Aspiring nurses know that they not only have to complete a nursing degree program to enter the nursing profession but also earn a license to practice as a registered nurse (RN). Knowing what to expect when interacting with the State Board of Nursing can help you prepare to begin your nursing degree program and complete the licensure requirements for practicing as a registered nurse.
What Is the State Board of Nursing?
Each state has a State Board of Nursing, an oversight body responsible for establishing the education requirements and practice standards for nurses to earn a license to practice in that state. While each state has its own State Board of Nursing, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) works to provide regulatory bodies with the resources and tools they need to implement effective and cohesive standards for the nursing profession. The NCSBN is a non-profit organization, while state boards of nursing are governing bodies.
Functions and Responsibilities of the Board
While the individual functions of the board may vary from one state to the next, the NCSBN notes that the primary responsibilities of the state boards of nursing include:
- Enforcing the individual state’s nursing practice act (NPA).
- Determining the qualifications required for accredited nursing programs and providing accreditation services.
- Identifying and developing practice standards for nurses in that state.
- Developing regulations for the nursing discipline in that state.
- Addressing any issues that arise with the state’s NPA.
One of the most important things for nurses to know is that it is their responsibility to be aware of the practice standards established within the NPA in the state where they practice and to stay informed about all changing legislation. As a result, nurses should periodically review the NPA in their state and prioritize ongoing education to stay abreast of any changing policies or protocols.
How State Boards Protect the Public
State nursing boards are designed to ensure that the most qualified and experienced nurses are placed into clinical positions throughout the state and that members of that state have access to safe and effective healthcare services. State boards actively work to safeguard the public by monitoring regulatory compliance, investigating complaints about nurses in the state, addressing misconduct, and outlining disciplinary action when necessary.
Legal Framework and Nurse Practice Acts
State nursing boards rely on the legal frameworks outlined in the nurse practice acts within every state. According to the National Library of Medicine, the NPA is the law that outlines nursing practice within each state and provides state boards of nursing with the terms and guidelines needed to enforce nursing practice within the state. For example, the NPA may identify the parameters for a specific nursing position, such as the scope of the nurse practitioner position. Then the State Board of Nursing in that state will use that legal language to establish practice standards and regulatory guidelines for that nursing position.
Key Elements of Nurse Practice Acts
Nurse Practice Acts may vary by state, and all NPAs must be approved by a legislative body within the state. The key elements of NPAs include:
- Terminology and definitions. NPAs provide legal definitions for nursing terms, allowing nurses, state boards of nursing, and members of the public to understand the regulations outlined in the law.
- Authority, power, and composition of a State Board of Nursing. The NPA outlines the extent of the power of the State Board of Nursing and how members of that board are appointed.
- Educational program standards. The NPA will outline the standards required for nursing education programs to be accredited.
- Scope of practice for nursing professionals. The NPA will identify the scope of practice for each type of licensed nursing professional in the state.
- Titles and licenses. The NPA will establish clear standards for required licenses and titles that can be used. For example, the NPA may outline which nurses can use the title RN.
- Disciplinary parameters. The NPA will outline when disciplinary action is required and what type of discipline is appropriate, giving the State Board of Nursing parameters to work with when dealing with allegations of misconduct and disciplinary issues.
The Relationship Between Nurses and the State Board of Nursing
Throughout your career, you may find that you are interacting with the State Board of Nursing. Understanding the relationship between nurses and the state boards of nursing can help you prepare for your career effectively and confidently move forward in your career as a nurse.
The Licensing Process and Renewal Requirements
The primary time you will interact with the State Board of Nursing is when you are pursuing your nursing license or renewing your nursing license. It is essential to understand that licensure requirements may vary based on the state where you intend to practice and the level of nursing license you wish to pursue. Typical requirements for a nursing license include:
- Graduating from a prelicensure nursing education program, such as a diploma, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree program. Most states require nurses to graduate from an accredited nursing program.
- Passing the NCLEX-RN examination
- In some states, nurses are required to pass a criminal background check.
Impact of Licensing on Career Mobility
Nurses who want more flexibility in their careers or who regularly move from one state to another may want to consider the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC is a multistage nursing license that provides nurses with the legal ability to practice as registered nurses in multiple states. It is ideal for travelling nurses and military families who may be relocating regularly.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
State boards are also responsible for identifying requirements for continuing education and professional development. The purpose of continuing education and professional development in nursing is to ensure that all nurses practicing in a state have received relevant and recent training that allows them to implement evidence-based care strategies and utilize the most advanced technology. By enforcing continuing education and professional development requirements, state boards of nursing can maintain high standards in nursing practice.
Handling Complaints and Disciplinary Actions
Nurses must maintain professionalism both at work and in their personal lives. Complaints of improper care can lead to State Board of Nursing investigations and disciplinary actions, including license revocation. Any person aware of misconduct by a licensed nurse professional can file a complaint, and the State Board of Nursing will investigate. If necessary, the State Board of Nursing will pursue disciplinary actions based on the NPA legal framework and the board’s regulations. A criminal record can also prevent or revoke licensure, as boards conduct background checks. Therefore, nurses must uphold ethical and legal standards to protect their license and the public’s trust.
Outcomes of Disciplinary Proceedings
If an investigation by the State Board of Nursing determines that disciplinary action is required, the outcome will vary based on the scope and severity of the misconduct. Research published in the Journal of Nursing Management states that disciplinary outcomes can range from reprimands and warnings to practice limitations and license suspensions. In the case of severe or repeated misconduct, a nurse may have their nursing license revoked. Repeated disciplinary actions can have a detrimental impact on a nurse’s career.
Best Practices for Nurses Interacting with the State Board of Nursing
As a nurse, you will have to interact with the State Board of Nursing in your state throughout your career, and knowing the best practices for working with the State Board of Nursing can help you navigate these moments with confidence and ease.
Maintaining Compliance and Professional Standards
Nurses are required to maintain compliance with all regulatory guidelines and adhere to professional standards, and it is their responsibility to remain aware of changing practice standards. Nurses can stay informed about regulatory changes by reading industry news, joining professional organizations, and actively working to prioritize continuing education and professional development. Nurses should also maintain proper documentation and adhere to ethical standards and practices in nursing.
Navigating Regulatory Changes and Updates
Navigating regulatory changes in an evolving healthcare landscape can be challenging, particularly when legislation and regulatory guidelines vary from one state to another. By joining professional organizations and staying connected with thought leaders in nursing, nurses can stay informed and aware.
Effective Communication with the Board
Nurses who need to communicate with the State Board of Nursing should be aware of the proper channels to use when contacting the board. Nurses can communicate effectively by:
- Using clear and concise language when relying on either written or verbal communication.
- Being respectful and professional.
- Including all necessary and proper documentation.
Utilizing Resources for Professional Support
To foster a positive nursing board relationship, nurses should rely on professional resources for support. Some resources that you can utilize as a nurse include the State Board of Nursing websites, nursing professional associations, and legal counsel that can help you navigate regulatory matters or dispute complaints that have been filed against you as a nurse.
Learn More About the Nursing Board Relationship at Nevada State University
Playing a critical role in nursing oversight, the State Board of Nurses ensures that every licensed nurse is an educated and qualified professional equipped with the clinical skills required to care for patients daily. At Nevada State University, we offer an innovative RN to BSN online program designed to accelerate the pathway to the BSN degree and equip nursing students with the advanced skills required to pursue more specialized positions in the field.
Request more information about our nursing degree programs today.