. Aug. 16, 2011.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Unlicensed Practice" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-7-.02 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(2)(c), 43-26-7(b), 43-26-8
History. Original Rule entitled "Exclusion Provision" was filed on February 7, 1975; effective February 27, 1975.
Amended: Rule repealed by Emergency Rule 410-7-0.1; filed and effective on July 14, 1975. (Said Emergency Rule expired November 11, 1975.)
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed November 18, 1975; effective December 8, 1975.
Amended: Rule entitled "Licensing by Endorsement for First-Time Writers of the Licensing Examination in Another NCLEX-RN Jurisdiction" adopted.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Repealed: F. Apr. 10, 1997; eff. Apr. 30, 1997.

Chapter 410-8 Registered Nursing Education Programs

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.01 General Requirements

(1) Rules for nursing education programs shall provide reasonable and uniform standards within which flexibility and creativity, based upon prevailing educational principles, are possible.

(2) A parent institution is defined as an educational institution that is part of the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia or a nonprofit postsecondary institution. The board reserves the right to approve any parent institution outside of these categories.

(3) The course of study for initial licensure may be offered through an approved combination of on site, distance learning, or online teaching/learning strategies. Clinical learning activities may not be offered exclusively through electronic modalities.

(4) The majority of learning activities in practice settings must be taught by nursing faculty members according to Rules 410-8-.05 and 410-8-.06 .

(5) A parent institution shall grant degrees and maintain the locus of control and fiscal responsibility for the planning, implementation, teaching, and evaluation of the nursing education program.

(6) All nursing education programs must be accredited or show satisfactory progression, as determined by the Board, towards accreditation by December 31, 2020 by a national nursing accrediting body recognized by the Board.

(7) Board representatives shall conduct scheduled site visits to nursing education programs within six months of a national nursing accreditation site visit. At its discretion, the Board may schedule site visits more frequently. A nursing education program may request a site visit.

(8) Representatives of the parent institution and/or the nursing education program shall be notified of any Board meeting at which action is to be taken relative to the program and shall be sent documentation of the action(s) in writing.

(9) Representatives of the parent institution and/or the nursing education program may appeal any board action within 90 days of written notification.

(10) To be approved as first-time writers of the licensing examination, applicants must have graduated from a nursing education program with Initial, Full or Conditional Approval at the time of graduation.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6)
History. Original Rule entitled "Temporary Permits" was filed on March 18, 1976, effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Temporary Permits by Examination" adopted. Filed October 26, 1977; effective July 1, 1978 as specified by the Agency.
Amended: Filed January 11, 1978; effective July 1, 1978, as specified by the Agency.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of same title adopted. Filed October 20, 1982; effective November 9, 1982.
Amended: Filed March 14, 1983; effective April 3, 1983.
Amended: Filed April 1, 1986; effective April 21, 1986.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Reinstatement of License" adopted. Filed December 18, 1986; effective January 7, 1987.
Amended: Filed January 28, 1988; effective February 17, 1988.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Amended: F. Aug. 13, 1992; eff. Sept. 2, 1992.
Amended: F. Jul. 23, 1997; eff. Aug. 12, 1997.
Amended: F. Jul. 27, 2011; eff. Aug. 16, 2011.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "General Requirements" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Apr. 13, 2017; eff. May 3, 2017.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.02 Nursing Education Program Approval

(1)

Developing Programs.

(a) The Board may grant Developmental Approval to a proposed nursing education program when compliance with Rules 410-8-.12 paragraphs (1) through (3) has been documented.

(b) The Board may grant Initial Approval to a nursing education program with Developmental Approval when compliance with Rule 410-8-.12(4) has been documented. Initial Approval is required prior to the enrollment of at least twenty (20) students in the first nursing courses.

(c) The Board may continue Initial Approval prior to the graduation of the first class when review of materials specified in Rule 410-8-.12(3)(c) , the most recent annual report, and most recent site visit report, and program responses to it document compliance with the rules.

(d) The Board may grant Full Approval to a nursing education program with Initial Approval when review of the most recent annual report, the most recent site visit report, and program responses to it document compliance with the rules. The nursing program's first-time writers of the licensing examination must have a passage rate that is equivalent to the program's accrediting body requirements.

(e) If the program is not eligible for Full Approval after graduation of the first class, Conditional Approval may be imposed according to Rule 410-8-.02(3) .

(2)

Established Programs.

(a) The Board may continue the Full Approval of a nursing education program for any period up to ten (10) years. Approval is based upon documentation of compliance with rules relating to annual reports, the most recent site visit report and program responses to it, a passage rate of all first-time writers of the licensing examination is equivalent to the program's accrediting body requirements over the four (4) most recent calendar years and documentation of accreditation by a national nursing accrediting body recognized by the Board.

(b) A nursing education program, with Full Approval, must submit a written assessment and plan of action for review by the Board if the passage rate of all first-time writers of the licensing examination is less than the passage rate requirement from the program's accrediting body in a calendar year.

(c) A nursing education program, with Full Approval, must submit a written evaluation of the plan of action for review by the Board if the passage rate of all first-time writers of the licensing examination is less than the passage rate requirement from the program's accrediting body for a second consecutive calendar year. A site visit by Board representatives will be scheduled.

(3) Conditional Approval. At any point during the initial approval period for developing programs or within the four-year approval cycle for established programs, the Board may impose Conditional Approval on a nursing education program for reasons, including but not limited to, the following conditions: review of any annual report reveals noncompliance with the rules; review(s) of the most recent site visit report(s) and program response(s) to it reveal continued, documented noncompliance with the rules; and/or the passage rate of all first-time writers of the licensing examination is less than the passage rate requirement from the program's accrediting body for two (2) consecutive graduation cohorts and/or the four-year average was less than the passage rate requirement from the program's accrediting body.

(4)

Granting of Full Approval for a Nursing Education Program on Conditional Approval.

(a) The granting of Full Approval will require documentation of outcome measures, including but not limited to NCLEX-RN results, on an annual basis until compliance with conditions identified in Rule 410-8-.02(3) is documented.

(b) The granting of Full Approval may be for any period of time up to ten (10) years as determined by the board. If Conditional Approval has been imposed for noncompliance with the identified four-year passing rate on the licensing examination, the Board at its discretion may grant Full Approval for one (1) year. The one (1) year approval is based upon the program having documented evidence of at least two (2) most recent consecutive graduation cohorts passage rates to be equivalent to the program's accrediting body requirements of first-time writers in each calendar year even though the four-year average is not equivalent to the accrediting body's requirements.

(5) Withdrawal of Approval. The Board may withdraw the approval of a nursing education program on Conditional Approval when continued, documented noncompliance with the rules fails to be corrected within a time period specified by the Board. In order for students, who are currently enrolled in at least one nursing course when approval is withdrawn, to be eligible for licensure upon graduation, the nursing education program must submit a written plan for their completion of the program or for their transfer to another approved nursing education program. Prior to the actual date of withdrawal of approval, the nursing program will continue to have time-limited Conditional Approval so that students will be identified as having graduated from an approved program and be eligible for licensure by examination.

(6)

Reinstatement of Withdrawn Approval.

(a) Representatives of the parent institution and/or the nursing education program may appeal in writing to the Board for reconsideration of withdrawn approval within ninety (90) days of written notification.

(b) Upon written request, representatives of the parent institution and/or the nursing education program may appear before the Board to review its findings regarding program deficiencies and/or the adequacy of the program's plan of action.

(c) After documentation of compliance with rules, as determined by the Board, a nursing education program may petition the Board in writing for reinstatement of approval status and permission to enroll students.

(d) If approval is not reinstated, the parent institution must comply with all rules for the development and implementation of a new nursing education program.

(7)

Reconstitution of a Nursing Education Program.

(a) If a program, which has had its approval withdrawn, decides to develop and implement a reconstituted (new) nursing education program, it must document compliance with Rule 410-8-.12 . At its discretion, the Board may not require the fee for new programs and the feasibility study if Conditional Approval has previously been imposed on the program.

(b) The average passing rate of the first class must be equivalent to the program's accrediting body requirements. If compliance with this rule is not documented, approval will be withdrawn.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-3(1.2), 43-26-5(a)(4)-(6)
History. Original Rule entitled "Permits by Endorsement" was filed on March 18, 1976; effective April 7, 1976.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of same title adopted. Filed October 26, 1977; effective November 15, 1977.
Amended: Filed May 31, 1978; effective July 1, 1978, as specified by the Agency.
Amended: Filed January 28, 1982; effective February 17, 1982.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Other Temporary Permits" adopted. Filed October 20, 1982; effective November 9, 1982.
Amended: Filed December 20, 1984; effective January 9, 1985.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed December 18, 1986; effective January 7, 1987.
Amended: Rule entitled "Unlicensed Practice" adopted. Filed May 31, 1988; effective June 20, 1988.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990. Amended: F. Feb. 1, 2000; eff. Feb. 21, 2000.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Nursing Education Program Approval" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Apr. 13, 2017; eff. May 3, 2017.
Amended: F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.03 Organization and Administration

(1) The nursing education program must be an integral part of a parent institution accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

(2) The relationship of the nursing unit as a program, department, division, school, or college to the parent institution must be delineated on a current organizational chart in accordance with the structural or functional plan of the parent institution.

(3) The nurse administrator shall assume authority and responsibility for the administration, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the nursing education program. This will include oversight of and budgeting for the program, selection and evaluation of qualified faculty, and evaluation of program outcomes. A percentage of time for, and description of, administrative responsibilities and must be identified. The Board must be notified within 30 days of a change in the nurse administrator.

(4) The minimum length of a nursing education program shall be six (6) academic quarters or four (4) academic semesters, each of which shall include nursing courses with learning activities in classes, simulated settings, and practice settings.

(5) If a nursing education program has an accelerated option for students who have earned a baccalaureate or higher degree in another discipline, or a bridge program for healthcare professionals, the minimum length of study as identified in Rule 410-8-.03(4) may be shortened as approved by the Board. The course of study must be comparable to that required for prelicensure students graduating from the same nursing education program. Healthcare professional means a licensed practical nurse, paramedic, military medical corpsman, or respiratory therapist.

(6) Adequate financial resources shall be provided for the effective operation of the nursing education program and the professional development of faculty.

(7) A faculty/student ratio of at least one (1) full-time nursing faculty member for each twenty-five (25) students enrolled in the nursing education program (including audited courses) shall be maintained.

(8) The nursing education program shall have a plan for continuous quality assessment and improvement which includes, but is not limited to: organization and administration; curriculum; faculty; students; performance of students and graduates; and educational facilities and resources.

(9) Implementation of the plan for continuous quality assessment and improvement, findings, and relevant actions and/or decisions shall be documented.

(10) All information, course materials, and documentation pertaining to the nursing education program shall be accurate and current.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3, 43-26-5(a)(5), 43-26-32, 43-26-36
History. Original Rule entitled "Temporary Permits Prior to Employment" was filed on June 6, 1986; effective June 26, 1986.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed December 18, 1986; effective January 7, 1987.
Adopted: New Rule entitled "Organization and Administration." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Nov. 8, 2017; eff. Nov. 28, 2017.
Amended: F. Oct. 19, 2018; eff. Nov. 8, 2018.
Note: Correction of non-substantive administrative error in Rule History, duplicate entry of "Amended: F. Nov. 8, 2017; eff. Nov. 28, 2017." deleted.
Amended: F. June 10, 2022; eff. June 30, 2022.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.04 Curriculum

(1) The nursing education program shall be consistent with the mission/purpose, outcomes, and policies of the parent institution and the established and emerging standards of nursing education and practice.

(2) Faculty shall develop the curriculum so that the philosophy/assumptions, outcomes, written plan for its organization and development, teaching/learning strategies, assessment of outcomes and policies are internally consistent.

(3) The curriculum shall be inclusive of courses in humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and nursing which are offered in a logical and supportive sequence appropriate for collegiate study. Courses in the natural sciences must have class and laboratory components.

(4) The curriculum must be balanced in terms of semesters/quarters, contact hours, and student workload.

(5) The curriculum must be inclusive of learning activities in class, simulated settings, and practice settings, in reality-based situations, incorporating caring and the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health or end-of-life care with people of all age groups who have commonly occurring acute and long-term physical and mental health problems, illnesses, and experiences.

(6) Practice-based learning activities shall occur in diverse settings representative of the continuum of health care and with opportunities for students to engage in learning activities that enable the goals of the curriculum.

(7) The curriculum shall be inclusive of current and emerging issues in nursing, health care, and society.

(8) Teaching/learning strategies, activities, and interactions must include opportunities for praxis, reflection, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and decision-making.

(9) Teaching/learning strategies, activities, and interactions must facilitate the transition to professional practice by incorporating concepts, including but not limited to: accountability; the provision and coordination of care; advocacy; and collaboration.

(10) In a prelicensure baccalaureate program, learning activities in research, community health nursing, and management/leadership shall be included.

(11) Various strategies shall be used in the assessment and evaluation of student outcomes.

(12) Students enrolled in a nursing education program leading to initial licensure may participate in cooperative internship experiences or programs. Academic credit may be awarded provided that the relationship between the academic and employment aspects of the course is clearly delineated consistent with Rules 410-8-.04 ; 410-8-.05(10) ; 410-8-.05(11) ; 410-8-.06(2) , 410-8-.07(5) and 410-8-.08 .

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6)
History. Original Rule entitled "Curriculum" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Apr. 13, 2017; eff. May 3, 2017.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.05 Faculty

(1) A nursing faculty member includes any registered nurse, appointed by the parent institution, regardless of the institutional designation, who is engaged in teaching/evaluation in classes, simulated settings, and practice settings.

(2) The nurse administrator and nurse faculty members of any nursing education program must be currently licensed as registered nurses in Georgia and authorized as advanced practice registered nurses (if applicable) from the initial date of appointment.

(3) Faculty who are assigned to practice settings in another state or country shall comply with the relevant nurse practice act in that jurisdiction.

(4) The nurse administrator, who is appointed with the authority and responsibility for the development, administration, and evaluation of the nursing program(s) within the nursing unit, must have at least one (1) earned graduate degree in nursing and at least three (3) years of teaching experience in a nursing education program leading to initial registered nurse licensure or completion of a higher degree in nursing.

(5) Any registered nurse, appointed by the parent institution, who is engaged in teaching/evaluation in classes, simulated settings and practice settings, must hold at least a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing.

(6) For any given academic term, the nursing education program must be able to provide evidence that at least the majority of faculty members are full time in didactic settings with an exemption for clinical settings and that at least three-fourths of individual full-time faculty members hold one (1) or more earned graduate degrees in nursing.

(7) A full-time faculty member with only a baccalaureate degree in nursing must be able to provide documentation of progress toward an earned graduate degree in nursing, have experience in the area of responsibility, and be directed by a faculty member with at least one (1) earned graduate degree in nursing.

(8) Faculty members shall have the graduate nursing education, expertise, and professional development necessary to enable the goals/outcomes of the curriculum.

(9) For any course with a nursing title and number, a qualified registered nurse faculty member must be the coordinator.

(10) Faculty members must be available to direct, coach, mentor, and critique students engaged in learning activities in classes, simulated settings, and practice settings.

(11) A faculty/student ratio of at least one (1) registered nurse faculty member providing direct supervision for no more than ten (10) students engaged in direct patient care in inpatient practice settings must be maintained to provide for the safety of patients/clients, students, and faculty members.

(12) Faculty members shall participate in and document the development, implementation, and evaluation of the nursing education program.

(13) Policies in effect for nursing faculty, including workload, shall be consistent with those in effect for all faculty appointed by the parent institution.

(14) The process of selection, approval, and role development, and delineation of responsibilities of full-time and part-time faculty members shall be documented.

(15) Out of state nursing education programs that have faculty and students engaged in learning activities in Georgia practice settings must comply with the Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act.

(16)

An international nursing educator, who is not licensed as a registered professional nurse in Georgia and who is participating as an exchange visitor in a nursing education program, may direct, coach, mentor, and critique students engaged in learning activities in classes and simulated settings under the following conditions:

(a) Responsibility for any course, in which the international nursing educator participates, must be assumed by a faculty member appointed by the parent institution;

(b) Monetary compensation to the international nursing educator must not be provided by the parent institution;

(c) Until licensure by examination has been granted, the international nursing educator must not be involved in actual, interactive learning activities with students and patients/clients in practice settings; and

(d) In advance of the exchange period, the Board of Nursing must be notified of the academic and regulatory credentials of the international nursing educator for a one-time period not to exceed all or part of a quarter or semester.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3(1.2), 43-26-5(a)(4)-(6)
History. Original Rule entitled "Faculty" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Nov. 8, 2017; eff. Nov. 28, 2017.
Amended: F. June 10, 2022; eff. June 30, 2022.
Amended: F. May 20, 2024; eff. June 9, 2024.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.06 Learning Activities with Preceptors

(1) Learning activities with preceptors may be included in a curriculum on a limited basis.

(2) The student shall be enrolled in the course in which the learning activities with preceptors occur and shall not be compensated by the practice setting during this time.

(3) The process of selection, approval, and role development of preceptors shall be documented.

(4) The preceptor shall be currently licensed as a registered nurse and authorized as an advanced practice nurse (if applicable) according to the Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act or the statute in the state/country in which the practice setting is located.

(5) The preceptor for a registered nurse student may be a non-nurse provided that the designated faculty member serves as the co-preceptor.

(6) The preceptor shall be educated at preferably the same or higher level as the student and have at least one year of work experience in the practice setting in which the learning activity occurs.

(7) The preceptor shall have the education and/or expertise to enable the learning goals of the student.

(8) The preceptor shall be selected collaboratively by the designated faculty member and the registered nurse responsible for nursing care in the practice setting.

(9) The preceptor shall interact with no more than two (2) students at any given time.

(10) Each student and preceptor shall have a readily available, designated faculty member who is responsible for the learning activities in compliance with Rules 410-8-.04 and 410-8-.05(10),(11) .

(11) The designated faculty member shall meet with students and preceptors prior to and throughout the learning activities to clarify roles, learning goals, and the assessments of outcomes.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-7
History. Original Rule entitled "Learning Activities with Preceptors" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Note: Correction of non-substantive typographical error in Rule History, addition of "Original Rule entitled "Learning Activities with Preceptors" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. September 13, 2015." to History citation. Eff. September 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.07 Students

(1) Policies for nursing students shall be comparable to those for all students enrolled in the parent institution except in such instances where the nature of the nursing major may require variance. Students must be high school graduates or have documented equivalent education.

(2) Current, accurate, consistent, written information, including but not limited to, the course of study, admissions, options for advanced placement, acceleration, part-time study, articulation, progression, graduation, health requirements, the potential for criminal background checks and expanded medical profiles, and appeals shall be published.

(3) Students shall have opportunities to evaluate learning activities, full-time and part-time faculty members, preceptors, educational resources, and practice settings.

(4) Any registered nurse, who is a student in a baccalaureate or higher degree nursing program, must be currently licensed according to the Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act in order to engage in any actual, interactive learning activities with patients/clients.

(5) An applicant who has graduated from an international nursing education program and is required by the board to satisfy a curricular deficiency in an approved nursing education program in order to establish eligibility for licensure by examination must be considered as an unlicensed student.

(6) Any registered nurse, who is a student with learning activities in practice settings in another state or country, shall comply with the relevant nurse practice act.

(7) The process for verifying the current license or certificate of any student who holds a health-related license or certificate must be documented.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-7
History. Original Rule entitled "Students" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.08 Employment of Unlicensed Students and/or Graduates Prior to Licensure

(1) Unlicensed students, in conjunction with faculty members and/or preceptors, are exempt from licensure during the practice of nursing that is an integral part of a curriculum in a nursing education program.

(2) Students, who are not otherwise licensed or certified, shall be employed only as unlicensed nursing personnel. They shall not represent themselves as nursing students nor assume responsibilities within the scope of practice of a registered nurse.

(3) Graduates, who are not otherwise licensed or certified, shall be employed only as unlicensed personnel prior to licensure. They shall not assume responsibilities within the scope of practice of a registered nurse.

(4) The registered nurse supervising employed unlicensed students and/or graduates prior to licensure is referred to Rules 410-8-.08(2) and 410-8-.08(3) regarding job responsibilities.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6), 43-26-7, 43-26-10 and 43-26-12
History. Original Rule entitled "Employment of Unlicensed Students and/or Graduates Prior to Licensure" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.09 Performance of Graduates

(1) Acceptable performance on the licensing examination for each nursing education program shall be a passing rate of at least eighty (80) percent of its first-time writers in any given graduation cohort.

(2) A passing percentage of at least eighty (80) percent of all first-time writers on the licensing examination over the four (4) most recent years must be maintained.

(3) Noncompliance with this Rule may result in a change in approval status in accordance with Rule 410-8-.02 .

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6)
History. Original Rule entitled "Performance of Graduates" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Apr. 13, 2017; eff. May 3, 2017.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.10 Educational Facilities, Resources, and Practice Settings

(1) The parent institution shall provide for and maintain facilities, resources, and services for the effective development and implementation of the nursing education program.

(2) Classes, simulated settings, equipment, and supplies should facilitate the learning goals of the curriculum.

(3) Adequate storage space, with security as appropriate, must be provided for supplies, equipment, and materials.

(4) Comprehensive, current, and pertinent print, non-print and electronic and non-print learning resources must be available for faculty and student needs.

(5) Office and meeting space, with appropriate furnishings and equipment, must be provided for the nurse administrator, faculty members, and staff.

(6) Administrative personnel and support services must be available to meet the needs of faculty members and students.

(7) The parent institution shall maintain a written agreement with any agency that provides educational facilities and resources for the nursing education program which delineates the responsibilities of all involved parties.

(8) Any practice setting affiliating with a nursing education program must have documented approval by appropriate regulatory bodies (if applicable).

(9) Any practice setting affiliating with a nursing education program must have available and appropriate personnel, facilities, and resources to enable collaborative planning, implementation, and evaluation of learning activities.

(10) The parent institution shall maintain a written agreement with each practice setting in which actual, interactive learning activities occur that delineates the responsibilities of involved parties.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6)
History. Original Rule entitled "Educational Facilities, Resources, and Practice Settings" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Apr. 13, 2017; eff. May 3, 2017.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.11 Reports

(1) Annually by July 1, each nursing program with enrolled students must provide the board with requested information pertaining to the time period between July 1 of the previous year and June 30 of the current year.

(2) The board must receive written reports by a specified date for review at a designated board meeting. Reports include, but are not limited to: advance site visit information; program responses to site visit reports; offering of a nursing course(s) at an off-campus site prior to implementation; new tracks within an approved prelicensure program; and development of major curricular or program changes prior to implementation.

(3) A written explanation must be provided to the board by any eligible program without graduating students.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6)
History. Original Rule entitled "Reports" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Apr. 13, 2017; eff. May 3, 2017.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.12 Development and Implementation of New Nursing Education Programs

(1)

To obtain approval by the Board for the development of a new nursing education program, the chief administrative officer of a parent institution proposing the development and implementation of a new nursing education program must submit a letter of intent to the Board. The following information must be included:

(a) A completed application signed by the chief administrative officer of the parent institution;

(b) Documentation from the highest governing body of the parent institution granting permission to proceed with development of a nursing education program;

(c) A board-approved feasibility study, completed within one year of the date of the letter, which includes, but is not limited to: rationales for the establishment of the proposed nursing education program documenting an educational need which cannot be met by existing nursing education programs; financial resources; educational facilities and resources; faculty members; resources for electronic and simulated learning; and practice settings;

(d) Evidence of accreditation of the parent institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (also referred to as the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) or other regional accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education;

(e) A written plan for the recruitment and appointment of a qualified nurse administrator and faculty members to teach courses across the curriculum; and

(f) The nonrefundable, required fee which does not guarantee any approval status;

(g) Documentation of the appointment of a registered nurse, currently licensed in Georgia, with the graduate nursing education and expertise necessary to develop and implement the proposed nursing education program and assess its outcomes;

(h) Documentation of projected revenue sources (federal, state, private, grants, gifts) and expenditures for five (5) fiscal years to support the development and implementation of the proposed nursing education program. The information must include, but is not limited to: appointment of sufficient qualified nursing faculty members (consistent with Rule 410-8-.05 ); appointment of administrative personnel and support services; and provision of print and non-print learning resources, academic support courses, and educational resources in compliance with Board rules;

(i) A written description for each practice setting proposed for learning activities with a letter of commitment from practice setting personnel to include the possible impact on existing, affiliating nursing programs; and

(j) A five-year timeline for the development and implementation of the nursing education program which includes cohorts of students and faculty members; and

(k) A proposed timeline for initiating and expanding the program.

(2)

The nurse administrator and at least two (2) (full-time or part-time) faculty members with the graduate nursing education and expertise necessary to develop and implement the nursing education program and assess its outcomes, must be appointed by the parent institution to submit the following materials for Board review at least twelve (12) months prior to the enrollment of students in the first nursing course(s):

(a) Faculty qualification records for the nurse administrator and faculty members;

(b) Program purpose or mission statement;

(d) Goals/outcomes of the curriculum;

(e) Written plan for the organization and development of the curriculum;

(f) Curriculum plan, consistent with Rule 410-8-.04 , showing the placement, sequence, and credit distribution of all nursing and non-nursing courses;

(g) Syllabus for each nursing course to include the title, credit distribution, prerequisites and corequisite courses, goals/outcomes, and course outline;

(h) Plan for continuous quality assessment and improvement consistent with Rule 410-8-.03(8) ;

(i) Information specific to the nursing education program, including but not limited to, admissions, options for advanced placement, acceleration, part-time study, articulation, progression, graduation, health requirements, the potential for criminal background checks and expanded medical profiles, and appeals;

(j) A current financial report including expenditures to date consistent with Rule 410-8-.12(1)(h) ;

(k) A plan for the recruitment of students; and

(l) Current catalog and student handbook for the parent institution.

(m) Any substantive changes since the review of previous reports;

(n) Detailed information for each nursing course in the curriculum consistent with Rule 410-8-.04 ;

(o) Faculty qualification records for any new faculty members;

(p) A description of any additional practice setting(s) with a written commitment from practice setting representatives to include the possible impact on existing affiliating nursing programs; and

(q) An update on projected enrollment;

(3) Board representatives will conduct site visits to a developing nursing education program as necessary.

(4) Nursing education programs with Initial Approval are required to comply with all Board rules.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6)
History. Original Rule entitled "Development and Implementation of New Nursing Education Programs" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Amended: F. Nov. 8, 2017; eff. Nov. 28, 2017.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-8-.13 Discontinuance of a Nursing Education Program

(1) The dean/director shall notify the Board in writing of the intent to discontinue a nursing education program at least one year prior to the discontinuance.

(2)

The dean/director shall submit a written plan for discontinuance of the program to include the:

(a) Timetable;

(b) Plan for students to complete the course of study or transfer to an approved nursing education program; and

(3) When a class is not admitted in a given year, the nursing education program must close unless approval has been granted by the Board based on the justification for continuation submitted to the Board.

(4) If a program is discontinued, the parent institution must provide for the completion of the course of study by all currently enrolled students either by continuing courses until those students have graduated, in accordance with 410-8-.02(5) , or by transferring them to an approved nursing education program. Prior to the transfer of students, the parent institution must negotiate a written agreement, which delineates all responsibilities assumed by the participating parties. It must be signed by the respective administrative officers and submitted to the Board of Nursing for its review upon request.

(5) The parent institution is responsible for providing for the permanent retention and security of student and graduate records.

(6) If the parent institution also closes, advice should be sought from the Board concerning the permanent safekeeping and availability of records of the nursing education program.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2 and 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6)
History. Original Rule entitled "Discontinuance of a Nursing Education Program" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Chapter 410-9 Licensed Practical Nursing Education Programs

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.01 General Information

(1) A new nursing education program means the initial establishment of a nursing education program or the re-establishment of a closed nursing program. A new nursing education program is approved for one location or address only.

(2)

A new nursing education program in this state shall have applied for and received Board approval as provided in Rule

410-9-.02

prior to the initial enrollment of students.

(a) The Board Laws and Rules shall be followed in the development of a new nursing education program.

(b) Graduates of a nursing education program which does not have Board approval shall be denied admission to the licensure examination.

(c) It is a misdemeanor for any individual, corporation, or association to conduct a nursing education program in this state without Board approval pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 43-26-42(7) .

(3) Any program, which has had Board approval as of the effective date of this Rule shall be permitted to continue operation, unless its approval has been withdrawn.

(4) Any program whose approval status has been withdrawn pursuant to Rule 410-9-.03 , must apply for approval as a new nursing education program as provided in Rule 410-9-.02 .

(5) All nursing education programs and affiliated campus locations will be issued the same NCSBN program code number.

(6)

Program Approval Statuses:

(a) Developmental Approval. The Board may grant Developmental Approval to a proposed nursing education program when compliance with Board Laws and Rules have been demonstrated pursuant to Rule 410-9-.02(4) .

(b) Provisional Approval. The Board may grant Provisional Approval to a new nursing education program when compliance with Board Laws and Rules have been demonstrated pursuant to Rule 410-9-.02(8) .

(c)

Full Approval. The Board shall grant Full Approval to a nursing education program which has demonstrated compliance with all Board Laws and Rules.

1. Full Approval may be granted to a new nursing education program pursuant to Rule 410-9-.02(10) .

2. The Board shall continue Full Approval of a nursing education program, or grant Full Approval to a nursing education program on Conditional Approval, when review of the most recent annual report, the most recent site visit report, the most recent annualized licensing examination passing percentage, for its graduates on their initial examination and any other pertinent data reveals compliance with all Board Laws and Rules.

3. Full Approval is continuous unless the program is notified in writing to the contrary by the board.

(d)

Conditional Approval. The Board may impose Conditional Approval on a nursing education program which has demonstrated noncompliance with any of the Board Laws or Rules.

1. Conditional Approval may be imposed on a new nursing education program pursuant to Rule 410-9-.02(11) .

2. Conditional Approval may be imposed on a nursing education program when review of the most recent annual report, the most recent site visit report, the most recent annualized licensing examination passing percentage for its graduates on their initial examination, or any other pertinent data reveals noncompliance with Board Laws or Rules.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6), 43-26-32, and 43-26-42
History. Original Rule entitled "Criteria for Reinstatement of License" adopted. F. Mar. 18, 1976; eff. Apr. 7, 1976.
Amended: F. June 27, 1978; eff. July 17, 1978.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Criteria for Reinstatement of a Lapsed or Inactive License" adopted. F. Apr. 10, 1980; eff. Apr. 30, 1980.
Repealed: New Rule entitled Criteria for Reinstatement of License" adopted. F. Dec. 9, 1980; eff. Dec. 29, 1980.
Amended: F. Dec. 20, 1984; eff. Jan. 9, 1985.
Amended: F. June 19, 1985; eff. July 9, 1985.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Renewal of License" adopted. F. Dec. 18, 1986; eff. Jan. 7, 1987.
Amended: F. Feb. 6, 1987; eff. Feb. 26, 1987.
Amended: Authority changed. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 28, 1995; eff. Apr. 17, 1995.
Amended: F. Dec. 1, 1998; eff. Dec. 21, 1998.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 26, 2004; eff. Sept. 15, 2004.
Repealed: New of the same title adopted. F. Jul. 27, 2011; eff. Aug. 16, 2011.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "General Information" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.02 New Nursing Education Program Development

(1)

Definitions.

(a) "Affiliating Clinical Facility" refers to a contracted health care agency utilized by a sponsoring agency for clinical experience of the students enrolled in a Board-approved nursing education program.

(b)

"Approved Nursing Education Program" located in this state means a nursing education program approved by the board as meeting criteria established by the board. An "approved nursing education program" located outside this state means a nursing education program that the board has determined to meet criteria similar to and not less stringent than criteria established by the board. In order to be approved by the board, a nursing education program must be one that is offered by:

1. A unit of the University System of Georgia accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools;

2. An institution of the Technical College System of Georgia;

3. A postsecondary institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United State Department of Education; or

4. A postsecondary institution of higher education that is not accredited in accordance with subparagraph (3) of this paragraph, but whose curriculum has been determined by the board to meet criteria similar to and not less stringent than criteria established by the board for other approved nursing education programs.

(c) "Campus laboratory" refers to the area in the classroom building which has been designed and organized to simulate the actual hospital patient care setting and where students shall obtain initial practice on each other and/or mannequins prior to experience at the affiliating clinical facilities.

(d) "Clinical learning focus objectives" refer to those outcomes and competencies to be gained by student assignment to a specific affiliating clinical facility and/or area within the agency.

(e) "Clinical rotation plan" refers to the schedule by which students shall be assigned to and rotated through the appropriate experiences available at each affiliating clinical facility.

(f) "Library" refers to published literature, audiovisual aids, and all other educational materials available to faculty and students in the nursing education program.

(g)

"Master Curriculum Plan" refers to the written summary showing the sequence of all courses offered in the nursing education program. It includes the number of contact or actual clock hours for each theory and clinical component of each course, the total hours of theoretical and clinical per semester, and the total hours of theory and clinical for the entire program.

1. Theory includes those learning activities which occur in the classroom and campus 'laboratory setting.

2. Clinical includes pre- and post-conferences, actual patient care experience, and other patient-centered learning activities which occur in the clinical facility.

(h) "Sponsoring Agency" refers to a parent institution of the nursing education program. The parent institution shall provide financial and administrative support during the establishment and operational existence of a Board-approved nursing education program. Any change in the parent institution's accreditation or affiliation shall be reported to the Board within thirty (30) days of such change.

(i)

"Survey of need" refers to statements from potential affiliating clinical facilities' on agency letterhead which describe the following:

1. E ach agency's current staffing patterns;

2. The current number of vacancies per type of nursing personnel category;

3. The projected utilization of each level of nursing personnel within the facility.

(j) "Syllabus" refers to a written summary of a course in the nursing education program. It includes the course title and number, its credit distribution, placement in the curriculum sequence, prerequisite and co-requisite courses, a course description, learning goals or objectives, related learning activities, and clinical experience, if appropriate.

(2)

At least twelve (12) months prior to the initial enrollment of students, the administrator of a sponsoring agency considering establishment of a nursing education program must submit a letter to the Board indicating intent to develop a program. The letter of intent shall include the following information:

(a) "Survey of Need", which demonstrates that current needs cannot be met by existing nursing education programs within a fifty (50) mile radius of the proposed establishment site;

(b)

Evidence that adequate clinical facilities are available for student experience;

Each potential affiliating clinical facility should submit a letter:

(i) Expressing willingness to contract with the proposed new nursing education program for student experience; and

(ii) Describing the specifics about nursing programs already utilizing the facility; and

(iii) Describing how the new program's clinical experience needs shall be met without overloading the agency.

2. At least three (3) licensed hospital or nursing home beds must be available for every one (1) student practical nurse at any given time;

3. At least 40% of the total required clinical experience hours must be obtained in the hospital setting.

(d) Evidence of financial resources for the planning, implementation and continuation of the program; and

(e) The estimated number of qualified applicants for initial and future classes.

(3)

At least ten (10) months prior to the initial enrollment of students, the administrator of the sponsoring agency shall submit to the Board the following information:

(a) The official name of the proposed nursing education program;

(b) The anticipated starting date of the program, the number of classes to be admitted per calendar year and the time(s) of admission of those classes, and the anticipated maximum number of students to be admitted per class;

(d) A completed Clinical Facilities Information Sheet provided by the board which includes all requested information about the affiliating agencies;

(e) The Clinical Facility Self-Study Report from each proposed clinical facility which includes a current contract agreement between the sponsoring agency and the clinical facility.

(4)

After the Board has received and reviewed the letter of intent and the materials pursuant to Rule

410-9-.02(2) and (3)

, the Board shall conduct site visits to the proposed nursing education program and all of its affiliating clinical facilities.

(a) If compliance with Board Laws and Rules has been demonstrated, the Board will grant Developmental Approval.

(b) If Developmental Approval is not granted, a written explanation shall be provided to the proposed nursing education program.

(5)

At least eight (8) months prior to the initial enrollment of students, the following materials shall be submitted as Report I:

(a) The administrative structure of the sponsoring agency which demonstrates the lines of authority for the new nursing education program;

(b) A Nursing Faculty Qualification Record and evidence of current Georgia licensure as a registered nurse which demonstrates compliance with Rule 410-9-.07 , of the Practical Nursing Education Program Director or consultant who has been employed to continue the initial development of the new nursing education program;

(d) A Master Curriculum Plan as described in Rule 410-9-.02(1)(g) and consistent with Rule 410-9-.07 ;

(e) The syllabi for all courses in the curriculum as described in Rule 410-9-.02(1)(j) ;

(f) Access to school/program catalog;

(g) All program and student policies as required by Rule 410-9-.09(2) .

(6)

At least four (4) months prior to the initial enrollment of students, the following materials pertaining to each course to be offered during the first half of the curriculum shall be submitted as Report II:

(a) The specific theoretical and clinical objectives/competencies for each unit of study within each course;

(b) The student learning and progress evaluation procedures.

(7) At least one (1) month prior to the initial enrollment of students, the completed Nursing Faculty Summary Sheet, and the Nursing Faculty Qualification Records, and evidence of Georgia Registered Nurse licensure of the Practical Nursing Department Director and all nursing faculty shall be submitted as Report III. All nursing faculty must demonstrate the qualifications as set forth in Rule 410-9-.07 .

(8)

Provisional Approval shall be considered after the Board, reviews Reports I, II, and III and must be granted prior to the enrollment of students.

(a) If Provisional Approval is not granted, an explanation shall be included in the report to the school.

(b) A new program granted Provisional Approval will remain on Provisional Approval for two years or until its first graduating class has taken its initial licensing examination, whichever is earlier, and the examination results are reviewed by the Board.

(9)

No later than one (1) month after the initial enrollment of students, the following materials shall be submitted as Report IV:

(a) The actual start date of the program;

(b) The actual number of students enrolled;

(10) The program shall be eligible for Full Approval if it has demonstrated compliance with all Board Laws and Rules, and if 80% of its initial graduating class have passed their initial licensing examination after graduation during the period of Provisional Approval.

(11)

The program shall be placed on Conditional Approval if it has demonstrated noncompliance with any of the Board Laws or Rules, or if less than 80% of its initial graduating class have passed their initial licensing examination during the period of Provisional Approval.

(a) While on conditional approval, the program must demonstrate compliance with all Board Laws and Rules and the program must achieve a 80% pass rate of its graduates who have taken their initial licensing examination.

(b) Failure to achieve Full Approval within a three (3) year period shall result in Withdrawn Approval pursuant to Rule 410-9-.03 .

(12) Graduates of a nursing education program which does not have Board approval shall be denied admission to the licensure examination.

(13)

No later than six (6) months after the initial enrollment of students, the following materials pertaining to each course to be offered during the remainder of the program's curriculum shall be submitted as Report V:

(a) The specific theoretical and clinical objectives/competencies for each unit of study within each course;

(b) Written plans for the utilization of affiliating clinical facilities as described in board rules;

(14) It is the responsibility of the sponsoring agency to electronically submit each required report to the board at least four (4) weeks prior to the scheduled board meeting at which the report is to be considered.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-32
History. Original Rule entitled "Change of Address" adopted. F. Dec. 18, 1986; eff. Jan. 7, 1987.
Amended: Authority changed. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Adopted: New Rule entitled "New Nursing Education Program Development." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.03 Changes in Approval Status Categories and Grounds

(1) Conditional Approval may be imposed on a new nursing education program pursuant to Rule 410-9-.02(11) .

(2)

Conditional Approval may be imposed on a nursing education program when review of the most recent annual report, the most recent site visit report, the most recent annualized licensing examination passing percentage for its graduates on their initial examination, or any other pertinent data reveals noncompliance with Board Laws or Rules.

(a) The Board shall notify the program in writing of the cited deficiencies and the Board's recommendations and suggestions for correcting the deficiencies.

(b) The program must respond in writing to the Board's recommendations and suggestions within six (6) weeks of receipt of the notification and must include a plan of action to correct the cited deficiencies. The plan of action should be implemented immediately by the program.

(c) If the deficiencies are not corrected within the time period specified by the Board in its response to the program's plan of action (but no longer than six (6) months), the program shall be placed on Conditional Approval.

(d) If the deficiencies are corrected within the Board-specified time period (but no longer than six (6) months), the program shall be granted Full Approval.

(3)

Conditional Approval status shall be conveyed to the program in writing.

(a) The program has ninety (90) days from the date of the notification to request in writing a reevaluation by the Board. The program must provide documentation of corrected deficiencies for consideration of reinstatement of the program to Full Approval status.

(b) If a reevaluation request is not made, the approval status decision of the Board shall remain in effect.

(4) If the deficiencies have not been corrected within one (1) year from the date of Conditional Approval status notification, the program's approval status shall be Withdrawn.

(5) Programs placed on Conditional Approval status must notify currently enrolled and potential students in writing of the program's Conditional Approval status. This statement must include the possibility that the program may have its approval Withdrawn at the end of one (1) year from the date of Conditional Approval notification, and that the Board may require the transfer of remaining students to other nursing programs to complete their programs of study.

(6)

Withdrawn Approval. The Board may Withdraw Approval status from a nursing education program which has demonstrated continued noncompliance with any of the Board Laws or Rules.

(a) The Board may Withdraw Approval from a new nursing education program as provided in Rule 410-9-.02(11)(b) .

(b) The Board may Withdraw approval when a nursing education program fails to correct documented deficiencies within one (1) year following the date of written notification of Conditional Approval status.

(c)

Withdrawn Approval is sent to the program by certified mail.

The program has ninety (90) days from the date of the notification to request, in writing, a reevaluation by the Board. The program must provide documentation of corrected deficiencies for consideration of reinstatement of the program to Conditional or Full Approval status.

(a) If a reevaluation request is made and there is documentation to verify that appropriate corrective actions have been implemented, the Board may grant reinstatement of Conditional Approval for up to six (6) months.

(b) If a reevaluation request is made and there is documentation to verify correction of all deficiencies, the Board may grant Full Approval.

2. The notification will state the effective date of the Withdrawal of Approval. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of the notification, the program will submit to the Board a written plan for graduating all students who had been admitted before approval status was withdrawn as provided in Rule 410-9-.14 .

3. Any program whose approval status has been Withdrawn, must apply for approval as a new nursing education program as provided in Rule 410-9-.02 .

(7) With any change in approval status the program sponsors may present any evidence for the Board to consider addressing the alleged deficiencies in writing and/or appearance before the board.

(8)

The Board may grant or impose the following changes in approval status categories.

(a) From Developmental Approval to Provisional Approval for a new nursing education program pursuant to Rule 410-9-.02(8) .

(b) From Provisional Approval to Full Approval for a new nursing education program pursuant to Rule 410-9-.02(10) .

(c) From Provisional Approval to Conditional Approval for a new nursing education program pursuant to Rule 410-9-.02(11) .

(d) From Full Approval to Conditional Approval for a nursing education program pursuant to Rule 410-9-.03 .

(e) From Conditional Approval to Full Approval for a nursing education program pursuant to Rule 410-9-.03 .

(f) From Conditional Approval to Withdrawn Approval for a nursing education program pursuant to Rule 410-9-.02(11)(b) and 410-9-.03 .

(g) From Withdrawn Approval to Conditional Approval or Full Approval for a nursing education program pursuant to Rule 410-9-.03 .

(9)

The following deficiencies shall be inclusive of, but not limited to, those which the Board considers grounds for a change in approval status if the deficiencies are not corrected within the time period specified in Rules

410-9-.02

(a) Any curriculum change(s) made without Board notification pursuant to board rules.

(b) Failure to adhere to required theoretical content pursuant to Rule 410-9-.06 .

(d) Failure to adhere to required school rules and policies pursuant to board rules.

(e) Failure to adhere to required nursing faculty qualifications pursuant to Rules 410-9-.07 and 410-9-.08 .

(f) Failure to adhere to required clinical experience guidelines pursuant to board rules.

(g) Failure to adhere to required instructor/student ratios pursuant to Rule 410-9-.07 .

(h) Failure to submit required reports and/or maintain required records pursuant to board rules.

(i) Failure to maintain an annualized licensing examination passing percentage of 80% or greater for the program's graduates on their initial examination.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-32
History. Original Rule entitled "Changes in Approval Status Categories and Grounds" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.04 Organization and Administration

(1) A written organizational plan shall indicate the lines of authority, responsibility and communication of the nursing education program to its governing body; to its clinical affiliates; to its advisory committee, and within the nursing education program itself.

(2) The authority and responsibility for the administration of the nursing education shall be placed with the program director as approved in Rule 410-9-.07(3) .

(3) Any agency or institution that is utilized by a practical nursing education program shall be one that is authorized to conduct business in the state of its location.

(4) The length of the curriculum shall be consistent with the requirements as provided in Rule 410-9-.06(3) .

(5) The availability of faculty for directing and critiquing students during theoretical and clinical learning activities shall be consistent with the requirements as provided in Rules 410-9-.07(1) and 410-9-.08(7) .

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-32
History. Original Rule entitled "Organization and Administration" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.05 Purpose, Philosophy, and Objectives

(1) The nursing education program's purpose, philosophy, and objectives shall be written by the nursing faculty and approved by the school's administration and the program's advisory committee. They shall form the basis for planning, implementing, and evaluating the total program curriculum.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-32
History. Original Rule entitled "Purpose, Philosophy, and Objectives" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.06 Curriculum

(1)

Curriculum refers to a total written plan of theoretical and clinical learning activities which shall result in the attainment of the nursing education program's objectives by graduates of the program.

(a) The curriculum shall be developed and presented on a post-secondary educational level.

(b) It shall be developed and presented by the faculty utilizing sound educational concepts and methods of teaching. These shall include the appropriate sequencing, correlating of theoretical and clinical experiences, and integrating of learning throughout the entire program.

(c) It shall prepare the students to safely perform the activities and to function in the situations described in the program's objectives.

(d)

A Master Curriculum Plan shall be developed pursuant to Rule 410-9-02(1)(g).

1. A copy shall be retained for each class record;

2. A copy shall be made available to all students enrolled in the program;

3. A copy shall be provided to the Board in the program's annual report and the Practical Nursing Program's Self-Study Report and at any time that there shall be a proposed revision.

(e)

A Clinical Rotation Plan shall be developed pursuant to Rule

410-9-.02(l)(e)

1. A copy shall be retained for each class' record;

2. A copy shall be made available to all students enrolled in the program;

3. A copy shall be made available to all appropriate affiliating clinical facilities;

4. A copy shall be provided to the Board in the program's annual report and the Practical Nursing Program Self-Study Report and at any time that there shall be a revision of the one on file in the Board office.

(2)

The curriculum emphasis should be on the utilization of the nursing process in the provision of care by practical nurses to patient/clients and their families throughout the life cycle in a variety of health care settings for:

(a) The promotion of health;

(b) The prevention of illness and injury; and

(3)

Length of the Curriculum. The program of study shall be consistent with the program's learning objectives and methods of instruction, except that:

(a) A full time program shall NOT be conducted longer than eighteen (18) months; and

(b) A part time program shall NOT be conducted longer than thirty-six (36) months.

(4) Curriculum Objectives. There shall be written statements of specific, measurable, theoretical and clinical outcomes and competencies for each course in the curriculum which shall be achieved by students enrolled in the program. The curriculum objectives shall be in accordance with the nursing education program objectives.

(5)

Minimum Curriculum Content. An approved program of instruction or its equivalent shall contain no less than six hundred eighty-five (685) clock hours of theoretical nursing and general education content, and no less than four hundred eighty-five (485) clock hours of planned clinical practice for each student. Said program shall include the following subjects:

(a)

Theoretical Content:

Required Content - The curriculum must include, but is not limited to, the following theoretical content areas and must contain a total of no less than six hundred eighty-five (685) clock hours.

(i) Anatomy and Physiology

(ii) Basic Microbiology

(iii) Medical Terminology

(iv) Basic Nutrition

(v) Basic Pharmacology

(vi) Medication Administration

(vii) Principles of IV Therapy

(viii) Legal and Ethical Healthcare Issues

(ix) Professional and Customer Relationships

(x) The Nursing Process and Critical Thinking Skills

(xi) Physical Assessment Techniques

(xii) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

(xiii) Principles and Skills of Nursing Practice

(xiv) Basic Emergency Care

(xv) Geriatric Nursing Care

(xvi) End of Life Nursing Care

(xvii) Medical Surgical Nursing Care

(xviii) Obstetrical Nursing Care

(xix) Pediatric Nursing Care

(xx) Mental Health and Illness Nursing Care

(xxi) Community Health Nursing Care and Health Care Delivery Systems

(xxii) Leadership and Management Skills

(xxiii) English

(xxiv) Math

(xxv) Psychology

(xxvi) Sociology

(xxvii) Chemistry

(xxviii) Computer Literacy

(xxix) National Practical Nursing Licensure Examination Preparation

(b)

Required Clinical Experience: All of the following clinical experience areas must be provided in the curriculum:

1. Basic Emergency Care

2. Professional and Customer Relations

3. Physical Assessment Techniques for All Body Systems

4. Skills and Principles of Nursing Practice

5. Medication Administration

6. Intravenous Therapy Techniques

7. Health Maintenance and Prevention of Illness and Injury

8. Documentation of Nursing Care

9. Nursing Care of Aging Clients

10. Nursing Care of the Terminally Ill

11. Medical Surgical Nursing Care

12. Obstetrical Nursing Care

13. Pediatric Nursing Care

14. Mental Health and Illness Nursing Care

15. Community Health Nursing Care

16. Nursing Leadership and Management.

(6)

The curriculum's effectiveness shall be evaluated at the specific intervals indicated by the Board to determine and verify in writing the attainment of the program's objectives.

(a) The course/teacher/clinical experience evaluations shall be conducted each quarter / semester pursuant to board rules.

(b) The individual student theoretical and clinical learning and progress evaluations shall be conducted for each course pursuant to board rules.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-32
History. Original Rule entitled "Curriculum" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.07 Nursing Faculty

(1)

Number of Nursing Faculty. An adequate number of nurse faculty members, as necessary for quality education, must be employed to carry out the nursing education program's purpose and objectives.

(a)

Such an adequate number shall be reasonably proportionate to the:

1. Number of students enrolled;

2. Frequency of admissions;

3. Education and experience of faculty members;

4. Number and location of affiliating clinical facilities; and

5. Total responsibilities of the faculty.

(b)

The availability of faculty for directing and critiquing students during clinical learning activities shall be based upon criteria which ensures the safety of patients/clients; AND

1. Shall be documented in writing at a ratio of NOT more than ten (10) students per one (1) instructor.

2. The sponsoring agency shall consider a lower ratio when clinical space, patient acuity and patient census are insufficient to accommodate the ten (10) to one (1) ratio.

(2)

Qualifications for Employment.

(a)

The nursing education program director and all nursing faculty members:

1. Shall hold a current Georgia license in good standing from the initial date of employment as a registered professional nurse.

2. Shall have had a minimum of three (3) years of practice as a licensed registered nurse within the preceding seven (7) years.

(b) In addition to the qualifications set forth in subsection (a) above, the director of a nursing education program shall have at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing and one (1) year of teaching experience in a nursing education program, (included in the required three (3) years of nursing practice).

(c) The program director and each member of the nursing faculty shall maintain professional competence through such activities as continuing education programs, nursing practice, and/or academic study courses, and shall submit documentation of these activities in writing annually to the Board in the program's Annual Report, or Practical Nursing Program's Self-Study Report.

(d) The sponsoring agency shall submit evidence that all faculty members meet minimum requirements of the Board pursuant to Rule 410-9-.07 . A Nursing Faculty Qualification Record and a copy of the current Georgia Registered Nurse license must be submitted to the Board within one (1) month of the faculty member's employment.

(3)

Faculty Functions.

(a) The nursing education program director shall supervise all nursing faculty, shall be the administrative coordinator for the program, and shall be the direct communicator with the Board.

(b)

The nursing faculty shall participate in the development, implementation, instruction, evaluation, and revision of the entire nursing education program. The faculty shall:

1. Seek recommendations from the practical nursing program's advisory committee for establishing policies for the recruitment, selection, admission, progression, dismissal, and counseling of students.

2. Develop and evaluate the theoretical and clinical learning activities of the program.

3. Direct and supervise student learning in the classroom and clinical areas.

4. Participate in the counseling and guidance of students related to the course of instruction.

5. Establish a system to maintain essential records that will be used to evaluate a student's progress.

6. Interpret changing practices in the utilization of the graduate practical nurse and adjust the educational program to accommodate these changes.

7. Develop short and long range plans for strengthening the program based upon the feedback obtained from the program's evaluations.

8. Be readily available for consultation with clinical preceptors and students during preceptorial learning experiences.

(4)

Faculty Organization.

(a) The nursing faculty shall hold regular (at least monthly) nursing faculty conferences to discuss the nursing education program and maintain nursing faculty meeting minutes as a written record of discussions and decisions.

(b) Policies in effect for nursing faculty shall be consistent with those in effect for all faculty employed by the sponsoring agency.

(c) There shall be a written school policy for the selection, orientation, and utilization of full time and part time nursing faculty.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6), and 43-26-32
History. Original Rule entitled "Nursing Faculty" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.08 Preceptor and Preceptorial Learning Activities

(1)

Definitions.

(a) The "preceptor" holds a valid Georgia license as a registered professional nurse, licensed practical nurse, or medical doctor, with a minimum of one year of clinical experience.

(b) "Preceptorial learning activities" refer to those clinical learning activities which are provided under the direct leadership and supervision of a preceptor.

(2) The preceptor shall be selected through the cooperative effort between the nursing faculty and the clinical affiliate representatives.

(3)

Preceptorial learning activities may be included in a curriculum when the following criteria are met:

(a) Appropriate theory shall be coordinated with the preceptorial clinical experience.

(b) There shall be a written school policy for the selection, orientation, and utilization of clinical preceptors.

(c) The nursing education program shall maintain documentation which demonstrates that all nursing clinical preceptors meet requirements provided in Rule 410-9-.08 .

(4) Prior to and throughout the preceptorial learning activities, faculty shall interact with preceptors, individually or in a group, to clarify roles, learning activities, and the critique/evaluation of student learning and progress.

(5) The preceptor/student ratio shall not exceed the ratio of one (1) preceptor to two (2) student practical nurses in the hospital, doctor's office, or clinics, or one (1) preceptor to four (4) student practical nurses in the nursing home.

(6) The preceptor may evaluate students' clinical performance after the students' initial assessments by the nursing program's faculty.

(7) The preceptor and students must have a readily available designated nursing faculty member who is responsible for the preceptor learning activities.

(8) The preceptorial learning activities must be scheduled on The Clinical Rotation Plan pursuant to Rule 410-9-.02(1)(e) .

(9) There shall be written Clinical Learning Focus Objectives pursuant to Rule 410-9-.02(1)(d) for all preceptorial learning activities.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-32.
History. Original Rule entitled "Preceptor and Preceptorial Learning Activities" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.09 School Requirements: Rules and Policies

(1)

School Rules:

(a) Theoretical class size shall be determined by the institution based on the number of faculty members, adequacy of clinical resources, availability of learning resources, and documented survey of need within a fifty (50) mile radius.

(b) The students' total scheduled instructional time for classroom and clinical experiences shall not exceed forty (40) hours per week.

(c) The nursing education program shall comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's current guidelines for occupational exposure to blood-borne and airborne Pathogens. The policy shall be reviewed annually and revised as necessary in writing.

(d) The nursing education program shall have a policy regarding the use of social media by students and faculty in relation to patient privacy and care and federal guidelines.

(e) The practical nursing education program shall maintain an annualized licensing examination passing percentage rate of eighty percent (80%) or higher for the program's graduates on the initial examination as provided in Rule 410-9-.03 .

(f) A student shall be considered to have successfully completed a program when the student has satisfied all performance and learning objectives of an approved program and has met the institution's established graduation requirements.

(g) All nursing faculty and preceptors, if utilized, shall meet requirements as provided in Rules 410-9-.07 and 410-9-.08 before assuming duties in the program.

(h) The nursing program shall maintain nursing faculty meeting minutes of all decisions pertinent to the operation and revision of the program.

(i)

Student clinical experience shall include all required health care areas provided in Rule

410-9-.06

1. Clinical experiences should be correlated with theoretical content;

2. The clinical experience instructor-student ratio shall not exceed a one (1) to ten (10) ratio;

3. At least three (3) licensed hospital or nursing home beds shall be available for every one (1) student practical nurse at any given time in a clinical affiliate;

4. At least 40% of the total board-required clinical experience hours must be obtained in the hospital setting.

(j)

A nursing program faculty member or a Board-approved preceptor shall be:

1. Present in the clinical facility to which students are assigned for direct patient care and be present on the unit;

2. Responsible for the clinical instruction and supervision of the program's student practical nurses.

(k) The program's instructors shall provide appropriate clinical focus objectives to each clinical affiliate prior to student assignment provided in Rule 410-9-.02(1)(d) .

(l) The Clinical Rotation Plan for student learning activities shall be provided to each affiliating clinical facility prior to student assignment provided in Rule 410-9-.02(1)(e) .

(2)

School Policies:

(a) Policies related to the practical nursing education program shall be published in a student handbook or catalogue; and

(b)

The policies set forth below shall be included:

1. Academic Standards. The academic standards policy shall include a clearly defined grading system for the program and a policy for course progression and graduation.

2. Curriculum. The curriculum policy shall reflect the board's hourly and theoretical content and clinical experience area requirements provided in Rule 410-9-.06(5) as the minimum curriculum.

3. Student Grievance. The student grievance policy shall define the authority chain which is to be followed for student grievances at the institution.

4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Guidelines. The policy shall describe a plan for educating students on the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's guidelines (O.S.H.A.) and the Centers for Disease Control's (C.D.C.) guidelines and any other regulations applicable to the safety of students and patients in the practice of nursing.

5. Student Health. The student health policy shall include the health examinations and immunizations (as currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control) required to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of students and patients prior to the beginning of student clinical experiences.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-32
History. Original Rule entitled "School Requirements: Rules and Policies" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.10 Educational Facilities and Clinical Affiliates

(1)

Educational facilities, campus classrooms, nursing practice laboratory, and the library for the program shall be available to meet the objectives of the program and the needs of the students and faculty.

(a)

The campus laboratory:

1. Shall be separate or screened from the classroom(s).

2. Shall contain sufficient equipment, supplies and resources (such as mannequins, models, textbooks, and audiovisual aids), to permit simulated nursing skill practice.

3. Shall provide a secure location for syringes and needles.

(b)

A library located at the instructional site shall:

1. Provide texts, audiovisuals, and periodicals, to include practical nursing journals, no older than five (5) years, on the curriculum being taught.

2. Make available to faculty and students access to the Georgia Board of Nursing's Laws and Rules.

(2)

Clinical Affiliates.

(a) All clinical affiliates for a program shall be approved by the board prior to utilization for student experiences. The program shall submit the required materials as provided in Rule 410-9-.12(2)(c)(1) .

(b)

There shall be a written signed agreement between the program and each clinical affiliate which meets the following criteria:

1. The agreement shall be annually reviewed and revised/renewed as necessary.

2. The agreement shall ensure that the nursing faculty maintains the responsibility for the selection and supervision of student learning activities.

(c)

The clinical facility's nursing service department shall maintain:

1. A written organizational chart which indicates a clear chain of command for nursing personnel.

2. A copy of current policies and procedures as they relate to the Licensed Practical Nurse shall be available to the board at site visits or as requested.

(d) An orientation shall be conducted for program faculty and each new group of students at the clinical facility.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-32
History. Original Rule entitled "Educational Facilities and Clinical Affiliates" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.11 Board Site Visits to Nursing Education Programs and Their Clinical Affiliates

(1) Site visits to the practical nursing education program and clinical affiliates shall be conducted by board representatives to verify compliance with board laws and rules. All requested documentation shall be received by the Board prior to the site visit.

(2)

Site visits are conducted:

(a) Initially and as needed for all new programs until the program achieves Full Approval status.

(b) To the new clinical affiliate(s) during the practical nursing education program's next routine visit.

(d) Upon request from a program for a site visit or a visit by the board's nursing education consultant.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-32
History. Original Rule entitled "Board Site Visits to Nursing Education Programs and Their Clinical Affiliates" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.12 Reports and Records

(1) Reports and records shall be required of each practical nursing education program for documentation of compliance with applicable Georgia law and Board rules.

(2)

Reports submitted to the Board from schools by the practical nursing education program's nurse director shall include the following reports:

(a)

An Annual Report form and requested documentation shall be submitted each year which covers the previous calendar year and shall include:

1. General information on the program including, but not limited to name, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, email address and information regarding the program administrator.

2. Data on instructor-student clinical ratios to include a current "Nursing Faculty Preceptor Summary Sheet," and nursing faculty summary for all nursing faculty and all preceptors.

3. Data on clinical sites utilized and contract dates.

4. Data on program enrollments, withdrawals, and graduates.

5. Data on the program's course offerings to include a current "Master Curriculum Plan" provided to Rule 410-9-.02(1)(f) .

6. A description of anticipated program changes for the coming year.

(b) Any corrections to the Annualized Licensing Examination Passing Percentage Rate Report shall be returned to the board within ten (10) working days of receipt of the initial report. Proof of the correction such as copy(ies) of previous NCLEX-PN Scores-Report(s) shall be provided to verify the erroneous information.

(c)

Site Visit Report Materials shall include the following forms:

1. The Clinical Facility Information Sheet shall provide a complete listing of all clinical affiliates and basic information on each facility. The sheet is also submitted whenever there is a change in clinical facilities.

2. The Clinical Facility Self-Study Report shall be completed by the Director of Nursing Services or appropriate management at the clinical affiliate and shall be submitted to the board.

(d) The Nursing Faculty Summary Sheet shall be submitted to the board by the program director as a listing of all full time and part time nursing employees of the program and all preceptors.

(e)

The Nursing Faculty Qualification Record shall be completed by each nursing faculty member. Each preceptor shall complete a Preceptor Qualification Record.

1. The Nursing Faculty Qualification Record shall include secondary education, nursing licenses in other states, date of original licensure, and evidence of current Georgia licensure as a registered nurse.

2. A complete listing of all nursing employment for the seven (7) years preceding the date of submission of Nursing Faculty Qualification Record.

(f) The Practical Nursing Program Site Visit Response shall address the board's recommendations and shall be submitted to the Board within six (6) weeks after the program's receipt of the Site Visit Report. The Practical Nursing Program Site Visit Response shall include the program's plan to correct the deficiencies cited in the Site Visit Report.

(g)

The Practical Nursing Program Self-Evaluation Report shall be submitted to the Board each time the program's Annualized Licensing Examination Passing Percentage Report falls below the eighty percent (80%) level for its graduates on the initial examination.

1. The Practical Nursing Program Self-Evaluation Report shall be received by the board within six (6) weeks of the program's receipt of the Final Annualized Licensing Examination Passing Percentage Report.

2. The Prac tical Nursing Program Self Evaluation Report shall address the areas of: admission and grading requirements; curriculum sequencing; course materials development dates and reference materials publication dates; testing practices; practical nursing review course and/or test-taking strategies offerings to students; correlation of clinical experiences with appropriate theory.

(h) Proposed Program Change Notifications are to be submitted to the board within thirty (30) days as provided in Rule 410-9-.13 .

(3) Reports to Schools from the Board. The program's Annualized Licensing Examination Passing Percentage Report is prepared by the board's nursing education consultant and covers the calendar year from January 1st through December 31st of the preceding year.

(4)

Program Records.

(a) The practical nursing education program shall make available upon request, all program policies as provided in Rule 410-9-.09 .

(b) Current agreements with all clinical affiliates shall be maintained.

(d) The practical nursing education program's Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes shall be made available upon request.

(e)

Program evaluations shall include:

1. Evaluations of the course, faculty, and clinical facilities completed by the students each semester.

2. Annual evaluations of the program by the program's graduates.

(f) Annual statistics on the program's enrollments, withdrawals, and graduates.

(g)

The program's curriculum materials shall include:

1. The Program's Master Curriculum Plan for each class currently enrolled.

2. All course materials for each curriculum offering. This shall include, but not be limited to, lesson plans, handouts, student clinical evaluation tools, texts/references list, and a clinical experience facilities listing.

3. The program's Master Clinical Rotation Plan and each course's Clinical Rotation Plan for each class currently enrolled.

(5) Student records. Students currently enrolled shall have a file which includes, but not limited to, admission materials, documentation of theoretical and clinical progression in the program's curriculum plan, and health records.

(6) Final program transcript. Transcripts shall identify each course in the curriculum plan, include the earned grades and explain the grading system, and state the theoretical and clinical hours the student was present for each course.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-32
History. Original Rule entitled "Reports and Records" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.13 Program Changes Requiring Board Approval and Board Notification and Procedures for Approval

(1)

The following proposed changes in the practical nursing education program require board approval prior to their implementation. The program shall electronically submit the information to the board at least four (4) weeks prior to the board meeting at which the changes will be considered.

(a)

The addition of new clinical facility(ies) for actual student patient care experience. The following materials must be submitted:

1. A revised Clinical Facilities Information Sheet as provided in Rule 410-9-.12 .

2. A Clinical Facility Self Study Report as provided in Rule 410-9-.12 .

3. A copy of the current signed contract between the proposed clinical affiliate(s) and the program's sponsoring agency.

4. The Clinical Learning Focus Objectives for the experience for the proposed facility(ies) as provided in Rule 410-9-.02(1)(d) .

5. The Clinical Rotation Plan which demonstrates student assignment at the proposed facility(ies) as provided in Rule 410-9-.02(1)(e) .

6. A description of student supervision at the facility. If new nursing faculty or preceptors are to be utilized, submit an updated Nursing Faculty Summary Sheet and Nursing Faculty Qualification Record(s), Preceptor Summary Sheet and Preceptor Qualification Record as provided in Rule 410-9-.12 .

(2) The following changes in the practical nursing education program may be implemented by the program, but require board notification within thirty (30) days of the implementation. Practical Nursing Education Program name change requires the former name, new name, and effective date.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6), and 43-26-32
History. Original Rule entitled "Program Changes Requiring Board Approval and Board Notification and Procedures for Approval" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-9-.14 Guidelines for Discontinuance of a Nursing Education Program

(1) After the notification to the board of intent to discontinue the practical nursing education program, the school may not admit new students.

(2) The program shall continue to meet the standards for approval until all of the enrolled students have graduated.

(3) An institution closing a practical nursing education program shall provide for permanent storage of the transcripts of its graduates and the name, title, department, and address of who is responsible for keeping the records shall be conveyed to the board in writing.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5(a)(4) -(6) and 43-26-32
History. Original Rule entitled "Guidelines for Discontinuance of a Nursing Education Program" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Chapter 410-10 Standards of Practice and Unprofessional Conduct

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-10-.01 Standards of Practice for Registered Professional Nurses

(1) The Georgia Board of Nursing defines the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing nursing practice as including, but not limited to the following enumerated standards of competent practice.

(2)

The Board recognizes that assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, intervention, evaluation, teaching, and supervision are the major responsibilities of the registered nurse in the practice of nursing. The Standards of Practice for Registered Professional Nurses delineate the quality of nursing care which a patient/client should receive regardless of whether it is provided solely by a registered nurse or by a registered nurse in collaboration with other licensed or unlicensed personnel. The Standards are based on the premise that the registered nurse is responsible for and accountable to the patient/client for the quality of nursing care rendered. The Standards of Practice for Registered Professional Nurses shall establish a baseline for quality nursing care; be derived from the Georgia Nurse Practice Act; apply to the registered nurse practicing in any setting; and, govern the practice of the licensee at all levels of competency.

(a)

Standards related to the registered nurse's responsibility to apply the nursing process (adapted from American Nurses' Association

Code for Nurses and Standards of Practice

). The registered nurse shall:

1. Assess the patient/client in a systematic, organized manner;

2. Formulate a nursing diagnosis based on accessible, communicable and recorded data (which is collected in a systematic and continuous manner);

3. Plan care which includes goals and prioritized nursing approaches or measures derived from the nursing diagnoses;

4. Implement strategies to provide for patient/client participation in health promotion, maintenance and restoration;

5. Initiate nursing actions to assist the patient/client to maximize her/his health capabilities;

6. Evaluate with the patient/client the status of goal achievement as a basis for reassessment, reordering of priorities, new goal-setting and revision of the plan of nursing care;

7. Seek educational resources and create learning experiences to enhance and maintain current knowledge and skills appropriate to her/his area of practice.

(b)

Standards related to the registered nurse's responsibilities as a member of the nursing profession. The registered nurse shall:

1. Function within the legal boundaries of nursing practice based upon knowledge of statutes and regulations governing nursing;

2. Accept responsibility for individual nursing actions and continued competence;

3. Communicate, collaborate and function with other members of the health team to provide optimum care;

4. Seek education and supervision as necessary when implementing nursing practice techniques;

5. Respect the dignity and rights of the patient/client regardless of socioeconomic status, personal attributes or nature of health problems;

6. Maintain each patient/client's right to privacy by protecting confidential information unless obligated, by law, to disclose the information;

7. Provide nursing care without discrimination on the basis of diagnosis, age, sex, race, creed or color;

8. Assign and supervise only those nursing measures which the nurse knows, or should know, that another person is prepared, qualified, or licensed to perform;

9. Retain professional accountability for nursing care when delegating nursing intervention;

10. Respect and safeguard the property of clients, family, significant others and the employer;

11. Notify the appropriate party of any unprofessional conduct which may jeopardize patient/client safety;

12. Participate in the periodic review and evaluation of the quality and appropriateness of nursing care.

(c)

Standards related to the registered nurse's responsibilities in assignment of patient activities to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). The registered nurse shall:

1. Determine that the care and/or activity to be performed would be based upon orders or directions of a licensed physician, licensed dentist, licensed podiatrist or person licensed to practice nursing as a registered professional nurse.

Assign only care and activities that do not require the skills and knowledge of a person practicing nursing as a registered professional nurse or licensure of another health care professional. The care and activities to be assigned must meet all of the following criteria:

a. The care and/or activities do not require complex observations or critical decisions.

b. The care and/or activities can be safely performed according to exact, unchanging directions.

c. The outcome and/or results of the activities are reasonably predictable.

3. Verify that the UAP has the necessary knowledge and skills to accept the assignment.

4. Periodically evaluate and review the quality and appropriateness of the care provided by the UAP.

5. Not assign activities which require licensure to an unlicensed assistive personnel.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3, 43-26-5, 43-26-10, and 43-26-12
History. Original Rule entitled "Procedure for Renewal License" adopted. F. Mar. 18, 1976; eff. Apr. 7, 1976.
Amended: F. May 31, 1978; eff. July 1, 1978, as specified by the Agency.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Expiration of License" adopted. F. Apr. 10, 1980; eff. Apr. 30, 1980.
Amended: ER. 410-10-0.2-.01 adopted. F. Dec. 22, 1980; eff. Dec. 18, 1980, the date of adoption.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 28, 1982; eff. Feb. 17, 1982.
Amended: ER. 410-10-0.3-.01 adopted. F. Dec. 28, 1982; eff. Dec. 27, 1982, the date of adoption.
Amended: ER. 410-10-0.4-.01 adopted. F. and eff. January 31, 1983, the date of adoption.
Amended: F. Aug. 6, 1984; eff. Aug. 26, 1984.
Amended: F. June 19, 1985; eff. July 9, 1985.
Amended: F. Apr. 1, 1986; eff. Apr. 21, 1986.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Fees" adopted. F. Dec. 18, 1986; eff. Jan. 7, 1987.
Amended: F. Feb. 6, 1987; eff. Feb. 26, 1987.
Amended: F. Jan. 28, 1988; eff. Feb. 17, 1988.
Amended: Authority changed. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted F. Aug. 23, 1990; eff. Sept. 12, 1990.
Amended: F. Oct. 4, 1991; eff. Oct. 24, 1991.
Amended: F. June 9, 1992; eff. June 29, 1992.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 28, 1995; eff. Apr. 17, 1995.
Amended: F. Apr. 10, 1997; eff. Apr. 30, 1997.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 27, 1998; eff. Feb. 16, 1998.
Amended: F. June 10, 2002; eff. June 30, 2002.
Amended: F. Oct. 2, 2002; eff. Oct. 22, 2002.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 26, 2004; eff. Sept. 15, 2004.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Standards of Practice for Registered Professional Nurses" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-10-.02 Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses

(1)

The practice of licensed practical nursing means the provision of care for compensation, under the supervision of a physician practicing medicine, a dentist practicing dentistry, a podiatrist practicing podiatry, or a registered nurse practicing nursing in accordance with applicable provisions of law. Such care shall relate to the promotion of health, the prevention of illness and injury, and the restoration and maintenance of physical and mental health through acts authorized by the board, which shall include, but not be limited to the following:

(a) Participating in patient assessment activities and the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the delivery of health care services and other specialized tasks when appropriately educated and consistent with board rules and regulations;

(b) Providing direct personal patient observation, care, and assistance in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or emergency treatment facilities, or other health care facilities in areas of practice including, but not limited to: coronary care, intensive care, emergency treatment, surgical care and recovery, obstetrics, pediatrics, outpatient services, dialysis, specialty labs, home health care, or other such areas of practice;

(d) Administering treatments and medications by various routes;

(e) Participating in the management and supervision of unlicensed personnel in the delivery of patient care; and

(f) Performing other specialized tasks as appropriately educated.

(2) Responsibility: Each individual is responsible for personal acts of negligence under the law. Licensed practical nurses are liable if they perform functions for which they are not prepared by education and experience and for which supervision is not provided.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3, 43-26-5, 43-26-32, and 43-26-42
History. Original Rule entitled "Change of Address" was filed on June 19, 1985; effective July 9, 1985.
Amended: Rule repealed. Filed December 18, 1986; effective January 7, 1987.
Adopted: New Rule entitled "Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses." F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-10-.03 Definition of Unprofessional Conduct

(1) Nursing conduct failing to meet the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing nursing practice, which could jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the public, shall constitute unprofessional conduct. This conduct shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(2)

Practice

(a) Using inappropriate or unsafe judgment, technical skill or interpersonal behaviors in providing nursing care;

(b) Performing any nursing technique or procedure for which the nurse is unprepared by education or experience;

(d) Failing to provide nursing care because of diagnosis, age, gender, race, creed, color or sexual orientation;

(e) Abandoning or knowingly neglecting patients/clients requiring nursing care;

(f) Continuing to practice after the expiration date of the license.

(g) Failing to take appropriate action to safeguard a patient's welfare;

(h) Failing to take action in a health care setting to protect a patient whose safety or welfare is at risk from incompetent health care practice, or to report the incompetent health care practice to employment or licensing authorities;

(i) Failing to report to the Board a licensed nurse whose work history includes conduct, or a pattern of conduct, that leads to or may lead to an adverse patient outcome;

(j) Assuming patient care responsibilities that the nurse lacks the education to perform, for which the nurse has failed to maintain nursing competence, or that are outside the scope of practice of the nurse;

(k) Accepting the assignment of nursing functions or a prescribed health function when the acceptance of the assignment could be reasonably expected to result in unsafe or ineffective client care;

(l) Failure of a clinical nursing instructor to adequately supervise or to assure adequate supervision of student experiences.

(m) Failure to practice within a modified scope of practice or with the required accommodations, as specified by the Board in granting a limited license or any agreement with the Board.

(n) Causing or permitting physical, emotional, sexual or verbal abuse or injury or neglect to the client, or failing to report same to the employer, appropriate legal authority and/or the Board;

(o) Providing information which was false, deceptive, or misleading in connection with the practice of nursing;

(p) Knowingly aiding, assisting, advising, or allowing an unlicensed person to engage in the unlawful practice of practical, registered or advanced practice nursing;

(q) Violating an order of the Board, or carelessly or repetitively violating a state or federal law relating to the practice of practical, registered or advanced practice nursing, or violating a state or federal narcotics or controlled substance law;

(r) Knowingly aiding, assisting, advising, or allowing a nurse under Board Order to violate the conditions set forth in the Order; or

(s) Failing to report violations of the Nursing Practice Act and/or the Board's rules and regulations.

(3)

Documentation

(a) Failing to maintain a patient record that accurately reflects the nursing assessment, care, treatment, and other nursing services provided to the patient;

(b)

Falsifying, omitting or making a materially incorrect, inconsistent, or unintelligible entry in any record:

1. Regarding a patient at a health care facility, school, institution, or other work place location; or

2. Pertaining to obtaining, possessing, administering, wasting or returning any controlled substance as defined in the federal Uniform Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq. , or Georgia's Controlled Substances Act;

(d) Falsifying, omitting or destroying documentation of nursing actions on the official patient/client record.

(4)

Investigations

(a) Failing to timely respond to an investigative subpoena issued by the Board;

(b) Failing to cooperate with a lawful investigation conducted by the Board; or

(c) Making a written false or inaccurate statement to the Board or the Board's designee in the course of an investigation

(5)

Delegation

(a) Failing to supervise a person to whom nursing functions are delegated;

(b) Delegating services that require nursing judgment to an unauthorized person;

(c) Delegating or assigning nursing functions or a prescribed health function when the delegation or assignment could reasonably be expected to result in unsafe or ineffective client care; or

(d) Delegating nursing care, functions, tasks or responsibility to others when the nurse knows or should know that such delegation is to the detriment of patient safety;

(6)

Drugs

(a) Removing, without authorization, a narcotic, drug, controlled substance, supply, equipment, or medical record from any health care facility, school, institution, or other work place location;

(b) Obtaining, possessing, administering, or using any narcotic, controlled substance, or illegal drug in violation of any federal or state criminal law, or in violation of the policy of any health care facility, school, institution, or other work location at which the nurse practices;

(c) Providing or administering any controlled substance or prescription-only drug for other than accepted therapeutic or research purposes;

(d) Failing to follow the policy and procedure in place for the wastage of medications at the facility where the nurse was employed or working at the time of the incident(s);

(e) A positive drug screen for which there is no lawful prescription;

(f) Obtaining or attempting to obtain or deliver medication(s) through means of misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception and/or subterfuge;

(g) Failing to practice nursing in accordance with prevailing nursing standards due to physical, psychological or chemical impairment; or

(h) Failing to report to the Board within 30 days of becoming unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety by result of mental or physical condition or use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of material.

(7)

Boundaries

(a) Failing to maintain professional boundaries or engaging in a dual relationship with a patient, resident, or any family member of a patient or resident;

(b) Removing, without authorization, any money, property, or personal possessions, or requesting payment for services not performed from a patient, employer, co-worker, or member of the public;

(c) Violating professional boundaries of the nurse/client relationship including but not limited to physical, sexual, emotional or financial exploitation of the client or the client's significant other(s);

(d) Engaging in sexual conduct with a client, touching a client in a sexual manner, requesting or offering sexual favors, or language or behavior suggestive of the same;

(e) Threatening or violent behavior in the workplace; or

(f) Misappropriating, in connection with the practice of nursing, anything of value or benefit, including but not limited to, any property, real or personal of the client, employer, or any other person or entity, or failing to take precautions to prevent such misappropriation.

(8)

Fraud

(a) Engaging in fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit in taking a licensing examination or on an initial or renewal application for a license or certificate;

(b) Impersonating a nurse licensed under this O.C.G.A. §43-26;

(d) Practicing nursing without a current license or while the license is suspended;

(e) Providing one's license/temporary permit to another individual for any reason; or

(f) Providing false or misleading documents related to applications, renewals or continuing competency requirements.

(9)

Employment

(a) Making a false or misleading statement on a nursing or health care related employment or credential application concerning previous employment, employment experience, education, or credentials;

(b) Failing to answer specific questions or providing false or misleading answers that would have affected the decision to license, employ, certify or otherwise utilize a nurse; or

(10)

Arrests and Convictions

(a)

Failing to notify the Board, in writing, of a conviction for a felony or an undesignated offense within 10 days of the conviction. The nurse or applicant shall include the following in the notification:

1. Name, address, telephone number, email address, social security number, and license number, if applicable;

2. Date of the conviction; and

3. Nature of the offense.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-1-27, 43-26-2, 43-26-3, 43-26-5, 43-26-10, 43-26-11, 43-26-40, 43-26-42, and 43-26-51
History. Original Rule entitled "Definition of Unprofessional Conduct" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sep. 13, 2015

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-10-.04 Use of Nurse Protocols Authorized by O.C.G.A Section 43-34-26.1 (Influenza Vaccine Protocol Agreements) by Registered Nurses in Specific Settings

(1) The general purpose of this rule is to protect and safeguard the public by regulating the practice of registered nurses ("RNs") who use protocols in specific settings as authorized by O.C.G.A. § 43-34-26.1 .

(2)

A registered nurse who uses a nurse protocol in specific settings as authorized by O.C.G.A. §

43-34-26.1

shall:

(a) Hold a current license to practice as a registered nurse in Georgia;

(b) Adhere to a nurse protocol which is a written document mutually agreed upon and signed by the nurse and licensed physician which delegates to the nurse the authority to perform specified medical acts and provides for immediate consultation with the delegating physician or a physician designated in the absence of the delegating physician;

(c) Document preparation and performance specific to each medical act authorized under O.C.G.A. § 43-34-26.1 , including ordering dangerous drugs, medical treatments, or diagnostic studies and the dispensing of dangerous drugs in accordance with dispensing procedure and under the authority of a physician's order.

(3)

The nurse protocol used by a RN pursuant to the provisions of O.C.G.A. §

43-34-26.1

shall comply with the following criteria:

(a) Shall bear a current review date, be available upon request; and specify parameters under which delegated medical acts may be performed;

(b) Shall include a schedule for periodic review of patient records by the delegating physician;

(d) Shall include a provision for immediate consultation with the delegating physician designated in the absence of the delegating physician;

(e) Shall comply with provisions for ordering or dispensing drugs under subsection (b) of Code Section 26-4-130 and the rules and regulations established pursuant thereto by the State Board of Pharmacy and adhere to a written dispensing procedure when dispensing dangerous drugs as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-34-26.1(a)(5) .

(4)

A registered nurse may practice under protocol pursuant to the provisions of O.C.G.A. §

43-34-26.1

as an agent or employee of the following:

(a) The Georgia Department of Public Health;

(b) Any county board of health;

(c)

Any organization:

1. Which is exempt from federal taxes pursuant to Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code as defined in Code Section 48-1-2 , other than an organization which is a hospital, preferred provider organization, health maintenance organization, or similar organization; or

2. Established under the authority of or receiving funds pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Section 254 b or 254c of the United States Public Health Service Act.

3. Which organization provides that those medical services and dangerous drugs which are ordered or dispensed by its nurses will be provided at no cost to patient or at a cost based solely upon the patient's ability to pay.

(d)

An outpatient clinic:

1. Which is owned or operated by a licensed hospital;

2. Which provides such drugs, treatments, or studies free or at a charge to the patient based solely upon the patient's ability to pay; provided, however, such charge shall not exceed the actual cost to the outpatient clinic; and

3. Whose services are primarily provided to the medically disadvantaged.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Use of Nurse Protocols Authorized by O.C.G.A. § 43-34-26.1(Influenza Vaccine Protocol Agreements) by Registered Nurses in Specific Settings" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Chapter 410-11 Regulation of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.01 Purpose, Definitions, Title, and Authority for Advanced Nursing Practice

(1)

Purpose.

(a) To promote, preserve, and protect public health, safety, and welfare by regulating advanced nursing practice.

(2)

Definitions:

(a) The advanced practice registered nurse is a certified nurse-midwife (CNM), nurse practitioner (NP), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric/mental health (CNS/PMH), and is authorized to practice by the Georgia Board of Nursing ("the Board").

(b) "Advanced nursing practice" means practice by a registered professional nurse who meets those educational, practice, certification requirements, or any combination of such requirements, as specified by the Board and includes certified nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists in psychiatric/mental health, and others required by the Board.

(3)

Title.

(a) Advanced practice registered nurses are authorized to practice in the categories of certified nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist and clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric/mental health. Each advanced practice registered nurse shall use the category designation for purposes of identification and documentation.

(4)

Authority to Practice:

(a) Only a registered professional nurse authorized to practice according to these rules shall use the specified title, and practice or offer to practice, as a certified nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist clinical nurse specialist or clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric/mental health unless otherwise authorized to do so by the Board.

(b) The advanced practice registered nurse is authorized to perform advanced nursing functions and certain medical acts which include, but are not limited to, ordering drugs, treatments, and diagnostic studies as provided in O.C.G.A. § 43-34-26.1 and Chapter 410-11.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3 and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Procedural Rules" was filed on January 11, 1978; effective January 31, 1978.
Amended: Rule renumbered as 410-13 .01 and a new Rule entitled "Definition of Unprofessional Conduct" adopted. Filed February 6, 1987; effective February 26, 1987.
Amended: Rule renumbered as 410-11-.02 and a new rule entitled "Standards of Registered Professional Nursing Practice" adopted. Filed August 5, 1987; effective August 25, 1987.
Amended: Filed October 1, 1987; effective October 21, 1987.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Amended: F. Aug. 11, 2000; eff. Aug. 31, 2000.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Purpose, Definitions, Title, and Authority for Advanced Nursing Practice" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.02 Rules for Certified Nurse-Midwives

(1)

Definition.

(a) A certified nurse-midwife is a registered professional Nurse who has completed/graduated from a post-basic educational program for nurse midwives which included theoretical and practical components and evidence of advanced pharmacology within the curriculum or as a separate course. The certified nurse-midwife is certified by the ACNM Certification Council and is authorized to practice by the Board.

(2)

Scope and Standards of Practice for the Certified Nurse-Midwife.

(a) The certified nurse-midwife (CNM) provides independent management of women's health care, focusing particularly on pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, care of the newborn, and the family planning and gynecological needs of women. The certified nurse-midwife practices within a health care system that provides for consultation, collaborative management, or referral as indicated by the health status of the client. The certified nurse-midwife must practice in accordance with the Board-approved American College of Nurse-Midwives' current Standards for the Practice of Nurse-Midwifery.

(3)

Requirements to Practice as a Certified Nurse-Midwife:

(a)

Prior to January 1, 1999, and applicant who submits the following items may be authorized to practice as a certified nurse-midwife:

1. Evidence of current licensure as a registered professional nurse in Georgia;

2. A completed Board application with required fee;

3. Official transcript which verifies graduation from a post-basic educational program for nurse-midwives which includes theoretical and practical components and evidence of advanced pharmacology within the curriculum or as a separate course, and;

4. Verification of current national certification from the ACNM Certification Council. If certified prior to January 1, 1996, evidence of enrollment in the Continuing Competency Assessment Program of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, which bears current cycle dates, must be provided.

(b) Beginning January 1, 1999, for initial authority to practice as a certified nurse midwife, and applicant must submit an official transcript which verifies completion/graduation with a master's or higher degree in nursing or a graduate degree with a concentration in nurse-midwifery, evidence of advanced pharmacology within the curriculum or as a separate course, in addition to the requirements stated in 410-11-.02(3)(a)1., 2. and 4.

(4)

Biennial Renewal of Board Authorization to Practice as a Certified Nurse-midwife:

(a) The date for renewal of Board authorization as a certified nurse-midwife will coincide with the renewal of the registered professional nurse license.

(b) Authorization to practice as a certified nurse-midwife shall expire on January 31st of odd-numbered years and shall be administratively revoked if not renewed.

(c)

For continued authority to practice, the certified nurse-midwife must submit:

1. A completed renewal application for advanced nursing practice;

2. A copy of current national certification with expiration date from the ACNM Certification Council. If certified prior to January 1, 1996, evidence of enrollment in the Continuing Competency Assessment Program of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, which bears current cycle dates must be provided.

3. Payment of the renewal fee.

(d) A renewal application, received with a postmark date after January 31 of odd numbered years, will be returned to the applicant. Thereafter, the applicant must apply to reinstate the authorization.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-4, 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3 and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Definition of Professional Conduct" was adopted as Rule 410-11-.01 on February 6, 1987; effective February 26, 1987 and renumbered as Rule 410-11-.02 by filing of August 5, 1987; effective August 25, 1987.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Rules for Certified Nurse-Midwives" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.03 Rules for Nurse Practitioners

(1)

Definition.

(a) A nurse practitioner is a registered professional nurse who is recognized by the Board to engage in advanced practice registered nursing.

(b) The nurse practitioner practices in a manner consistent with Chapter 410-13 of the Georgia Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations.

(2)

Scope and Standards of Practice for the Nurse Practitioner:

(a) The nurse practitioner provides advanced practice nursing care and medical services specific to the nurse practitioner respective specialty to individuals, families and groups, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention as well as the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic diseases. The nurse practitioner collaborates as necessary with a variety of individuals to diagnose and manage clients' health care problems.

(b) The nurse practitioner practices in a manner consistent with the nationally recognized nursing practice standards for the respective nurse practitioner specialty that is consistent with the Board-recognized national certification organization identified in Rule 410-11-.12 .

(3)

Requirements for initial authority to Practice as a Nurse Practitioner:

(a) Evidence of current licensure as a registered professional nurse in Georgia;

(b) A completed Board application with required fee;

(c) Official transcript which verifies graduation with a master's or higher degree in nursing for the respective nurse practitioner specialty or a graduate level post-master's certificate in an advanced practice registered nurse practitioner specialty and evidence of advanced pharmacology within the curriculum or as a separate course, advanced physical assessment, and pathophysiology.

(d) Nerification of current national certification from the respective Board-recognized certifying organization.

(4)

The applicant must document one of the following within in four (4) years immediately preceding the date of current application:

(a) 500 hours of practice as an advanced practice registered nurse;

(b) Graduation from a nursing education program or a graduate level post-master's certificate in an advanced practice registered nurse practitioner specialty; or

(5)

An applicant who is unable to meet the requirements of (4)(a), (b), or (c) must satisfactorily complete the following:

(a) 40 hours of study relevant to advanced registered nursing practice within one (1) year of the date of application. Relevant advanced practice registered nurse study must include at least four (4) Different content areas. The Board may waive the 40 hours of study if the applicant has passed a national recognized certification organization examination within the four (4) years immediately preceding the date of current application.

(b) Current health care provider course of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation unless completed within one (1) year of the date of application with a Georgia Board of Nursing approved RN reentry;

(d) 160 hours of relevant advanced practice registered nursing supervised by an advanced practice registered nurse in a comparable specialty area and in accordance with other Board criteria.

(6)

Biennial Renewal of Board Authorization to Practice as a Nurse Practitioner:

(a) The date for renewal of Board authorization as a nurse practitioner will coincide with the renewal license period. Authorization shall be administratively revoked if not renewed.

(b)

For continued authority to practice, the nurse practitioner must:

1. Renew licensure as a registered professional nurse in Georgia;

2. Submit a completed renewal application for advanced nursing practice;

3. Attest to advanced practice registered nurse practice in accordance with applicable Georgia laws and rules; and

4. Submit payment of the renewal fee.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-4, 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3 and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Use of Nurse Protocols Authorized by O.C.G.A. § 43-34-26.1 by Registered Nurses in Specific Settings" adopted. F. Nov. 28, 2007; eff. Dec. 18, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Rules for Nurse Practitioners" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.04 Rules for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

(1)

Definition

(a) A certified registered nurse anesthetist is a registered professional nurse who has completed/graduated from a post-basic educational program for nurse anesthetists which includes theoretical and practical components and evidence of advanced pharmacology, is currently certified/recertified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, and is authorized to practice by the Board.

(2)

Scope and Standards of Practice for the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) provides anesthesia and related care services in four general categories:

(a) Preanesthetic preparation and evaluation;

(b) Anesthesia induction, maintenance, and emergence;

(d) Postanesthesia care. The certified registered nurse anesthetist must practice in accordance with Board approved American Association of Nurse Anesthetists' current Guidelines and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice.

(3)

Requirements to practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

(a)

An applicant who has graduated from an approved nurse anesthesia educational program prior to January 1, 1999, who submits the following items may be authorized to practice as a certified registered nurse anesthetist:

1. Evidence of current licensure as a registered professional nurse in Georgia;

2. A completed Board application with required fee;

3. Official transcript which verifies completion/graduation from a post-basic educational program for certified registered nurse anesthetists which includes theoretical and practical components and evidence of advanced pharmacology; and

4. Verification of current national certification/recertification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.

(b)

An applicant who graduates from an approved nurse anesthesia education program on or after January 1, 1999, who submits the following items may be authorized to practice as a certified registered nurse anesthetist:

1. Evidence of current licensure as a registered professional nurse in Georgia;

2. A completed Board application with required fee;

3. Official transcript which verifies completion/graduation with a master's or higher degree in nursing with a concentration in anesthesia and evidence of advance pharmacology or a graduate degree with a concentration in anesthesia and evidence of advance pharmacology; and

4. Verification of current national certification/recertification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

(4)

Biennial Renewal of Board authorization to practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

(a) The data for renewal of Board authorization as a certified registered nurse anesthetist will coincide with the renewal of the registered professional nurse license.

(b) Authorization to practice as a certified registered nurse anesthetist shall expire on January 31st of odd-numbered years and shall be administratively revoked if not renewed.

(c)

For continued authority to practice, the certified registered nurse anesthetist must submit:

1. A completed renewal application for advanced nursing practice;

2. A copy of current national certification/recertification as a certified registered nurse anesthetist which bears the expiration date; and

3. Payment of the renewal fee.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-4, 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3 and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Rules for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Note: Correction of non-substantive typographical error in Rule History, deletion of "Amended" from Rule title. Eff. September 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.05 Rules for Clinical Nurse Specialists, Psychiatric/Mental Health

(1)

Definition

(a) A clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric/mental health, is a registered professional nurse who has graduated from a program of graduate study and supervised practice; has demonstrated depth and breadth of knowledge, competence and skill in the advanced practice of psychiatric/mental health nursing; and is authorized to practice by the Board.

(2)

Scope and Standards of Practice for the Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric/Mental Health.

(a) The clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric/mental health, (CNS/PMH), is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides a full range of nursing services from mental health promotion to mental illness rehabilitation. As a primary mental health care provider, the clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric/mental health, provides psychotherapy, clinical supervision, consultation, and liaison services. The clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric/mental health, must practice in accordance with the Board-approved current standards of the American Nurses Association's A Statement on Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nursing Practice and Standards of Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nursing Practice.

(3)

Requirements to Practice as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric/Mental Health.

(a)

Prior to January 1, 1999, an applicant who submits the following items may be authorized to practice as a clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric/mental health:

1. Evidence of current licensure as a registered professional nurse in Georgia;

2. Completed Board application with required fee; and

3. Official transcript which verifies a master's or higher degree in nursing with specialization in psychiatric/mental health nursing which includes a minimum of two (2) graduate courses in psychiatric/mental health nursing, supervised practice for each of the two (2) graduated courses and evidence of advanced pharmacology within the curriculum or as a separate course; or verification of current national certification as a clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric/mental health from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and evidence of advance pharmacology.

(b)

Beginning January 1, 1999, an applicant requesting initial authority to practice as a clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric/mental health must submit the following:

1. Evidence of current licensure as a registered professional nurse in a Georgia;

2. A completed Board application with required fee;

4. Verification of current national certification as a clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric/mental health from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

(4)

Biennial renewal of Board Authorization to Practice as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric/Mental Health:

(a) The date for renewal of Board Authorization as a clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric/mental health, will coincide with the renewal of the registered professional nurse license.

(b) Authorization to practice as a clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric/mental health, shall expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years and shall be administratively revoked if not renewed.

(c)

For continued authority to practice, the clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric/mental health, must submit:

1. A completed renewal application for advanced nursing practice;

2. A copy of current national certification as a clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric/mental health which bears the expiration date, if initial authorization was based on national certification; and

3. Payment of the renewal fee.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-4, 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-34-3 and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Rules for Clinical Nurse Specialists, Psychiatric/Mental Health" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.06 Rules for Clinical Nurse Specialists

(1) Definition: A clinical nurse specialist ("CNS") is a registered professional nurse who has graduated from a program of graduate study and supervised practice; who holds a master's degree or other graduate degree from an approved nursing education program; who holds national board certification in his or her area of specialty; and is authorized to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse by the Board.

(2) Scope and Standards of Practice for the Clinical Nurse Specialist. The clinical nurse specialist ("CNS") is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides a full range of nursing services from health promotion to illness rehabilitation. The clinical nurse specialist provides clinical supervision, consultation, and liaison services to nurses, patients and healthcare systems. The clinical nurse specialist must practice in accordance with the current standards of the national certifying organizations listed in Rule 410-11-.12 by which clinical nurse specialists are currently certified.

(3)

Requirements to Practice as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

(a)

Beginning January 1, 2012, all applicants seeking initial authorization as an advance practice registered nurse to practice as a clinical nurse specialist ("CNS") shall meet the following requirements:

1. Evidence of current licensure as a registered professional nurse in Georgia;

2. Completed Board authorization application with required fee;

3. Official transcript which verifies a master's or higher degree in nursing or a post-masters certificate from an approved nursing education program with specialization as a Clinical Nurse Specialist that includes evidence of advanced pharmacology, advanced physical assessment, and advanced pathophysiology within the curriculum or as a separate course.

4. Verification of current national certification as a clinical nurse specialist from the American Nurses Credentialing Center or approved national certifying body listed in Rule 410-12-.12 .

(b)

All applicants must document one of the following within four (4) years immediately preceding the date of the current authorization application:

1. 500 hours of practice as a CNS;

2. An official transcript which verifies a masters or higher degree in nursing or a post master's certificate from an approved nursing education program with a specialization as a Clinical Nurse Specialist; or

3. Completion of a Board approved advanced practice registered nurse reentry/refresher program consisting of forty (40) hours of study and one hundred and sixty hours (160) hours of supervised clinical practice within the four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application.

(c)

Biennial renewal of board authorization to practice as a clinical nurse specialist:

1. The date for renewal of board authorization as a clinical nurse specialist will coincide with the renewal of the registered professional nurse license.

2. Authorization to practice as a clinical nurse specialist shall be administratively revoked if not renewed prior to the date of expiration.

For renewal of APRN-CNS authority to practice, the clinical nurse specialist must submit:

(i) A completed authorization renewal application for advanced nursing practice;

(ii) Maintain current national certification as a clinical nurse specialist;

(iii) Upon notification of Board audit, submit proof of current national certification as a clinical nurse specialist which bears the certification expiration date; and

(iv) Payment of the authorization renewal fee.

4. A renewal application, received with a postmark date after the date of authorization expiration, will not be accepted by the Board for renewal purposes. Thereafter, the applicant must apply to reinstate the authorization.

5. Renewal of a license to practice as a registered professional nurse shall not constitute renewal of authorization to practice as a CNS.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-4, 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3 and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Rules for Clinical Nurse Specialists" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.07 Failure of the Examination

An applicant who fails the national certification examination shall not engage in advanced nursing practice until such time as all requirements are met and written authorization to practice as a certified nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist or clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric/mental health is issued by the Board.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2 and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Failure of the Examination" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.08 Temporary Authority to Practice

(1)

Temporary authority to practice as a certified nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist or clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric/mental health may be issued to a registered nurse who is an applicant for authorization for advanced practice nursing under the following circumstances:

(a) The Applicant has met all requirements for Board authorization but the Board review of the application is delayed due to an investigation of a possible period of questionable unauthorized nursing practice; or

(b) The Applicant has met all the requirements for Board authorization except current national certification because such certification has expired, and the applicant must meet specific practice requirements for recertification.

(2) Temporary authorization may be issued for a period of up to six (6) months, and may be renewable once for a period of up to six (6) months.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2 and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Temporary Authority to Practice" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.09 Unauthorized Practice

An applicant who is employed or engaged in advanced nursing practice as a certified nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist or clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric/mental health in Georgia prior to Board authorization for such practice shall be in violation of 410-11-.01(4). Such conduct may result in action taken by the Board which may include a reprimand and fine as follows:

(a) A private or public reprimand and

(b)

A fine:

1. Of $50.00 per month (up to $250.00) for practice between two (2) and six (6) months, or any portion thereof;

2. Of $75.00 per month each additional month, or portion thereof, between seven (7) and twelve (12) months;

3. At the Board's discretion for unauthorized practice extending over one (1) year.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2 and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Unauthorized Practice" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.10 Revocation or Suspension

As provided on O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19 and 43-26-11, the Board my revoke, suspend, or otherwise discipline the registered professional nurse license and/or the authority to practice as a certified nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric/mental health, or anyone so authorized who demonstrates unprofessional conduct according to 410-10-.03, fails to comply with current scope and standards of practice according to 410-11-.02(2), 410-11-.03(2), 410-11-.04(2), or 410-11-.05(2), or who fails to maintain national certification and/or continuing competency requirements.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Revocation or Suspension" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.11 Reinstatement of Authorization

(1) An advanced practice registered nurse whose authorization has expired may be eligible for reinstatement of authorization.

(2)

The applicant must:

(a) Submit a completed reinstatement application, photograph and required fee;

(b) Request the appropriate national certifying organization to verify current certification on a form provided by the Board; and

(c) Be able to document three (3) months or 500 hours of licensed practice as a registered nurse (or advanced practice registered nurse) during the four (4) years immediately preceding the date of current application.

(3) An applicant who is unable to meet the requirement of 410-11-(2)(c) must comply with similar requirements of 410-4-.04 for an advanced practice registered nurse.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Reinstatement of Authorization" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.12 Recognition of National Certifying Organizations for Advanced Nursing Practice

(1) The Board recognizes certification by: The American Midwifery Certification Board; American Academy of Nurse Practitioners; National Certification Corporation; Pediatric Nursing Certification Board; National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists; American Nurses Credentialing Center; and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Certification Corporation for titles recognized in Rules Chapter 410-11.

(2) The Board may discontinue recognition of a certifying organization if it deems that the respective certification process does not provide an accurate evaluation of the individual's ability to engage in advanced nursing practice.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3, and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Recognition of National certifying Organizations for Advanced Nursing Practice" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.13 Regulation of Protocol Use By Advanced Practice Registered Nurses as Authorized by O.C.G.A. Section 43-34-26.1

(1) The general purpose of these rules is to assist in protecting and safeguarding the public by regulating the practice of advanced practice registered nurses who use protocols as authorized by O.C.G.A. § 43-34-23 .

(2)

An advanced practice registered professional nurse who uses a protocol as authorized by O.C.G.A. §

43-34-23

shall:

(a) Hold a current license to practice as a registered nurse in Georgia;

(b) Hold a current authorization as an advanced practice registered nurse in Georgia;

(c) Adhere to a written nurse protocol which is a written document mutually agreed upon and signed by the nurse and licensed physician which specifies delegated medical acts delegated by the physician to the nurse and provides for immediate consultation with the delegating physician or a physician designated in the absence of the delegating physician; and

(d) Document preparation and performance specific to each medical act authorized by a written nurse protocol, including the ordering and administering of controlled substances, ordering and dispensing of dangerous drugs, and ordering medical treatments and diagnostic studies in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 43-34-23 .

(3)

The nurse protocol agreement used by an advanced practice registered nurse under the provisions of O.C.G.A. §

43-34-23

shall comply with the following criteria:

(a) Shall be in writing and signed by the advanced practice nurse and the delegating physician;

(b) Shall be dated, available upon request and specify parameters under which medical acts delegated by the physician may be performed;

(d) Shall be reviewed, revised or updated annually;

(e) Shall include a provision for immediate consultation with the delegating physician or a physician designated in the absence of the delegating physician;

(f) Shall contain written provisions regarding the procedure for dispensing dangerous drugs which comply with O.C.G.A. §§ 43-34-23(a)(3) , (3.1), (4), and (5), if the dispensing of dangerous drugs is included as a delegated medical act in the nurse protocol agreement; and

(g) Shall contain written provisions regarding the procedure for ordering controlled substances which comply with paragraph (b)(1) of O.C.G.A. § 43-34-23 , if the ordering of controlled substances is included as a delegated medical act in the nurse protocol agreement.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3, and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Regulation of Protocol Use by Advanced Practice Registered Nurses as Authorized by O.C.G.A. § 43-34-26.1" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-11-.14 Regulation of Protocol Use By Advanced Practice Registered Nurses as Authorized by O.C.G.A. Section 43-34-26.3

(1)

An advanced practice registered nurse ("APRN") who uses a protocol authorized by O.C.G.A. §

43-34-25

shall:

(a) Hold a current license to practice as a registered professional nurse in Georgia;

(b) Hold a current authorization to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse in Georgia;

(c) Adhere to a written nurse protocol agreement that is dated and signed by the APRN, the delegating physician, and any other designated physician(s); the APRN's area of practice shall be in the same or comparable specialty as that of the delegating physician; the protocol shall specify the medical acts delegated to the APRN as provided by O.C.G.A. § 43-34-25 and shall provide for immediate consultation with the delegating physician or a designated physician if the delegating physician is not available; and

(d) Document preparation and performance specific to each medical act authorized by the written nurse protocol agreement including ordering drugs, medical treatments or diagnostic studies, medical devices, or, in life threatening situations, radiographic imaging tests.

(2)

An APRN may practice under a nurse protocol agreement authorized by O.C.G.A. §

43-34-25

if the nurse protocol agreement adheres to the following criteria:

(a) Shall bear a current review date; be available upon request; and specify parameters under which delegated medical acts may be performed to include kinds of diagnostic studies which may be ordered, the extent to which radio logic image tests may be ordered, provisions for the reading and interpretation of such tests by a physician who is trained in the reading and interpretation of the tests, circumstances under which prescription drugs orders may be executed, number of refills which may be ordered, include a frequency of follow up review of the patient by the physician, including patients who are on controlled substances;

(b) Shall include a schedule for periodic review of patient records by the delegating physician, which records review may be achieved with a sampling of such records as determined by the delegating physician;

(d) Shall include a provision for immediate consultation with the delegating physician or a physician designated in the absence of the delegating physician; and

(e)

Shall comply with the provisions of O.C.G.A. §

43-34-25

regarding prescription drug orders placed by an APRN for a drug or medical device including, but not limited to, the following:

1. No prescription drug orders submitted by an APRN for Schedule I or II controlled substances;

2. No refills of any drug for more than 12 months from the date of the original Order, except in the case of oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, or prenatal vitamins, which may be refilled for a period of 24 months;

3. No drug order or medical device that may result in the performance or occurrence of an abortion, including the administration, prescription or issuance of a drug order that is intended to cause an abortion to occur pharmacologically;

4. Written prescription drug orders shall be signed by the APRN, be written on forms that comply with the nurse protocol agreement, and such forms shall contain the information required by paragraph (d) of O.C.G.A. § 43-34-25 ;

5. A written provision in the nurse protocol agreement authorizing the APRN to request, receive, and sign for professional samples, and to distribute them to patients in accordance with a list of professional samples approved by the delegating physician that is maintained by the office or facility where the APRN works and that requires the documentation of each sample received and dispensed; and

6. Compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the ordering, maintenance, and dispensing of drugs.

(3)

Only four (4) advanced practice registered nurses may enter into a nurse protocol agreement with a delegating physician at any one time under O.C.G.A §

43-34-25

, except this limitation shall not apply to an APRN that is practicing in the following settings:

(a) In a hospital licensed under Title 31;

(b) In any college or university as defined in Code Section 20-8-1 ;

(d) In any county board of health;

(e) In any free health clinic;

(f) In a birthing center;

(g)

In any entity:

1. Which is exempt from federal taxes pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as defined in Code Section 48-1-2 , and primarily serves uninsured or indigent Medicaid and Medicare patients; or

2. Which has been established under the authority of or is receiving funds pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Section 254 b or 254c of the United States Public Health Service Act;

(h) In any local board of education which has a school nurse program; or

(i) In a health maintenance organization that has an exclusive contract with a medical group practice and arranges for the provision of substantially all physician services to enrollees in health benefits of the health maintenance organization.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-3, and 43-26-5
History. Original Rule entitled "Regulation of Protocol Use By Advanced Practice Registered Nurses as Authorized by O.C.G.A. § 43-34-26.3 " adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Chapter 410-12 Mandatory Reporting

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.01 Mandatory Reporting

(1)

A nurse shall report names of subject individuals to the Georgia Board of Nursing if the nurse has reasonable cause to believe that any other nurse has violated any of the grounds for discipline provided in paragraph (4) of this rule.

(a) A nurse is not required to duplicate a report if he or she has reasonable cause to believe that such report has been made to the Board.

(b) A licensed health care professional is not required to report a nurse to the Board under O.C.G.A. § 43-26-51 or this rule as a result of professional knowledge obtained in the course of the health care professional-patient relationship when the nurse is the patient.

(2) Hospitals, nursing homes, temporary staffing agencies, and other employers of registered professional nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, or licensed practical nurses shall report to the to the Georgia Board of Nursing, or ensure that such report has in fact been made to the Board, the name of any nurse whose employment has been terminated or who has resigned in order to avoid termination for any reasons provided in paragraph (4) of this rule.

(3) A state agency that licenses, registers, or certifies hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, or other types of health care facilities, or surveys one of these facilities or agencies, shall report to the Georgia Board of Nursing, or ensure that such report has in fact been made to the Board, when such state agency has evidence that a nurse has violated the provisions of paragraph (4) of this rule.

(4)

A nurse must be reported to the Board for the following conduct:

(a) Practicing nursing as a registered professional nurse, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse, without a valid, current license, except as otherwise permitted under Code Section 43-26-12 or 43-26-41 , as applicable;

(b) Practicing nursing as a registered professional nurse, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse under cover of any diploma, license, or record illegally or fraudulently obtained, signed, or issued;

(c) Practicing nursing as a registered professional nurse, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse during the time the applicable license is suspended, revoked, surrendered, or administratively revoked for failure to renew;

(d) Using any words, abbreviations, figures, letters, title, sign, card, or device implying that such person is a registered professional nurse, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse unless such person is duly licensed or recognized by the applicable board to practice as such under the provisions of this chapter;

(e) Fraudulently furnishing a license to practice nursing as a registered professional nurse, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse;

(f) Knowingly aiding or abetting any person in violating this chapter;

(g) While holding a license as a nurse, convicted of any felony, crime involving moral turpitude, or crime violating a federal or state law relating to controlled substances or dangerous drugs in the courts of this state, any other state, territory, or country, or in the courts of the United States, including, but not limited to, a plea of nolo contendere entered to the charge; or

(h) While holding a license as a nurse, currently or previously displaying an inability to practice nursing as a registered professional nurse, an advanced practice registered nurse, a licensed undergraduate nurse, or a licensed practical nurse with reasonable skill and safety due to use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, or chemicals.

(i) An error that contributed to a patient's death or serious harm.

(j) A violation of the Board's Unprofessional Conduct Rule 410-10-.03

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-50, 43-26-51, 43-26-52 and 43-26-53
History. Original Rule entitled "Rules for Nurse Practitioners" adopted. F. May 23, 1980; eff. June 12, 1980.
Amended: F. Dec. 9, 1980; eff. Dec. 29, 1980.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 1, 1986; eff. Apr. 21, 1986.
Amended: Authority changed. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 31, 1992; eff. Apr. 20, 1992.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Purpose and Authority for Advanced Nursing Practice" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 29, 1995; eff. Apr. 18, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Purpose, Definitions, Title and Authority for Advanced Nursing Practice" adopted. F. Sept. 30, 1997; eff. Oct. 20, 1997.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Mandatory Reporting" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.02 Reporting of Minor Incidents

(1) The Georgia Board of Nursing believes that the protection of the public is not enhanced by the reporting of every minor incident that may be a violation of the Georgia Nurse Practice Act or a Board rule. This is particularly true when there are mechanisms in place in the nurse's practice setting to identify nursing errors, detect patterns of practice, and take corrective action to remediate deficits in a nurse's judgment, knowledge, training, or skill. This rule is intended to provide guidance to nurses, nursing peer review committees and others in determining whether a nurse has engaged in conduct that indicates the nurse's continued practice would pose a risk of harm to patients or others and should be reported to the board.

(2) A minor incident is defined by the Board as conduct by a nurse that may be a violation of the Nurse Practice Act or a Board rule but does not indicate the nurse's continued practice poses a risk of harm to a patient or another person.

(3)

When evaluating if conduct must be reported to the Board the following factors should be considered:

(a)

A nurse involved in a minor incident need not be reported to the Board unless the conduct indicates the nurse:

1. Ignored a substantial risk that exposed a patient or other person to significant physical, emotional or financial harm or the potential for such harm;

2. Lacked a conscientious approach to or accountability for his/her practice;

3. Lacked the knowledge and competencies to make appropriate clinical judgments and such knowledge and competencies cannot be easily remediated; or

4. Has engaged in a pattern of multiple minor incidents that demonstrate the nurse's continued practice would pose a risk of harm to patients or others.

(4)

Other factors that may be considered in determining whether a minor incident should be reported to the Board are:

(a) The significance of the nurse's conduct in the particular practice setting; and

(b) The presence of contributing or mitigating circumstances, including systems issues or factors beyond the nurse's control, in relation to the nurse's conduct.

(5) When evaluating whether multiple incidents constitute grounds for reporting it is the responsibility of the nurse manager, supervisor or peer review committee to determine if the minor incidents indicate a pattern of practice that demonstrates the nurse's continued practice poses a risk and should be reported.

(6) Regardless of the time frame or number of minor incidents, if a nurse manager or supervisor believes the minor incidents indicate a pattern of practice that poses a risk of harm that cannot be remediated, the nurse should be reported to the Board.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-50, 43-26-51, 43-26-52 and 43-26-53
History. Original Rule entitled "Rules for Registered Nurse Anesthetists" adopted. F. May 27, 1981; eff. June 16, 1981.
Amended: F. Jan. 31, 1984; eff. Feb. 20, 1984.
Amended: F. Dec. 20, 1984; eff. Jan. 9, 1985.
Amended: Authority changed. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Definitions" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 29, 1995; eff. Apr. 18, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Rules for Certified Nurses-Midwives" adopted. F. Sept. 30, 1997; eff. Oct. 20, 1997.
Amended: F. Jan. 27, 1998; eff. Feb. 16, 1998.
Amended: F. Jan. 27, 1999; eff. Feb. 16, 1999.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Reporting of Minor Incidents" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.03 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-50, 43-26-51, 43-26-52 and 43-26-53
History. Original Rule entitled "Rules for Certified Nurse-Midwives" adopted. F. Aug. 6, 1984; eff. Aug. 26, 1984.
Amended: Authority changed. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 31, 1992; eff. Apr. 20, 1992.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Scope and Standards of Practice" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 29, 1995; eff. Apr. 18, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Rules fo r Nurse Practitioners" adopted. F. Sept. 30, 1997; eff. Oct. 20, 1997.
Amended: F. Jan. 27, 1999; eff. Feb. 16, 1999.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Sept. 25, 2008; eff. Oct. 15, 2008.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.04 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-50, 43-26-51, 43-26-52 and 43-26-53
History. Original Rule entitled "Rules for Clinical Nurse Specialists, Psychiatric/Mental, Health" was filed on August 5, 1987; effective August 25, 1987.
Repealed: Authority, repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990, eff. May 28, 1990.
Amended: F. Jan. 30, 1992; eff. Feb. 19, 1992.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Requirements to Practice as a Certified Nurse-Midwife, Certified Nurse Practitioner or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Mar. 29, 1996; eff. Apr. 18, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule, entitled,"Rules for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists" adopted. f. Sept. 30, 1997; eff. Oct. 20, 1997.
Amended: F. Jan. 27, 1998; eff. Feb. 16, 1998.
Amended: F. Jan. 27, 1999; eff. Feb. 16, 1999.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.05 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-50, 43-26-51, 43-26-52 and 43-26-53
History. Original Rule entitled "Requirements to Practice as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric/Mental Health" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Mar. 29, 1995; eff. Apr. 18, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Rules for Clinical Nurse Specialists, Psychiatric/Mental Health" adopted. F. Sept. 30, 1997; eff. Oct. 20, 1997.
Amended: F. Jan. 27, 1999; eff. Feb. 16, 1999.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.06 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-50, 43-26-51, 43-26-52 and 43-26-53
History. Original Rule entitled "Board Authorization" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 29, 1995; eff. Apr. 18, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Provisional Authority to Practice" adopted. F. Sept. 30, 1997; eff. Oct. 20, 1997.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 1, 1998; eff. Dec. 21, 1998.
Repealed: F. July 15, 2008; eff. August 4, 2008. Rule entitled "Rule for Clinical Nurse Specialist" adopted. F. Nov. 29, 2011; eff. December 19, 2011.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.07 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-50, 43-26-51, 43-26-52 and 43-26-53
History. Original Rule entitled "Provisional Authority to Practice" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Mar. 29, 1995; eff. Apr. 18, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Failure of the Examination" adopted F. Sept. 30, 1997; eff. Oct. 20, 1997.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.08 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-50, 43-26-51, 43-26-52 and 43-26-53
History. Original Rule entitled "Failure of the examination" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Mar 29, 1995; eff. April 18, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Temporary Authority to Practice" adopted. F. Sept 30, 1997; eff October 20, 1997.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.09 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-50, 43-26-51, 43-26-52 and 43-26-53
History. Original Rule entitled Renewal" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Mar. 29, 1995; eff. Apr. 18, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Renewal of Advanced Nursing Practice Authorization" adopted. F. May 16, 1996; eff. June 5, 1996.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Unauthorized Practice" adopted.F. Sept. 30, 1997; eff. Oct. 20, 1997.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.10 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-50, 43-26-51, 43-26-52 and 43-26-53
History. Original Rule entitled "Exceptions to the Practice Requirements" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule. same title, adopted. F. Mar. 29, 1995; eff. Apr. 18, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Revocation or Suspension" adoptd. F. Sept. 30, 1997; eff. Oct. 20, 1997.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.11 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-50, 43-26-51, 43-26-52 and 43-26-53
History. Original Rule entitled "Unauthorized Practice" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Mar. 29, 1995; eff. Apr. 18, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Reinstatement of Authorization" adopted. F. Sept. 30, 1997; eff, Oct. 20, 1997.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.12 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-26-2, 43-26-5, 43-26-50, 43-26-51, 43-26-52 and 43-26-53
History. Original Rule entitled "Revocation or Suspension" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 29, 1995; eff. Apr. 18, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Recognition of National Certifying Organizations for Advanced Nursing Practice" adopted. F. Sept. 30, 1997; eff. Oct. 20, 1997.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. July 15, 2008; eff. August 4, 2008.
Repealed: New of the same title adopted. F. Jul. 27, 2011; eff. Aug. 16, 2011.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-12-.13 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-1-4, 43-26-5(a)(2)(11)(21)
History. Original Rule entitled "Recognition of National Certifying Agents for Advanced Nursing Practice" adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1994; eff. Dec. 12, 1994.
Repealed: New Rule, same title, adopted. F. Mar. 29, 1995; eff. Apr. 18, 1995.
Repealed: F. Sept. 30, 1997; eff. Oct. 20, 1997.

Chapter 410-13 Continuing Competency

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-13-.01 Continuing Competency Requirements for Registered Nurses

(1)

Applicants for licensure renewal must satisfy one of the following continuing competency requirements during the biennial renewal period:

(a) Completion of thirty (30) continuing education hours by a Board approved provider;

(b) Maintenance of certification or recertification by a national certifying body recognized by the Board;

(d) Verification of competency by a health care facility or entity licensed under O.C.G.A. §31-7 or by a physician's office that is part of a health system and at least 500 hours practiced as evidenced by employer certification on a form approved by the board; or

(e) Other activities as prescribed and approved by the board that show competency in the nursing field.

(2) Failure to meet the minimum continuing competency requirement for renewal of a license shall be grounds for denial of a renewal application.

(3) The Board may waive or modify the requirements contained in this subsection in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board, in its discretion, deems appropriate.

(4) An applicant who is renewing a license for the first time shall not be required to meet the requirements of this subsection until the time of the second renewal if the applicant's initial license period is six months or less.

(5)

Licensees must maintain documentation of completion of the continuing competency activities as required in

410-13-.01(1)

for no less than four (4) years from the date of licensure renewal. Licensees shall be required to produce documentation of the completion of the continuing competency activities for renewal of the license if audited during the renewal process and during any investigation. Failure to provide documentation shall be grounds for the denial of the renewal application or revocation or immediate suspension of the licensure. In order to assist licensees in the maintenance of these records, the Georgia Board of Nursing has adopted CE Broker, Incorporated to serve as the online reporting and recording system for licensees.

(a) Licensees and applicants shall incur no costs from CE Broker, Incorporated for use of basic reporting and recording services.

(b) Every licensee or applicant subject to the rules of the Georgia Board of Nursing shall be deemed to have given consent to the Board and its representatives to access their continuing competency records retained within the online database for the purposes of auditing and verifying completion of the Board's continuing competency requirements. Such licensee or applicant waives any objections to the admissibility of the record and/or any continuing competency documentation introduced in any proceeding or hearing before the Board.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-26-5(a)(2),(3),(10), 43-26-9
History. Original Rule entitled "Procedural Rules" adopted. F. Feb. 6, 1987; eff. Feb. 26, 1987.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Regulation of Protocol Use By Registered Nurses" adopted. F. Oct. 3, 1989; eff. Oct. 23, 1989.
Amended: F. Dec. 13, 1989; eff. Jan. 2, 1990.
Amended: Authority changed. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Regulation of Protocol Use By Advanced Practice Registered Nurses as Authorized by O.C.G.A. Section 43-34-26.1" adopted. F. Jan. 23, 2008; eff. Feb. 12, 2008.
Repealed: New Rule with same title adopted. F. Jan. 23, 2013; eff. Feb. 12, 2013.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Adopted: New Rule entitled "Continuing Competency Requirements for Registered Nurses." F. Mar. 6, 2018; eff. Mar. 26, 2018.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-13-.02 Continuing Competency Requirements for Licensed Practical Nurses

(1)

Applicants for licensure renewal must satisfy one of the following continuing competency requirements during the biennial renewal period:

(a) Completion of twenty (20) continuing education hours by a Board approved provider; or,

(b) Completion of an accredited academic program of study in registered professional nursing, as recognized by the board.

(2) Failure to meet the minimum continuing competency requirement for renewal of a license shall be grounds for denial of a renewal application.

(5)

Licensees must maintain documentation of completion of the continuing competency activities as required in

410-13-.02(1)

(a) Licensees and applicants shall incur no costs from CE Broker, Incorporated for use of basic reporting and recording services.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-26-5(a)(2),(3),(10), 43-26-9
History. Original Rule entitled "Regulation of Protocol Use By Advanced Practice Registered Nurses as Authorized by O.C.G.A. Section 43-34-26.3 " adopted. F. Jan. 23, 2008; eff. Feb. 12, 2008.
Repealed: New rule with same title adopted. F. Jan. 23, 2013; eff. Feb. 12, 2013.
Repealed: F. Aug. 24, 2015; eff. Sept. 13, 2015.
Adopted: New Rule entitled "Continuing Competency Requirements for Licensed Practical Nurses." F. Mar. 6, 2018; eff. Mar. 26, 2018.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-13-.03 Recognition of National Certifying Bodies

(1) The Board shall create and maintain a list of national certifying bodies to satisfy the continuing competency requirements provided in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-9 (b.1)(2):

(2) Work related certification (i.e. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Trauma Nursing Core Course, Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization) may not be used to satisfy the licensure renewal requirements provided in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-9 (b.1)(2).

(3)

A national certifying body may seek recognition by the Board by submitting the following:

(a) Evidence that the certification process includes an initial written or online examination;

(b) Evidence that the certification includes continuing competency requirements or reexamination as a condition of recertification or certification renewal;

(4) The Board may discontinue recognition of a certifying organization.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-26-5(a)(2),(3),(10), 43-26-9
History. Original Rule entitled "Recognition of National Certifying Bodies" adopted. F. Mar. 6, 2018; eff. Mar. 26, 2018.

Chapter 410-14 Procedural Rules

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-14-.01 Procedural Rules

The Georgia Board of Nursing hereby adopts by reference as its permanent rules Chapter 295-3 through 295-13, and any future amendments thereto, Rules and Regulations of the Office of Joint Secretary, State Examining Boards, relating to Procedure for Hearings before the several State Examining Boards.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-26-5(a)(c)
History. Original Rule entitled "Procedural Rules" was adopted as 410-13-.01 and renumbered 410-14-.01. F. Oct. 3, 1989; eff. Oct. 23, 1989.
Repealed: Authority repealed, new authority adopted. F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.

Chapter 410-15 Repealed

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 410-15-.01 Repealed

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-26-61, 43-26-62, 43-26-65
History. Original Rule entitled "Definitions" adopted. F. Mar. 21, 2018; eff. Apr. 10, 2018.
Repealed: F. June 11, 2020; eff. July 1, 2020.