A Year Like None Other
Hello fellow nurses,
"COVID-19 full force" That is what I wrote on my calendar on March 9th of this year. That was the day that I began feeling the impact of COVID-19 on the state of Iowa. I continue to have days where I have to remind myself this is not a dream – but a reality that has changed the way we carry out nursing regulation, nursing education and overall healthcare.
The Governor’s Proclamations relating to licensing relief are still in place. Please use the Board's website as your resource for up to date information concerning COVID-19 and how it impacts your licensure and the law and rules which govern nursing.
What the future of nursing and nursing education looks like as we move out of the emergency disaster is unknown. There will be lessons learned and new rules and regulations enacted as a result of this emergency. Out of all this chaos there will be changes that will bring positive results. The Iowa Board of Nursing (BON) will do its very best to keep Iowa nurses informed. With that being said, it is so important you keep yourself informed by checking the BON website frequently, reading News You Can Use, opening and reading Gov Delivery emails sent from the BON, and watching/liking the BON Facebook page for other important updates.
As we continue this journey, I thank you all for the part you have played in the COVID-19 fight. Whether it be personally or professionally, small or big, this virus has impacted us all. Please continue to care for your patients with respect, dignity and utmost care following the rules and regulations of nursing. Please take care of yourself and your families. Please continue to take care of your fellow nurses and other members of the healthcare team.
Please stay safe,
Kathy Weinberg, MSN, RN
BON Executive Director
Online Complaint Forms
June 10, 2020 - For ease in reporting and better tracking, the Iowa Board of Nursing (BON) launched the use of online complaint forms through the online, secure State of Iowa Seamless Docs platform. There are four different forms available for the public's use:
- Nurse Self Report Form
- Patient/Law Enforcement/Other Report Form
- Nurse Employer Report Form
- Authorization for Release of Medical Records Form
When the form is filled out online, the user receives an email receipt and pdf file of the information that was submitted. The report is sent directly and securely to the Enforcement Division of the BON for timely processing and assignment. The public and employers are encouraged to use the online forms. Information about the forms may be seen on the BON's website at this LINK
For individuals who do not have access to a computer, paper complaint forms may be requested by calling the Enforcement Division at 515.281.6472 or by emailing enforce@iowa.gov.
Licensed Practical Nurse Scope of Practice & Assessment Information
One of the most frequently asked questions received at the Board of Nursing is about LPN scope of practice. According to 655 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 6, 6.3(152), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may not perform an initial assessment. Initial assessments are to be performed by a Registered Nurse (RN). The initial assessment is to be used to determine a patient’s baseline and develop an initial nursing plan of care.
Once the initial assessment has been completed and the nursing plan of care has been developed, the LPN may assist the RN in the nursing process, consistent with accepted and prevailing practice. The LPN is to communicate any change of a patient’s status to the RN.
When an LPN is assigned the duties of charge nurse, one must complete the LPN Supervisory Course offered by the National Healthcare Institute (NHI) within 90 days of the new assignment. See this LINK to the class. It is the nurse's responsibility to maintain proof of completion of the coursework throughout their nursing career.
Additional training and education is required for nurses who perform expanded IV Therapy duties. Iowa's community colleges offer coursework on this topic. See the Board's website for additional information about IV Therapy at this LINK.
See the Board's website for additional nursing practice topics at this LINK. All practice questions may be directed to the following email: nursingpractice@iowa.gov
Workplace Drug Testing in Iowa
Prepared by the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy, the Iowa Board of Nursing highly encourages employers to consider the information that can be found in the Guide to Workplace Drug Testing in Iowa (7/2/2018).
To Test or Not to Test
"The purpose of the State of Iowa’s private sector drug testing law—Iowa Code Section 730.5 (& Iowa Administrative Code Section 641)—is to enhance worker safety by creating workplaces that are free of drugs and substance abuse or misuse. One tool
available to private sector employers is drug testing (inclusive of alcohol testing), that often is coupled with educational efforts as part of a comprehensive drug-free workplace program.
Each employer must first decide if drug and/or alcohol testing is appropriate for them. Under Iowa law, workplace drug or alcohol testing is optional for private sector employers. Federal laws or regulations governing drug or alcohol testing supersede state
law in Iowa. Before making a decision on drug or alcohol testing under Iowa law, several factors should be considered..."
The full document may be found at the following LINK.
Reminder - 2020 is the Year of the Nurse and Midwife
We support you and honor your commitment to serve your communities.
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