In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations are available to candidates who have a disability that may affect their ability to take the competency examinations.
Fill out this application, include the required documentation by uploading files to the application form, and then submit all together. An ADA request submitted without the specified documentation will not be reviewed until it is received.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
1. Verification from the qualified professional - the Health Care Provider or Learning Specialist who rendered the diagnosis. The individual must have expertise in the areas of the disability described in the report.
- Verification is on professional’s own letterhead stationery. Must include their first and last name, title, contact information, and signature of the Health Care Provider or Learning Specialist.
- Verification includes:
*A detailed description of the disability, a history of the disability, any past accommodations granted to the individual.
* How disability impacts the candidate’s ability to function - physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
* Limitations related to testing due to the candidate’s disability.
* Specifies the recommended accommodation(s).
NOTE: Mental impairment includes any mental or psychological disorder, such as organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, or specific learning disabilities that are protected under the ADA. Major life activities include walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, thinking, working, caring for oneself, and performing manual tasks.
- Types of acceptable supporting documentation: Evaluations, reports, results from appropriate diagnostic testing, Section 504 Plans or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that show previously granted accommodations.
2. D&SDT-Headmaster may request updated documentation unless the disability is documented by the professional as “stable and permanent”.
3. English as a second language is NOT an ADA-eligible disability for testing accommodations.
4. Testing accommodations must be approved through this application review and approval process prior to testing. If not, the accommodations will NOT be provided at the examination site on day of testing.
5. It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide any specialized equipment required.
6. It is the candidate’s responsibility to notify D&SDT-Headmaster of any needed alternative arrangements.
YOUR INFORMATION
1. D&SDT-Headmaster will share your ADA request information with the following individuals and entities. The information and documentation regarding your disability is considered strictly confidential and as stated, is only shared with those listed below in order grant the accommodation(s) and manage the testing event and results.
- The RN Test Observer/Certified Evaluator who will observe your performance on the manual skill portion of the competency examination;
- The Knowledge Test Proctor who will administer the knowledge portion of the exam;
- The appropriate State agencies.
2. Upon approval of your request testing staff will contact you regarding the specific arrangements needed. Therefore, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you provide current contact information – email address, mailing address, and daytime telephone number. Please keep D&SDT-Headmaster informed of any changes to your information.
REVIEW & APPROVAL PROCESS
1. An ADA request submitted without the required, appropriate documentation will not be reviewed until the required documentation is received.
2. ADA Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
3. Please allow at least 10 business days for your request to be reviewed. This may be longer if D&SDT-Headmaster or the State agency needs more information.
4. D&SDT-Headmaster will thoroughly review the documentation received.
- To ensure it is complete;
- Supports the diagnosis of an ADA-eligible disability;
- Supports the need for the requested accommodation(s);
- Is reasonably able to be provided without an undue financial or administrative burden to all parties, does not pose a direct threat to others, and does not fundamentally alter the purpose of the exam - intended to verify a candidate’s training, competency, and hands-on skill in the mandatory competency subject areas identified by law. 42 CFR §§ 483.150 to 483.160.
5. D&SDT-Headmaster will inform you via email whether the ADA request for testing accommodations has been approved, approved with modifications, or denied.
If the request is denied, the applicant may submit additional information to support their request. ADA requests are NOT considered public record. They are retained in a candidate’s records.
DENIAL AND APPEAL PROCESS
If a candidate is denied the requested testing accommodation(s), they may appeal the decision. The candidate must submit a written appeal to D&SDT-Headmaster within 10 days.
If there is information in the ADA Request that indicates that the candidate’s condition poses a risk to the health, safety, and welfare of patients or the public, that information will be forwarded to the investigations department, where an investigation may be opened.
Your application is not deemed complete until the required documentation is attached. Click on 'Send Application' to submit the ADA Request.