APRN Regulations ComparisonBoards of Nursing (BONs) exist in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. Similar entities may also exist for different regions. The mission of BONs is the protection of the public through the regulation of nursing practice. BONs put into practice state/region regulations for nurses that, among other things, lay out the requirements for licensure and define the scope of nursing practice in that state/region. It can be a valuable exercise to compare regulations among various state/regional boards of nursing. Doing so can help share insights that could be useful should there be future changes in a state/region. In addition, nurses may find the need to be licensed in multiple states or regions. Post a comparison of at least two APRN board of nursing regulations in your state/region with those of at least one other state/region. Describe how they may differ. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain how the regulations you selected may apply to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who have legal authority to practice within the full scope of their education and experience. Provide at least one example of how APRNs may adhere to the two regulations you selected. To Prepare: Review the Resources and reflect on the mission of state/regional boards of nursing as the protection of the public through the regulation of nursing practice. Consider how key regulations may impact nursing practice. Review key regulations for nursing practice of your state’s/region’s board of nursing and those of at least one other state/region and select at least two APRN regulations to focus on for this Discussion.

Boards of Nursing (BONs) exist in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. Similar entities may also exist for different regions. The mission of BONs is the protection of the public through the regulation of nursing practice. BONs put into practice state/region regulations for nurses that, among other things, lay out the requirements for licensure and define the scope of nursing practice in that state/region.

It can be a valuable exercise to compare regulations among various state/regional boards of nursing. Doing so can help share insights that could be useful should there be future changes in a state/region. In addition, nurses may find the need to be licensed in multiple states or regions.

Post a comparison of at least two APRN board of nursing regulations in your state/region with those of at least one other state/region. Describe how they may differ. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain how the regulations you selected may apply to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who have legal authority to practice within the full scope of their education and experience. Provide at least one example of how APRNs may adhere to the two regulations you selected.

To Prepare:

Review the Resources and reflect on the mission of state/regional boards of nursing as the protection of the public through the regulation of nursing practice.
Consider how key regulations may impact nursing practice.
Review key regulations for nursing practice of your state’s/region’s board of nursing and those of at least one other state/region and select at least two APRN regulations to focus on for this Discussion.
One key regulation that may differ between state boards of nursing is the requirement for continuing education. For example, the California Board of Nursing requires APRNs to complete at least 45 hours of continuing education every three years, while the Virginia Board of Nursing requires at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years (California Board of Nursing, 2018; Virginia Board of Nursing, 2018). This difference in continuing education requirements may impact how APRNs in these two states plan and prioritize their professional development. Another regulation that may differ between state boards of nursing is the scope of practice for APRNs. For example, the Texas Board of Nursing allows APRNs to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication independently, while the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing requires APRNs to collaborate with a physician in order to diagnose and treat patients (Texas Board of Nursing, 2018; Pennsylvania Board of Nursing, 2018). This difference in scope of practice may impact how APRNs in these two states interact with and provide care to their patients. To adhere to the continuing education requirements, APRNs in California may need to prioritize finding and participating in continuing education opportunities that meet the required number of hours. APRNs in Virginia may have more flexibility in their continuing education choices, but will need to ensure that they complete the required number of hours within the designated time frame. Cont…