1. (a) A national certification program that meets the following criteria shall be recognized by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing to satisfy 17 CAR § 123-201.

2. (b) The national certification program:

   1. (1) Is national in the scope of its credentialing;
   2. (2) Is accredited by a national accreditation body as acceptable by the board;
   3. (3) Has no requirement for an applicant to be a member of any organization;

   4. (4) Has an application process and credential review that includes documentation that the applicant’s:

      1. (A) Education is in the advanced practice nursing category being certified; and
      2. (B) Clinical practice is in the certification category;
   5. (5) Education requirements are consistent with the requirements of the advanced practice role and population foci;

   6. (6) Uses an examination as a basis for certification in the advanced practice nursing category that meets the following criteria:

      1. (A) The examination is based upon job analysis studies conducted using standard methodologies acceptable to the testing community;
      2. (B) The examination represents entry-level practice in the APRN role and population focus;
      3. (C) The examination represents the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for the delivery of safe and effective advanced nursing care to clients;
      4. (D) The examination content and its distribution are specified in a test plan (blueprint), based on the job analysis study, that is available to examinees;
      5. (E) Examination items are reviewed for content validity and correct scoring using an established mechanism, both before use and periodically;
      6. (F) Examinations are evaluated for psychometric performance;
      7. (G) The passing standard is:

3. (i) Established using acceptable psychometric methods; and

   1. (ii) Reevaluated at least every five (5) years;

      1. (H) Examination security is maintained through established procedures; and
      2. (I) A retake policy is in place;
   2. (7) Issues certification based upon passing the examination and meeting all other certification requirements;

   3. (8) Provides for periodic recertification, which includes review of:

      1. (A) Continued education;
      2. (B) Qualifications; and
      3. (C) Continued competence;

   4. (9) Has mechanisms in place for communication to the board for timely verification of an individual’s certification status, changes in certification status, and changes in the certification program, including:

      1. (A) Qualifications;
      2. (B) Test plan; and
      3. (C) Scope of practice; and

   5. (10) Has an evaluation process to provide quality assurance in its certification program.

      1. (c) The board will notify the appropriate certifying body when an APRN has disciplinary action taken on their license or privilege to practice that restricts the APRN’s ability to practice (e.g., suspension or revocation).

Codification Notes: “APRN” means advanced practice registered nurse.