Which entity is established by the Nurse Practice Act to regulate nursing practice?

Which entity is established by the Nurse Practice Act to regulate nursing practice?

• A. The State Board of Nursing
• B. The Department of Health
• C. The Medical Board
• D. The National Council of State Boards

Answer: (A)

The Nurse Practice Act establishes a governing body responsible for licensing, regulating, and disciplining nurses to protect the public. This entity, the State Board of Nursing, defines the scope of nursing practice, sets licensure requirements and continuing education standards, and enforces rules through investigations and disciplinary actions. Through these functions, the board ensures safe, competent nursing care and accountability. The Department of Health may oversee broader health systems in some states but is not the specific regulatory body created by the Nurse Practice Act for nursing practice. The Medical Board regulates physicians, not nurses. The National Council of State Boards is a national coordinating organization of state boards, not the state-level regulator established by the Act.

The Nurse Practice Act establishes a governing body responsible for licensing, regulating, and disciplining nurses to protect the public. This entity, the State Board of Nursing, defines the scope of nursing practice, sets licensure requirements and continuing education standards, and enforces rules through investigations and disciplinary actions. Through these functions, the board ensures safe, competent nursing care and accountability.

The Department of Health may oversee broader health systems in some states but is not the specific regulatory body created by the Nurse Practice Act for nursing practice. The Medical Board regulates physicians, not nurses. The National Council of State Boards is a national coordinating organization of state boards, not the state-level regulator established by the Act.