Section 1. N 1.08 (5m) (b) is amended to read:
N 1.08 (5m) (b) Simulation Except as provided under par. (c), simulation may not be utilized for more than 50% of the time designated for meeting clinical learning requirements.
Section 2. N 1.08 (5m) (c) is created to read:
N 1.08 (5m) (c) If requested by a school of nursing due to a public health crisis, natural disaster, critical nursing workforce shortage, or similar emergency circumstances, the board may temporarily allow simulation to be utilized for up to 100% of the time designated for meeting clinical learning requirements. The board shall consider each request under this paragraph individually on its merits, and the board may grant additional utilization of simulation for a period of time deemed necessary by the board to address the emergency circumstances.
Section 3. N 2.31 (3) is amended to read:
N 2.31 (3) An official transcript of nursing education submitted by the school of professional nursing or practical nursing directly to the department. If requested by an applicant due to a public health crisis, natural disaster, critical nursing workforce shortage, or similar emergency circumstances, the board may waive the requirement under this subsection. The board shall consider each request for a waiver individually on its merits, and the board may grant a waiver as deemed appropriate.
Section 4. N 2.33 (1) is amended to read:
N 2.33 (1) Except as provided in sub. under subs. (2) and (3), the holder of a temporary permit shall practice only under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
Section 5. N 2.33 (3) is created to read:
N 2.33 (3) If requested by an applicant under s. N 2.31 or the holder of a temporary permit and the employer of the applicant or permit holder due to a public health crisis, natural disaster, critical nursing workforce shortage, or similar emergency circumstances, the board may grant a waiver of the requirement under sub. (1). The board shall consider each request for a waiver individually on its merits, and the board may grant a waiver for a period of time deemed necessary by the board to address the emergency circumstances. Section 6. N 2.34 is renumbered N 2.34 (1) and amended to read:
N 2.34 (1) The temporary permit is valid for a period of 3 months or until the holder receives notification of failing the NCLEX, whichever occurs first. Practice Except as provided under sub. (2), practice under temporary permits, including renewals under s. N 2.35, may not exceed 6 months total duration.
Section 7. N 2.34 (2) is created to read:
N 2.34 (2) The holder of a temporary permit renewed under s. N 2.35 (2) may practice for the duration of the renewal period established by the board. Section 8. N 2.35 (2) is amended to read:
N 2.35 (2) Subsequent renewals may be granted in hardship cases or emergency circumstances including illness, family illness or death, accident, natural disaster, or delay of verification from another state. The board shall consider each application for renewal under this subsection individually on its merits, and the board may grant a renewal as for a renewal period deemed appropriate necessary by the board to address the hardship or emergency circumstances.
Section 9. N 2.40 (3) (d) (intro.) is amended to read:
N 2.40 (3) (d) (intro.) Meet Except as provided under par. (e), meet one of the following requirements:
Section 10. N 2.40 (3) (e) is created to read:
N 2.40 (3) (e) If requested by an applicant due to a public health crisis, natural disaster, critical nursing workforce shortage, or similar emergency circumstances, the board may waive the requirements under par. (d). The board shall consider each request for a waiver individually on its merits, and may grant a waiver based on satisfactory evidence that granting renewal of the license would adequately protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Section 11. N 8.10 (8) is created to read:
N 8.10 (8) If a public health crisis, natural disaster, critical nursing workforce shortage, or similar emergency circumstances exist or have occurred that are federally declared or declared by the governor of this state or the governor’s designee, the board may grant a temporary waiver of the requirements under subs. (2) and (7) if the board determines that granting a waiver is necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare. A waiver granted under this subsection shall be for a stated term not to exceed 90 days, except that the board may extend the waiver if it determines that an extension is necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare.
Section 12. Effective date. The rules adopted in this order shall take effect upon publication in the official state newspaper, pursuant to s. 227.22 (2) (c), Stats. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(END OF TEXT OF RULE)
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Dated _________________ Agency __________________________________
Board Chair
Board of Nursing
