Online News Vol. 1, Issue 3 |
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Georgia State Board of Nursing Home Administrators
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
(478) 207-2440 phone
(866) 877-7127 fax
www.sos.ga.gov/plb/nursinghome |
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Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards:
PLB is working diligently to become one of the most technologically advanced licensing agencies in the country. Throughout this year we have continued to review our business processes and implement technology to increase our performance levels and customer service for our licensees and the general public.
This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications. We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year. There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications.
Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section. Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia. More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized.
PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.
Regards,
Randy Vaughn
Director of the Professional Licensing Boards
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The Georgia State Board of Nursing Home Administrators consists of thirteen members: One licensed medical doctor who is not a nursing home administrator or pecuniary interested in any nursing home, one registered nurse who is not a nursing home administrator or pecuniary interested in any nursing home, one educator with a graduate degree who specializes in the field of gerontology and is not a nursing home administrator or pecuniary interested in any nursing home, three consumer members who are not nursing home administrators or pecuniary interested in any nursing home or have any connection the nursing home industry whatsoever, one member who is a hospital administrator in this state and holds a master’s degree in hospital administration and who is not a nursing home administrator or pecuniary interested in any nursing home and six licensed nursing home administrators.
In addition to the thirteen appointed members, there also is the commissioner of human resources or his designee, who shall serve as ex officio member of the Board, and the commissioner of community health or his designee, who shall serve as ex officio member of the Board, for a total Board membership of fifteen.
Typically, the Board meets four times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed.
Minutes, upon final approval by the Board, from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/nursinghome. |
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Board Members:
Ms. Barbara J. Baxter, NHA, Chair
Mr. Terrell B. Cook, Vice Chair
Christi W. Card
Maxine McCullar
W. Dennis Taylor, Jr., M.D.
Ms. Norma Jean Morgan
Maranah A. Sauter
E. Phillip Stone
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Board Staff:
Brig Zimmerman
Executive Director
Georgia State Board of Nursing Home Administrators
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Number of Active Licensees:
Nursing Home Administrator: 1,066
Nursing Home Preceptor: 66
Administrator in Training: 24
Nursing Home Training Site: 65
Nursing Home Education Provider: 11 |
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2009 Meeting Dates:
December 3, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon. |
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Actions Taken by the Georgia State Board of Nursing Home Administrators
August: The Board voted to accept amendments to the following rules:
• Rule 393-3.02, Licensure Requirements: Clarified the total required minimum number of hours required to be obtained in during the Administrator In Training (AIT) time period.
• Rule 393-4.02, Georgia Board-Approved AIT Program Requirements: Clarifies the extension of the AIT programs of those working less than 40 hours so the required hours are obtained as noted in Board rule 393-3-.02.
• Rule 393-5-.03, Reinstatement: Reduces the number of Contact Hours or Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) required for licensure.
• Rule 393-13-.01, Requirements: Changes the number of online clock hours that may be obtained for Continuing Education Hours credit.
September: The Board voted to approve the following applicants for licensure as administrators in training:
• Tammy Royal, Millen
• Patricia Cammarata, Conyers
• Lisa Moore, Adel
• Lainie D. Norris, Savannah
• Lizzie Thomas, Social Circle
• Angela Watkins, Mauk
The Board voted to approve the following applicants for licensure by endorsement:
• Melissa Hansen, Hermitage, TN
• Paul D. Morris, New Port Richey, FL
• Kimberly Perkins, Grove Heights, MN |
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Information Regarding Flu Shots:
The Georgia State Board Of Nursing Home Administrators would like to remind all nursing home administrators to strongly encourage staff in receiving the seasonal flu shot. This time of the year can be a critically time for those receiving care in our nursing homes, especially since we have to contend with the H1N1 flu virus. The Department of Community Health is asking all health professionals to serve has emergency response volunteers by signing up to assist with the 2009-2010 novel H1N1 vaccine immunization plan. A link has been posted to the Board website if you would like to volunteer. You may visit the boards webpage at www.sos.ga.gov.plb/nursinghome. |
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License Renewals:
Licenses expire as follows:
Nursing Home Administrator: December 31 of odd numbered years
It is illegal to work as a nursing home administrator with an expired license.
How do I renew my license?
You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested or convicted, received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license.
The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice.
Disciplinary Issues:
The Board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis and applies sanctions to those who violate the Georgia State Board of Nursing Home Administrators Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/nursinghome.
All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia State Board of Nursing Home Administrators website.
Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-27 or at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia State Board of Nursing Home Administrators website. |
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Georgia State Board of Nursing Home Administrators Complaints Process Information:
Complaints Process Information:
The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Board of Nursing Home Administrators to regulate the licensing and practice of dentistry. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-27 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed, with the exception of the ex officio members, by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows:
Complaint Form:
Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules.
Investigations:
The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority.
Notification Process:
While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website. |
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Frequently Asked Questions:
A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440. |
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