| SUMMARY OF: | A Sunset Review of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Board of Nursing (BON), September 30, 2010 |
Purpose of the Report
In accordance with Title 24 and Title 44 of the Alaska Statutes (sunset legislation), we have reviewed the activities of BON to determine if there is a demonstrated public need for its continued existence and if it has been operating in an effective manner. As required by AS 44.66.050(a), this report shall be considered by the committee of reference during the legislative oversight process in determining whether BON should be reestablished. Currently, under AS 08.03.010(c)(13), BON will terminate on June 30, 2011, and will have one year from that date to conclude its administrative operations.
Report Conclusions
BON is operating in an efficient and effective manner and should continue to regulate the professions it governs. We believe the board is safeguarding the public interest by ensuring the competence and integrity of those who present themselves to the public for the professions regulated by BON: licensed registered nurses, licensed practical nurses (LPN), advanced nurse practitioners (ANP), certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse aides, and nurse and nurse aide training programs.
BON has conducted its business in a satisfactory manner. It continues to propose changes to regulations to improve the board’s effectiveness and to ensure that professionals are properly licensed.
Under AS 08.03.010(c)(13), BON will terminate on June 30, 2011. If not extended by the legislature, under AS 08.03.020, BON will have a one-year period to administratively conclude its affairs. We recommend that the legislature extend the board’s termination date to June 30, 2019.
Findings and Recommendations
- BON should take steps to ensure all appropriate entities are notified when an ANP’s authority to write prescriptions has been revoked or suspended.
- The BON chairman should take steps to ensure that the required training program reviews are being conducted.
- The Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing’s chief investigator should take steps to ensure that complaints and cases are investigated timely.
- The director of Boards and Commissions, Office of the Governor, should fill the LPN position with an LPN currently involved in institutional nursing services.