Describe The Differences Between A Board Of Nursing And A Pr

Describe the differences between a board of nursing and a professional nurse association. Describe 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 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? If a patient is from another culture, how would this regulation impact the nurse's care/education? 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? Has there been any change to the regulation within the past 5 years? Explain. Include Speaker Notes on Each Slide (except on the title page and reference page)

Paper For Above instruction

In the United States, the professional landscape overseeing nursing practice is composed of two distinct entities: the board of nursing and professional nurse associations. Both play pivotal roles in shaping nursing policies, standards, and the overall quality of healthcare. Understanding their differences, functions, and impact on healthcare delivery is essential for nurses, policymakers, and educators alike.

Board of Nursing vs. Professional Nurse Associations

The board of nursing (BON) is a government-appointed regulatory body responsible for protecting public health by overseeing nursing practice within a designated jurisdiction, often a state or territory. Its primary functions include licensure and renewal, regulation enforcement, and ensuring nurses adhere to established standards of practice. The BON also investigates violations and discipline actions when necessary. Conversely, professional nurse associations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), are voluntary professional organizations that advocate for nurses' interests, promote continued education, and work towards advancing the nursing profession. While the BON has regulatory authority mandated by law, associations typically serve as advocates and resource providers.

In my specific region—California—the California Board of Registered Nursing (California BRN) oversees licensing, regulations, and discipline for registered nurses. The board consists of elected or appointed members, including registered nurses, consumer members, and public members, ensuring diverse representation. Becoming a board member generally involves nomination, appointment by the governor, and confirmation, often requiring extensive experience and a demonstrated commitment to the profession.

State Regulation Related to General Nurse Scope of Practice

One significant regulation in California pertains to the scope of practice for registered nurses, which defines the procedures, actions, and processes that nurses are authorized to perform under state law. For example, California law allows RNs to perform delegated medical acts and assumes a degree of autonomy within certain protocols. This regulation influences nurses by clarifying their responsibilities and permissible actions, directly affecting patient safety and the quality of care delivered.

This scope influences healthcare delivery by enabling nurses to provide comprehensive care independently and efficiently, thereby reducing wait times and improving access. In terms of cost, expanded practice scope can reduce reliance on physicians for routine tasks, potentially lowering healthcare expenses. Moreover, this regulation enhances access to healthcare, especially in underserved areas where nurse-led care can address gaps in primary care services.

Impact on Patients from Different Cultures

When treating patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, these regulations necessitate that nurses are culturally competent and aware of patients' cultural health beliefs and practices. A clear scope of practice allows nurses to tailor education and interventions appropriately, promoting culturally sensitive care. For example, understanding culturally specific health practices enables nurses to provide effective education about medication adherence or preventive measures, respecting patients' cultural values.

Regulations Related to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

California also has specific regulations governing APRNs, particularly concerning their ability to practice autonomously. Currently, California follows a transition towards full practice authority for APRNs, with recent legislative efforts aimed at removing mandated collaborative agreements with physicians. These changes have been incremental, with notable updates within the past five years aiming to expand APRN autonomy.

Regulatory changes allowing APRNs to practice independently significantly influence their roles, empowering them to deliver primary care services, including diagnosis and treatment, without physician supervision. This expansion increases healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved communities, and may reduce costs by streamlining care delivery. Furthermore, allowing APRNs to operate independently can foster innovative care models, improve patient satisfaction, and reduce healthcare system burdens.

Recent Regulatory Changes and Future Implications

In California, recent legislative initiatives, such as SB 798, have sought to grant full practice authority to APRNs. These laws aim to phase out physician supervision requirements, facilitating more autonomous practice. These regulatory developments, occurring within the last five years, reflect a broader national trend towards expanding APRN scope, driven by evidence demonstrating their safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness (Bosse et al., 2017). Continued legislative efforts are likely to further evolve APRN practice authority, influencing healthcare access and cost structures.

Conclusion

The distinction between the board of nursing and professional nurse associations underscores the dual regulatory and advocacy roles within the nursing profession. State regulations governing RN and APRN practice significantly impact the roles, responsibilities, and healthcare delivery models, directly influencing patient outcomes, costs, and access. As legislative landscapes evolve, particularly concerning APRNs' scope of practice, it is essential for nurses to stay informed and engaged to advocate for policies that enhance healthcare quality and accessibility for diverse patient populations.

References

  • Bosse, J., Simmonds, K., Hanson, C., Pulcini, J., Dunphy, L., Vanhook, P., & Poghosyan, L. (2017). Position statement: Full practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses is necessary to transform primary care. Nursing Outlook, 65(6), 761–765.
  • Halm, M. A. (2018). Evaluating the impact of EBP education: Development of a modified Fresno test for acute care nursing. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 15(4), 272–280. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12291
  • Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse's guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.ncsbn.org
  • American Nurses Association. (n.d.). ANA enterprise links. Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.nursingworld.org
  • Neff, D. F., Yoon, S. H., Steiner, R. L., Bumbach, M. D., Everhart, D., & Harman, J. S. (2018). The impact of nurse practitioner regulations on population access to care. Nursing Outlook, 66(4), 379–385.
  • Peterson, C., Adams, S. A., & DeMuro, P. R. (2015). mHealth: Don’t forget all the stakeholders in the business case. Medicine 2.0, 4(2), e4.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Regulatory frameworks for nurses and midwives. WHO Publications.
  • California Board of Registered Nursing. (2021). About us. Retrieved from https://www.rn.ca.gov/aboutus.shtml
  • Legislative documents of California. (2022). SB 798 Practice authority for APRNs. Retrieved from legislative website.

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