Chapter 275 Oregon Laws 2001

AN ACT

HB 2263

Relating to authority of Oregon State Board of Nursing; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 678.050, 678.111, 678.150 and 678.410.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. ORS 678.050 is amended to read:

678.050. (1) Examinations for the licensing of applicants under ORS 678.010 to 678.445 shall be held at least once a year, and at such times and places as the Oregon State Board of Nursing may determine. Notice of the examination dates shall be given by mail to all accredited nursing education programs in Oregon. The board shall issue a wallet sized license as evidence of current licensure. The applicant shall be required to pass an examination in such subjects relating to nursing at the practical or registered level as the board may determine necessary to protect the public health and welfare.

(2) All duly qualified applicants who pass the examination shall be issued the license provided for in ORS 678.010 to 678.445 according to the nature of the license for which application is made and examination taken and passed.

(3)(a) The board may issue a license by indorsement to an applicant qualified as provided in ORS 678.040 who has passed the examination used by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. The board may also require evidence of competency to practice nursing at the level for which application is made.

(b) For the purposes of the licensing procedure, the board shall not accept monetary assistance from anyone except the nurse applying for licensure by indorsement.

(c) The board shall process in order applications for licensure by indorsement of qualified applicants and immediately issue licenses or license memoranda when the applications are received and review of supportive documentation is completed. However, this paragraph does not prohibit the board from immediately issuing a license out of order to applicants appearing in person.

(d) The provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection do not prohibit the board from processing requests to employ nurses to meet temporary staffing shortages, as described in ORS 678.031 or 678.034, in facilities in this state not involved in labor disputes.

(4) Subject to such terms and conditions as the board may impose, the board may issue a limited license to practice registered or practical nursing:

(a) To a graduate of an accredited nursing education program at the appropriate level upon the applicant’s filing for the first examination to be given following the applicant’s graduation. The license issued under this paragraph expires when the results of the examinations are received by the applicant. The board may extend the limited license if the applicant shows to the satisfaction of the board that an emergency situation has prevented the applicant from taking or completing the first examination administered following graduation. The extension expires when the results of the next examination are received by the applicant or on the filing date of the next examination if the applicant has not reapplied.

(b) To an applicant whose license has become void by reason of nonpayment of fees at either level and who otherwise meets the requirements of the board. The board may, in issuing a limited license, require the applicant to demonstrate ability to give safe nursing care by undergoing a supervised experience in nursing practice as shall be designated by the board, or by satisfactorily completing a continuing education program as approved by the board. The license issued under this paragraph expires on the date set in the license by the board. Upon satisfactorily completing the board’s requirements, and payment of the renewal fee and delinquency fee, the board shall issue to the applicant a license to practice nursing.

(c) To an applicant who has not practiced nursing in any state for a period of five years, but has maintained a current license by the payment of fees. Such applicant shall not practice nursing in Oregon unless an application is made to the board for a limited license and it is issued to the applicant. The board, in issuing such limited license, may require the applicant to demonstrate ability to give safe nursing care by undergoing a supervised experience in nursing practice as shall be designated by the board, or by satisfactorily completing a continuing education program approved or designated by the board. No person shall be issued a license if, in the judgment of the board, the person’s conduct has been such, during absence from practice, that the applicant would be denied a license if applying for an initial license to practice nursing in this state.

(d) To a licensee who has been placed on probation or has been otherwise subjected to disciplinary action by the board.

(e) To any of the following persons if the person is affiliated with a planned program of study in Oregon consistent with the standards and requirements established by the board:

(A) A foreign nurse;

(B) A foreign student nurse; or

(5) The board may adopt by rule requirements and procedures for placing a license or certificate in inactive status.

(6)(a) Retired status may be granted to a person licensed or certified as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist or clinical nurse specialist and who surrenders the person’s license or certificate while in good standing with the issuing authority if the person is not subject to any pending disciplinary investigation or action. The board may adopt by rule requirements, procedures and fees for placing a license or certificate in retired status.

(b) A person granted retired status by the Oregon State Board of Nursing under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection:

(A) Shall pay a fee in an amount to be determined by the board for retired status.

(B) May not practice nursing or offer to practice nursing in this state.

(C) May use the title or abbreviation with the retired license or certificate only if the designation “retired” appears after the title or abbreviation.

SECTION 2. ORS 678.111 is amended to read:

678.111. In the manner prescribed in ORS 183.310 to 183.550 for a contested case:

(1) Issuance of the license to practice nursing, whether by examination or by indorsement, of any person may be refused or the license may be revoked or suspended or the licensee may be placed on probation for a period specified by the Oregon State Board of Nursing and subject to such condition as the board may impose or may be issued a limited license or may be reprimanded or censured by the board, for any of the following causes:

(a) Conviction of the licensee of crime where such crime bears demonstrable relationship to the practice of nursing. A copy of the record of such conviction, certified to by the clerk of the court entering the conviction, shall be conclusive evidence of the conviction.

(b) Gross incompetence or gross negligence of the licensee in the practice of nursing at the level for which the licensee is licensed.

(d) Fraud or deceit of the licensee in the practice of nursing or in admission to such practice.

(e) Use of any controlled substance or intoxicating liquor to an extent or in a manner dangerous or injurious to the licensee or others or to an extent that such use impairs the ability to conduct safely the practice for which the licensee is licensed.

(f) Conduct derogatory to the standards of nursing.

(g) Violation of any provision of ORS 678.010 to 678.445 or rules adopted thereunder.

(h) Revocation or suspension of a license to practice nursing by any state or territory of the United States, or any foreign jurisdiction authorized to issue nursing credentials whether or not that license or credential was relied upon in issuing that license in this state. A certified copy of the order of revocation or suspension shall be conclusive evidence of such revocation or suspension.

(i) Physical or mental condition that makes the licensee unable to conduct safely the practice for which the licensee is licensed.

(j) Violation of any condition imposed by the board when issuing a limited license.

(2) A certificate of special competence may be denied or suspended or revoked for the reasons stated in subsection (1) of this section.

(3) A license or certificate in inactive status may be denied or suspended or revoked for the reasons stated in subsection (1) of this section.

(4) A license or certificate in retired status may be denied or suspended or revoked for any cause stated in subsection (1) of this section.

SECTION 3. ORS 678.150 is amended to read:

678.150. (1) The Oregon State Board of Nursing shall elect annually from its number a president and secretary, each of whom shall serve until a successor is elected and qualified. The board shall meet on the call of the president or as the board may require. Special meetings of the board may be called by the secretary upon the request of any three members. Five members shall constitute a quorum.

(2) Members of the board are entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495.

(3) The board shall adopt a seal which shall be in the care of the executive director.

(4) The board shall keep a record of all its proceedings and of all persons licensed and schools or programs accredited or approved under ORS 678.010 to 678.445. The records shall at all reasonable times be open to public scrutiny.

(5) Subject to the State Personnel Relations Law, the board shall hire, define the duties and fix the salary of an executive director who shall hire and define the duties of such other employees as are necessary to carry into effect the provisions of ORS 678.010 to 678.445. The executive director, with approval of the board, may also employ special consultants. All salaries, compensation and expenses incurred or allowed shall be paid out of funds received by the board.

(6) The board shall determine the qualifications of applicants for a license to practice nursing in this state and establish educational and professional standards for such applicants subject to laws of this state.

(7) The board shall:

(a) Exercise general supervision over the practice of nursing in this state.

(b) Prescribe standards and approve curricula for nursing education programs preparing persons for licensing under ORS 678.010 to 678.445.

(d) Accredit such nursing education programs as meet the requirements of ORS 678.010 to 678.445 and of the board.

(e) Deny or withdraw accreditation from nursing education programs for failure to meet prescribed standards.

(f) Examine, license and renew the licenses of duly qualified applicants and administer examinations for other states where requested to do so by the other state.

(g) Issue subpoenas for any records relevant to a board investigation, including patient and other medical records, personnel records applicable to nurses and nursing assistants, records of schools of nursing and nursing assistant training records and any other relevant records; issue subpoenas to persons for personal interviews relating to board investigations; compel the attendance of witnesses; and administer oaths or affirmations to persons giving testimony during an investigation or at hearings. In any proceeding under this subsection, when a subpoena is issued to an applicant, certificate holder or licensee of the board, a claim of nurse-patient privilege under ORS 40.240 or of psychotherapist-patient privilege under ORS 40.230 is not grounds for quashing the subpoena or for refusing to produce the material that is subject to the subpoena.

(h) Enforce the provisions of ORS 678.010 to 678.445, and incur necessary expenses therefor.

(i) Prescribe standards for the delegation of special tasks of patient care to nursing assistants and for the supervision of nursing assistants. The standards shall include rules governing the delegation of administration of noninjectable medication by nursing assistants and shall include rules prescribing the types of noninjectable medication which can be administered by nursing assistants, and the circumstances, if any, and level of supervision under which nursing assistants can administer noninjectable medication. In formulating the rules governing the administration of noninjectable medication by nursing assistants, the board shall consult with nurses, physicians, gerontologists and pharmacologists. Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, however, determination of the appropriateness of the delegation of a special task of patient care shall remain with the registered nurse issuing the order.

(j) Notify licensees at least annually of changes in legislative or board rules that affect the licensees. Notice may be by newsletter or other appropriate means.

(8) The board shall determine the scope of practice as delineated by the knowledge acquired through approved courses of education or through experience.

(9) For local correctional facilities, lockups and juvenile detention facilities, as defined in ORS 169.005, youth correction facilities as defined in ORS 420.005, for facilities operated by a public agency for detoxification of persons who use alcohol excessively, for homes or facilities licensed under ORS 443.705 to 443.825 for adult foster care, and for facilities licensed under ORS 443.400 to 443.455 for residential care, training or treatment, the board shall adopt rules pertaining to the provision of nursing care, and to the various tasks relating to the administration of noninjectable medication including administration of controlled substances. The rules shall provide for delegation of nursing care and tasks relating to the administration of medication to other than licensed nursing personnel by a physician licensed by the Board of Medical Examiners for the State of Oregon or by a registered nurse, designated by the facility. Such delegation must occur under the procedural guidance, initial direction and periodic inspection and evaluation of the physician or registered nurse. However, the provision of nursing care shall only be delegated by a registered nurse.

(10) The board may require applicants, licensees and certificate holders under ORS 678.010 to 678.445 to provide to the board data concerning the individual’s nursing employment and education.

[(10)] (11) Pursuant to ORS 183.310 to 183.550, the board shall adopt rules necessary to carry out the provisions of ORS 678.010 to 678.445.

SECTION 4. ORS 678.410 is amended to read:

678.410. (1) The Oregon State Board of Nursing may impose fees for the following:

(a) License renewal.

(b) Examination.

(d) Limited license.

(e) Examination proctor service.

(f) Duplicate license.

(g) Extension of limited license.

(h) Nurse practitioner certificate.

(i) Reexamination for licensure.

(j) Delinquent fee.

(k) Renewal fee nurse practitioner.

(L) Verification of a license of a nurse applying for license by indorsement in another state.

(m) Certified nurse practitioner’s initial application and registration for writing prescriptions.

(n) Renewal of certified nurse practitioner’s application for writing prescriptions.

(o) Approval of training program for nursing assistants.

(p) Issuance, renewal and delinquency of a nursing assistant certificate.

(q) Voluntary monitoring program for chemical dependency or an emotional or physical problem.

(r) Clinical nurse specialist certification established pursuant to ORS 678.370.

(s) Inactive license or certificate.

(t) Retired license or certificate.

(2) Fees are nonrefundable.

(3) Subject to prior approval of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and a report to the Emergency Board prior to adopting the fees and charges, the fees and charges established under this section shall not exceed the cost of administering the regulatory program of the board pertaining to the purpose for which the fee or charge is established, as authorized by the Legislative Assembly within the board’s budget, as the budget may be modified by the Emergency Board. If federal or other funds are available to offset costs of administering the program, fees shall be established based on net costs to the state but not to exceed $40 per biennium for the certification fee under subsection (1)(p) of this section.

SECTION 5. Section 6 of this 2001 Act is added to and made a part of ORS 678.010 to 678.445.

SECTION 6. The lapse, suspension or revocation of a license or certificate by the operation of law or by order of the Oregon State Board of Nursing or by the decision of a court of law, or the voluntary surrender of a license by a licensee or of a certificate by a certificate holder, shall not deprive the board of jurisdiction to proceed with any investigation of or any action or disciplinary proceeding against the licensee or certificate holder or to revise or render null and void an order of disciplinary action against the licensee or certificate holder.

Approved by the Governor May 31, 2001

Filed in the office of Secretary of State May 31, 2001

Effective date January 1, 2002

__________