Nursing Licensure & Regulations Quiz

Licensure, Regulations & Standards in Nursing

• Standards for nursing care are established by various organizations, including state Nurse Practice Acts, the American Nurses Association (ANA), and federal regulators.
• The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) defines nursing practice scope and enforces regulations; violations may lead to revocation of nursing licensure by the state Board of Nursing.
• Each state has its own specific Nurse Practice Act and regulations that nursing students must understand during clinical courses.
• Nursing students are legally accountable for their care quality and must report situations beyond their competency to faculty or authorities.

American Nurses Association (ANA)

• The ANA was founded in 1896 and represents nurses across all 50 states, focusing on better health care for the public.
• Mission includes fostering high standards in nursing practice, promoting ethical work environments, and advocating on health care issues.
• The ANA publishes essential resources such as The Code of Ethics for Nurses and Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, defining the framework for professional nursing.

ANA Standards of Practice

• There are 18 standards that registered nurses are expected to perform competently, shaped by the nursing process: assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Standards of Professional Performance cover ethics, advocacy, communication, collaboration, leadership, education, scholarly inquiry, quality of practice, professional evaluation, resource stewardship, and environmental health.
• Registered nurses are accountable to themselves, peers, health care consumers, and society for their professional behaviors.

Employer Policies and Procedures

• Nurses adhere to agency-specific policies, procedures, and protocols in addition to state and ANA standards.
• Failure to follow these standards, e.g., neglecting daily skin assessments, can result in legal liability.
• Agencies develop detailed protocols for various situations, such as hypoglycemia, which must be followed regardless of nursing school training.

Federal Regulations Influencing Nursing Practice

• Nursing practice is also influenced by federal regulations from agencies like The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The Joint Commission (TJC)

• TJC accredits over 20,000 health care organizations, focusing on continuous improvement and quality care delivery.
• Sets National Patient Safety Goals to enhance safety in healthcare settings, including correctly identifying patients and preventing mistakes in surgery.
• Emphasizes establishing a safety culture that empowers nursing staff to report concerns and improve patient safety.

Health Care Funding and Regulations

• Health care operates as a business and relies on funding from private insurance and government programs, requiring compliance with regulations.
• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aims to reduce healthcare costs and improve insurance coverage accessibility, significantly reducing the number of uninsured individuals.
• Medicare provides federally funded care for individuals over 65 and those with disabilities, while Medicaid covers low-income populations through a mix of state and federal funding.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

• CMS establishes and enforces regulations for hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding, ensuring patient safety and quality care.
• Hospitals must adhere to regulations that govern medication administration and other clinical practices to receive full reimbursement.
• Quality standards are enforced, with organizations facing decreased reimbursement for poor patient outcomes, motivating adherence to optimal care practices.

Test your knowledge on the standards and regulations that govern nursing practice. This quiz covers key aspects of the Nurse Practice Act, the role of the American Nurses Association, and other regulatory bodies. Ensure you understand the important guidelines for providing safe and competent nursing care.