OAR 851-001-0145
Emergency Declaration Response

In the event that the Governor issues an emergency declaration requiring an expansion of the workforce of licensees and certificate holders of the Board, the safety of the public will remain the focus of any Board initiated suspension or alteration of licensing rules. If expansion is needed, the following will be considered and, if needed, be implemented by Board staff:

(1)

Develop a process for Emergency Authorization to practice in Oregon based upon the following minimum criteria:
(a) The applicant must have an active, unencumbered license to practice in another state or US territory as verified using the NURSYS ® database as primary source verification.
(b) The applicant must show that they have been offered employment in a healthcare organization, public health, clinic or other organization needing healthcare providers to address the emergency.
(c) The employer must complete an application naming the same individual as being offered employment.
(d) All emergency authorizations will be rescinded when the Governor withdraws the Emergency Declaration. Exception can be made for a two week period if the employer notifies the Board that ability to care for patients will be affected with the sudden exit of the additional staff.

(2)

Oregon retired nurses or those with an inactive license may have their license reinstated provided they still meet the competency criteria established by the Board. Those who do not have the practice hours to establish competency will be referred to SERV-OR for additional volunteer opportunities. For the purposes of reactivation of these licenses, employment criteria as described in section 1 of this rule does not apply.

(3)

The Board will consult with the Department of Human Services to develop criteria for the expansion of the Certified Nursing Assistant workforce for nursing homes and long term care facilities in accordance with federal guidelines. Acute care facilities may adopt policies and procedures to validate competency for selected staff to assume needed patient care duties. The term Certified Nursing Assistant, nursing assistant, or nurse aide must not be used for these facility specific staff.

(4)

At the direction of the Board, procedures for the implementation of a Graduate Nurse Certification (GN) will be authorized. The following criteria must be met:

(a)

The graduate applicant does not have the ability to schedule the NCLEX® exam due to exam suspension during the emergency.

(b)

GN certification will be granted for a period of 3 months or until the emergency declaration is rescinded, whichever comes first. Once expired or rescinded, the graduate must no longer work under the expired permit and must refrain from practice pending the issuance of an active nursing license.

(c)

Utilization of graduates, assigned duties and responsibilities, and policies related to GNs will fall under the supervision and license of the senior nursing officer of the employer.
(5) The Board may waive certain criteria for approval of nursing education programs based upon the circumstances of the declared emergency.

Source: Rule 851-001-0145 — Emergency Declaration Response, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=851-001-0145.

Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 851-001-0145’s source at or​.us