Assignment Regulation For Nursing Practice And Staff Develop

Assignment Regulation For Nursing Practice Staff Development Meetingn

Assume that you are leading a staff development meeting on regulation for nursing practice at your healthcare organization or agency. Review the NCSBN and ANA websites to prepare for your presentation. Develop a 9- to 10-slide PowerPoint presentation that addresses the following:

• Describe the differences between a board of nursing and a professional nurse association.
• Describe the geographic distribution, academic credentials, practice positions, and licensure status of members of the board for your specific region/area. Who is on the board? How does one become a member of the board?
• Describe at least one federal regulation for healthcare. How does this regulation influence delivery, cost, and access to healthcare (e.g., CMS, OSHA, and EPA)? Has there been any change to the regulation within the past 5 years? Explain.
• Describe at least one state regulation related to general nurse scope of practice. How does this regulation influence the nurse’s role? How does this regulation influence delivery, cost, and access to healthcare?
• Describe at least one state regulation related to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). How does this regulation influence the nurse’s role? How does this regulation influence delivery, cost, and access to healthcare?

Paper For Above instruction

The regulation of nursing practice in the United States involves a complex interplay between various governing bodies and regulations at federal and state levels. Understanding the distinctions between boards of nursing and professional nursing associations is fundamental for nurses to navigate and advocate effectively within their scope of practice and the larger healthcare system.

Differences Between a Board of Nursing and a Professional Nurse Association

Boards of Nursing (BONs) are governmental agencies responsible for regulating nursing licensure, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and protecting public health. They establish licensing requirements, discipline violations, and oversee the practice standards for licensed nurses. Conversely, professional nurse associations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) serve as advocacy organizations aimed at advancing the profession, providing continuing education, promoting standards of ethical practice, and influencing health policy (NCSBN, 2023). While BONs operate as regulatory authorities with enforcement powers, nursing associations function as professional bodies that support and represent nurses' interests.

Regional Composition of the State Board of Nursing

My state's Board of Nursing comprises licensed registered nurses, nurse educators, healthcare administrators, and public members, reflecting a multidisciplinary composition that ensures broad oversight. Members often possess at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher degrees, with some holding advanced practice credentials. To become a member of the board, candidates typically must undergo appointment or election processes, often involving nominations by professional organizations or government agencies. The geographic distribution of members generally aligns with the state’s regions to incorporate diverse perspectives across urban and rural areas (State Board of Nursing, 2023).

Federal Healthcare Regulation: The Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The ACA, enacted in 2010, significantly impacted healthcare delivery, expanding access through Medicaid expansion and the establishment of health insurance exchanges. It also introduced mandates to improve quality and reduce costs by emphasizing preventive care and value-based reimbursement models (Kassirer, 2020). Over the past five years, modifications related to Medicaid expansion options and regulatory enforcement have occurred, impacting coverage and provider participation, especially in rural areas (CMS, 2022). These changes influence how healthcare services are delivered and funded.

State Regulation: Nursing Scope of Practice

State regulations define the scope of practice for registered nurses, typically governed by statutes and administrative rules. For example, in my state, regulations permit RNs to perform certain advanced procedures under supervision but restrict independent prescriptive authority to certified nurse practitioners (State Board of Nursing, 2023). Such regulations influence nurses' roles by delineating responsibilities, fostering autonomy for APRNs, and impacting healthcare access by enabling more comprehensive services in underserved areas. Cost and delivery are affected as expanded scope translates to increased efficiency and decreased reliance on physician services (Buppert, 2022).

State Regulation of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

The state's legislation regarding APRNs allows them to practice independently in many cases, including prescribing medications and diagnosing conditions, which enhances healthcare delivery, especially in rural and underserved communities. This autonomy can reduce costs by decreasing visit times and increasing efficiency, facilitating access to primary care services where physicians are scarce (MLN, 2021). However, some regulations still require collaborative agreements or physician supervision, which can impose barriers to full practice authority and impact healthcare accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

Effective regulation of nursing at federal and state levels ensures quality care, public safety, and professional advancement. Understanding the distinctions and specific regulations enables nurses to advocate for policies that enhance patient outcomes, expand access, and optimize healthcare delivery. As the healthcare landscape evolves, especially with the growing role of APRNs, ongoing education and advocacy remain essential for nurses to shape a responsive and equitable health system.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2022). Advancing health for better communities. ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). Medicaid and CHIP Medicaid expansion. https://www.cms.gov
• Kassirer, J. P. (2020). The impact of the Affordable Care Act on healthcare access and quality. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(2), 119-121.
• MLN Connects. (2021). Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs): Practice and regulation updates. CMS.
• NCSBN. (2023). Regulation of nursing practice: Role of Boards of Nursing. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. https://www.ncsbn.org
• State Board of Nursing. (2023). Annual report on nursing regulations and board membership. [State Department website]
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019). Health workforce overview. https://www.hhs.gov
• U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2021). Scope of practice regulations for APRNs. https://www.gao.gov
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2022). OSHA standards and regulations. https://www.osha.gov
• Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Environmental regulations and healthcare compliance. https://www.epa.gov