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Describe the differences between a board of nursing and a professional nurse association. The Board of Nursing regulates nursing practice throughout the state and is a non-profit organization focused on protecting the public’s welfare. In contrast, a professional nurse association supports nurses by empowering them and advocating for advancements in healthcare. The Missouri Board of Nursing was established specifically to regulate nursing practice within Missouri, ensuring nurses are licensed and competent to provide safe care, thereby protecting public health. The nurse association, on the other hand, aims to support nurses' professional development and address healthcare industry changes. Memberships differ because the board’s members are appointed based on regulatory criteria, primarily licensed nurses, while associations consist of practicing nurses and supporters. The Missouri Board of Nursing’s members must be residents of the state for at least one year, possess a nursing diploma or degree (associate or bachelor’s), and hold active licenses. They include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses, with specific experience requirements. Members serve four-year terms and are appointed or reappointed based on their qualifications.

One significant federal regulation impacting healthcare is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), enacted in 1996. HIPAA comprises five rules: privacy, security, transaction, identifiers, and enforcement. The privacy rule limits the disclosure of protected health information (PHI) without patient consent. The security rule establishes standards to safeguard electronic health information, including administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. The transaction rule standardizes data elements for electronic health transactions. The identifiers rule establishes unique identifiers for healthcare providers and patients to prevent fraud, and the enforcement rule specifies penalties for violations (Cohen & Mello, 2018).

HIPAA has profoundly influenced healthcare delivery by enhancing the security and confidentiality of medical records, boosting patient confidence, and facilitating electronic data exchanges. Although initially implemented with limited amendments, the last significant update was in 2013. The regulation increased healthcare costs due to investments in compliant systems and infrastructure but improved access by enabling more secure and seamless sharing of patient information among providers. Consequently, healthcare delivery has become more efficient, with an emphasis on maintaining data integrity and patient privacy. HIPAA’s role in safeguarding health information has upheld high standards for health information management, which correlates with improved quality of care and reduced errors (Cohen & Mello, 2018).

Within Missouri, the Nurse Practice Act delineates the scope of practice for nurses. This legislation encompasses laws governing nurses’ rights, responsibilities, and the duties of the Missouri Board of Nursing. It mandates licensing, sets disciplinary procedures, and specifies standards for licensure and practice (Ennen, 1982). The Act influences nurses by establishing legal and ethical responsibilities, promoting safe and competent care, and clarifying the boundaries of practice, including requirements for continuing education and license renewal. By doing so, it ensures public safety and professional accountability. The Act’s enforcement supports the delivery of quality health services, enhances public trust, and ensures nurses fulfill their roles ethically and legally. It also affects the accessibility and affordability of care, as regulated nursing practice prevents unsafe or unlicensed services, thereby maintaining healthcare quality and confidence. The legal framework ultimately fosters an environment where competent nurses can provide accessible, high-quality, and cost-effective care.

Regarding advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), Missouri's regulations, specified under Chapter Four of the Department of Commerce and Insurance Rules, define the qualifications and recognition process for APRNs. Title 20 CSR 2200-4.100 details requirements such as possessing necessary education, licensing, and paying applicable fees. To be recognized as an APRN, applicants must provide evidence of advanced nursing education and hold a current nursing license in Missouri. Certification by a recognized body and adherence to practice standards are essential (Lavin, 2018). This regulation directly influences nurses by formalizing their roles, expanding scope, and promoting effective collaboration for patient care. The services offered by APRNs under this regulation include immunizations, family planning, and screenings—enhancing healthcare accessibility, especially in underserved areas. The regulation’s emphasis on collaboration and defined scope ensures that APRNs deliver high-quality, accessible, and economically feasible healthcare, thereby positively impacting healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Paper For Above instruction

The distinctions between a board of nursing and a professional nurse association are fundamental to understanding the regulation and support systems within the nursing profession. The Board of Nursing serves as a regulatory authority, overseeing the licensing, discipline, and standards of nursing practice across the state to safeguard public health and safety. This entity operates as a non-profit, independent organization focused on ensuring that nurses meet the professional and ethical standards required to provide competent care. Its primary goal is to protect patients by verifying that practicing nurses are qualified, licensed, and practicing within the legal scope of practice established by state law.

Conversely, professional nurse associations operate primarily as advocacy groups, dedicated to supporting nurses’ interests, advancing their professional development, and responding to industry changes. These associations are often membership-driven and focus on promoting professional standards, continuing education, and policy advocacy to influence healthcare legislation and practice standards positively. Although both organizations aim to improve healthcare, their core missions differ: regulatory oversight (Board of Nursing) versus professional support (nurse associations). The Missouri Board of Nursing was specifically established to regulate the overall practice of nursing within the state, ensuring public safety by licensing qualified nurses and maintaining standards.

Membership criteria for the Missouri Board of Nursing are specific, requiring members to be residents of Missouri for at least one year, with citizenship status confirmed. Members must hold valid nursing licensure and possess relevant academic credentials, including associate degrees, diplomas, or bachelor’s degrees in nursing. The profession’s practice position includes licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), with the latter two categories playing significant roles in statewide healthcare. The board comprises nine members, with appointments made for four-year terms, maintaining representation from registered nurses, LPNs, APRNs, and the public to ensure balanced decision-making aligned with public interest.

A key federal regulation influencing healthcare delivery is HIPAA, enacted in 1996. HIPAA sets rules to protect the privacy and security of patients’ health information, establish standards for electronic transactions, and penalize violations. Its privacy rule restricts the sharing of identifiable health information without patient consent, while the security rule mandates safeguards for electronic data, including access controls and encryption. The transaction and identifiers rules standardize data exchange procedures and account for unique identifiers respectively, enhancing interoperability and reducing healthcare fraud (Cohen & Mello, 2018).

HIPAA’s impact on healthcare has been substantial. It has improved data security and patient privacy, fostering confidence in electronic health records (EHRs). While implementation increased operational costs due to infrastructure investments, it also streamlined data sharing among providers, thus promoting efficiency and expanding access to care. Consequently, healthcare delivery has shifted toward safer, more coordinated, and patient-centered approaches. Although no significant statutory amendments occurred after 2013, ongoing discussions focus on tightening penalties and refining privacy protections to address emerging cybersecurity challenges, indicating a continuous effort to enhance health information security (Cohen & Mello, 2018).

Within Missouri, the Nurse Practice Act codifies the legal scope of nursing practice, rights, and responsibilities, as well as the authority and duties of the Missouri Board of Nursing. It establishes licensure requirements, disciplinary procedures, and standards for safe practice. The Act influences nurses by setting forth their legal and ethical obligations, including the necessity for ongoing education and adherence to professional standards, thus ensuring that nurses deliver competent and ethical care (Ennen, 1982). This legislation ensures public safety and trust by regulating unlicensed practice and maintaining professional accountability.

The act’s influence extends to healthcare accessibility and affordability. By delineating the scope of practice, it prevents unsafe practices and promotes the deployment of qualified nurses in various healthcare settings. This regulation fosters an environment where high-quality services are available and affordable because nurses are licensed, competent, and accountable for their work. Moreover, the Act encourages continual professional development, which enhances care quality, reduces medical errors, and contributes to overall healthcare efficiency.

For advanced practice registered nurses, Missouri’s regulations, outlined in Chapter Four of the Department of Commerce and Insurance Rules, specify the qualifications, recognition process, and scope of practice. Applicants must hold a valid Missouri nursing license and demonstrate completed advanced education, along with certification by recognized bodies. Fees and documentation are required, and recognition as an APRN depends on compliance with these standards (Lavin, 2018). This regulation broadens nursing capabilities by formally recognizing advanced practice roles, facilitating effective collaboration, and expanding access to specialized health services such as immunizations, family planning, and screenings.

This regulation has a direct impact on nurses by clarifying their roles, responsibilities, and scope, which promotes effective collaboration among healthcare professionals. The expanded role of APRNs improves healthcare delivery by providing accessible, high-quality services that are both cost-efficient and geographically dispersed, particularly in underserved regions. This enhances patient access to preventive and primary care, thus aiding in the early detection and management of health conditions and reducing the burden on hospitals and physicians. Ultimately, Missouri’s APRN regulations foster a healthcare environment where nurses are empowered to function at their full potential, thereby improving population health outcomes.

References

• Cohen, I. G., & Mello, M. M. (2018). HIPAA and protecting health information in the 21st century. JAMA, 320(3), 231–232.
• Ennen, A. L. (1982). Interpreting Missouri's Nursing Practice Act. Louis ULJ, 26, 931–958.
• Lavin, R. (2018). Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice: Missouri Regulations Limiting Healthcare Access. Jessica A. Whelan, RN, BSN, MSN, The University of Missouri St. Louis NURSE 7443: Health Policy.
• L'Ecuyer, K. M., von der Lancken, S., Malloy, D., Meyer, G., & Hyde, M. J. (2018). Review of state boards of nursing rules and regulations for nurse preceptors. Journal of Nursing Education, 57(3), 123–128.