Annual Report of the Northern Mariana Islands Board of Nursing (NMI BON)

Membership and Meetings

The Northern Mariana Islands Board of Nursing (NMI BON) is a member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which enables us to participate in meetings and discussions on policies and standards of nursing practice. These meetings are held several times a year to enhance the quality of care in the nursing profession.

• We collaborate with other state boards to share best practices, address common challenges, and develop effective solutions for improving patient outcomes.
• Our participation in NCSBN meetings helps us stay up-to-date on the latest developments in nursing regulation, education, and practice.

Expenditures

Our total expenditures for Fiscal Year 2023 were $494,738.47, which were allocated as follows:

Salary and Benefits

• $167,260.96: This amount was spent on employee salaries, benefits, and training.
• We invest in our staff’s professional development to ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed to effectively regulate the nursing profession.

Operational Expenses

• $70,214.04: These expenses include office supplies, utilities, and other operational costs.
• We strive to maintain a efficient and effective operation, minimizing unnecessary expenses while ensuring we can perform our duties as a regulatory body.

Travel

• $132,870.98: This amount was spent on travel-related expenses for board members, staff, and consultants.
• We participate in regional and national meetings to stay informed about best practices, share knowledge, and collaborate with other regulatory bodies.

Board Compensation

• $11,140.00: This is the compensation paid to board members for their time and effort.
• We recognize the importance of our board members’ contributions and compensate them fairly for their service.

Donation

• $23,500.00: This amount was donated to support nursing education and community outreach initiatives.
• We believe in giving back to the community and supporting efforts that promote nursing excellence and patient care.

Revenue

We generated revenue through application fees for renewal and reinstatement. These fees are essential to our operations, allowing us to continue regulating the nursing profession and ensuring public safety.

Future Outlook

The NMI BON is currently implementing the Optimal Regulatory Board System (ORBS), which will improve efficiency in filing systems, productivity, and security. This system is expected to be launched on November 14, 2023, with a support call from NCSBN for two weeks after launch.

• Applicants will need to apply through ORBS, either as new or renewal applicants.
• We will provide instructions and guides on the website to ensure a smooth transition.

License Verification

With the implementation of ORBS, license verification will become more accessible, with all NMI BON licensed professions available for real-time verification. APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses) will soon have the option to verify licenses through the online portal, Nursys, or the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).

Administrative Rules and Regulations

The NMI BON is updating its Administrative Rules and Regulations to ensure safe and competent care is provided by practitioners who are accountable for their own practice.

Future Plans

We plan to work closely with the Guam Marianas Training Center (GMTC) and the Northern Marianas College Nursing Department (NMC) to provide support and guidance. We also plan to increase our outreach to the local community to attract more interested candidates for nursing programs.

Our goal is to create a strong, supportive environment that promotes nursing excellence and improves patient care. We look forward to continuing our work in the future and making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.