Nursing And State Regulation
Sample Solution
Mission of State Boards of Nursing:
State Boards of Nursing (BONs) are responsible for protecting the public by regulating nursing practice. They ensure nurses meet competency standards, practice ethically, and provide safe patient care.
Key Regulations and Impact on Practice:
- Licensure: Regulations define education, experience, and examination requirements for nurses to practice in the state. This ensures a baseline level of competency.
Full Answer Section
- Scope of Practice: Regulations define the activities an APRN can perform independently or under a physician's supervision. This impacts the level of autonomy APRNs have in managing patients.
- Continuing Education: Regulations mandate ongoing education to ensure nurses stay up-to-date with best practices and new knowledge. This improves patient outcomes.
Comparison of APRN Regulations (Choose two from the list below):
- Supervision Requirements:
- Prescriptive Authority:
- Collaboration/Consultation Agreements:
Example: Supervision Requirements
- State A: Requires all APRNs to have a collaborative agreement with a physician for all aspects of practice. (Limited Scope)
- State B: Grants Full Practice Authority (FPA) to APRNs with a master's degree and national certification, allowing them to practice independently without physician supervision.
Impact on APRNs with Full Practice Authority:
- State B: APRNs can independently diagnose conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, develop and manage treatment plans, and prescribe medications.
- Example: An APRN in State B with FPA can see a patient with a chronic illness, adjust their medication regimen based on recent lab results, and order further tests if needed.
How APRNs Adhere to Regulations:
- Supervision: APRNs with a collaborative agreement document communication and delegation plans with their supervising physician.
- Prescriptive Authority: APRNs follow state and federal regulations for prescribing controlled substances and documenting medication administration.
Finding Regulations:
Most BON websites have their regulations publicly available. You can search for "[State Name] Board of Nursing Regulations" or use the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website (https://www.ncsbn.org/) to find links to individual state BON websites.
Remember: Regulations can change, so always refer to the most current information from your state's BON website.
By understanding these regulations, APRNs can ensure they practice within their legal scope of practice and deliver safe, effective care to their patients.