The joint boards of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (BMOE) and Nursing (BON) held a public hearing on Sept. 6 to propose administrative rules dealing with certifications for nurse practitioners (NP), nurse midwives and medical assistants.

Attendees included SDAHO, SDSMA, NPASD and others.

The boards removed specific certification examinations for nurse practitioner or nurse midwife licensure and replaced them with “nationally recognized certification examinations approved by the boards.” The board also approved the ability to use electronic communication to satisfy the direct personal contact requirement that was previously a part of the collaborative agreement.

The boards also approved the addition of the Medical Assistants (MA) Chapter as well as the removal of proof of graduations from an accredited MA program. Accredited MA Program will be replaced with educational institutions approved by the boards.

The Legislative Rules Review Committee will review the proposed rule changes on Sept. 26. Next year’s joint board meeting was scheduled for Sept. 14, 2017. More information can be found at here.