All states and territories legislated a nurse practice act (NPA) which establishes a board of nursing (BON) with 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. Use this toolkit to:
- Learn about the law and regulations that guide and govern nursing practice
- Locate your state nurse practice act and regulations
- Access nurse practice act educational resources
Related Articles, Publications and Courses
State and Territorial Boards of Nursing: What Every Nurse Needs to Know
This brochure offers nurses an explanation of what boards of nursing (BONs) do for the profession and those who work in it. This brochure provides information regarding:
- A BON's investigation into violations of a state's nurse practice act (NPA)
- The process for filing a complaint against a nurse who has exhibited unsafe, negligent or incompetent behavior
- What a nurse can expect while their complaint is being investigated
Your State Board of Nursing Works for You: A Health Care Consumer's Guide
This brochure explains how a board of nursing protects the public and
- Serves as a guide for consumers who have experienced or witnessed a nurse exhibiting unsafe, negligent or incompetent behavior
- Explains what consumers can expect when a complaint is being investigated
- Defines various nursing roles and responsibilities
International Center for Regulatory Scholarship (ICRS) NPA Courses
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- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Missouri
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- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
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- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia-PN
- West Virginia-RN
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
