For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

1. (1) Abandonment: Acceptance of a patient assignment, thus establishing a certified nursing support technician (NST-C) patient relationship, and then ending the NST-C patient relationship without giving reasonable notice to supervisory personnel so that others can make arrangements for continuation of care.
2. (2) Accountability: The state of being answerable or responsible for action.

3. (3) Application(s): Form(s) and process(es) for applicants seeking permits by examination, endorsement, reinstatement, or renewal.

   1. (a) Incomplete application: Missing requirements.
   2. (b) Complete application: Meets requirements.
   3. (c) Void application: Any incomplete application voided due to failure by the applicant to satisfy all requirements within one year of submission.
4. (4) Dual Relationship: Any time an NST-C interacts with a patient outside the NST-C patient relationship.
5. (5) Endorsement: The process of application for and method of permit approval for a NST, certified originally licensed/permit as an NST in a jurisdiction other than Alabama.
6. (6) Lapsed permit: Failure of an NST-C to renew a permit does not require examination for reinstatement unless the permit is in lapsed status for more than two (years).
7. (7) May: Power, privilege, or right retained by the Board.
8. (8) May not: Prohibition.
9. (9) Certified Nursing Support Technician(I) (NST-C): An individual who has successfully completed a Board approved curriculum for performing supportive nursing services, has passed the National Nursing Support Technician Certification Exam, and has been issued a permit by the Alabama Board of Nursing.
10. (10) NST Advanced Skills: Skills allowed for an NST-C with certifications in addition to initial NST educational preparation and subject to approved standardized procedures on file with the Board.
11. (11) Permit: Board approval to practice as an NST-C. The NST-C receives authorization to practice as an NST-C from the Board through an approved permit.
12. (12) Primary Source Verification: Verification provided directly to the Board by the entity that is the original source of the document of educational credentials, certification, and/or permit or an approved primary source organization recognized by the Board.
13. (13) Professional Boundary: Behavior of the NST-C in maintaining a therapeutic relationship with a patient for the patient's benefit, rather than behavior that shifts the focus to the NST-C.
14. (14) Responsibility: The charge to do something that is expected performance.
15. (15) Shall: Duty, requirement, or condition.
16. (16) Standard Precautions: Recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to minimize the risk of transmission of pathogens.
17. (17) Supervision: Responsible licensed nurse is available for periodic inspection and evaluation through physical presence, electronic or telephonic communication for direction, consultation, and collaboration.
18. (18) Unencumbered permit: An active permit that has no current stipulations, conditions, or limitations.
19. (19) Verification: The process of verifying original or current permits in Alabama. The verification process shall be defined by the Board.
20. (20) Board-approved Nursing Support Technician (NST) Program: a program approved by the Board to administer educational preparation for NSTs. The Board may develop guidelines for programmatic maintenance of approval and administration of educational preparation for NSTs.

Author: Alabama Board of Nursing

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-21-1, Alabama Act No. 2024-249.

History: New Rule: Published July 31, 2024; effective September 14, 2024, operative October 1, 2024.