To add a subsection D to 18VAC90-20-200 to authorize the Board to license by endorsement an applicant who has honorably served for a minimum of 10 years as a registered nurse in either a civilian capacity with the U. S. Department of Defense or with the U. S. Department of Veteran's Affairs or on active or reserve status in the U. S. Armed Forces, provided the applicant is licensed and in good standing in another U. S. jurisdiction.

In accordance with Virginia law, the petition to add a subsection to 18VAC90-20-200 was posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov.  It has also been filed with the Register of Regulations for publication on November 2, 2015. Comment on the petition from interested parties is requested until December 2, 2015.  Following receipt of all comments on the petition, the request will be considered by the Board of Nursing at its meeting scheduled for January 26, 2016 to decide whether to make any changes to the regulatory language.  After that meeting, the Board will let the petitioner know its decision.

Take no action

While members were particularly appreciative of the petitioner's prior service, the Board decided to take no action on the petition request.  The members were concerned that an exception to passage of the NCLEX would set precedence for deviation from its licensing requirements and national uniformity.  Consistent standards for licensure by examination and endorsement are necessary to ensure fairness to all applicants. The petitioner was advised that she could pursue licensure in Virginia by applying for licensure by examination and taking the NCLEX.