A registered professional nurse who submits a request for waiver from requirements of these rules as set forth in this section must submit documentation as required by the board to support his or her petition and assure the board that he or she possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities appropriate for the role and specialty desired. Those petitioners who are under investigation or current board order are not eligible for waiver.

1. (1) Petitions for waiver from the program accreditation requirements of §221.3(2) and (3) of this title (relating to Education) may be granted by the board for individuals who completed their educational programs during or before 1978. Petitioners must meet the length of academic program requirements of §221.3(4) of this title (relating to Education).

2. (2) Petitions for waiver from the current certification requirements of §221.4(b) of this title (relating to Requirements for Initial Authorization To Practice) and §221.8(a)(1) of this title (relating to Maintaining Authorization as an Advanced Practice Nurse) may be granted by the board.

   1. (A) Under this section, only those petitioners who have no national certification examination available within their role and specialty or a related advanced specialty will be considered for waiver by the board under this section.
   2. (B) The board may determine that available national examinations must be taken in lieu of an examination specifically related to the specialty.

Source Note:The provisions of this §221.5 adopted to be effective June 7, 1995, 20 TexReg 3894.