Ala. Admin. Code r. 610-X-17-.02

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 610-X-17-.02 - Definitions

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

1. Abandonment: Acceptance of a patient assignment, thus establishing a certified nursing support technician (NST-C) patient relationship, and then ending the NST-C patient relationship without giving reasonable notice to supervisory personnel so that others can make arrangements for continuation of care.

2. Accountability: The state of being answerable or responsible for action.

3. Application(s): Form(s) and process(es) for applicants seeking permits by examination, endorsement, reinstatement, or renewal.

a. Incomplete application: Missing requirements.

b. Complete application: Meets requirements.

c. Void application: Any incomplete application voided due to failure by the applicant to satisfy all requirements within one year of submission.

4. Dual Relationship: Any time an NST-C interacts with a patient outside the NST-C patient relationship.

5. Endorsement: The process of application for and method of permit approval for a NST, certified originally licensed/permit as an NST in a jurisdiction other than Alabama.

6. Lapsed permit: Failure of an NST-C to renew a permit does not require examination for reinstatement unless the permit is in lapsed status for more than two (years).

7. May: Power, privilege, or right retained by the Board.

8. May not: Prohibition.

9. Certified Nursing Support Technician (I) (NST-C): An individual who has successfully completed a Board approved curriculum for performing supportive nursing services, has passed the National Nursing Support Technician Certification Exam, and has been issued a permit by the Alabama Board of Nursing.

10. NST Advanced Skills: Skills allowed for an NST-C with certifications in addition to initial NST educational preparation and subject to approved standardized procedures on file with the Board.

11. Permit: Board approval to practice as an NST-C. The NST-C receives authorization to practice as an NST-C from the Board through an approved permit.

12. Primary Source Verification: Verification provided directly to the Board by the entity that is the original source of the document of educational credentials, certification, and/or permit or an approved primary source organization recognized by the Board.

13. Professional Boundary: Behavior of the NST-C in maintaining a therapeutic relationship with a patient for the patient's benefit, rather than behavior that shifts the focus to the NST-C.

14. Responsibility: The charge to do something that is expected performance.

15. Shall: Duty, requirement, or condition.

16. Standard Precautions: Recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to minimize the risk of transmission of pathogens.

17. Supervision: Responsible licensed nurse is available for periodic inspection and evaluation through physical presence, electronic or telephonic communication for direction, consultation, and collaboration.

18. Unencumbered permit: An active permit that has no current stipulations, conditions, or limitations.

19. Verification: The process of verifying original or current permits in Alabama. The verification process shall be defined by the Board.

20. Board-approved Nursing Support Technician (NST) Program: a program approved by the Board to administer educational preparation for NSTs. The Board may develop guidelines for programmatic maintenance of approval and administration of educational preparation for NSTs.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 610-X-17-.02

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XLII, Issue No. 10, July 31, 2024, eff. 9/14/2024, operative 10/1/2024.

Author: Alabama Board of Nursing

Statutory Authority: 34-21-1, Alabama Act No. 2024-249