The Role of the State Board of Nursing
Have you ever thought about what role state boards play in nursing licenses and how they might impact you and your career? We have the answers you’re looking for. This article explains the details of state boards of nursing (BON) for nurses and nursing students. Keep reading to learn about nursing regulatory bodies, their main functions, including their involvement in nurse licensing and dealing with misconduct cases.
Explaining Nursing Regulatory Bodies
State boards of nursing handle all the administrative aspects of granting nursing licenses in each state. All 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands, have their own nursing boards. Together, they make up the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). NCSBN manages the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), a test aspiring RNs must pass before practicing as professionals.
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The combination of licensing and board exams ensures that nurses are competent and engaged in continuous education efforts. While some policies are the same across states, like passing the NCLEX-RN, others differ by state. Look into your state’s nursing board to find the specific requirements for becoming a nurse in your area.
Main Functions of the Board of Nursing
What are the four main roles of the board of nursing? State boards of nursing review license applications, grant licenses, renew licenses, and take action in response to professional misconduct.
- Reviewing License Applications:
The board evaluates applications to ensure that nursing applicants have the necessary education, passed the NCLEX-RN, and cleared background checks. - Granting Licenses:
The board issues licenses and maintains a list of licensed nurses, which is accessible to the public and healthcare providers. - Renewing Licenses:
Nurses must participate in ongoing professional education and be in good standing to renew licenses. The board sets the specific renewal requirements. - Addressing Misconduct:
If a nurse is accused of breaking laws or nursing regulations, the board investigates and may impose penalties like reprimands or license revocation.
How State Nursing Regulations Function
The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) establishes nursing license criteria, outlines nursing practice scope, defines license types and their requirements, and outlines the structure and roles of state nursing boards. State boards enforce state-specific rules and regulations for licensing and practice in particular areas, working in harmony with the NPA. While NPAs in different states may share common licenses and requirements, they differ in other aspects. Nurses must adhere to the licensing requirements and NPA of the state they intend to practice in.
Nurse Practice Acts and BONs
NPAs grant state nursing boards the authority to create additional administrative rules that help clarify or elaborate on NPA statutes. These extra rules and regulations must align with the spirit of the NPA and not exceed the law’s boundaries. Once in effect, state nursing board rules have legal force. Nurses, nursing students, and others can provide written feedback or take part in hearings. Nurses should understand their state nursing boards’ role and follow their actions.
Learning How to Obtain Your RN License in Any State
Why Do Nurses Need a License?
Like any profession with a substantial impact on public health and safety, nurses need licenses. Licensure ensures that nurses possess the required knowledge and skills to practice safely and ethically.
Licensing also eases administrative work for healthcare providers and employers. The board of nursing simplifies credential verification. It can also act as a neutral body when reviewing complaints and addressing professional misconduct. Validating credentials safeguards both institutions and individuals, including vulnerable patients.
Becoming Licensed as a Nurse
Although each state nursing board has distinct requirements and application processes, the core elements remain consistent across states.
Every nurse must graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and submit an application along with a background check. Application fees usually range from $100 to $300.
Once licensed, nurses must periodically renew their licenses by participating in approved continuing healthcare education. Some options include:
- Attending professional conferences
- Taking courses related to nursing practice
- Publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals
What Happens If a Nurse Fails to Renew Their License?
A nurse who fails to renew their license but continues to practice is committing a crime by practicing without a valid license. Both the nurse and their institution may face substantial penalties. If a nurse’s license lapses due to an extended period of non-practice, they may need to complete a refresher course before returning to nursing. Specific requirements are determined by the state nursing board. In emergencies, the state BON may grant temporary waivers to allow nurses with recently lapsed licenses to work.
State Board of Nursing vs. American Nurses Association
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is a national membership organization that represents the interests of nurses and the nursing profession. Membership is voluntary and not required for licensure.
So, what sets apart the state board of nursing from the ANA?
The state board of nursing is a governmental entity that oversees nursing licenses. While the ANA is an influential and respected voice and state nursing boards often consider its recommendations, the ANA lacks the legal authority held by state nursing boards.
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