Board rejects request to let suspended nurse complete RN refresher fully virtually; asks parties to provide hybrid timeline

The board considered a request to modify a memorandum of decision for petitioner Aja Dodwell (petition 2024-1607) that would allow the respondent to satisfy refresher-course requirements by completing a preapproved RN refresher course fully virtually. Respondent's counsel said other approved courses either lacked an in-person option or offered an in-person practicum with no scheduled dates; the respondent is currently suspended until the refresher is completed.

Attorney for the department confirmed that one preapproved course had no in-person option, a second was located out of state (South Dakota), and a third had a virtual theory component and an in-person practicum with no definite schedule. Board members expressed concern that approving a fully virtual pathway could effectively allow the respondent to remain suspended indefinitely if the hybrid practicum were unavailable. Several members said they would prefer information about the hybrid/in-person practicum timeline and whether an in-state hybrid option would allow the respondent to complete the required in-person portion within a reasonable time.

A motion to permit full virtual completion (moved by Cynthia Arpin; seconded by Salvatore Diaz) failed on a roll-call vote: Arpin, Diaz, Mary Dieteman, Camille Payne and Chair Gina Reiners all recorded "nay." The board directed the parties to make a second effort to obtain scheduling information from the hybrid program(s) and asked DPH and the hearing office to return the matter to the board with a timeline and implementation options that would permit the respondent to comply with an order without an indefinite suspension.

Ending: The request to allow full virtual completion was denied; the board left open the possibility of a hybrid solution pending receipt of specific scheduling information from preapproved providers.