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Dear Nursing School Stakeholder -
Following the issuance of Executive Order D 2020 038 on April 15, 2020, by Governor Polis, the Division of Professions and Occupations has been directed to implement rules that allow for nursing students to continue their educational programs so they may contribute and serve Colorado’s nursing workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rules provide new accommodations and flexibility for students impacted by test center closures, pauses in educational programs, and other educational challenges that have created a significant obstacle for nursing students seeking to finish their programs.
The Order provides the Division of Professions and Occupations authority to promulgate rules to create temporary licenses for nursing graduates who are eligible for licensure except for completing the required examination. Specifically, the Order suspends certain Board of Nursing education rules so students in their last semester or final portion of their education program can become eligible for graduation. In response to this Order, the Division has promulgated emergency rules that provide pathways to nursing students to obtain temporary licensure and begin serving our workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specifically, these emergency rules (effective May 1, 2020) provide the following pathways and options for nursing students who are completing their educational programs:
- Extends the suspension of rules dictating the number of clinical hours required to complete the professional nursing programs, the practical nursing programs, and the nurse assistant programs.
- Suspends the requirements that only a certain percent of clinical rotation can be completed by simulation. The new rule allows students to complete their rotation through simulation, offering an alternative to finish their program.
- Suspends the requirements for contemporaneous theory and clinical education to take place, which allows programs to stagger clinical education as rotation becomes more readily available.
- Suspends the current rule that requires faculty to supervise clinical setting, which now allows students to count volunteer hours towards their requirement.
- Suspends the rule requiring certified nursing assistants to complete the exam, which allows them to apply for temporary licensure until such time they can sit for the required examination.
Important: Nurse education programs DO NOT need to submit waivers of educational requirements to the Board of Nursing regarding these emergency rules.
These emergency rules will last for 120 days, which also allows the Board of Nursing to engage stakeholders and determine long term solutions as it relates to the healthcare workforce expansion. A full presentation on these rules, and next steps for Executive Order D 2020 038, can be found by visiting the DPO Covid-19 Emergency Regulations website.
More information regarding the process of obtaining a temporary license can be found by applying for a license on the Division’s website. Temporary licenses will be non-renewable, and will only be valid from the date of issuance until December 31st, 2020. You can also review the Emergency Rulemaking Questions and Answers document for more details,or email DORA_DPO@state.co.us with any other questions you may have.
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Issued on May 1, 2020
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