Question

What are the primary elements regulated by the State Board for Nursing in our state, and how do these activities link to health policy?

Answer 1

The practice of nursing is a right granted by a state to protect those who need nursing care, and safe, nursing practice is mentioned in the guidelines of the state nurse practice act (NPA) and its rules. All nurses have a duty to understand their nurse practice act and to keep up with changes as this dynamic document evolves with the scope of practice..

Nursing requires knowledge, skill, and independent decision making. The practice of nursing involves behavior, attitude and judgment, and physical and sensory capabilities in the application of knowledge, skills, and abilities for the benefit of the patient. The laws of the nursing profession can only function properly if nurses know the current laws governing practice in their state.

All states and territories have a nurse practice act. Each state’s nurse practice act is passed by the state’s legislature. Each nurse practice act establishes a board of nursing (BON) that has the authority to develop administrative rules or regulations to clarify or make the law more specific.

The membership and qualifications of the board of nursing, usually composed of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, advanced practice nurses, and members representing the public, are specified by the nurse practice act. The rules and regulations among all the states have the full force and effect of law, specified for nurse practice act.

There are some definitions laid for the law to be useful to legislators and citizens. The terms used in statutes must be clear and unambiguous.

The nurse practice act gives authority to regulate the practice of nursing and the enforcement of law to an agency or board of nursing that is maintaining the balance between the rights of the nurse to practice nursing and the responsibility to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of its citizens.

The standards and scope of nursing practice within nurse practice act, are aligned with the nursing process. Comprehensive nursing, is based on biologic, psychological, and social aspects of the patient’s condition.

The nurse practice act regulates Disciplinary Action, Other Violations, and Possible Remedies. The majority of nurses are competent and caring individuals who provide a satisfactory level of care. When a problem is experienced with a nurse and the nurse’s performance is not acceptable, a complaint may be filed with the board of nursing.

The practice of nursing is a right granted by a state to protect those who need nursing care. The guidelines of the nurse practice act and its rules provide safe parameters within work and protect patients from unprofessional and unsafe nursing practice.

State governments established board of nursing to protect the public’s health and welfare by ensuring the safe practice of nursing. To maintain one’s license in good standing and continue practicing, nurses must understand their rights are always accompanied by responsibilities.