More than 100 years ago, state governments enacted laws which protect the public’s health and welfare by overseeing and ensuring the safe practice of nursing.
All states and territories have enacted a nurse practice act (NPA). Each state’s NPA is enacted by the state’s legislature. The NPA itself is insufficient to provide the necessary guidance for the nursing profession, therefore, each NPA establishes a board of nursing (BON) that has the authority to develop administrative rules or regulations to clarify or make the law more specific. Rules and regulations must be consistent with the NPA and cannot go beyond it. These rules and regulations undergo a process of public review before enactment. Once enacted, rules and regulations have the full force and effect of law.
Although the specificity of NPAs varies among states, all NPAs include:
- Authority, power and composition of a board of nursing
- Education program standards
- Standards and scope of nursing practice
- Types of titles and licenses
- Requirements for licensure
- Grounds for disciplinary action, other violations and possible remedies
If you ever find yourself in need of any legal help related to nursing, please contact Illinois Nurse Defense Attorney James B. Goldberg at (312) 735-1185 or visit his website goldberglicensing.com
