Or. Admin. R. 851-031-0088 - Registered Nurse First Assistant Status

The Board must maintain a registry of RNFAs authorized to independently bill for payment of services as an RNFA.

(1) All Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Nurses independently billing as an RNFA and identifying themselves as RNFA must apply for placement on the registry pursuant to ORS 678.366. Failure to comply with the rules of this section and the nurse portraying themselves as RNFAs and independently billing for RNFA services shall be considered a violation of the Nurse Practice Act, which could result in Board sanctions against the nurse's license.

(2) Nurses are exempt from this registry requirement if:

(a) The nurse is assigned the role of first assist by their employer and is practicing under the rules as outlined in OAR 851-045-0060(12)(b)&(c); and

(b) Have comparable education and competency validation to perform the functions of an RNFA; and

(c) Does not identify themselves as an RNFA on either any name badge or to the client; and

(d) Does not independently bill for payment of RNFA services.

(3) An applicant for initial placement on the registry must:

(a) Hold a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in the State of Oregon;

(b) Submit a registry application; and

(c) Submit evidence of current certification as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) from a national certifying body; or

(d) Submit evidence of current certification as a Certified Nurse - Operating Room (CNOR) and submit documentation showing successful completion of a RNFA program which meets the Association of Peri-Operative Registered Nurses' "AORN Recommended Education Standards for RN First Assistant Programs" as stated in the 2005 or subsequent AORN Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines.

(4) To be maintained on the RNFA registry the nurse must:

(a) Submit the registry application and evidence of current certification as a RNFA from a national certifying body; or

(b) Submit the registry application and evidence of current certification as a CNOR, continuing education hours and type equivalent to that required of nurses nationally certified as RNFAs.

Notes

Or. Admin. R. 851-031-0088

BN 1-2006, f. & cert. ef. 2-22-06; BN 6-2021, amend filed 06/21/2021, effective 7/1/2021

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 678.021 & ORS 678.040

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 678.021 & ORS 678.040