Section 515.750  Trauma Nurse Specialist Education Program and Licensing

a)         The Trauma Nurse Specialist Course Coordinator (TNSCC) shall admit to the Trauma Nurse Specialist (TNS) Education Program only those individuals who have met the following requirements or prerequisites:

1)         Current unrestricted RN license in the state or US Territory in which they are practicing, as verified by the submission of a photocopy of the official license showing the license number and expiration date; and

2)         Have at least 1040 hours of clinical care experience in an emergency department or critical care unit as an RN.

b)         The TNS Education Program content and curriculum shall be developed and maintained by the TNSCC Committee and approved by the Department. The TNSCCs shall ensure all material presented aligns and conforms with the current TNS curriculum.

c)         Summative assessments: Cognitive and Psychomotor

1)         A candidate who has successfully completed course requirements, paid all fees, and otherwise meets all IDPH requirements for licensure shall be eligible to take the summative cognitive and psychomotor assessments (exams) required for State TNS licensure. (See Section 515.460 – Fees; 515.190 – Felony Convictions).

A)        The summative assessments shall be developed by the TNSCCs and approved by the Department in compliance with psychometric principles.

B)        Passing criteria for each examination shall be determined by the TNSCCs and approved by the Department.

C)        A candidate shall have 12 months from the end of their TNS education program to successfully achieve passing scores on both TNS summative assessments in compliance with testing Policies and Procedures. 

D)        The cognitive exam is created, validated, scheduled, administered, scored, and reviewed for item performance in compliance with TNS Policies and Procedures.

E)        The cognitive exam measures achievement of key course objectives and is based on a blueprint and table of specifications created by the TNSCCs in compliance with program Policies and Procedures.

F)         Course graduates may attempt the cognitive exam a total of three times and shall complete remediation requirements as specified in the TNS Policies and Procedures. All three exam attempts must occur within a candidate’s one-year exam authorization window.

G)        Candidates for retest must meet the same requirements and standards as those taking the exam on the first attempt.

H)        The candidate shall submit a fee based on the current exam fee structure to the testing site prior to each cognitive exam attempt

I)         De-identified exam performance data are reviewed in compliance with TNS Policies and Procedures.

J)         The psychomotor exam requires a candidate to evaluate and stabilize a simulated critically injured trauma patient in compliance with practice standards and testing criteria established by the TNSCCs and approved by the Department

K)        A candidate shall be given two attempts to successfully complete the psychomotor examination.

2)         TNS Licensure by Challenging the Summative Assessments:

A)        Candidates meeting the minimum course admission requirements and TNS licensure eligibility requirements may request to challenge the TNS summative assessments without taking the TNS Education Program in compliance with Program Policies and Procedures.

B)        The Challenge candidate shall submit an application to take the cognitive and psychomotor exams at a TNS Course site at least 30 days prior to the proposed exam date(s). 

C)        A Challenge candidate who is unsuccessful may reapply to challenge the exams after 366 days from the prior unsuccessful exam attempt.

3)         Failure to appear for any licensure examination on the scheduled date, at the time and place specified, may result in forfeiture of the examination fee.

d)         TNS Licensure

1)         The Department will license a qualified candidate after they have met all requirements for IDPH licensure including paying any TNS licensing fees. (see Section 515.460).

2)         TNS Licensure is valid for four years.

e)         TNS Relicensure

1)         A TNS may be relicensed by either submitting approved trauma-specific Continuing Education (CE) or taking the current State TNS cognitive examination and completing all processes and payment for relicensure as prescribed by the Department.

2)         The license of a TNS who has failed to file for an extension, Inactive Status (see 515.600 EMS Personnel Inactive Status) or meet all relicensure requirements shall be invalid on the day following the expiration date shown on the license. A TNS shall not function on an expired license.

f)         A TNS whose license has expired may, within 60 days after expiration, submit all relicensure material required by this Section and all standard licensing fees, plus a late fee (see Section 515.460), in the form of an organization's payment, a certified check, or a money order (cash or personal check will not be accepted).  If the application for license renewal meets the requirements of this Section and there is no disciplinary action pending against the TNS, the Department will renew the TNS license.

g)         A TNS shall notify the Department within 30 days after any change in name or address.  Notification may be in person or by mail, phone, fax or electronic mail. Addresses may be changed through the Department's Division of EMS website. Name and gender changes require legal documents, i.e., marriage licenses or court documents.

h)         The Department shall have the authority and responsibility to suspend, revoke or renew the license of a TNS, after an opportunity for hearing by the Department, if findings show that the TNS has failed to maintain proficiency in the level of skills for which the TNS is licensed or has failed to comply with relicensure requirements.  (Section 3.75(b)(8) of the Act)  Hearings shall be conducted in accordance with Practice and Procedure in Administrative Hearings.

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 16159, effective November 1, 2024)