Iowa Admin. Code r. 655-18.3

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 11, December 11, 2024

Rule 655-18.3 - Veteran and spouse reciprocity

(1) A veteran or spouse with a nursing license in another jurisdiction may apply for licensure in Iowa through reciprocity (endorsement) pursuant to 655-Chapter 3. A veteran or spouse must pass any examinations required for licensure to be eligible for licensure through reciprocity. A fully completed application for licensure submitted by a veteran or spouse under this subrule shall be given priority and shall be expedited.

(2) Any application for licensure by reciprocity shall contain all of the information required of all applicants for licensure who hold licenses in other jurisdictions and who are applying for licensure by reciprocity, including, but not limited to, completion of all required forms, payment of applicable fees, disclosure of criminal or disciplinary histories, and, if applicable, a criminal history background check. The applicant shall use the same forms as any other applicant for licensure by reciprocity and shall additionally provide such documentation as is reasonably needed to verify the applicant's status as a veteran under Iowa Code section 35.1(2) or as a spouse under rule 655-18.1 (272C).

(3) Upon receipt of a fully completed licensure application, the board shall promptly determine if the scope of practice in the jurisdiction where the applicant is licensed is substantially equivalent to the scope of practice in Iowa. The board shall make this determination based on information supplied by the applicant and such additional information as the board may acquire from the applicable jurisdiction.

(4) The board shall promptly grant a license to the applicant if the applicant is licensed in the same or similar profession in another jurisdiction whose scope of practice is substantially equivalent to the scope of practice in Iowa, unless the applicant is ineligible for licensure based on other grounds, for example, the applicant's disciplinary or criminal background.

(5) If the board determines that the scope of practice in the jurisdiction in which the applicant is licensed is not substantially equivalent to the scope of practice in Iowa, the board shall promptly inform the applicant of the additional education or training required for licensure in Iowa. Unless the applicant is ineligible for licensure based on other grounds, such as disciplinary or criminal background, the following shall apply:

a. If an applicant has not passed the required examination(s) for licensure, the applicant may not be issued a temporary license but may request that the licensure application be placed in pending status for up to one year or as mutually agreed to provide the applicant with the opportunity to satisfy the examination requirements.

b. If additional education or training is required, the applicant may request that the board issue a temporary license fora specified period of time during which the applicant will successfully complete the necessary education or training. The board shall issue a temporary license for a specified period of time upon such conditions as the board deems reasonably necessary to protect the health, welfare or safety of the public unless the board determines that the deficiency is of a character that the public health, welfare or safety will be adversely affected if a temporary license is granted.

c. If a request for a temporary license is denied, the board shall issue an order fully explaining the decision and shall inform the applicant of the steps the applicant may take in order to receive a temporary license.

d. If a temporary license is issued, the application for full licensure shall be placed in pending status until the necessary education or training has been successfully completed or the temporary license expires, whichever occurs first. The board may extend a temporary license on a case-by-case basis for good cause.

(6) An applicant who is aggrieved by the board's decision to deny an application for a reciprocal license or a temporary license or is aggrieved by the terms under which a temporary license will be granted may request a contested case (administrative hearing) and may participate in a contested case by telephone. A request for a contested case shall be made within 30 days of issuance of the board's decision. The procedures of 655-Chapter 20 shall apply, except that no fees or costs shall be assessed against the applicant in connection with a contested case conducted pursuant to this subrule.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 655-18.3

Adopted by IAB March 18, 2015/Volume XXXVII, Number 19, effective 4/22/2015

Amended by IAB November 6, 2019/Volume XLII, Number 10, effective 12/11/2019

Amended by IAB July 14, 2021/Volume XLIV, Number 1, effective 8/18/2021

Amended by IAB July 12, 2023/Volume XLVI, Number 1, effective 8/16/2023