N.J.A.C. 13:37-9

Notice of Action on Petition for Rulemaking
Forensic Nurse--Certified Sexual Assault Program

Petitioner: Dr. Gayle A. Pearson, Assistant Dean, Center for Professional Development, Rutgers , College of Nursing

Take notice that on December 10, 2008 , Gayle A. Pearson requested that the Board of Nursing (the Board) amend N.J.A.C. 13:37 -9.1 through 9.10, which governs the certification of forensic nurses--certified sexual assault (FN-CSAs). The petitioner contends that amendments to these rules, adopted May 21, 2007 , which permit FN-CSAs to perform sexual assault examinations on children, were poorly conceived, lacked input of professionals and were adopted without regard for public comments. According to the petitioner, the amended rules require two hours of additional training for FN-CSAs who will work with abused children. The petitioner believes that this requirement is insufficient to prepare FN-CSAs to work with children and is not consistent with International Association of Forensic Nurses standards. The petitioner requested that the Board impose a moratorium on FN-CSAs performing sexual assault examinations on children until appropriate education and training standards for educators have been developed. The petitioner also requested a public hearing before the Board. The notice of receipt of petition for rulemaking was published in the January 20, 2009 New Jersey Register at 41 N.J.R. 683(a).

As the Board did not meet in December 2008 or January 2009, it has been unable to review the petitioner's requests. The Board will review the petitioner's request at its February 17, 2009 meeting.

A copy of this notice has been mailed to the petitioner pursuant to N.J.A.C. 1:30-4.2.