Mission & Statutory Mandates

Mission & Statutory Mandates

The West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses is a state regulatory agency established by the West Virginia Legislature to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public through the regulation of nursing practice and education.

"To promote and protect public health, safety, and welfare through the regulatory oversight, licensure, and education standards of registered professional nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and dialysis technicians across West Virginia."

— West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses

Core Regulatory Pillars

Licensure & Certification

Establishing qualifications, evaluating credentials, issuing licenses, and verifying ongoing competency for RNs, APRNs, and Dialysis Technicians.

Education Standards

Setting curriculum guidelines, conducting site evaluations, and approving pre-licensure nursing education programs across the state.

Practice Standards

Defining scope of practice, formulating clinical advisory opinions, and interpreting state standards of care for licensed nurses.

Public Protection

Receiving, investigating, and adjudicating complaints against licensees who violate the West Virginia Nurse Practice Act.

Statutory Authority (W. Va. Code §30-7)

The authority of the Board is derived directly from the West Virginia Legislature under W. Va. Code §30-7 (Registered Professional Nurses) and Title 19 of the West Virginia Code of State Rules. Under statutory law, the Board is granted administrative powers to:
  • Promulgate rules and regulations governing nursing licensure, education, and professional conduct.
  • Evaluate background checks, professional character, and NCLEX examination results prior to granting authorization to practice.
  • Subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and take testimony in formal disciplinary hearings.
  • Impose disciplinary sanctions, consent agreements, suspensions, revocations, or probation for violations of the Nurse Practice Act.
  • Administer confidential alternative monitoring programs (WV Restore) for practitioners impacted by substance use or physical/mental impairment.

Public Protection Mandate

Note on Agency Role: As a state regulatory agency, the Board’s sole statutory mandate is to protect the general public. The Board is distinct from professional advocacy organizations (such as state nursing associations or trade unions), which exist to advocate for the professional, legislative, or employment interests of nurses.

Key Administrative Rules (Title 19)

The Board operates under specific legislative rules promulgated in the West Virginia Code of State Rules:
  • 19 CSR 01: Policies, General Administration, and Fee Schedules
  • 19 CSR 03: Requirements for Registration and Licensure
  • 19 CSR 07: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Requirements
  • 19 CSR 09: Disciplinary Review, Complaint Procedures, and Hearing Rules
  • 19 CSR 11: Accreditation and Standards for Nursing Education Programs
  • View Complete Legislative Code & Rules →