As KBN has publicized before, we are in the process of implementing the national Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Consensus Model. We have received a number of inquiries about the proposed changes:
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Why change ARNP to APRN?
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a nationally accepted title. The current title of Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) is confusing, since not all advanced practice nurses are nurse practitioners.
When should I change my title to APRN?
The Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) title will change to Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) on January 10, 2011. The KBN licensure web validation system will change to validation of APRN on January 10, 2011. APRNs will receive new licensure cards by March 2011.
KBN will notify all advanced practice nurses via email and published documents when it is time to change titles – APRNs may edit or add an email address through the KBN website. Prescription pads with the APRN licensure title cannot be used until the regulation is implemented.
How do I sign the legal licensure title for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse?
APRN is the legal licensure title for all NPs, CNMs, CRNAs, and qualifying CNSs. (KRS 314.042). That title should always be used by any currently licensed APRN. It should precede any certification title such as FNP or CRNA, if the person wants to use those titles.
The academic degree (MSN, Ph.D., DNP, etc.) may be used; it is not required. If it is used, there is no law on where it is placed, i.e., before or after licensure title of APRN. An individual who holds a doctoral degree should be aware of KRS 164.298(2) and KRS 311.375 which state that if a person uses the title Doctor or Dr., they must also use their doctoral credentials, i.e., DNP.
Why require education and certification in six population foci instead of a specialty?
The six population foci were defined in a national agreement between educators, accreditors, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and credentialing bodies. Boards of Nursing across the country are now implementing this common licensing process. The foci are:
- Family or individual across the lifespan
- Adult health and gerontology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
- Women’s health and gender-related health; and
- Psychiatric mental health
Education in the six population foci will ensure a more generalist practitioner across the lifespan of the patients in the APRN practice. This generalist education will better meet the evolving healthcare needs. The advanced nurse will need to obtain certification in one of the population foci in order to be licensed as an Advance Practice Registered Nurse in Kentucky.
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What if I currently hold certification in an area that is not one of the six foci?
ARNPs who now hold
registration in a specialty currently recognized by KBN can continue to be
licensed as an APRN in that same specialty as long as their certification and Kentucky APRN licensure remains current. Should the certification or KY APRN licensure lapse after the new regulations become effective, the advanced practice nurse will only be eligible for licensure in one of the six population foci.
Which foci are appropriate for the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)?
The CRNA education program and certification exam prepares the CRNA in the area of anesthesia across the lifespan. The CNM education program and certification exam prepares the CNM in the area of women's health and gender related care. The foci are inherent in these programs. Consequently, the nurses attending either of the programs will have the appropriate foci automatically.
What is the difference between KBN’s current registration of advanced practice nurses and licensure of advanced practice nurses?
KBN will move from ‘registering’ to ‘licensing’ advanced practice nurses. Licensure status reflects a higher level of credentialing which is consistent with the activities the board performs, such as reviewing the education and credentials of the advanced practice nurse. Under the licensure model, KBN will continue to review credentials in the same way. New to the process, APRNs will be issued a license and license number unique to their advanced practice and separate from the RN license number.
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What will my new license number be?
APRN license numbers are seven digits. Your new APRN license number starts with a three (3), followed by zeroes (0), followed by your current registration number. The number of zeroes is the number required to yield a seven-digit number. For example, if your registration number was 4297P, your license number will be 3004297. Note: The letter (A, M, P, or S) will no longer be used.
Will the alpha character following my current ARNP number still be part of the new APRN number?
No. The new APRN license number will start with a 3 followed by 0's (zeros) added to your current registration number to make your APRN license number seven (7) digits and contain no alpha characters (A, M, P, S).
Will new APRN license cards be issued?
Yes. New license cards will be received before March 2011.
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Will a doctorate be required as entry education level to Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)?
The Kentucky Board of Nursing has
NO regulation pending that mandates a doctorate as entry education level for APRNs. The nurse may wish to contact the professional organization or national certifying body to find out if that group plans to require a doctorate in order to sit for their certifying examination. KBN does require national certification in one of the population foci from a KBN-approved certifying organization.
Can I hold APRN licensure in more than one designation and/or in more than one population foci?
An APRN may hold more than one designation and/or APRN licensure in more than one population foci. For each designation and for licensure in each population foci, the APRN must have the appropriate education. An application must be filed for each designation and certification type, and transcripts must be sent to KBN directly from the educational institution. Once approved, the information may be validated online. An APRN will receive only one APRN license number, which will reflect all approved designations and population foci certifications.
Is there a grace period for ordering new prescription pads?
KBN recommends that prescription pads with the legal title of the APRN and the new license number be in use by March 1, 2011. However, it is recommended that you contact your local pharmacy to assure that they will accept the prescription pads with the old number and title.
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Do I need to sign a new Medicaid contract and/or will my Medicaid reimbursement be affected by the new title and license number?
The KBN has spoken with the Department for Medicaid Services and have sent them the new APRN license numbers and title change. They will use that information to update their data so neither enrollment nor prescription reimbursement will be affected. No new Medicaid contract is necessary.
What do I have to do to maintain continuity with Medicare?
Medicare is requiring that a new 855i enrollment form, with your new title and new license number, be submitted. You do not have to send them a copy of a new APRN license card.
Do I have to notify insurance companies and/or certifying agencies?
Yes. You should notify any entity with which you have a professional relationship of the title change and your new APRN license number.
Do I have to sign a new CAPA (NS or CS) and send in another CAPA-CS Notification Form?
Since the title "ARNP" will no longer be a legally protected title, you must change all documents to reflect the new title and license number. This would include the collaborative agreements, CAPA-NS and CAPA-CS. You should keep a copy of the new agreement with you so you can access them if needed.
By March 1, 2011, both your CAPA-NS and CAPA-CS should be updated to reflect your new title and license number. You do not need to send a new CAPS-CS Notification Form to KBN unless there is a change in your collaborating physician, practice address, practice telephone number, or specialty. Do not sign and date the new agreement prior to the effective date of the title change, January 10, 2011.
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