Continuing Competency and Re-licensure for Nurse Practitioners in Virginia
The following are requirements regarding continued competency for Nurse Practitioners in Virginia. A Nurse Practitioner must meet prescriptive and licensure continued competency. To renew prescriptive authority a Nurse Practitioner must obtain eight hours of continuing education in pharmacology or pharmacotherapeutics every two years. In addition a nurse practitioner must hold current professional certification in the area of specialty practice from one of the certifying agencies designated in 18VAC90-30-90 or complete at least 40 hours of continuing education.
The following are excerpts from the regulations:
18VAC90-40-55. Continuing competency requirements.
A. In order to renew prescriptive authority, a licensee shall meet continuing competency requirements for biennial renewal as a licensed nurse practitioner. Such requirements shall address issues such as ethical practice, an appropriate standard of care, patient safety, and appropriate communication with patients.
B. In addition to the minimal requirements for compliance with subsection B of 18VAC90-30-105, a nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority shall obtain eight hours of continuing education in pharmacology or pharmacotherapeutics for each biennium.
C. The nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority 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 at least 1.0% of its licensees to determine compliance. The nurse practitioners 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 grant an extension of the deadline for continuing competency requirements for up to one year for good cause shown upon a written request from the licensee prior to the renewal date.
F. The boards may delegate to the committee the authority to grant an 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.
18VAC90-30-105. Continuing competency requirements.
A. In order to renew a license biennially, a nurse practitioner 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.
B. In order to renew a license biennially on or after January 1, 2004, nurse practitioners licensed prior to May 8, 2002 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.
C. The nurse practitioner 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 at least 1.0% of its licensees to determine compliance. The nurse practitioners 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 grant an extension of the deadline for continuing competency requirements for up to one year for good cause shown upon a written request from the licensee prior to the renewal date.
F. The boards may delegate to the committee the authority to grant an 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.
Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners
2209 Dickens Road
Richmond, VA 23230-2005
804-565-6360
804-282-0090 fax
General VCNP Information:
vcnp@vcnp.net
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vcnpmembership@vcnp.net