Regulation for Nursing Practice
Like any other professional, nursing practice is regulated and controlled by a system of rules and policies. The nursing practice is a very sensitive professional that plays a vital role in the delivery of health care and patient safety; therefore, regulation is necessary. If left unmonitored, it poses the risk of harm to the general public when practised by incompetent individuals. It is the responsibility of the state to oversee that all rules and standards enacted are observed to the core
Nursing practice is a state function which is achieved through administrative rules and laws and civil procedures. One common method of regulation is through licensing. Licensing enables the government to filter competent and qualified individuals from quacks. The government achieves this through different government agencies at federal, state, and local levels that issue regulations focused on attaining quality nursing care. Non-governmental agencies can also issue regulations and other forms of guidance.
Since the public has no way of identifying qualified health care providers, the government comes in to ensure that all the nurses are prepared, well trained and equipped with the necessary knowledge to practice. The government regulates through various boards of nursing that sets standards and qualifications which must be met by any individual who wants to practice nursing. By doing so, the public is kept safe from reckless unskilled health care providers.
However, these regulations are not checklists per se, but rather, general statements that outline the proper nursing actions. The nursing practice calls upon a nurse to incorporate the rules with his or her educational skills and experience, institutional rules and policies, as well as technological changes. The main goal is to protect society from harm through a competent and quality nursing care system. Different boards of nursing are delegated with authority to regulate nursing by developing administrative rules and regulations upon which standards are set. This ensures uniformity and clarity within the nursing practice act which typically;
i. Outlines the authority of the board of nursing, composition and powers
ii. Describes the boundaries of the nursing scope of practice
iii. Addresses types, requirements, and process of licensing
iv. Explains grounds for disciplinary actions for both nurses and institutions
All registered nurses are expected to understand and comply with all the rules and policies set by their facilities. These standards ensure standardization, consistency and uniformity in the nursing practice. failure to comply endangers the health safety of the patients. The nurse and the institution also risk being a subject of litigation, particularly if harm ensues.

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