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Virgin islands board of nurse licensure

Collection
Hearing Records
Sub-shelf
Budget, Appropriations and Finance
Kind
Hearing Record
Entity
Legislature of the Virgin Islands
Date
2025
Type
Testimony
Pages
32
Text
Native Text
Identifiers
Act 7594, Act 7699, Bill 30-0253, Bill 30-0463

1 BOARD MEMBERS 2025 Tanicia Penn, MSN, RN - Varied Nurse Specialist- Chair Brittany Dawson, DNP, APRN-Certified Nurse Midwife CNM- Vice Chair Arnelle Comissiong, BSN, RN - Varied Nurse Specialist-Treasurer Elizabeth R. Dumas Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist CRNA- Secretary Marion Wilson, Licensed Practical Nurse LPN- Board Member Juliette Punter-Petty, Consumer STT/STJ District- Board Member Lydia Ells, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)- Board Member Vacant Nurse Educator Vacant Consumer STX District In accordance with Act No. 7594 Bill No. 30-0253 and Act No. 7699 Bill No. 30-0463, board members that expire will serve until their successors are appointed. CHAIRPERSON - TANICIA PENN, MSN, RN VICE CHAIR - BRITTANY DAWSON, DNP, APRN-CNM TREASURER - ARNELLE COMISSIONG, BSN, RN SECRETARY – E. RAVEN DUMAS, CRNA MEMBERS: TERMS: TANICIA PENN, MSN, RN 12/14/2020 - 12/20/2023 BRITTANY DAWSON, DNP, APRN-CNM 12/14/2020 - 12/20/2023 ARNELLE COMISSIONG, BSN RN 12/14/2020 - 12/20/2023 E. …

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1 BOARD MEMBERS 2025 Tanicia Penn, MSN, RN - Varied Nurse Specialist- Chair Brittany Dawson, DNP, APRN-Certified Nurse Midwife CNM- Vice Chair Arnelle Comissiong, BSN, RN - Varied Nurse Specialist-Treasurer Elizabeth R. Dumas Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist CRNA- Secretary Marion Wilson, Licensed Practical Nurse LPN- Board Member Juliette Punter-Petty, Consumer STT/STJ District- Board Member Lydia Ells, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)- Board Member Vacant Nurse Educator Vacant Consumer STX District In accordance with Act No. 7594 Bill No. 30-0253 and Act No. 7699 Bill No. 30-0463, board members that expire will serve until their successors are appointed. CHAIRPERSON - TANICIA PENN, MSN, RN VICE CHAIR - BRITTANY DAWSON, DNP, APRN-CNM TREASURER - ARNELLE COMISSIONG, BSN, RN SECRETARY – E. RAVEN DUMAS, CRNA MEMBERS: TERMS: TANICIA PENN, MSN, RN 12/14/2020 - 12/20/2023 BRITTANY DAWSON, DNP, APRN-CNM 12/14/2020 - 12/20/2023 ARNELLE COMISSIONG, BSN RN 12/14/2020 - 12/20/2023 E. RAVEN DUMAS, CRNA 12/14/2020 - 12/20/2023 LYDIA ELLS, LPN (STT) 02/17/2011 - Present 4th Term JULIETTE PETTY 12/14/2020 - 12/20/2023 MARION WILSON 12/14/2020 - 12/20/2023 BOARD MEMBERS COMMITTEES & MEMBERS 2 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 3 Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure Annual Report - 2026 Established under the Nurse Practice Act (NPA) of 1982, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) serves as the regulatory authority for Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) within the territory. The Board is composed of nine (9) members, who are appointed by the Governor and entrusted with the responsibility of: • Developing and enforcing regulations governing nursing practice • Defining scope of practice for all licensure levels • Overseeing nursing education programs • Managing initial licensure and renewals • Conducting disciplinary investigations and enforcing compliance As of the current fiscal year, the Board consists of seven active members, with a quorum defined as five (5) members. Appointments are made for terms of two (2) to three (3) years, or until a successor is appointed. The designated roles on the Board include: • One Nurse Anesthetist • One Nurse Midwife • Two Registered Nurses from varied specialties • Two Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) • One Community Lay Member Recruitment Efforts: At present, the Board is actively seeking to fill two vacant positions: • One Community Lay Member from the St. Croix District • One Educator position with territory-wide responsibilities Filling these vacancies is critical to ensuring that the Board maintains a balanced representation of clinical, educational, and public perspectives, which supports effective regulation and informed decision-making across all nursing disciplines. The Board’s authority is derived from the Virgin Islands Code – Title 27, Chapter 1, Subchapter IV, Sections 93–97, which clearly define its powers, duties, and the scope of regulatory oversight. This legal framework provides the foundation for licensing standards, enforcement protocols, and the promotion of public health through professional nursing practice. As outlined in the FY 2026 Annual Report, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure remains dedicated to: • Upholding excellence in nursing standards • Promoting continuing education and workforce development • Ensuring safe, ethical, and effective nursing care for all residents of the Virgin Islands Through strong governance, efficient licensure operations, and a commitment to accountability, the Board continues to protect public health and elevate the nursing profession throughout the territory. 4 OUR MISSION The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public by developing and enforcing effective policies and standards for nursing education, practice, and discipline across the territory. We accomplish this by: • Regulating the licensure and renewal of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) • Defining and upholding the legal scope of nursing practice • Approving and monitoring nursing education programs • Investigating complaints and enforcing disciplinary actions to ensure professional accountability VIBNL strives to serve as a model regulatory agency by making decisions that are: • Evidence-based • Legally sound • Fiscally responsible • Operationally efficient • Technologically integrated • Quality-focused • Publicly transparent and accountable We value honesty, fairness, and objectivity in all our actions and are committed to fostering strong, respectful, and professional relationships with our licensees, stakeholders, and the broader community for the betterment of healthcare in the U.S. Virgin Islands. OPERATIONS OF THE BOARD One of the core responsibilities of the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) is to ensure that only competent, ethical, and qualified nurses are authorized to practice within the U.S. Virgin Islands. All practicing nurses must meet stringent licensure criteria and maintain a clear record of legal and professional compliance. To support this mandate, VIBNL remains an active member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Participation in NCSBN’s annual meetings and collaborative initiatives allows the Board to stay informed on national best practices in nursing regulation, professional mobility, and public safety. Through this affiliation, VIBNL enhances its ability to align with evolving national standards, promote continuous professional development, and partner with other jurisdictions to elevate the quality of nursing care both locally and nationwide. 5 OUR MISSION The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public by developing and enforcing effective policies and standards for nursing education, practice, and discipline across the territory. We accomplish this by: • Regulating the licensure and renewal of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) • Defining and upholding the legal scope of nursing practice • Approving and monitoring nursing education programs • Investigating complaints and enforcing disciplinary actions to ensure professional accountability VIBNL strives to serve as a model regulatory agency by making decisions that are: • Evidence-based • Legally sound • Fiscally responsible • Operationally efficient • Technologically integrated • Quality-focused • Publicly transparent and accountable We value honesty, fairness, and objectivity in all our actions and are committed to fostering strong, respectful, and professional relationships with our licensees, stakeholders, and the broader community for the betterment of healthcare in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 6 SCOPE OF PRACTICE The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) plays a vital role in defining and regulating the scope of practice for nursing professionals within the territory. This includes Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Each of these roles is governed by clear professional guidelines and standards established by the Board to ensure the delivery of safe, ethical, and effective patient care. VIBNL’s regulatory oversight promotes accountability and professional integrity across all levels of nursing, safeguarding the health and well-being of the Virgin Islands community To uphold transparency and ensure regulatory compliance, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) utilizes NCSBN’s NURSYS® Quick Confirm system for all actively licensed nurses in the territory. This free, public-facing tool allows employers, staffing agencies, and the public to instantly verify a nurse’s licensure status and credentials. By leveraging NURSYS Quick Confirm, VIBNL enhances public trust and supports a healthcare environment rooted in integrity, accountability, and professionalism. This resource plays a vital role in protecting patients and strengthening confidence in the Virgin Islands’ nursing workforce. The NURSYS Quick Confirm program plays a vital role in safeguarding public safety by providing real-time access to nurses' licensure and disciplinary information. This centralized system enables nursing boards, credentialing agencies, employers, and the public to verify the status and qualifications of licensed nurses across all U.S. states and territories, including the Virgin Islands. By ensuring transparency and accountability, NURSYS supports the delivery of safe, competent, and high-quality nursing care nationwide. Ways in Which the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) Fulfills Its Regulatory Roles Clarification of Scope of Practice: VIBNL provides essential guidance and clarification on scope of practice issues for all licensed nurses working in diverse healthcare environments. These include hospitals, clinics, private practices, educational institutions, correctional facilities, home health settings, long-term care facilities, and more. By responding to inquiries and providing regulatory interpretation, the Board ensures nurses understand their roles and responsibilities in delivering safe and effective care. Approval and Oversight of Nursing Education Programs: VIBNL evaluates nursing school curricula within the Virgin Islands to verify that programs align with national standards and effectively prepare graduates for licensure. Approved programs demonstrate the ability to produce competent, ethical nursing professionals. Each program is reviewed on a cycle of no more than two (2) years, depending on its educational level. Additionally, VIBNL certifies continuing education providers and programs to support licensees in meeting ongoing licensure requirements. Licensure and Certification Standards: The Board establishes and enforces requirements for initial licensure, license renewal, and recertification. This includes a thorough review of all 7 applications, especially those from nurses seeking licensure by endorsement from other states or jurisdictions. By maintaining consistent standards, VIBNL upholds the integrity and quality of the local nursing workforce.  As a member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), VIBNL authorizes local nursing graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for RNs and LPNs, as well as the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. The Board also directly administers Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) examinations to verify competency prior to certification.  VIBNL is responsible for investigating complaints filed against nurses and nursing assistants, including cases involving patient abuse, criminal conduct, drug diversion, and violations of the Nurse Practice Act. All investigations are comprehensive and impartial. When warranted, the Board collaborates with the Virgin Islands Department of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General to ensure that due process is followed in any disciplinary proceedings. Confirmed violations are recorded in the Board’s disciplinary database and, when applicable, reported to national regulatory bodies. To ensure transparency and compliance in financial matters, the Board utilizes the Virgin Islands Department of Finance's MUNIS System for recording deposits, managing requisitions, and processing vendor payments. Weekly reconciliations of year-to-date (YTD) reports are conducted to align internal records with financial activity. 8 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) primarily depends on a general fund allocation of $846,078.00 to maintain its operations. This budget covers essential expenses such as salaries totaling $483,287.00 and fringe benefits of $240,318.00 for eight (8) full- time employees funded by the general fund. Additional funding is allocated for supplies and services ($122,473.00), which include facility rentals and professional service costs. VIBNL has six (6) active contracts, which include two (2) real property leases (one each in St. Thomas and St. Croix), two (2) extermination contracts (one in each location), and two (2) janitorial supply contracts (also one each in St. Thomas and St. Croix). In the upcoming fiscal year, there are plans to implement two (2) more Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) supply contracts to further aid operational and infrastructure needs. The Board tracks trends in licensure and certification by reviewing at least three (3) years of statistical data each year. Data collection occurs annually from July 1 to June 30. In Fiscal Year 2023, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) generated a total revenue of $119,191.00. The revenues distributed among various licensure categories were as follows: - Registered Nurses (RN): $73,931.00 - Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN): $11,565.00 - Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN): $8,450.00 APRN 10% CNA 14% LPN 7% OTHER 7% RN 62% FY 2023 TOTAL REVENUES APRN CNA LPN OTHER RN 9 - Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA): $17,290.00 - Other Fees (Lapsed fees, Exam Application fees, License/Certification Replacement Certification fees, Verification fees, Penalties for violation): $7,955.00 In Fiscal Year 2024, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) generated total revenues of $163,462.00. The revenue distribution among different licensure categories is detailed as follows: - Registered Nurses (RN): $111,114.50 - Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN): $16,515.00 - Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN): $9,250.00 - Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA): $2,825.00 - Other Fees (Lapsed fees, Exam Application fees, License/Certification Replacement Certification fees, Verification fees, Penalties for violation): $23,757.50 RN 68% APRN 10% CNA 6% LPN 2% Other 14% FY 2024 Total Revenues RN APRN CNA LPN Other 10 As of June 30, 2025, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) has generated a total revenue of $116,697.50. This revenue comes from various fees associated with nurse licenses, examinations, endorsements, certifications, renewals, penalty fees, and other related services. There is a notable contribution from Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). The revenue breakdown by licensure categories is as follows: - Registered Nurses (RN): $90,742.50 - Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN): $9,625.00 - Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN): $3,250.00 - Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA): $4,970.00 - Other Fees (Lapsed fees, Exam Application fees, License/Certification Replacement Certification fees, Verification fees, Penalties for violation): $8,110.00 RN 78% APRN 8% LPN 3% CNA 5% Other 6% FY 2025 Total Revenues RN APRN LPN CNA Other 11 COMPLIANCE DISCIPLINE STATISTICAL DATA 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 7/2024 to 6/2025 Nurses with Current Discipline: FY 2025 Active Cases Closed/Completed Cases Disciplinary Report Log Total number of disciplines solved 93 Total number of cases from 7/2024 to 6/2025 28 Pending Cases 04 As of the current reporting period, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure has processed a total of 93 disciplinary cases. Of these, 28 cases were initiated between July 2024 and June 2025. At present, 4 cases remain active and are undergoing investigation or resolution, while 89 cases have been successfully closed or completed. This reflects the Board’s continued commitment to regulatory compliance and safeguarding public health through the enforcement of high standards in nursing practice. 12 Application Breakdown: LICENSURE STATISCAL DATA Endorsement 2024-2025 License Type CNA 21 LPN 7 RN 429 CNM 13 CNP 48 CNS 0 CRNA 17 Total 535 Renewal 2024-2025 License Type CNA 98 LPN 57 RN 919 CNM 9 CNP 61 CNS 2 CRNA 18 Total 1164 Reinstatement 2024-2025 License Type CNA 20 LPN 9 RN 57 CNM 0 CNP 3 CNS 0 CRNA 2 Total 91 13 During Fiscal Year 2025, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure processed a total of one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine (1,869) active licenses for nurses eligible to practice within the territory. Additionally, we managed thirty (30) inactive licenses for nurses who, while not actively working, maintain their licensure status in the Virgin Islands. In the period spanning from July 2024 to June 2025, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure processed the following licensure activities:  Initial Licenses Issued by Examination: 79 in total  Registered Nurses: 38  Certified Nurse Practitioner: 5  Licensed Practical Nurses: 3  Certified Nursing Assistants: 33  License Renewals Completed: 1,164 in total  Registered Nurses: 919  Advanced Practice Registered Nurses: 90  Licensed Practical Nurses: 57  Certified Nursing Assistants: 98  Endorsements Processed: 535 in total  Registered Nurses: 429  Advanced Practice Nurses:78  Licensed Practical Nurses: 7  Certified Nursing Assistants: 21  Reinstatements Completed for Inactive Nurses: 91 in total  Registered Nurses: 57  Advanced Practice Nurses: 5  Licensed Practical Nurses: 9  Certified Nursing Assistants: 20 Initial 2024-2025 License Type CNA 33 LPN 3 RN 38 CNP 5 Total 79 Grand Total 2024-2025 Application Type Endorsement 535 Renewal 1164 Reinstatement 91 Initial 79 Total 1869 14 These statistics accentuate the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure’s (VIBNL) ongoing commitment to strengthening licensure processes and supporting the continuous professional development of nurses throughout the territory. Each revenue category reflects our focus on upholding high regulatory standards, ensuring that only competent, well-trained professionals are licensed to serve. Ultimately, our efforts help guarantee that the people of the Virgin Islands receive safe, high-quality care from a trusted and qualified nursing workforce. In addition to enhancing customer service within the nursing sector, the VIBNL St. Thomas facility now serves as a centralized hub for administrative services and as a designated testing center for nursing assistant examinations. Efforts are currently underway to identify and establish a similar testing site for the St. Croix district to ensure equitable access across the territory. To date, twenty-eight (28) nursing assistants from both districts have been deemed eligible for testing. This strategic initiative aims to reduce wait times, streamline administrative coordination, and improve the overall efficiency of the examination process. By meeting the growing demand and strengthening operational capacity, we anticipate a notable increase in revenue generation. 15 FEE CHANGES Effective January 1, 2024, all nurse licenses issued by the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) will expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month. This change ensures that license renewal collections are evenly distributed throughout the year. To increase revenue, VIBNL has implemented a new fee schedule starting in 2024. This adjustment aims to enhance financial sustainability and support the day-to-day functions of the board. PROCESSING FEE SCHEDULE (All Fees are payable by Money Order/Certified Bank Check) Item Cost Item Cost Credential Review & Exam Application Fee NCLEX RN/PN – CAT Exam CNA NNAPP Written & Skills Exam $75.00 $50.00 Eligibility Review for Repeat Exam Fee NCLEX RN/PN CAT Exam CNA NNAAP Written & Skills Exam $40.00 $25.00 Initial Licensure/Certification Registration Fee by Exam NCLEX RN/PN – CAT Exam CNA (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) $75.00 $50.00 License/Certification Replacement Fee Official Verification Fee $20.00 $25.00 Initial Licensure/Certification & Renewal Registration Fee by Endorsement Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Registered Professional Nurse (RN) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) $150.00 $125.00 $100.00 $75.00 2nd Year Initial Licensure/Certification Registration Renewal Fee (July-August of the Renewal Year) Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Registered Professional Nurse (RN) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) $75.00 $62.50 $50.00 $37.50 CONTINGENT PENALTIES Lapsed Renewal Application Fee $200.00 Intentional Violation $250.00 (Active Status) Actual Danger to the Public (ADP) $1,000.00 Lapsed Renewal Application Fee $300.00 Intentional Violation $100.00 (Inactive Status) Only if current in previous biennium Potential Danger to the (PDP) $500.00 CEU Provider Initial/Renewal Fee $250.00 Negligent Violation $100.00 Actual Danger to the Public (ADP) $250.00 Revised Fees Effective August 2012; Inactive Lapsed renewal Fee Effective July 2018 16 FEE CHART 2025 REVISED 2024 17 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS  Nurse Practice Act (NPA): The 1982 Nurse Practice Act has been revised & submitted for legislative review.  Rules and Regulations: The board works with Legislators to identify recommendations to improve the practice of nursing and workforce strategies.  CE Broker contract: Contract was completed by OPCMR (Dept. of Health) and submitted to Property & Procurement for approval. This contract will provide the counting of education credits required for all renewals.  Fully launched Optimal Regulatory Board System (ORBS) Online services for all nursing assistants and professional nurses: All stakeholders can now electronically log on to our online portal to access any licensee information and submit all applications.  New office relocation expanded with a training room and testing site: Completed relocation at our new office and begun renovations to host our nursing assistant exams.  Congratulations to: Vice Chair Dr. Dawson received in 2024 American Association of Nurse Practitioners Advocate State Award for Excellence for the State of the United States Virgin Islands. This award is given annually to a dedicated advocate in each state who has made a significant contribution towards increasing the awareness and recognition of nurse practitioners.  Executive Director Carmen Vanterpool-Romney received Five (5) Year recognition with NCSBN  2025 St. Croix Food and Agricultural Fair The board conducted an outreach effort on St. Croix to the nurses and community in St. Croix. We promoted the presence of our new office, staff, and services rendered.  First Annual Nurses Appreciation Brunch A new initiative was successfully launched on both St. Thomas on May 21, 2025, and St. Croix on May 29, 2025, to express our gratitude and recognition of all nurses' dedication and hard work in the territory.  VIBNL and AeroMD partnership: Established a new scholarship 2025-2026 for two thousand dollars ($2,000.00), $2,000.00 per district for an amount of $1,000.00 each, which will be awarded to two (2) Juniors and two (2) Seniors enrolled in UVI's Nursing Program. This would serve as an additional resource to assist nursing students 18 in furthering their education with financial opportunities and pursuing a healthcare career that is beneficial for our community.  Electronic records scanning: A grant awarded by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to scan, shred, and upload 3,053 files (initially 1,500) to the ORBS Database was completed by Med-Cred Plus. There is a total of 2,250 documents that must be scanned for Nursys data integrity, which is now housed at the old location at 3 Kongens Gade. All documents must be decontaminated and scanned for input into the Online Portal for purposes as per NCSBN. We have been awarded the opportunity to apply for assistance. However, this process will exceed $100,000.00 and must be completed. Quotes have been provided and forwarded for possible assistance with the project. It will cost approximately $146,803.20 (Disinfecting all documents: $34,003.20 & Conversion from paper files to electronic documents: $112,800.00). Once the scope of work is completed, the Board will have the opportunity to apply to assist with this process with NCSBN. CHALLENGES  Website online payment processor system implementation: Unable to provide online processing services to licensees. All applicants must upload a copy of their payment method and wait for arrival at the office for completion of licensure.  Federal & Local Criminal Background Check: This is an ongoing effort. VIBNL is seeking other measures in which this can complement NLC to move forward with compact nursing, which has been on hold for two (2) years.  Nurse Licensure Compact Implementation: As compact nursing legislation progresses, VIBNL will continue to monitor its financial implications and adjust strategies accordingly to sustain operational effectiveness. Currently, there are two hundred six (206) VI licensees who hold another license in another compact state where they reside. If these two hundred six (206) stop licensing in the VI, we will stand to lose $12,000.00 each year. However, we may also gain approximately $10,000.00 to break even if ninety-two (92) residents who now hold another license in a NLC state choose to have a VI multistate license. This may help us break even if these nurses remain licensed as VI multistate nurse licensees.  Old VIBNL Office Building, formerly located at 3 Kongens Gade, St. Thomas: Although the board has submitted its budget to include rent charges for a building in the St. Thomas district, a loss is absorbed since historically the board owned their building, saving the government funds. However, now obligating approximately $88,528.50 that was not required before two (2) 2017 major hurricanes, Irma and Maria, which created a financial hardship for both the board’s budget and operations. 19  VIBNL Compact State Requirement Budget: The board will need at least $6,000.00 to cover the annual dues required for being a member as a compact state due to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.  Professional Services: The board has fully implemented exterminating and janitorial services, and HVAC supply contracts that will require a funding source. Currently, the general fund does fully accommodate four (4) of our mandatory supply contracts for a supplemental budget, which totals approximately $42,295.00.  Certified Nursing Assistants Testing: Currently, there is a total of twenty-eight (28) applicants from both districts deemed eligible and waiting to complete skills and written testing. However, the two (2) sites that we utilize have been unavailable to us recently. Therefore, VIBNL is exploring options to accomplish this deficiency in the future. FISCAL YEAR 2026 GOALS Goal 1. Community Service and Regulation of Nursing Practice Continue to provide exemplary services to nurses and the Virgin Islands community. Goal 2. Continue revision and completion of the 1985 Rules and Regulations Continue to revise the 1985 Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure Rules and Regulations and By-Laws. To aid in this process, we will be calling for the services of nurses willing to assist with this project. Goal 3. Nurse Licensure Compact The VIBNL continues to work with Legislators to facilitate full implementation of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Goal 4. Education Complete CEU Broker contract, which will enable all nurses to complete continuing education online. Goal 5. Affiliation in Nursing Practice Continue to maintain ongoing communication with both hospitals and all other nursing-affiliated facilities within the territory to ensure legal mandates are met according to the Nurse Practice Act. Goal 6. Certified Nursing Assistant Exams St. Croix office expansion with a training room and testing site: Identified location adjacent to our existing office and begun discussions to secure space and explore options for renovations to host our nursing assistant exams. Goal 7. Regulatory and Compliance 20 Nursing education programs were monitored for improvements and correction of deficiencies. Goal 8. Improve the NCLEX Exam Pass Rates The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) aims to complete monitoring visits for 95% of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in the Virgin Islands by the end of Fiscal Year 2026. These visits are conducted to ensure that nurses are practicing within their authorized scope and in full compliance with established regulations. Goal 9. Public Outreach The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) will progressively engage in 1) Continuing Education Outreach, 2) Informative Public Advertisement of the Board, 3) Promotional Outreach Events, and 4) Public Awareness. Goal 10. Improve Web The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure plans to collaborate with the Bureau of Information Technology to enhance the user experience. These upgrades will improve the website's appearance and provide additional information and resources. This initiative aims to make the site more user-friendly while also embracing technological advancements. Goal 11. Board Governance and Strategic Planning Training The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure wishes to provide the board members and staff with valuable expert mentoring regarding organizational transformation and empowerment. VIBNL will receive advice on both financial and operational core competencies. Thank you to all the agencies who have assisted VIBNL and with whom we have interacted over the year. We look forward to your continued support in achieving our goals as we carry out our mission. Thank you to all the Senators for your continued support of our mission. This concludes the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request. We await any questions you may have. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Notes _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 30 STT Office Physical Address: Time Center Building 4600 Estate Charlotte Amalie 2nd Floor Suite 207 St. Thomas, VI 00802 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 304247 St. Thomas, VI 00803-4247 Tel: (340) 249-0684 STX Office Physical & Mailing Address: 3009 Estate Orange Grove Shopping Center First Floor, Suite 4 Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820 Tel: (340) 712-0700 Cell: (340) 690-9326 31