Standardized procedures are defined in Administrative Code Section 610-X-6-.01(21), which states: “Written policies and protocols establishing the permissible functions, activities, and level of supervision of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses for practice beyond basic nursing education preparation.” This rule requires that a facility/agency apply for and receive approval for standardized procedures for practice beyond basic nursing education. The application is available on the website under the “Nurses” tab/Standardized Procedures/Application. The standardized procedure process mandates that agencies/facilities develop policies and procedures approved by the chief nursing administrator, the chief medical officer, and the chief executive officer, as demonstrated by their signature on the application form. Additionally, the agency/facility must provide an organized program of study for staff, supervised clinical practice, and demonstration of competency that prepares nursing staff to expand the scope of practice for the selected procedure.

In accordance with ABN Administrative Code, Section 610-X-6-.12, any practice beyond a nurse’s basic education requires an application and subsequent approval by the Board. The process begins by completing an Application form found on the ABN website under the Nurses tab. The facility/agency/company chief nursing administrator, chief medical officer, and chief executive officer must approve the application by signing it. Accompanying this application must be the following:

• Policy and procedure, including level of supervision
• Organized program of study, including instructor qualification
• Plan for supervised clinical practice
• Plan for demonstration of competency, initially and at periodic intervals

Once the application has been submitted, the Board action may include, but is not limited to:

• Approval
• Approval as a pilot project for a period of time not to exceed twelve months, with reports to the Board at intervals specified by the Board
• Denial of the request

The submission begins with completion of an application form found on the ABN website under “Nursing Practice.” This application form must be approved by the facility/agency/company chief nursing administrator, chief medical officer and chief executive officer as evidenced by their respective signatures. Accompanying this application form must be the following:

• Policy and procedure including level of supervision
• Organized program of study including instructor qualification
• Plan for supervised clinical practice
• Plan for demonstration of competency, initially and at periodic intervals

Once the application has been submitted to the Alabama Board of Nursing, the Board action may include but is not limited to:

• Approval
• Approval as a pilot project for a period of time not to exceed twelve months with reports to the Board at intervals specified by the Board
• Denial of the request