La. Admin. Code tit. 46 § XLVII-4511

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 6, June 20, 2024

Section XLVII-4511 - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Professional Certification Programs

A. A national certifying body which meets the following criteria shall be recognized by the board as mandated by R.S. 37:913:

1. credentials nationally;

2. does not require an applicant to be a member of any organization or entity;

3. documents the criteria for applicant eligibility to take an examination for certification and recertification;

4. requires a graduate degree as the minimal educational level for certification or otherwise approved by the board;

5. utilizes an application process and credential review which includes documentation that the applicant's didactic education has concentrated in the advanced nursing practice role and population focus being certified, and that the applicant's clinical practice is in the advanced nursing role and population focus of certification;

6. uses an examination as a basis for certification in the advanced nursing practice category which meets the following criteria:

a. the examination is based upon job analysis studies conducted using standard methodologies acceptable to the testing community;

b. the examination represents entry-level practice based on standards in the advanced nursing practice category;

c. the examination represents the knowledge, skills (critical thinking and technical), and role functions essential for the delivery of safe and effective advanced nursing care to the client;

d. the examination content and its distribution are specified in a test plan, based on the job analysis study, that is available to examinees;

e. examination items are reviewed for content validity, cultural sensitivity, and correct scoring using an established mechanism, both before use and periodically;

f. examinations are evaluated for psychometric performance;

g. the passing standard is established using acceptable psychometric methods, and is re-evaluated periodically; and

h. examination security is maintained through established procedures;

7. issues certification based upon passing the examination and meeting all other certification requirements;

8. provides for periodic re-certification which includes review of qualifications and indicators of continued competence, including but not limited to continuing education or examination; and

9. has mechanisms in place for communication to boards of nursing for timely verification of an individual's certification status, changes in certification status, and changes in the certification program, including qualifications, test plan, and scope of practice.

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, § XLVII-4511

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Nursing, LR 22:283 (April 1996), amended LR 31:2023 (August 2005), LR 40:63 (January 2014).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:918.