The Board proposes these changes to delete the health certification, require the submission of a high school diploma, to adopt and incorporate by reference licensure forms and add the Board’s website where the forms may be obtained.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Board of Nursing

Rule No.: RULE TITLE
64B9-3.002: Qualifications for Examination
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Board proposes these changes to delete the health certification, require the submission of a high school diploma, to adopt and incorporate by reference licensure forms and add the Board’s website where the forms may be obtained.
SUMMARY: The purpose of this amendment is to delete the health care certification, require the submission of a high school diploma, to adopt and incorporate by reference licensure forms and add the Board’s website where the forms may be obtained.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 464.006 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 456.013, 464.008 FS.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN FAW.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Joe R. Baker, Jr., Executive Director, Board of Nursing, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C02, Tallahassee, Florida 32399

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

64B9-3.002 Qualifications for Examination.

(1) An applicant seeking certification to take the licensure examination shall submit a completed Application for Nursing Licensure by Examination, form number DH-MQA 1094, 08/10, Application for Nursing Licensure by Re-Examination, form number DH-MQA 1120 10/08, or Application for Nursing Licensure by Endorsement, form number DH-MQA 1095, 08/10, hereby incorporated by reference demonstrating, on forms provided by the Department, evidence that he or she meets the qualifications prescribed by the Nurse Practice Act, Chapter 464, F.S. These forms are available from the Board office or on the Board’s website: www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing. The demonstration shall include Such evidence shall consist of:

(a) Certification by a physician licensed pursuant to Chapter 458 or 459, F.S., physician’s assistant licensed pursuant to Chapter 458 or 459, F.S., or A.R.N.P. certified pursuant to Chapter 464, F.S., that the applicant is in good mental and physical health.

(a)(b) A high school diploma, or a high school diploma equivalent.

(b)(c) For graduates of an approved nursing program, a notice of graduation or of completion of the requirements for graduation. For graduates of an approved program equivalent, an official transcript or equivalent documentation which identifies all courses completed with a minimum acceptable passing score established by the institution or program at which each course was completed that meet graduation requirements. For graduates of programs in If the applicant is seeking to qualify to write the examination on the basis of education received in a country other than the United States, the applicant must obtain a report by a credentialing agency that meets the requirements of Rule 64B9-3.014, F.A.C.

(c)(d) For an applicant writing the examination for practical nurses on the basis of practical nursing education equivalency, a completed Practical Nurse Equivalence (PNEQ) Application Letter, form number DH-MQA 1233, 03/10, hereby incorporated by reference documentation from the professional nursing school which states the number of completed clock hours or theoretical and clinical instruction comparable to practical nursing program requirements as set forth in Rule Chapter 64B9-2, F.A.C., or an official certified transcript which sets forth graduation from an approved professional program. The form is available from the Board office or on the Board’s website: www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing.

(d)(e) Successful completion of any one of the approved English competency examinations with:

1. through 8. No change;

9. A valid U.S. High School Diploma;

10.9. Completion of a college level course for academic credit in a U.S. institution; or

(2) through (5) No change.

Rulemaking Specific Authority 464.006 FS. Law Implemented 456.013, 464.008 FS. History–New 4-27-80, Amended 3-16-81, 8-2-81, 7-11-83, Formerly 21O-8.21, Amended 3-3-87, 12-8-87, 6-8-88, Formerly 21O-8.021, Amended 1-30-94, Formerly 61F7-3.002, Amended 9-25-96, Formerly 59S-3.002, Amended 7-27-98, 4-19-00, 5-8-01, 9-23-03, 1-29-07, 11-22-07,________.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Nursing
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Nursing
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: August 6, 2010
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: July 23, 2010