SB 657 - This act modifies the licensing requirements for nurses. The act defines "lapsed license status", "retired license status", and "temporary nursing staffing agency" and establishes notice and service requirements for disciplinary hearings before the full board.
The State Board of Nursing may request an expedited hearing from the Administrative Hearing Commission, if the board concludes the nurse has committed an act constituting clear and present danger to the public health and safety. After 15 days from the complaint, and after a preliminary hearing, the board may immediately restrict or suspend the license. Temporary authority to restrict or suspend the license becomes final if the nurse does not request a full hearing within thirty days. Dismissal of the action does not preclude subsequent action on the same grounds.
Documentation relating to an unsubstantiated claim and those not constituting a violation are deemed sealed records under the act. Sealed records shall not be disclosed without written permission of the licensee. The board must notify the licensee if it seals any records in relation to that professional.
The act allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to use the acronym APRN in relation to their practices.
The act stipulates that reports made to the board are not in violation of the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Under current law, officials of hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers must report disciplinary actions taken against a licensed health care professional to their respective licensing authority. This act requires temporary nursing staffing agencies to do the same and requires the facts to be described with as much detail and information as possible.
This act is similar to SB 710 (2006), SB 308 (2007), HB 780 (2007), and HB 815 (2007).
CHRIS HOGERTY