Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Who governs nursing practice through laws and regulations?

1. Boards of nursing established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

2. Nurse practice acts promulgated by federal and state legislative boards

3. Nurse practice acts promulgated by state legislatures and operationalized by the state boards of nursing

4. Nurse practice acts promulgated by the states in conformity with broad federal guidelines

The correct answer is: Nurse practice acts promulgated by state legislatures and operationalized by the state boards of nursing

The governance of nursing practice is primarily conducted through nurse practice acts, which are the legal frameworks established specifically to regulate nursing within each state. These acts are created and enacted by state legislatures, which provide the foundational legal guidelines for nursing practice, including the scope of practice, educational requirements, and standards of care. Once the nurse practice acts are established by state legislatures, they are then operationalized and enforced by the state boards of nursing. These boards are responsible for licensing nurses, investigating complaints, and ensuring compliance with the nursing laws within their jurisdiction. This two-tiered approach, with legislative bodies creating the laws and state boards executing them, is essential for maintaining the standards and safety of nursing practice. The other options do not accurately reflect the governance structure. While federal guidelines may influence state nurse practice acts, it is the state legislatures that primarily create these acts. Additionally, boards of nursing are not established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services but are state entities tasked with the implementation of the nurse practice acts. Therefore, the statement correctly identifies the comprehensive process by which nursing practice is governed, affirming that it is through state legislatures and state boards of nursing that these regulations are structured and enforced.