CCI support of Virginia Board of Nursing’s proposal to accept specialty certification for renewal of an active nursing license (18VAC 90-220-221 A.1)

The Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) would like to join the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses in strongly supporting the Virginia Board of Nursing’s proposal to accept specialty certification as a continuing competency requirement for renewal of an active nursing license. As the specialty certification organization providing the CNOR and CRNFA credentials for perioperative registered nurses, CCI is committed to promoting lifelong learning and validating knowledge and skills as required elements in the provision of safe patient care. CCI’s rigorous exam development process assures that perioperative nurses are tested on the knowledge required to practice in their specialty.

CCI would like to call attention to section 18VAC 20-90-10 which defines “accreditation” as “being accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)”.  Accreditation by a respected national organization is important in assuring that specialty certification organizations maintain the high standards demanded by quality professional practice. However, restricting acceptable accrediting organizations to NLNAC and CCNE would limit eligibility to academic nursing programs. CCI recommends expanding the list to include the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and the American Board of Nursing Specialty Certification. These two groups would be more likely to accredit nursing specialty certification organizations. Both associations are highly respected in the certification community.

CCI recognizes that holding a specialty certification is an integral part of continued competency, which is an underlying assumption for license renewal. Assuring that specialty certification organizations are able to meet the requirements as outlined by state boards of nursing will facilitate this process.

Thank you for your consideration.

James X Stobinski

RN PhD CNOR

Director of Credentialing and Education