Regarding the APRN Consensus model and the certification requirement:

- Regulation that requires a CNS to be certified by examination as a CNS in

his/her specialty when there is no such exam is a major barrier and denies

the public access to CNS practice

- National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, 2005

- Requiring CNSs in these specialties to take what is termed as a "related

exam", such as ANCC's CNS Medical/Surgical exam, does not demonstrate

specialty knowledge and begs the question of the existence of such a

requirement for public safety reasons.- NACNS, 2005

-A core examination was developed by ANCC and NACNS. This examination was

offered twice and was well received by the CNS community. This examination

provided an option for the CNS to certify based on components of the CNS

role. Due to a number of factors, this examination is no longer available

and will not be available in the near future. -NACNS 2012

-NACNS has received reports from CNS's currently practicing in the role,

that some employers, in anticipation of the adoption of the Consensus Model

regulatory framework in their states, are eliminating CNSs that have not

obtained certification for APRN practice: despite the fact that such

certification examinations may be unavailable. -NACNS 2012

Precedence:

-Existing precedence of Perinatal CNS successfully certified via the CORE

Examination, denied registration by the Virginia State Board.

Due to the lack of a Womens Health CNS certification exam, Ms. Hurley's alternative solution appears to be reasonable, until such time as an exam is made available. I am in support of her petition.