West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 19 - Registered Nurses, WV Board of
Overview of Agency 19 – WV Board of Registered Nurses
Agency 19 establishes the rules and authority of the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses (WV RN Board). The Board regulates the licensing, practice, education, and discipline of registered nurses (RNs) in the state. Its goal is to ensure that nursing practice is safe, competent, and ethical to protect public health.
The Agency covers:
Organization and Duties of the Board
Licensing and Registration of Nurses
Nursing Education Programs
Standards of Practice and Professional Conduct
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Disciplinary Procedures and Enforcement
Administrative Operations
1. Organization and Duties of the Board
Composition: The Board is made up of licensed nurses and public representatives.
Responsibilities:
Oversee licensing and renewal of RNs.
Approve nursing schools and educational programs.
Set standards of nursing practice.
Investigate complaints and take disciplinary action when needed.
Authority: The Board can adopt rules, hold hearings, and issue decisions related to nursing practice.
2. Licensing and Registration of Nurses
Eligibility: Applicants must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the required examination.
Licensure by Examination: New graduates apply, take the nursing exam, and, upon passing, receive their license.
Licensure by Endorsement: Nurses licensed in another state can apply for a WV license if they meet standards.
Temporary Permits: Some applicants may receive temporary permits while their full license is being processed.
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed periodically, with fees and proof of continuing education.
3. Nursing Education Programs
Approval of Schools: The Board reviews and accredits RN programs in West Virginia.
Curriculum Requirements: Programs must cover clinical practice, theory, and ethical training.
Faculty Standards: Teachers must meet minimum qualifications set by the Board.
Inspections and Reports: Nursing schools are periodically evaluated for compliance with standards.
4. Standards of Practice and Professional Conduct
The Board defines what constitutes safe and ethical nursing:
Patient Care: Nurses must provide competent, compassionate care that meets accepted standards.
Confidentiality: Nurses must protect patient information and privacy.
Accountability: Nurses are responsible for their actions and decisions in practice.
Professionalism: Nurses must maintain integrity, avoid fraud or misrepresentation, and work within their scope of practice.
5. Continuing Education and License Renewal
Ongoing Learning: RNs must complete a required number of continuing education hours (CEs) during each renewal cycle.
Acceptable Courses: CE must come from approved providers and cover topics like patient care, ethics, or clinical updates.
Documentation: Nurses must keep records of CE activities in case of audit.
6. Disciplinary Procedures and Enforcement
The Board investigates misconduct and enforces standards:
Grounds for Discipline: Includes negligence, incompetence, substance abuse, fraud, or violating professional standards.
Complaint Process: Patients, employers, or colleagues can file complaints against a nurse.
Investigation: The Board reviews complaints, collects evidence, and may hold hearings.
Sanctions: Can include fines, probation, suspension, or revocation of a license.
Reinstatement: Nurses may reapply after disciplinary action if conditions are met.
7. Administrative Operations
Meetings: The Board holds regular meetings to review cases, approve licenses, and set policies.
Recordkeeping: Maintains a registry of licensed nurses and disciplinary actions.
Rulemaking: Can create new rules to address emerging healthcare issues.
Public Access: Provides information to the public on licensed nurses, disciplinary history, and nursing schools.
Key Objectives of Agency 19
Protect patients and the public by regulating nursing practice.
Ensure all registered nurses in WV are properly trained, licensed, and competent.
Maintain high standards of professionalism and ethics in nursing.
Provide clear procedures for education, licensing, renewal, and discipline.
Support ongoing education and advancement of nursing practice in West Virginia.
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