Notice of Moratorium on the Acceptance of New Applications for Practical Nursing Programs

Take notice that, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 45:11-23 et seq., the Board of Nursing will cease, effective March 2, 2009 , accepting applications for accreditation from practical nursing programs. This action is taken in response to an overwhelming number of accreditation applications and Board concerns regarding the ability of these programs to provide students with the education and experiences necessary to safely and effectively practice as licensed practical nurses.

This moratorium is necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of patients who receive nursing services from licensed practical nurses in New Jersey . Students who do not receive appropriate education and experience in their nursing program will not have the ability to practice in a safe and effective manner.

The Board is currently engaged in a review of regulations governing application for accreditation by practical nursing programs. A preliminary result of this review has indicated the need to revise Board regulations to: require practical nursing programs to develop partnerships with colleges or universities for basic skill testing, remediation and credit bearing general education courses; impose Statewide standardized outcomes based on licensed practical nurse curriculum as proposed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and National Association for Practical Nurse Education Service (NAPNES); require maintenance of national accreditation from National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC); and streamline articulation for licensed practical nurse graduates. Once this review has been completed, and the regulations governing accreditation have been amended pursuant to the results of this review, the Board shall re-commence accepting applications for accreditation from practical nursing programs.