In This Month’s Did You Know: Lucet, APRN Practice Changes in Kansas, Nursing License Number Meaning, Licensed Independent Practitioner Terminology Changes & a Data Bank Administrator Webinar. Read the Newest Medical Credentialing & Insurance Enrollment Updates from MPR’s Experts! 

New Directions Behavioral Health Is Changing Its Name to Lucet

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas’ (BCBSKS) Behavioral Health Partner, New Directions Behavioral Health, is changing its name to Lucet. The transition to the company being referred to as Lucet took effect on January 19, 2023. This does not change anything for you. Your contract continues to be Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The company formerly known as New Directions, now Lucet, continues to have the same staff and leadership. Your contacts and support will remain the same. The Medical Necessity Criteria and online portal, Webpass, will also remain the same. We are currently working on updating all manuals and other documents to reflect the name change.

medical provider resources health care newsAPRN Practice Changes 

The revised permanent rules and regulation changes to the Nurse Practice Act in accordance with S Sub for HB 2479 have been made. The required process was followed in their development, review process and adoption by the Kansas Board of Nursing. They became effective on October 14, 2022. The revised permanent regulations are:

  • K.A.R. 60-11-101 Definition of expanded role
  • K.A.R. 60-11-103 Licensure and educational requirements for advanced practice registered nurses
  • K.A.R. 60-11-104 Functions of the advanced practice registered nurse in the role of nurse practitioner
  • K.A.R. 60-11-104a Prescription orders
  • K.A.R. 60-11-105 Functions of the advanced practice registered nurse in the role of nurse-midwife
  • K.A.R. 60-11-107 Functions of the advanced practice registered nurse in the role of clinical nurse specialist
  • K.A.R. 60-11-113 License renewal These revised regulations are included in the Nurse Practice Act

The Meaning of a License Number with the Kansas Board of Nursing

The first 2 digits reference license type: LPN, RN, APRN, RNA. These are the most common:

  • 23 = LPN by exam in KS
  • 24 = LPN by endorsement in KS
  • 13 = RN by exam in KS
  • 14 = RN by endorsement in KS
  • 53 = APRN by exam in KS
  • 43 = RNA by exam in KS

The last 3 digits reference the licensee’s birth month (01-12) and year of birth; odd (1) or even (2). For example: license number is 13-111111-042.

This is an RN licensed by exam in KS, that expires in April of every even year. For example: license number is 53-111111-121 – This is an APRN licensed in KS that expires in December of every odd year.

Effective February 19, 2023, The Joint Commission Eliminates the Use of “Licensed Independent Practitioner” Terminology From the Hospital and Critical Access Hospital Programs

The Joint Commission’s updates and revisions better reflect the terminology currently being used by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) Conditions of Participation (CoPs).

On February 22, 2023, the National Practitioner Data Bank Will Host a Webinar for Data Bank Administrators

Those in attendance will learn who can serve as a Data Bank administrator and apply time-saving best practices for common tasks that involve accounts, passwords, and more.    Attendees present for the live webinar will qualify to receive 1.0 NAMSS-approved Continuing Education credit.  Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/data-bank-administrator-training-webinar-registration-483898522507?aff=NPDBInsights

Questions about medical credentialing, provider credentialing, physician background checks, insurance enrollment, insurance credentialing, or something else? Call MPR at 316-683-0178 or contact us for a free consultation!