Nursing Is A Highly Regulated Profession There Are Over
Nursing Is A Very Highly Regulated Profession There Are Over 100 Boar
Nursing is a very highly regulated profession. There are over 100 boards of nursing and national nursing associations throughout the United States and its territories. Their existence helps regulate, inform, and promote the nursing profession. With such numbers, it can be difficult to distinguish between BONs and nursing associations, and overwhelming to consider various benefits and options offered by each. Both boards of nursing and national nursing associations have significant impacts on the nurse practitioner profession and scope of practice.
Understanding these differences helps lend credence to your expertise as a professional. In this Assignment, you will practice the application of such expertise by communicating a comparison of boards of nursing and professional nurse associations. You will also share an analysis of your state board of nursing. To Prepare: 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.
The Assignment: (8- to 9-slide PowerPoint presentation) Develop a 8- to 9-slide PowerPoint Presentation that addresses the following: 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? 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? Include Speaker Notes on Each Slide (except on the title page and reference page)
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Nursing as a profession is among the most heavily regulated fields in healthcare, ensuring that nursing practice maintains high standards of safety, competence, and ethical conduct. The regulatory landscape comprises various entities, including Boards of Nursing (BONs) and professional nursing associations, each playing distinct roles in shaping, regulating, and promoting nursing practice. This paper aims to analyze these entities, highlight the specific structure of the state board of nursing in my region, and evaluate key state regulations that influence general nursing practice and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
Differences Between Boards of Nursing and Professional Nurse Associations
Boards of Nursing (BONs) are governmental agencies responsible for regulating nursing practice, issuing licenses, setting compliance standards, and ensuring public safety (National Council of State Boards of Nursing [NCSBN], 2023). They oversee licensure examinations, renewal processes, and disciplinary actions. BONs operate under state laws and serve as regulatory authorities ensuring that nurses practice within legal and ethical parameters.
In contrast, professional nurse associations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), are voluntary professional organizations dedicated to advancing nursing practice, providing continuing education, advocacy, and setting professional standards (ANA, 2023). They do not have regulatory authority but influence practice through policy advocacy, education, and research support.
While BONs are mandated by law and have the authority to enforce compliance, nursing associations serve as advocates and professional resources. The synergy between these entities fosters a framework that supports safe, competent, and evolving nursing practice.
My State Board of Nursing: Structure and Membership
In my state, the Board of Nursing consists of licensed nurses and public members appointed by the governor or relevant state authority. Typically, the board comprises registered nurses chosen for their expertise and experience, alongside public members representing the community’s interests. For example, the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) has 13 members: nine registered nurses and four public members.
Membership is obtained through appointment processes overseen by state authorities. Interested nurses or public members are nominated or apply, and appointments are made based on criteria such as experience, knowledge, and commitment to public health. Board members serve terms, often ranging from three to four years, and are responsible for policy setting, licensure decisions, and discipline oversight.
State Regulation of the General Nurse Scope of Practice
One key regulation in my state pertains to the scope of practice for licensed registered nurses, outlined in state legislation and administrative codes. For example, the regulation allows registered nurses to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care independently within defined parameters but require collaboration or supervision when performing certain advanced interventions.
This regulation influences nurses’ roles by delineating their responsibilities and autonomy, balancing professional independence with safety protocols. It ensures that nurses can practice within defined legal boundaries, promoting both accountability and high-quality patient care.
From a healthcare delivery perspective, clear scope-of-practice regulations optimize resource utilization, reduce costs by enabling nurses to perform routine assessments and procedures, and improve access by allowing nurses to extend care services especially in underserved areas (NCSBN, 2023). Efficient scope regulation thereby enhances overall healthcare efficiency.
State Regulation on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
My state also regulates APRN practice through specific statutes that outline prescriptive authority, collaborative agreements, and autonomous practice rights. For instance, legislation may allow nurse practitioners (NPs) to practice independently without collaborative agreements, expanding their role significantly.
This regulation empowers APRNs to serve as primary care providers, especially in rural or underserved populations, thereby increasing healthcare access. It also affects healthcare costs by providing more cost-effective care options, reducing reliance on physician-led models, and encouraging innovative service delivery models (Lathrop & Huang, 2020).
Furthermore, evolving APRN regulations influence their scope of practice, permitting greater autonomy and responsibility, which promotes higher job satisfaction and professional growth (Gorham, 2021). These regulations are fundamental in shaping modern, efficient healthcare systems where APRNs can meet the growing demand for primary and specialized care.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between Boards of Nursing and professional associations provides critical insight into the regulatory environment that shapes nursing practice. State-specific regulations governing general nurse scope and APRN practice profoundly influence the roles of nurses, healthcare delivery, costs, and access. As nursing continues to evolve, staying informed about these regulations ensures that nurses can advocate effectively and practice within their legal scope, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare quality.
References
- American Nurses Association (ANA). (2023). About ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/about-ana/
- Gorham, E. (2021). The impact of nursing regulation on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(2), 25-30.
- Lathrop, L. M., & Huang, C. (2020). The economic impact of APRN practice regulations. Nursing Economics, 38(4), 171-177.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (2023). Compact States and Practice Regulations. https://www.ncsbn.org/
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (2023). Practice and Regulation. https://www.ncsbn.org/
- California Board of Registered Nursing. (2022). Nurse Practice Act. https://www.rn.ca.gov/
- American Nurses Association. (2023). Professional Practice. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/
- Gorham, E. (2021). The impact of nursing regulation on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(2), 25-30.
- Lathrop, L. M., & Huang, C. (2020). The economic impact of APRN practice regulations. Nursing Economics, 38(4), 171-177.
- State of California Department of Health Care Services. (2022). Nurse Practitioner Practice Guidelines. https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/