Frequently Asked Questions
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(Note: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.)
ABOUT THE BOARD AND ITS MEETINGS
Q: How can I become a Board member?
A: Board members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. You may apply by contacting the Governor's Appointment Office or visiting this website: http://www.flgov.com/2007_boards_commissions
Q: Who can attend Board meetings?
A: All Board meetings are open to the public and you are encouraged to attend. You may find a schedule of upcoming Board meetings at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/nur_meeting.html
Q: What are the deadlines to have an item placed on the Board agenda?
A: Agenda items must be submitted to the Board of Nursing prior to the deadline for any particular Boar meeting date. Staff must have sufficient time to review documentation prior to it being placed on the agenda. Applications for licensure needing to be reviewed by the Board must be complete at least 30 days prior to the deadline. You can find the deadlines at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/nur_meeting.html
Q: How can I get a copy of the Board agenda?
A: By visiting our Web Board and signing up to receive updates or visit our website to find the latest draft at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/nursing/nur_meeting.html
Q: Where can if find the minutes from the latest meeting?
A: You can subscribe to our Web Board or by visiting our website at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/nursing/nur_minutes.html
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REGARDING PRIOR CRIMINAL HISTORY AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
The Florida Board of Nursing receives numerous questions from applicants regarding prior criminal offenses. The following are the most frequently asked questions to assist applicants:
Q: What crimes or license discipline must be reported on the application?
A: Except for minor traffic violations not related to the use of drugs or alcohol, all convictions, guilty pleas and nolo contendere pleas must be reported, even if adjudication is withheld,. This includes misdemeanors, felonies, "driving while intoxicated (DWI)" and "driving under the influence "(DUI)." Crimes must be reported even if they are a suspended imposition of sentence. All prior or current disciplinary action against another professional license must be reported, whether it occurred in Florida or in another state or territory.
Q. How can I find out more information about self reporting offenses?
A. You can send an e-mail with a specific question to mqa_consumerservices@doh.state.fl.us
Q: Do I have to report charges if I completed a period of probation and the charges were dismissed or closed?
A: Yes. Offenses must be reported to the Board even if you received a suspended imposition of sentence and the record is now considered closed.
Q: Can a person obtain a license as a nurse if they have a misdemeanor or felony crime on their record?
A: Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Board of Nursing considers the nature, severity, and recency of offenses, as well as rehabilitation and other factors. The Board cannot make a determination for approval or denial of licensure without evaluating the entire application and supporting documentation. Please click on this link for more information http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/cna/cna_prospective.html (the information on the website was written for CNAs but the process is the same for all applicants)
Q: What types of documentation do I need to submit in support of my application if I have a prior criminal record or license discipline?
A:
- Certified official court document(s) relative to your criminal record, showing the date(s) and circumstance(s) surrounding your arrest(s)/conviction(s), sections of the law violated, and disposition of the case. This would normally consist of the Complaint or Indictment, the Judgment, Docket Sheet or other documents showing disposition of your case. This can also be referred to as the Order of Probation. The clerk of the court in the county the offense occurred can supply and must certify these court documents.
- Certified copy of the documents relative to any disciplinary action taken against any license. The documents must come from the agency that took the disciplinary action and must be certified by that agency.
- A detailed description of the circumstances surrounding your criminal record or disciplinary action and a thorough description of the rehabilitative changes in your lifestyle since the time of the offense or disciplinary action which would enable you to avoid these instances in the future.
- It would be helpful to include factors in your life, which you feel, may have contributed to your crime or disciplinary action, what you have learned about yourself since that time, and the changes you have made that support your rehabilitation.
Note: The burden of proof lies with the applicant to demonstrate evidence of rehabilitation. Examples of rehabilitation evidence may include some of the items below, this list is not complete and you may have information you wish to send:
- If applicable to your crime or discipline, documented evidence of professional treatment and counseling you may have completed. Please provide a discharge summary, if available.
- Letters of reference on official letterhead from employers, nursing program administrator, nursing instructors, health professionals, professional counselors, support group sponsors, parole or probation officers, or other individuals in positions of authority who are knowledgeable about your rehabilitation efforts.
- Proof of community work, education, and/or self-improvement efforts.
- Court-issued certificate of rehabilitation or evidence of expungement, proof of compliance with criminal probation or parole, and orders of the court.
Q: How can I help facilitate how quickly my application is reviewed?
A: The Board of Nursing strongly encourages all individuals with a criminal or discipline history to be fully prepared with information regarding their background and to start the application process early.
Q. Where can I get copies of my dispositions?
A. You can request a copy of the disposition from the clerk of the court in the county the offense took place.
Applications with previous arrest or disciplinary action on a license will not be authorized to practice nursing until all documentation is cleared by Board staff or reviewed by the Board.
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LICENSEE INFORMATION
Q: How can I file a complaint against a licensee?
A: You may print the Complaint Form with the Authorization for Release of Patient Records form from the list below or call 1-888 419-3456 or (850) 414-1976 to request one by mail. To avoid delays in the process, please complete all sections of the form and attach the requested information. All complaints must be legibly written or typed, and signed.
To file a complaint on a non-medical related business or profession, please visit the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
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LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION
Q: Where can I find a school to train in nursing?
A: Review a list of Florida Registered and Practical Nurse Training Programs (pdf - 358kb)
Q: I graduated from a nursing school outside the United States. How do I find out if I qualify to take the NCLEX?
A: You can visit our website for foreign trained graduates at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/nursing/nur_foreign.html
Q: How long does it take to be approved for the licensure examination?
A: We are allowed 30 days to issue a letter regarding any deficiencies in your application. However, we have made great strides to reduce this time and it is often less than 21 days. You can expedite the process by applying online at: https://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/irm00iportal/InitialAppEntry.asp
Q: What does Graduate Nurse Status mean?
A: You may practice nursing under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse if you meet the following qualifications:
- You have been authorized by the Board to practice as a graduate nurse or graduate practical nurse and have received a “Graduate Nurse” letter
- It is within six months following graduation from an approved program
- You have been authorized to test by the examination vendor.
Any applicant who fails to appear for the first examination for which eligible shall not practice nursing until such time as the applicant passes a licensing examination.
Only RN applicants by examination who have been approved by the Board may use the term "Graduate Nurse" or and the abbreviation "G.N.," or PN applicants by examination may use the term Graduate Practical Nurse or the abbreviation “G.P.N.” pending the results of the first licensure examination for which they are eligible.
Q: Can I work as a Graduate Nurse (GN) or a Graduate Practical Nurse (GPN) while I am waiting for approval?
A: Only if you have received approval from the Board.
Q: When will I get the Authorization to Test (ATT)?
A: Five to ten days after receiving the eligibility receipt approving you to take the NCLEX, you will receive an Authorization to Test from Pearson Vue, the testing group.
Q: Where can I take the licensure examination?
A: NCLEX testing takes place at Pearson Vue centers. You will receive a list of all centers and their telephone numbers when you receive your Authorization to Test. You may schedule an appointment for any center. You do not have to take the NCLEX in the same jurisdiction in which you are seeking licensure.
Q: How often is the NCLEX given?
A: Testing is available at Pearson Vue centers 15 hours a day six days a week, except Sundays and holidays. This is subject to change.
Q: How long do I have after I graduate to take the licensure examination?
A: There is no time limit between graduation date and exam date.
Q: How long do I have after I am approved to actually take the NCLEX?
A: The Authorization to Test (ATT) is valid for 90 days. The ATT contains your test authorization number, candidate identification number, and an expiration date and cannot be extended for any reason. Test centers may fill up quickly, waiting to schedule your testing appointment may significantly limit the dates the center can seat you. If you wait until your ATT is close to expiring, Pearson Professional Centers may not be able to seat you prior to its expiration. If this occurs, you will be required to re-register and re-pay to take the examination.
Q: Is there a limit on how many times I can take the NCLEX?
A: Yes. After three failures of the same level of examination (RN, LPN), regardless of jurisdiction, the applicant must successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial training program. The program includes classroom and clinical components and proof of completion must be submitted at the time of application for the fourth attempt. You can find this information in the re-examination application at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/ap_re-exam.pdf (pdf - 179kb)
Q: What should I do if I fail the exam?
A: You will have to reapply by submitting a re-examination application, with a retake fee of $119.00. You will also have to reapply for the NCLEX examination to Pearson Vue and pay a non-refundable fee of $200.
Q: If I fail the exam, how long do I have to wait to retake it?
A: You must wait a minimum of 45 days between each examination.
Q: Do I have to do more than one money order?
A: Yes, you will send in one money order or check for the application fees and another to Pearson Vue for the NCLEX fee. These fees are mailed to different places.
Q: I missed my scheduled examination date. What should I do?
A: If you either fail to arrive, fail to reschedule, or cancel your NCLEX appointment without giving three business days' notice to the Pearson Vue Center where you are scheduled, you will forfeit your examination fee and your Authorization to Test will be invalidated. You will need to reapply and pay additional fees. You will also lose your GN/GPN status.
Q: Can I change my application from examination to endorsement or from endorsement to examination?
A: Yes, but you must request a change in the status of the application in writing to the Board office. The request for the change will not be granted if the application has already been approved. You will also have to pay additional fees to the Board for the background check. A fingerprint card is required to apply by endorsement and this is an additional charge.
Q: What should I do if my name or address change after I apply but before I am licensed?
A: Complete and mail the name or address form (pdf - 96kb), with all appropriate documentation
Q: Can I apply for a nursing license in Florida if I graduated from Regents (Excelsior) College?
A: If you were a Licensed Practical Nurses prior to entering Regents (Excelsior) College and then graduate with an RN degree, may apply for licensure by examination in Florida. Non-LPNs may apply only if they have passed the NCLEX and have an active license in another state.
Q: How can I find out if I passed the NCLEX?
A: You may visit this website: http://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/ONLINETESTNET/default.aspx
Q: Is there any other way to find out if I passed the NCLEX?
A: You can determine if you have been issued a license number on the Internet 5-10 days after testing by visiting the Health Provider Lookup Screen.
Q: When will I receive my license?
A: Your license will be sent to the address on file at the Board office 10-15 days after the Board office receives notification you passed the examination.
Q: I am applying for licensure in Florida and haven't taken the Medical Errors course yet. What should I do?
A: You can find a provider of the course at: www.cebroker.com when you have completed the course you can send a copy of your certificate to the Board office. You will not be made eligible for the examination until we have received proof of completion.
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LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT
Q: How long does it take to be approved for licensure by endorsement?
A: We are allowed 30 days to issue a letter regarding any deficiencies in your application. However, we have made great strides to reduce this time and it is often less than 21 days. You can expedite the process by applying online at: https://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/irm00iportal/InitialAppEntry.asp
Q: What is endorsement, is it the same as reciprocity?
A: Endorsement is the endorsing of your active license in another state to a license in Florida. It is not the same as reciprocity. Reciprocity indicates Florida honors other state licenses and you would be allowed to work in Florida without obtaining a Florida License. Currently Florida law does not allow RNs, LPNs, CNS’s or ARNPs to work in Florida without a Florida license.
Q: Can I endorse into Florida if I have an active license in another state but have never taken the NCLEX or State Board Test Pool exam
A: If you can prove you have been working in another state, jurisdiction or U.S. territory for 2 of the last 3 years you may apply by endorsement.
Q: Who gets the license verification form? Do they mail it in or do I?
A: The license verification form is sent to the state(s) you are licensed in they will return the form to the Florida Board office.
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ARNP
Q: Where can I find the application for ARNP?
A: You can find the application at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/nur_ARNP_info.html
Q: Are there different applications for Florida RNs upgrading to ARNP and ARNPs from other states?
A: The applications are the same and can be found at the website in the first ARNP FAQ answer.
Q: How long will it take to get my license?
A: We are allowed 30 days to issue a letter regarding any deficiencies in your application. However, we have made great strides to reduce this time and it is often less than 21 days. How long it takes to issue a license depends on how quickly any deficiencies are completed.
Q: What must I qualifications must I have completed to qualify as an ARNP?
A: Effective July 1, 2006, all specialties of Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner applying for licensure in Florida must provide proof of National Certification.
Exception: A one year provisional license may be issued to Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists who have graduated from an out of state program within one year from the date of Florida application and who are not Nationally Certified. These applicants must provide original Verification of Successful Completion (VSC) and original transcript(s).
Q: What do I need to send?
A: If you are a CRNA or CNM, send a notarized copy of your current certification marked as a "true and correct copy" with your application. For those not yet certified and for all other specialties, order an official and final copy of your transcript, directly from the school to be mailed directly to the Board office. Also, fill out the top portion of the Verification of Successful Completion form and send it to your school for completion. When these are received in the Board office and are complete (and you have a current Florida RN license), your file will be reviewed.
Q: Do I need malpractice insurance to be licensed?
A: Yes, in order to issue your advanced practice certificate, you will need to show proof of malpractice or reason for exemption. If an employer is going to supply the insurance, have them send a letter on their letterhead stating that you are covered, naming the carrier and what is paid per incident and aggregate (minimum of $100,000/300,000 respectively). If you are a state or federal employee or if you are not working as an ARNP in Florida, you must fill out the form for exemption.
Q: Do I need National Certification?
A: Effective July 1, 2006, all specialties of Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner applying for licensure in Florida must provide proof of National Certification.
Q: What national nursing specialty certification boards are recognized by the Florida Board of Nursing (Board)?
A: Professional or national nursing specialty boards recognized by the Board include, but are not limited to:
(a) Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists, or Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists, or their predecessors.
(b) American College of Nurse Midwives.
(c) American Nurses Association (American Nurses Credentialing Center) Nurse Practitioner level examinations only.
(d) National Certification Corporation for OB/GYN, Neonatal Nursing Specialties (nurse practitioner level examination only).
(e) National Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Associates (Pediatric Nurse Associate/Practitioner level examinations only).
(f) American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (nurse practitioner level examination only).
Q: Do all nurse practitioners need to file protocols?
A: Yes, as long as they are practicing as ARNPs in Florida. If they are not practicing in Florida a protocol does not need to be filed
Q: Where and when does the protocol get filed?
A: The ARNP’s original is filed with the Board of Nursing, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3252. They are filed at the time of the ARNP’s licensure renewal or when there is a change. The protocol must contain all original signatures. If the Board office cannot tell if the signatures are original the protocol will be returned and we will ask all signatures be in blue ink. We ask this because it is much easier to determine if the signature is original if it is in blue ink.
Q: Are the protocols reviewed or approved by the Board of Nursing?
A: The protocol is reviewed by the Board of Nursing.
Q: Should a copy of the protocol be kept at the practice site?
A: Yes, a copy of the original protocol and a copy of the notice required by section 458.348(1), F.S. should be kept at the site of practice of each party of the protocol. After the expiration of the protocol each party is responsible for insuring that a copy of the protocol is maintained for future reference for a period of four (4) years.
Q: Should the protocol state which medications can be prescribed?
A: Yes, you must list all medications that the supervising physician has agreed you may prescribe. You may want to use generic names and/or categories of medications instead of using trade names, i.e., antibiotics, antiemetics, etc.
Q: Can nurse practitioners have their own prescription pad?
A: Yes.
Q: Do I need to apply for prescriptive privileges?
A: No, writing of the protocols and approval of the collaborative practice physician gives you prescriptive privileges. You cannot prescribe controlled substances.
Q: What type of information should be included in the prescription pad?
A: Pharmacy rules require that all the information necessary to properly label the prescription container be included on the prescription. The pharmacist is required to put the prescriber's name on the medication label [Rule 64B16-28.402(1)(b)].
Q: Can a nurse practitioner write prescriptions for controlled substances?
A: No, federal law requires that anyone prescribing controlled substances have a DEA license number. All prescriptions for controlled substances should be written and signed by a licensed physician.
Q: Do I need a dispensing license?
A: If it is in your protocols that you are to dispense medications for a fee, then you must contact be authorized by the Board office to dispense. Dispensing is writing and filling a prescription and selling the medication to a patient. Giving samples is not dispensing. The dispensing license must also be renewed when renewing your ARNP license. You can find the dispensing practitioner application at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/frm_ARNPdisp_regis.pdf (pdf - 57kb)
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RENEWAL
Q: My license is expiring soon and I did not receive a renewal notice. What should I do?
A: Renewal notices are now sent out as postcards. You may renew online at www.flhealthsource.com if you have trouble with your ID and Password please call 850-488-0595. Remember, if you wait until the last minute you may run into long wait times.
Q: How long does it take to renew my license?
A: Renewal postcards are sent at least 90 days before the expiration date. You should renew as soon as possible when you receive it. Please allow 4-6 weeks for receipt of your new nursing license. To expedite your renewal you may renew online at www.flhealthsource.com if you have trouble with your ID and Password please call 850-488-0595.
Q: Can I continue to work if I have not received my new license by the expiration date?
A: Nurses are not permitted to work without proof of current licensure. However, by renewing online you are able to print a receipt proving you renewed your license. This should allow you to continue working but it is ultimately up to your employer.
Q: Is there a number to call to check on the status of my renewal?
A: If you do not have your new license by the expiration date, your employer can verify the status of your renewal by visiting our website at: http://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/cnanet/cnalist.aspx the less information you put in the more information you will receive. You can also call the Communication Services Unit, (850) 488-0595, to verify the status of your license.
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MANDATORY CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
Q: How many contact hours do I have to have on file and how many more do I have to earn to renew my license?
A: The Board no longer maintains computer records of the individual nurses’ contact hours. It is the responsibility of each nurse to retain all copies of their Certificates of Attendance for a period of at least four years. You do have the option of enrolling in CE Broker. There is a fee and the web address is www.cebroker.com
Q: Where can I find CE providers?
A: You can find CEs by visiting www.cebroker.com
Q: I passed the NCLEX in the last year, how many contact hours do I need to renew my license.
A: Nurses licensed by examination, in any state, during the current renewal period are exempt from additional continuing education requirements for the first renewal period only. This exemption is lost if the license is not renewed by the renewal deadline.
Q: How many contact hours do I need to renew my license? I endorsed in from another state.
A: Most initial licenses are not valid for the full 2 years. One (1) contact hour is required for each month of the licensure cycle, including two (2) hours on Prevention of Medical Errors. HIV/AIDS is now a one-time, 1-hour CE requirement to be completed prior to the first renewal. Domestic Violence (DV) CE is now a 2-hour requirement every third renewal. For example, if you renew your license on July 31, 2008 and completed DV during the 2006-2008 licensure cycle, you are required to complete the Domestic Violence CE before the July 31, 2014 renewal.
Q: How many contact hours do I need for a full biennium?
A: All Florida-licensed RN's and LPNs, ARNPs and CNSs are now in a 24-month renewal cycle and must complete 24 hours of appropriate continuing education during each renewal period. , The 24 hours must includ two (2) hours on Prevention of Medical Errors. HIV/AIDS is now a one-time, 1-hour CE requirement to be completed prior to the first renewal. Domestic Violence (DV) CE is now a 2-hour requirement every third renewal. For example, if you renew your license on July 31, 2008 and completed DV during the 2006-2008 licensure cycle, you are required to complete the Domestic Violence CE before the July 31, 2014 renewal.
Q: Can I use college courses for continuing education?
A: Contact hours may be awarded for completion of credit courses in nursing at an accredited institution of higher learning. General education may not be used for C.E. credit. One college course that meets 3 hours a week for 15 weeks is worth 45 CE hours.
Q: How do college courses convert to contact hours?
A: One credit hour per quarter converts to ten contact hours. One credit hour per semester converts to fifteen contact hours. In order to receive continuing education credit, retain transcripts or legible dated grade reports for four years in case you are audited.
Q: Can I use hours I have earned in another state?
A: Offerings that are approved by a state or national nursing organization empowered to accredit continuing education standards are approved for continuing education, with the exception of HIV/AIDS and Domestic Violence which must be from a Florida-approved provider.
Q: I have earned over 100 hours. Can I carry the balance over to the next renewal period?
A: No, all hours must be earned within your renewal period and cannot be carried over.
Q: I have received my renewal notice and have not completed my 25 contact hours. Can I mail my renewal in and complete my hours later?
A: No, Nurses must complete C.E. requirements within the appropriate biennium. By sending in your renewal and fee you have affirmed that you have complied with all licensure renewal requirements.
Q: How many contact hours can I earn through Home Study?
A: The Board imposes no limit on the number of contact hours earned through Home Study.
Q: Can nurses take courses that offer CME (Continuing Medical Education) credits?
A: Only ARNP?s may earn CME for up to half of the mandatory CE requirements.
Q: How can I get an exemption from the Malpractice Insurance requirement?
A: Use the Malpractice Insurance Exemption form. Just print it out, complete the form and send it in. You can find it on our website at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/nursing/frm_financial.pdf (pdf - 33kb)
GENERAL QUESTION(S)
Q: How can I find out about requesting and exemption?
A: You can find the exemption application packet at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/nursing/nur_screening.html
Q: How can I find declaratory statements
A: Declaratory statements can be found at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/nursing/nur_maintain.html
Q: How do I request a declaratory statement or variance and waiver of a Board rule
A: Only rules can be granted variance or waiver from, statutes cannot be varied or waived by the Board. You can find information on what is required and how to file at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/nursing/nur_declare.html
Q: What is IPN?
A: IPN is the Intervention Project for Nurses. You can find more information by visiting this website: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/nursing/nur_IPN.html
Q: How do I contact the Board of Nursing
A: You can send an e-mail to mqa_nursing@doh.state.fl.us or you can visit our contact info webpage at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/nursing/nur_general.html
Q: How can I check if someone is licensed?
A: You may use our License Look-Up Search Screen. The best results often occur when the system receives the least amount of information. Some techniques include providing only one of the following: the county where the practitioner is located or the last name or the first letter of his name, or select a profession. If the licensee is one of our profiled professions, there will be a link at the upper right portion of the screen that says Link to Practitioner Profile.This will take you to practitioner reported information about their education, specialty certification, etc.
Q: How can I get a list of licensee information?
A: To obtain an electronic listing of active and inactive licensees' mailing addresses and license status for DOH/ MQA regulated professions use our Licensee Data Information service. Please note: The department does not maintain email addresses, fax or telephone numbers in the normal course of business.
Section 119.083(4), F.S., requires only that the agency provide electronic data in some common format such as, but not limited to, the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) text format. Therefore, the download files provided on this page are formatted as ASCII text, pipe delimited.
Financial information, medical information, school transcripts, examination questions, answers, papers, grades and grading keys, which are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1), F.S.,. will be withheld pursuant to Chapter 455.647(1), Florida Statutes. Social Security numbers will also be redacted pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 405(c)(2)(C)(vii)(1).
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