Nursing Is A Very 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
Comparison of Boards of Nursing and Nurse Associations
Nursing as a profession operates within a highly regulated framework that ensures safe, competent, and ethical practice. These regulations are primarily administered by Boards of Nursing (BONs) and professional nurse associations, both of which play vital but distinct roles in shaping the profession. This paper provides an overview of the differences between BONs and nurse associations, examines the specific board in a given region, explores relevant state regulations affecting general nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), and analyzes their implications on nursing practice, healthcare delivery, cost, and access.
Differences Between Boards of Nursing and Professional Nurse Associations
Boards of Nursing are government-mandated regulatory agencies tasked with licensing, monitoring, and overseeing the practice of nursing within their jurisdictions. They establish licensure requirements, enforce standards, conduct disciplinary actions, and collaborate with other state agencies to ensure public protection (National Council of State Boards of Nursing [NCSBN], 2022). In contrast, professional nurse associations—such as the American Nurses Association (ANA)—are voluntary organizations that promote the interests of nurses, advocate for policies that benefit the profession, provide continuing education, and foster professional development (ANA, 2023). While BONs focus on regulation and compliance, nurse associations emphasize professional growth, advocacy, and networking.
Region-Specific Board Details
Taking the example of California, the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) oversees nursing practice in the state. Comprising 13 members, the board includes licensed registered nurses, public members, and a licensed vocational nurse (BRN, 2023). Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate, typically serving terms of four years. Credentials required include holding an active RN license and demonstrating good professional standing. The composition ensures that regulatory decisions reflect diverse perspectives, balancing clinical expertise with consumer interests.
State Regulation Related to General Nurse Scope of Practice
California’s Nursing Practice Act defines the scope of practice for registered nurses, delineating permissible activities, responsibilities, and limitations. The regulation emphasizes standards for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care (California Business and Professions Code § 2725, 2023). This law influences nurses' roles by clarifying what tasks they may legally perform, thereby standardizing practices across settings. It also ensures patient safety by defining boundaries of practice, which prevents unauthorized activities that could harm patients.
Impact on Healthcare Delivery, Cost, and Access
This regulation promotes consistent and safe care delivery, which can improve healthcare outcomes. Clearly defined scope limitations prevent malpractice and legal liabilities, potentially reducing costs associated with legal proceedings. Moreover, by providing guidelines, the regulation supports a structured learning and competency assessment framework, fostering trust in nursing services (Hoffmann, 2021). In terms of access, clear scope boundaries ensure that nurses can competently perform their roles within their legal limits, facilitating healthcare availability in diverse settings, including underserved areas.
State Regulation Related to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
California’s regulation also addresses APRNs under the Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse-Midwives, and Nurse Anesthetists sections of the Nursing Practice Act (BRN, 2023). Currently, California requires APRNs to collaborate with a supervising physician to provide certain services, which can limit their independence. This regulation influences their role by constraining autonomy, requiring physicians’ oversight, and potentially impacting the scope of services they can deliver (California Business and Professions Code § 2726.1, 2023).
Impact of APRN Regulation on Delivery, Cost, and Access
By mandating physician collaboration, these regulations may slow the integration of APRNs into primary care settings, thereby limiting workforce capacity in areas with physician shortages. This can increase healthcare costs due to decreased efficiency and increased reliance on physician-led care. Conversely, relaxation of such regulations, as seen in other states, could expand APRN roles, leading to cost-effective care and improved access, particularly in rural and underserved populations (Xue et al., 2016). Enhancing APRN autonomy has been associated with improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare expenditures (Buppert, 2018).
Conclusion
Understanding the distinctions between BONs and nurse associations improves awareness of the regulatory environment that shapes nursing practice. State-specific regulations influence the roles of general nurses and APRNs, impacting healthcare delivery, accessibility, and costs. As nursing continues to evolve, it is vital for nurses to remain informed about regulatory changes to advocate effectively and provide optimal patient care.
References
- American Nurses Association (ANA). (2023). About ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/about-ana/
- Bay Area Board of Registered Nursing. (2023). About the BRN. California Business and Professions Code §§ 2725-2726.1.
- Hoffmann, D. (2021). Scope of Practice: Foundations and Future Directions. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(2), 10-18.
- Xue, Y., Zike, C., & Chen, L. (2016). Effects of expanded scope-of-practice regulations for nurse practitioners on healthcare delivery and cost. Journal of Healthcare Management, 61(3), 170–182.
- Buppert, C. (2018). Nurse Practitioner’s Guide to the Regulations and Laws. Springer Publishing.
- California Business and Professions Code § 2725. (2023). Nursing Practice Act. California Department of Consumer Affairs.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (2022). About NCSBN. https://www.ncsbn.org/about-ncsbn