18VAC90-30-105. Continuing competency requirements.
A. In order to renew a license biennially, an advanced practice registered nurse initially licensed on or after May 8, 2002, shall hold current professional certification in the area of specialty practice from one of the certifying agencies designated in 18VAC90-30-90, except for those renewing their licenses in accordance with subsection B of this section.
B. In order to renew a license biennially, advanced practice registered nurses licensed prior to May 8, 2002, or clinical nurse specialists who were registered by the Board of Nursing with a retired certification, shall meet one of the following requirements:
1. Hold current professional certification in the area of specialty practice from one of the certifying agencies designated in 18VAC90-30-90; or
2. Complete at least 40 hours of continuing education in the area of specialty practice approved by one of the certifying agencies designated in 18VAC90-30-90 or approved by Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) of the American Medical Association as a Category I Continuing Medical Education (CME) course.
C. The advanced practice registered nurse shall retain evidence of compliance and all supporting documentation for a period of four years following the renewal period for which the records apply.
D. The boards shall periodically conduct a random audit of their licensees to determine compliance. The advanced practice registered nurses selected for the audit shall provide the evidence of compliance and supporting documentation within 30 days of receiving notification of the audit.
E. The boards may delegate the authority to grant an extension or exemption for all or part of the requirements for circumstances beyond the control of the licensee, such as temporary disability, mandatory military service, or officially declared disasters.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 15, eff. May 8, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 5, eff. December 25, 2008; Volume 31, Issue 21, eff. July 15, 2015; Volume 38, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2022; Volume 40, Issue 4, eff. November 8, 2023.