PROFESSIONAL NURSING AND STATE-LEVEL REGULATIONS
Boards of Nursing (BONs) exist in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. Similar entities may also exist for different regions. The mission of BONs is the protection of the public through the regulation of nursing practice. BONs put into practice state/region regulations for nurses that, among other things, lay out the requirements for licensure and define the scope of nursing practice in that state/region.
It can be a valuable exercise to compare regulations among various state/regional boards of nursing. Doing so can help share insights that could be useful should there be future changes in a state/region. In addition, nurses may find the need to be licensed in multiple states or regions.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
To Prepare:
Review the Resources and reflect on the mission of state/regional boards of nursing as the protection of the public through the regulation of nursing practice.
Consider how key regulations may impact nursing practice.
Review key regulations for nursing practice of your state’s/region’s board of nursing and those of at least one other state/region and select at least two APRN regulations to focus on for this Discussion.
Expert Solution Preview
The mission of state and regional Boards of Nursing (BONs) is to protect the public through the regulation of nursing practice. These boards establish and enforce regulations that govern licensure requirements and define the scope of nursing practice within their respective jurisdictions. Comparing regulations among different state or regional boards can provide valuable insights that may be helpful in the event of future changes or if nurses need to be licensed in multiple states or regions.
When considering the impact of key regulations on nursing practice, it is important to acknowledge that these regulations set forth the standards and guidelines that nurses must adhere to in order to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. They address various aspects of nursing practice, including education, competency, and ethical conduct.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the regulations that govern nursing practice, it is essential to review the specific regulations established by your state’s or region’s BON, as well as those of at least one other state or region. For the purpose of this discussion, focus on two APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) regulations.
These APRN regulations may encompass requirements related to advanced education, certification, scope of practice, and collaborative practice agreements with physicians. Analyzing and comparing these regulations will provide insights into the variations and similarities among different jurisdictions, serving as a foundation for future professional practice.
By understanding and adhering to these regulations, nurses can ensure that they are providing safe and effective care to their patients while also maintaining their professional responsibilities and obligations. It is crucial for nursing students to familiarize themselves with these regulations and develop the necessary skills to interpret and apply them in their practice.
Overall, the regulations established by state and regional Boards of Nursing play a vital role in safeguarding public health and ensuring that nurses meet the necessary standards to provide competent and ethical care. By staying informed and knowledgeable about these regulations, nursing students can prepare themselves for successful and responsible professional practice.
