ACTS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Nurse Practice Act (NPA) Correct Answer: NPA is a series of
state statutes that define the scope of practice, standards for
education programs, licensure requirements, and grounds for
disciplinary actions.
At what government level is the practice of nursing regulated at?
Correct Answer: State
Anatomy of a Nurse Practice Act Correct Answer: Definition of
nursing
Requirements of nursing
Penalty for practicing without a license
Exemptions from licensure
Licensure across jurisdictions
The nursing student and practicing nurse should understand the
NPA . . . Correct Answer: For the state in which they practice, and
how each component affects practice.
They are also held accountable to the specific standards for
licensure and grounds for revocation in the state of employment.
The variation between scope of practice for RNs and LVN/LPNs is
. . . Correct Answer: Much greater.
The variation between scope of practice for RNs from state to
state . . . Correct Answer: Much less. It's actually very similar.
Who enforces and administers a state's NPA? Correct Answer:
The state board of nursing (BON).
Purpose of the BON? Correct Answer: To standardize the
education of nurses, establish standards for safe nursing practice,
and issue licenses to protect the public from unprepared, unsafe
practitioners.
Programs for impaired nurses, remediation of practice issues, and
participation in multistate licensure compacts are . . . Correct
, Answer: The expanded scope of BON. Included now, with the
original goals of the BON.
As a forum, the BON is there for . . . Correct Answer: The citizens,
so that they may discuss concerns regarding nursing services
they have received.
In this way, BON's continue their goal of protecting the public
health.
Who dictates the membership of the BON? Correct Answer: The
NPA
The members are appointed according to the regulations in each
state, with the exception of North Carolina.
NC is the only state in which licensed nurses serving on the board
are elected by other licensed nurses and members of the public
who serve are appointed.
What are the qualifications of the membership in the BON?
Correct Answer: Usually a mix of RNs, LPNs/LVNs, advanced
practice registered nurses (APRNs), and consumers.
Licensure Correct Answer: Allows a nurse the legal privilege to
practice nursing as defined in the state's NPA.
By this process, the BON ensures the provision of safe nursing
care to the public.
BON's oversee licensure through these activities Correct Answer:
Est. and monitor education standards for nursing education
programs
Defining professional standards.
Examining and renewing the licenses of duly qualified applicants.
Investigation violations of NPA.
Sanctioning (to the point of initiating prosecution against) those
who violate the NPA.
Holding disciplinary hearings for possible suspension or
revocation of a license.