NSG312: LEGALITIES IN NURSING
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
VERIFIED 2026.
NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) - ANS Regulatory body formed to
safeguard the safety of the public in the regulation of nurses
Protects the public by ensuring that safe and competent nursing care is provided by licensed
nurses
To ensure nurses have the knowledge and skills to practice, a psychometrically sound and legally
defensible nurse licensure exam consistent with current nursing practice (NCLEX)
Implemented Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT)
Comprised of Boards of Nursing from 50 states and the District of Columbia
Enforces and interprets the Nursing Practice Act
Defines and approves scope of RN, LPN and APRN practice
Approves prelicensure nursing education
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Rules and regulation for discipline if NPA is violated
Analyzes violation and penalties
Violation of the NPA can lead to criminal charges if the conduct is severe enough - patient
abuse, neglect, fraud
State Board of Nursing - ANS If an RN is accused of malpractice or any other serious
performance issue that does notmeet standard of care, the HCO must report the nurse to the
State Board
SBON governs nursing practice according to that state's NPA
Disciplinary options - suspend or revoke an individual's nursing license to protect the public
from unsafe practice
Non disciplinary options - warning, remedial education order
NPA - ANS Legally controls nursing practice in each state
Most important law affecting our nursing practice
Defines responsibility and scope of practice
Defines unprofessional conduct
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, Examples: AN RN may:
- Diagnose and treat a patient's unique responses to diagnosed health problems
- Perform health assessments to identify new symptoms of possibly undiagnosed conditions or
complications
- Teach and counsel patients about maintenance of health and prevention of illness or
complications
- Execute medical regimens as prescribed by licensed physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners,
physician assistants, and podiatrists
Unprofessional Conduct - ANS Drug and/or alcohol abuse - practicing while under the
influence
Fraud or deceptive practices - documenting interventions not done; altering documentation to
cover up an error
Criminal acts
Failing to use scientifically accepted infection prevention techniques
Abandoning or neglecting a patient in need of immediate professional care without making
reasonable arrangements for the continuation of such care
RN license is a property right and cannot be taken away without due process
RN License - ANS Professional license is valid for life unless revoked or surrendered for
professional misconduct
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
VERIFIED 2026.
NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) - ANS Regulatory body formed to
safeguard the safety of the public in the regulation of nurses
Protects the public by ensuring that safe and competent nursing care is provided by licensed
nurses
To ensure nurses have the knowledge and skills to practice, a psychometrically sound and legally
defensible nurse licensure exam consistent with current nursing practice (NCLEX)
Implemented Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT)
Comprised of Boards of Nursing from 50 states and the District of Columbia
Enforces and interprets the Nursing Practice Act
Defines and approves scope of RN, LPN and APRN practice
Approves prelicensure nursing education
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Rules and regulation for discipline if NPA is violated
Analyzes violation and penalties
Violation of the NPA can lead to criminal charges if the conduct is severe enough - patient
abuse, neglect, fraud
State Board of Nursing - ANS If an RN is accused of malpractice or any other serious
performance issue that does notmeet standard of care, the HCO must report the nurse to the
State Board
SBON governs nursing practice according to that state's NPA
Disciplinary options - suspend or revoke an individual's nursing license to protect the public
from unsafe practice
Non disciplinary options - warning, remedial education order
NPA - ANS Legally controls nursing practice in each state
Most important law affecting our nursing practice
Defines responsibility and scope of practice
Defines unprofessional conduct
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, Examples: AN RN may:
- Diagnose and treat a patient's unique responses to diagnosed health problems
- Perform health assessments to identify new symptoms of possibly undiagnosed conditions or
complications
- Teach and counsel patients about maintenance of health and prevention of illness or
complications
- Execute medical regimens as prescribed by licensed physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners,
physician assistants, and podiatrists
Unprofessional Conduct - ANS Drug and/or alcohol abuse - practicing while under the
influence
Fraud or deceptive practices - documenting interventions not done; altering documentation to
cover up an error
Criminal acts
Failing to use scientifically accepted infection prevention techniques
Abandoning or neglecting a patient in need of immediate professional care without making
reasonable arrangements for the continuation of such care
RN license is a property right and cannot be taken away without due process
RN License - ANS Professional license is valid for life unless revoked or surrendered for
professional misconduct
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
