Scope Statements
Safety and Professional Services —
Board of Nursing
The statement of scope was approved by the governor on December 4, 2012.
Rule No.
Relating to
School approval.
Rule Type
Permanent.
Finding/Nature of Emergency (Emergency Rule Only)
N/A.
Detailed Description of the Objective of the Proposed Rule
The objective of the proposed rule is to update the approval process for the approval of schools of nursing. Chapter
N 1 has not been updated since 1989. The process of school approvals have evolved since that time and this chapter requires an update to bring Wisconsin in line with other states.
The rule would also update the definition sections of sections
N 2.02 and
N 3.02 to accurately address the definition of an approved school.
Description of the Existing Policies Relevant to the Rule, New Policies Proposed to be Included in the Rule, and an Analysis of Policy Alternatives
Chapter
N 1 does not adequately address current education standards for schools of nursing nor does it address current technologies in providing education. In addition there is lack of clarity in the current rules. A new rule would address each aspect of the board approval process and the process of continuation of the approval of the school. It would also update the standards which trigger a review of the school's approvals, the steps for a review, the standards for placement on probationary status as well as how a school is removed for probationary status, the process for withdrawing approval of the school and the requirements for voluntary or involuntary closure of a school of nursing.
In updating Chapter
N 1, the Board of Nursing will consider the model practice rules for school approval and the process used by our neighboring state.
The definitions in sections
N 2.02 and
N 3.02 of board approved school do not adequately address the situations of graduates of out of state schools nor graduates of schools which the Wisconsin Board of Nursing have authorized to admit students but have not been fully approved. This creates unnecessary anxiety for new applicants in Wisconsin. A strict interpretation of the current rule would unintentionally deny qualified nurses from practicing in our state.
The alternative to this rule is to continue to create confusion. The rules should reflect a clear and precise process rather than the attempting to interpret the rules to fit situations which did not exist in 1989.
Detailed Explanation of Statutory Authority for the Rule (Including the Statutory Citation and Language)
Section
15.08 (5) (b), Wis. stats. Each examining board: shall promulgate rules for its own guidance and for the guidance of the trade or profession to which it pertains and define and enforce professional conduct and unethical practices not inconsistent with the law relating to the particular trade or profession.
Section
441.01 (3), Wis. stats. The board may establish minimum standards for schools for professional nurses and schools for licensed practical nurses, including all related clinical units and facilities, and make and provide periodic surveys and consultations to such schools. It may also establish rules to prevent unauthorized persons from practicing professional nursing. It shall approve all rules for the administration of this chapter in accordance with Ch.
227, Wis. Stats.
Estimate of Amount of Time that State Employees Will Spend Developing the Rule and of Other Resources Necessary to Develop the Rule
50 hours.
List with Description of All Entities that May Be Affected by the Proposed Rule
Schools of nursing, applicants.
Summary and Preliminary Comparison with Any Existing or Proposed Federal Regulation that Is Intended to Address the Activities to be Regulated by the Proposed Rule
None.
Anticipated Economic Impact of Implementing the Rule (Note If the Rule is Likely to Have a Significant Economic Impact on Small Businesses)
None or minimal.
Contact Person
Sharon Henes, Paralegal, (608) 261-2377
