(1) The APRN is expected to engage in ongoing competence development. Competence development is the method by which an APRN gains, maintains, or refines practice, knowledge, skills, and abilities. This development can occur through formal education programs, continuing education, or clinical practice and is expected to continue throughout the APRN's career. Documentation of competence development activities should be retained by the APRN for a minimum of five years and must be made available to the board upon request. The APRN must:

(a) submit verification of national recertification to the board within 30 days of issuance; and

(b) maintain an individualized quality assurance plan that:

(i) is relevant to the APRN's role and population focus, practice setting, and level of experience;

(ii) may include peer review, institutional review, and/or self-assessment;

(iii) includes methods for maintaining continued competence in providing patient care and evaluating patient outcomes; and

(iv) meets the standards set by the APRN's national professional organization.