Licensure and Regulation
In which ways is the state board of nursing similar to the judicial branch of the United States government?
It can deny a license to an applicant. Denying a license is a function of the state board of nursing and is similar to the judicial branch of the U.S. government. It can administer disciplinary action to a licensee. The authority to assign disciplinary action is a function of the state board of nursing and is aligned with the judicial function of the U.S. government.
Which statement describes the actions related to a law regarding nursing practice after it is amended?
It is enforced by the state board of nursing. After an amendment is made, the state board of nursing is charged with enforcement of the law.
Why should nurse practice acts be revised and updated periodically?
Communication methods may change that affect nursing practice. New methods of communication, such as social media or texting, may have an effect on how nursing is delivered and on privacy considerations. New methods of health care delivery may be developed that affect scope of practice. New technologies and methods of delivering health care may affect nursing scope of practice and should be considered in nurse practice acts. Philosophies about nursing change over time and may change the scope of practice. Scope of practice may be reconsidered from time to time, and the nurse practice act should reflect current nursing practice.
Which statements describe the responsibilities of the state board of nursing to the nursing profession?
Enforces nurse practice acts The state board of nursing is responsible for enforcing nurse practice acts. Reviews and revises nurse practice acts The periodic review and revision of nurse practice acts is a responsibility of the state board of nursing. Creates and administers nurse practice acts The state board of nursing is responsible for creating and administering nurse practice acts. Clarifies provisions and adds amendments to the nurse practice act The state board of nursing is responsible for clarifying provisions and adding amendments to the state nurse practice act.
Which statements describe functions of state boards of nursing that help protect the safety of the public?
Establishing standards of nursing practice Standards of nursing practice help to protect the safety of the public by defining what nurses can and cannot do in that state. Censuring incompetent or unsafe practitioners Unsafe practitioners are subject to disciplinary action by the state board of nursing to prevent harm to the public. Regulating conditions and requirements for licensure Defining minimum education requirements and continuing education requirements help ensure that licensed personnel are qualified for licensure. Reviewing and making amendments to scope of practice guidelines Reviewing and making amendments to the scope of practice is both a protective function for the licensed personnel and acts as a safeguard for the public. Prohibiting unlicensed persons from providing services reserved for those with a license Unlicensed personnel are not allowed to practice nursing or use the title of "nurse," which helps define and clarify the role of the nurse for the public.
Which describes the role that the American Nurses Association (ANA) and National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) have in nurse practice acts?
Guides state nurses associations seeking revisions to nurse practice acts The ANA and NCSBN models provide guidance to state nurses associations that seek to revise or amend nurse practice acts.
If a state board of nursing requires a nursing education program to be nationally accredited, how does this action act as a safeguard for the public
Nationally accredited programs have stricter oversight, which sets a higher standard and expectation. Nationally accredited programs must adhere to higher standards and expectations due to stricter oversight, and they often provide a higher quality nursing education.
Who has accountability for nurses in following the scope of practice guidelines in state nurse practice acts?
Nurses Nurses should be aware of their state nurse practice acts and adhere to the scope of practice and guidelines.
Which statements describe the purpose of mandatory licensure?
Protection for the public Mandatory licensure serves as a public protection by requiring those who practice professional nursing to hold a license to do so. Protection for licensed nursing personnel Mandatory licensure protects the professional interests of licensed nurses by designating the title and scope of practice. To prohibit unlicensed personnel from using the title of "nurse" Unlicensed personnel may not call themselves nurses, which protect the professional integrity of nursing.
Which statements define the scope of nurse practice acts?
Protects the title of registered nurse Nurse practice acts define who may be called a nurse and what the qualifications of that individual must be. Protects the health and safety of the public Nurse practice acts are in place to protect the health and safety of the public by setting minimum standards for licensure and practice in that state. Describes qualifications and responsibilities of nurses Nurse practice acts define qualifications and scope of practice for nurses in that particular state.
Which is true about state nurse practice acts?
State boards of nursing provide oversight of nurse practice acts. State boards of nursing create, amend, and revise nurse practice acts in each state. State nurse practice acts define and protect the profession of nursing. All state nurse practice acts establish standards and scope of practice to protect the public and the profession of nursing. All state nurse practice acts define minimum educational requirements for licensure. State nurse practice acts specify the minimum education requirements for licensure in that particular state.
Who governs the practice of nursing?
State governments State governments delegate the responsibility for administering the nurse practice act to the state boards of nursing, which enforces the nurse practice acts in each state.
In which situation might a nurse manager use the state nurse practice act?
When creating an in service about licensure renewal for her staff The nurse manager should consult the state nurse practice act when creating an in service about licensure renewal so the correct requirements for renewal can be taught. When a nurse's license has expired, but the nurse is scheduled to work The nurse manager would need to consult the nurse practice act to determine the guidelines or grace period for nurses with expired nursing licenses. When a nurse on that unit questions a task she is told to delegate to an UAP A nurse who has questions about a task she is told to delegate to an UAP should collaborate with the nurse manager to ensure the nurse's involvement in that procedure is within the scope of practice. When developing policies on the nurse manager's unit and she is unsure who is allowed to perform the task A nurse manager should consult the state nurse practice act when developing policies to ensure compliance with the scope of practice in regards to delegation of appropriate tasks.