DOS issues Final Rule Requiring Certification of Certain Foreign Health Care Workers

DOS has issued a final rule requiring certain foreign health care workers to present either a CGFNS certificate, or a certificate from another DHS/HHS approved credentialing organization, establishing competency in a specific health care field. The rule will be published in the Federal Register on 10/20/08. The rule changes the requirements pertaining to the issuance of visas to certain health care workers. Certain foreign health care workers now need to present certificates establishing competency in a specific health care field. Certification is issued by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or other credentialing organizations that have been approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). DOS has stated that the rule facilitates greater uniformity between the regulations of DHS and the Department of State.