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CRNA certification as APNs on or before June 16, 2009 (N.J.A.C. 13:37-7.5)

Dear Colleagues:

Please be aware that a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) who wishes to continue to practice anesthesia after June 16, 2009 is required to have been certified as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) by that date, according to N.J.A.C. 13:37-7, adopted June 16, 2008. CRNAs with a Master's Degree in Nurse Anesthesia may apply to be certified as an APN any time before June 16, 2009. Those applying after this date must have graduated within two years of application. CRNAs who are not prepared at the Master’s level are permitted to apply for APN certification under an alternative certification process, but, under N.J.A.C. 13:37-7, this process is available only to June 16, 2009.

The Board of Nursing has received hundreds of applications from CRNAs seeking APN certification, but has been advised that there are many more CRNAs currently employed in hospitals who have not applied. They have been warned that their employment may be terminated if they are not certified by June 16, 2009.

The Board does not know how many CRNAs may apply. It is concerned that many applications will be filed close to the June 16, 2009 deadline. Because the Board cannot guarantee that all applications will be processed by the deadline, the Board will not take action against a CRNA who continues to administer anesthesia if his or her application has been filed with the Board postmarked by June 16, 2009 and is complete in all respects. Employers may request verification that a CRNA has filed an application by sending an email to the following address: APN@dca.lps.state.nj.us.

Sincerely,

George J. Hebert, MA, RN
Executive Director
New Jersey Board of Nursing