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1 BOARD MEMBERS 2026 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 who 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 3 Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure Annual Report - 2027 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 2027 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 enhancing 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 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 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. 6 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 before 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 uses the Virgin Islands Department of Finance's MUNIS System for record management, deposits, requisitions, and processing vendor payments. Weekly reconciliations of year-to-date (YTD) reports are conducted to align internal records with financial activity. 7 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) primarily depends on a general fund allocation of $856,373.00 to maintain its operations. This budget covers essential expenses such as salaries totaling $486,000.00 and fringe benefits of $247,736.00 for eight (8) full- time employees funded by the general fund. Additional funding is allocated for supplies and services ($122,637.00), which includes facility rentals and professional service costs. VIBNL has seven (7) active contracts, which include three (3) real property leases (one in St. Thomas and two in 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). There are plans to implement two (2) more Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) supply contracts to further aid operational and infrastructure needs in the upcoming fiscal year. 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 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 8 In Fiscal Year 2025, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) generated total revenues of $179,708.00. The revenue distribution among different licensure categories is detailed as follows: - Registered Nurses (RN): $137,802.50 - Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN): $20,085.00 - Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN): $4,750.00 - Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA): $6,061.00 - Other Fees (Lapsed fees, Exam Application fees, License/Certification Replacement Certification fees, Verification fees, Penalties for violation): $11,010.00 RN 77% APRN 11% LPN 3% CNA 3% Other 6% FY 2025 Total Revenues RN APRN LPN CNA Other 9 As of May 29, 2026, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) has generated a total revenue of $89,530.00. 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): $62,910.00 - Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN): $6,465.00 - Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN): $4,990.00 - Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA): $9,930.00 - Other Fees (Lapsed fees, Exam Application fees, License/Certification Replacement Certification fees, Verification fees, Penalties for violation): $5,235.00 RN 70% APRN 7% LPN 6% CNA 11% Other 6% FY 2026 Revenues RN APRN LPN CNA Other 10 COMPLIANCE DISCIPLINE STATISTICAL DATA Disciplinary Report Log Total number of disciplinary cases processed: 103 New cases initiated from 7/2025 to 6/2026: 10 Active Cases: 13 Closed/Completed Cases: 90 As of the current reporting period, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure has processed a cumulative total of 103 disciplinary cases. Of these, 10 cases were initiated between July 2025 and April 2026. At present, 13 cases remain active and are undergoing investigation or resolution, while 90 cases have been successfully closed or completed. This reflects the Board’s continued commitment to regulatory compliance, efficient case management, and safeguarding public health through the enforcement of high standards in nursing practice. 11 Disciplinary Case Status: July 2025 – June 2026 12 Application Breakdown: Licensure Statistical Data Endorsement 2025-2026 License Type CNA 3 LPN 5 RN 254 CNM 6 CNP 34 CNS 0 CRNA 14 Total 316 Renewal 2025-2026 License Type CNA 145 LPN 71 RN 889 CNM 14 CNP 82 CNS 0 CRNA 26 Total 1,227 Reinstatement 2025-2026 License Type CNA 7 LPN 2 RN 52 CNM 2 CNP 2 CNS 0 CRNA 5 Total 70 Initial 2025-2026 License Type CNA 7 LPN 4 RN 28 CNP 9 Total 48 13 Grand Total 2025-2026 Application Type Endorsement 316 Renewal 1,227 Reinstatement 70 Initial 48 Total 1,661 Grand Total 2025-2026 License Type CNA 162 LPN 82 RN 1,223 APRN 194 Total 1,661 During Fiscal Year 2026, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure processed a total of one thousand six hundred and sixty-one (1,661) active licenses for nurses eligible to practice within the territory. Additionally, we managed nineteen (19) inactive licenses for nurses who, while not actively working, maintain their licensure status in the Virgin Islands. In the period spanning from July 2025 to June 2026, the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure processed the following licensure activities:  Initial Licenses Issued by Examination and Certification: 48 in total  Registered Nurses: 28  Certified Nurse Practitioner: 9  Licensed Practical Nurses: 4  Certified Nursing Assistants: 7  License Renewals Completed: 1,227 in total  Registered Nurses: 889  Advanced Practice Registered Nurses: 122  Licensed Practical Nurses: 71  Certified Nursing Assistants: 145  Endorsements Processed: 316 in total  Registered Nurses: 254  Advanced Practice Nurses: 54  Licensed Practical Nurses: 5  Certified Nursing Assistants: 3  Reinstatements Completed for Inactive Nurses: 70 in total  Registered Nurses: 52  Advanced Practice Nurses: 9  Licensed Practical Nurses: 2  Certified Nursing Assistants: 7 These statistics reflect our dedication to improving licensure processes and supporting the continuous professional development of nurses in the Virgin Islands. They emphasize our 14 commitment to maintaining regulatory standards while ensuring that our community benefits from the expertise of qualified nursing professionals. Our new VIBNL facility on St. Croix will serve as a testing center for certified nursing assistants, incorporating advanced computer adaptive testing. This initiative will increase the number of available testing dates and expedite the delivery of results for candidates. Currently, twenty-one nursing assistants from both districts have been approved for testing. By improving operational efficiency and meeting the rising demand, we anticipate a notable increase in revenues. 15 FEE CHART 2025 16 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS  Nurse Practice Act (NPA): The 1982 Nurse Practice Act has been revised & submitted for legislative final review.  Rules and Regulations: Drafted copy of Rules and Regulations awaiting passing of Legislative review after the Nurse Practice Act is approved to identify recommendations to improve the practice of nursing and workforce strategies.  Training room and testing site for Certified Nursing Assistant Exams: Secured a testing site for Nursing Assistant Testing Site St. Croix Division. The St. Croix office has expanded with a training room and testing site: Executed the lease and obtained approval for the Engineers' Estimate and Plan adjacent to our existing office. Renovations will follow once funding is available to host our nursing assistant exams. The Board has begun the build out on the St. Thomas Division site and both training centers are being remodeled to meet the testing needs in the community.  2026 St. Croix Food and Agricultural Fair: The board conducted outreach to the nurses and community.  Second Nurses’ Appreciation Luncheon: Luncheons were held for St. John on May 8, 2026; St. Thomas on May 19, 2026; and St. Croix on May 29, 2026, to express our gratitude and recognition of all nurses' dedication and hard work in the territory.  AeroMD and VIBNL partnership: Scholarship 2025-2026 for two thousand dollars ($2,000.00), $2,000.00 per district for an amount of $1,000.00 each, awarded to two (2) Juniors and two (2) Seniors enrolled in UVI's Nursing Program. This served as an additional resource to assist nursing students in furthering their education with financial opportunities and pursuing a healthcare career that is beneficial for our community.  Electronic records scanning: Scanning, shredding, and uploading completed and payment issued to Med- Cred Plus by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Retrieval of seven (7) filing cabinets from 3 Kongens Gade and transported to storage facility. Decontamination and shredding of obsolete files stored at the facility were also completed in accordance with records management requirements. 17 CHALLENGES  CE Broker contract: Contract is pending completion by the Department of Health Office of Procurement, Contract Management and Reporting (OPCMR), and the Department of Property & Procurement’s (DPP) approval and resubmission of updated corporate documents. This contract will provide the counting of education credits required for all renewals.  Website online payment processor implementation system: Unable to provide online processing services to licensees. All applicants must upload a copy of their payment method and wait for receipt at the office to complete licensure.  Federal & Local Criminal Background Check: According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, we are in receipt of an ORI number for the Virgin Islands. This is an ongoing effort. VIBNL is seeking other measures that complement NLC to move forward with compact nursing, which has been on hold for several 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. In 2025, there were 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 an 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.  VIBNL Compact State Requirement Budget: The board will need at least $6,000.00 to cover the annual dues required for membership of a compact state.  Certified Nursing Assistants Testing: Currently, there is a total of twenty-one (21) 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 address this deficiency in the future. 18 FISCAL YEAR 2027 GOALS Goal 1. Community Service and Regulation of Nursing Practice Continue to provide exemplary services to nurses and the Virgin Islands community in addition to conduct regular licensure audits. Goal 2. Rules and Regulations Complete and submit updated Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure Rules and Regulations and By-Laws revisions. Initial Rules and Regulations and By-Laws were originally done in 1985. 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 Completion of the CE Broker contract, which will enable all nurses to complete continuing education units (CEUs) online. Goal 5. Regulatory and Compliance Continue to maintain ongoing communication with both hospitals and all nursing - affiliated facilities by monitoring Nursing education programs within the territory to ensure legal mandates set forth by the Nurse Practice Act. Goal 6. 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 7. 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 8. Website Improvements The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure collaborated 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. Currently, BIT is awaiting administrative access. Goal 9. Board Governance and Strategic Planning Training The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure wishes to provide board members and staff with valuable expert mentoring concerning organizational transformation and empowerment. VIBNL will receive advice on both financial and operational core competencies. 19 Goal 10. 2027 Nursing Summit The 2027 Nursing Summit will bring together nursing professionals and healthcare leaders to promote professional development, share best practices, and discuss emerging trends in healthcare and nursing regulation. Thank you to all the agencies that 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 2027 Budget Request. We await any questions you may have. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Notes _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 29 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 30