Resources: Milstead J. A. Short N. M. 2019 Health Policy And

Resourcesmilstead J A Short N M 2019health Policy And Pol

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

Understanding Nursing Regulation: Boards of Nursing, Nurse Associations, and State Regulations

In the complex landscape of healthcare, regulation of nursing practice plays a vital role in ensuring safe, competent, and accessible care. Central to this regulatory environment are the institutional bodies such as Boards of Nursing (BON) and professional nurse associations. While these entities share the common goal of promoting nursing standards, their structures, functions, and influence differ significantly.

Board of Nursing vs. Nurse Association

The Board of Nursing (BON) is a state-governed public agency responsible for protecting public health by regulating the practice of nursing. It establishes licensure requirements, enforces rules, and disciplines nurses who violate standards. BONs are composed primarily of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and public representatives, appointed by state governors. Membership on the BON is typically based on nomination and appointment processes, often requiring candidates to demonstrate professional competence and integrity (Milstead & Short, 2019).

In contrast, professional nurse associations—such as the American Nurses Association (ANA)—are voluntary membership organizations that advocate for nurses’ interests, provide continuing education, and influence healthcare policy. These associations are member-driven and aim to advance the nursing profession through lobbying, research, and standards development.

The BON in My Region

In my state, the Board of Nursing is composed of seven members: five registered nurses, one licensed practical nurse, and one public member. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state legislature. To become a member, candidates typically must possess a valid nursing license, demonstrate adherence to ethical standards, and be approved through a nomination process.

State Regulation on Nursing Scope of Practice

One significant regulation is the comprehensive definition of the registered nurse scope of practice in my state, which includes patient assessment, care planning, medication administration, and health education. This regulation affords nurses a broad role in direct patient care, influencing how nurses collaborate within healthcare teams. Such regulations enhance the quality of care but also impact healthcare delivery by clarifying roles and reducing scope-of-practice disputes (Bosse et al., 2017).

This regulation affects healthcare costs by potentially reducing unnecessary physician visits when nurses can perform certain assessments and procedures independently. Furthermore, by empowering nurses, access to care is expanded, especially in underserved areas where physician shortages exist.

Impact on Cultural Patient Care

When caring for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, the regulation emphasizing nurses’ autonomous scope supports culturally sensitive education and communication. Nurses can independently deliver health information and adapt interventions, fostering trust and improved health outcomes. However, cultural diversity may also require additional education to ensure nurses understand cultural beliefs that influence health perceptions (Neff et al., 2018).

Regulation of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

In my state, an APRN practice act governs the scope of nurse practitioners (NPs). Recent reforms have granted full practice authority, allowing NPs to diagnose, treat, prescribe medications, and operate independently without physician oversight. This change, implemented in the past three years, aimed to improve healthcare access by leveraging NPs in primary care and rural settings (Bosse et al., 2017).

This regulatory shift has expanded the role of APRNs, making them key providers in primary health and preventative services. It has also lowered healthcare costs by reducing dependence on physician services for routine care and increased access, especially in medically underserved populations (Neff et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Regulatory bodies such as BONs and professional associations significantly influence nursing practice, healthcare delivery, and system efficiency. State regulations concerning scope of practice and APRN authority directly impact nurses’ roles, healthcare access, costs, and cultural competency. As healthcare evolves, ongoing updates to these regulations are essential for adapting to changing needs and ensuring quality care for diverse 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.
• Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse's guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Neff, D. F., Yoon, S. H., Steiner, R. L., Bumbach, M. D., Everhart, D., & Harman, J. (2018). The impact of nurse practitioner regulations on population access to care. Nursing Outlook, 66(4), 379–385.