The UK government has released guidance for healthcare professionals and their employers on who can issue statements of fitness for work, or fit notes. Until July 2022, only doctors were legally permitted to certify fit notes. Now, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists are permitted to certify fit notes, taking into consideration their own scope of practice, skills, knowledge, and experience before doing so. "Enabling a wider range of HCPs to certify fit notes offers benefits for patients and the healthcare system and better recognises innovations in using a multi-disciplinary workforce to support patients. These HCPs can engage more directly with patients on matters of work and health without having to re-route requests to certify fit notes through doctors."
July 27, 2022
Colorado: out-of-state marijuana convictions
An executive order by Colorado's governor directs the Department of Regulatory Affairs to promulgate rules such that marijuana-related convictions in other states will not be considered to disqualify individuals from professional licensure if the activity is legal in Colorado. Likewise, licensed professionals in Colorado will not be disciplined for out-of-state marijuana convictions if the activity is legal in Colorado and consistent with professional conduct and standards of care in Colorado. The order also prohibits Colorado state agencies from providing information or spending resources to aid out-of-state investigations seeking to sanction an out-of-state professional for legal marijuana-related conduct that took place in Colorado.
July 20, 2022
Amendments to BC's Professional Governance Act
British Columbia's Professional Governance Amendment Act came into force on June 2, 2022. This article details some of the key updates and additions. Non-payment of fees by a registrant will be a discretionary revocation rather than a mandatory revocation. Also, failure to complete continuing education requirements can be treated as an administrative matter with suspension or cancellation of registration. Under new amendments, regulatory bodies may be required to pay an annual fee to the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance. A new section allow Indigenous peoples to undertake traditional practices and knowledge in relation to biology, forestry and agrology without considering this as regulated services restricted to registrants.
Vermont charges pharamcies with unsafe working conditions
The Vermont Office of professional Regulation is charging Walgreens pharmacies in the state with creating unsafe conditions for workers. "The allegations include untenable working conditions for pharmacists due to insufficient staff; medication and vaccination errors; stores losing track of controlled substances; and unexpected store closures without notice, leaving patients with no clear way to fill prescriptions for days at a time." The charges call for the Vermont Board of Pharmacy to revoke, suspend or discipline licenses for Walgreens pharmacies. Seventy complaints were filed by Walgreens employees, Walgreens customers, and employees of other pharmacies. The violations fall under a section of the statute added in 2021 - the unprofessional conduct statute for pharmacies.
Kansas removes eyebrow threader licensing
Effective July 1, eyebrow threaders are exempt from cosmetology or esthetician licensing requirements in Kansas. Previously, threaders were required to be licensed as estheticians, completing 1,000 hours of cosmetology training unrelated to threading.
Tennessee: petition to change full-time work requirement for lawyer licensure
The Network of enlightened Women (NeW) has filed a petition with the Supreme Court of Tennessee to change the requirement that out-of-state lawyers who wish to practice in Tennessee must have worked full-time as a lawyer in another state for five of the last seven years or sit for the Tennessee bar exam. The petition claims that the requirement makes it harder for lawyers working part-time, especially working mothers, to practice in Tennessee.
July 13, 2022
Kentucky approves alternative route to teaching certification
Kentucky's Education Professional Standards Board has approved an emergency regulation to allow colleges or universities to partner with school districts on an expedited certification program, providing individuals with a bachelor's degree and initial teaching certification after three years in the program. Each program will be designed to meet the needs of the participating district and will require the individual to complete a residency or paraprofessional component within the district as part of the program.
ANF launches well-being initiative for nurses
The American Nurses Foundation, in partnership with the American Nurses Association, the America Association of Critical-Care Nurses, The American Psychiatric Nurses Association, the Emergency Nurses Association, and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, has launched the Well-Being Initiative, a website of tools and resources to support the mental health and resilience of nurses. The tools include a gratitude practice for nurses, self-care and better sleep resources, a stress self-assessment, and a guide to mental health support services.
Survey indicates support for expanded NP scope of practice
A survey by the Alliance for Connected Care indicates that 82% of patients and almost 80% of healthcare providers support expanding nurse practitioner scope of practice to include the full extent of their education and clinical training. Twenty-six states currently have full practice authority for NPs.
The survey also indicates that 91% of healthcare providers agree that telehealth options should continue post-pandemic, with accessibility and flexibility noted as key drivers.
July 06, 2022
CLPNA discontinues associate membership
Effective January 1, 2023, the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta will no longer offer an associate membership for non-practicing LPNs. Individuals who were formerly registered in Alberta wishing to return to practice can apply for reinstatement if they have practiced within the past four years or have completed a refresher program.
