Section 326-B:4 Powers and Duties of the Board. - New Hampshire Statutes

The board may:
   I. Establish reasonable and uniform standards for nursing practice consistent with the criteria identified by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
   II. Provide consultation regarding nursing practice for institutions and agencies and investigate reports of illegal practice.
   III. Examine, license, and renew the licenses of duly qualified individuals. The board shall select an appropriate nationally approved licensing examination.
   IV. Gather and report to the public statistical information regarding, but not limited to, the education and licensure of registered and practical nurses.
   V. Conduct investigations, hearings, and proceedings concerning alleged violations of this chapter or of rules adopted under this chapter.
   VI. Subpoena witnesses, records, and documents, as needed, and administer oaths to those testifying at hearings.
   VII. Determine and enforce appropriate disciplinary action against all individuals found guilty of violating this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter.
   VIII. Deny or withdraw approval of nursing educational programs that do not meet the minimum requirements of this chapter.
   IX. Maintain records of proceedings as required by the laws of New Hampshire.
   X. Conduct conferences, forums, studies, and research on nursing practice and education.
   XI. Obtain legal counsel, hearing officers, accountants and such other employees, assistants, and agents as may be necessary, in the opinion of the board to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
   XII. Prescribe the duties of a qualified registered nurse to serve as executive director and request such additional staff positions as may be necessary to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
   XIII. Establish and collect fees, under rules adopted by the board under RSA 541-A, relative to applicants seeking any type of license issued by the board under this chapter, including fees for applications for temporary licenses, reinstatement of inactive licenses, licenses by examination, and renewal of licenses, as well as fees for verifying license status, program graduation, or computerized lists, and fees for site visits associated with nursing education programs under RSA 326-B:32.
   XIV. In accordance with state due process laws, limit the multistate licensure privilege of any registered nurse or licensed practical nurse to practice in New Hampshire and may take any other actions under applicable state laws necessary to protect the health and safety of New Hampshire citizens. If the board does take such action, it shall promptly notify the administrator of the coordinated licensure information system. The administrator of the coordinated licensure information system shall promptly notify the home state of any such action taken by the state of New Hampshire.

Source. 2005, 293:1, eff. July 1, 2005 at 12:01 a.m. 2008, 179:1, eff. Aug. 10, 2008.