Alabama Administrative Code
Title 610 - ALABAMA BOARD OF NURSING
Chapter 610-X-17 - CERTIFIED NURSING SUPPORT TECHNICIAN
Section 610-X-17-.02 - Definitions
Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 02, November 27, 2024
For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
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. Accountability: The state of being answerable or responsible for action.
3. Application(s): Form(s) and process(es) for applicants seeking permits by examination, endorsement, reinstatement, or renewal.
4. Dual Relationship: Any time an NST-C interacts with a patient outside the NST-C patient relationship.
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. 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. May: Power, privilege, or right retained by the Board.
8. May not: Prohibition.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Responsibility: The charge to do something that is expected performance.
15. Shall: Duty, requirement, or condition.
16. Standard Precautions: Recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to minimize the risk of transmission of pathogens.
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. Unencumbered permit: An active permit that has no current stipulations, conditions, or limitations.
19. Verification: The process of verifying original or current permits in Alabama. The verification process shall be defined by the Board.
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: 34-21-1, Alabama Act No. 2024-249