10/28/2004 -
NOTICE TO THE PUBLICThe Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure serves to protect the public welfare. This Board is alerting the public of the need to view nurses licenses and nurse assistant certificates before allowing nursing services to be provided in your home. It is imperative that the public ask pertinent questions of individuals, before home care is provided, to you and your loved ones. Asking pertinent questions, evaluating the responses and viewing the licenses or certificates will help to assure that you and your loved ones receive safe care.
QUESTIONS AND RELATED INFORMATION LISTED BELOW WILL ASSIST YOU.
1. Does the agency/individual (RN,LPN,CNA)have a Virgin Islands Business License? The Department of Licenses and Consumer Affairs has requirements/standards for those who provide care in the home.
2. Does the individual have a certificate to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant or certification to provide Home Health? The Virgin Islands Board of Nursing regulates Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses. The Department of Human Services trains homemakers for Elder Care through the Family Care Giver Support Services Progrem.
3. Who is the supervisor of the person providing services? Certified Nursing Assistants and the Home Health workers must provide services under the supervision of a Licensed Nurse or Physician. Homemakers provide services with supervision from the Department of Human Services. Patient assesment must be done by a Registered Nurse.
When you are hiring persons to provide services in your home, it is imperative that you know the qualifications, competencies, and responsibilities of that individual. It is also imperative that you know what activities thses individuals can legally perform.
For additional information you may call the following numbers.
Virgin Islands Board of Nursing...
776-7397
Family Giver Support Services...
773-2323 ext. 2126/2127
Housekeeping and Personal Care Assistance...774-0930
AARP...719-2277
